Kings Dining & Entertainment, Chicago

Inside Kings, it can be hard to pinpoint the source of clattering sounds and uproarious cheers. The noise might stem from the bowling section, where glowing squares of abstract, retro wall art bookend the alleys. It might also come from ricocheting billiard balls, a well-timed foosball goal, or a shuffleboard shot in the game room. Maybe someone spotted a celebrity—Bill Murray, Salma Hayek, and Lady Gaga are all on an extensive list of past famous visitors to the various Kings locations.

Wherever their origins, the telltale echoes of competition and camaraderie beckon to guests throughout the venue. They're accompanied in the air by the scents of comfort food, from staples such as sesame ginger wings to inventive fusions such as cheeseburger spring rolls. Sweeter aromas waft from multiple bars as the staff flavors martinis with gummy bears, pop rocks, and ice cream instead of the traditional fixings, olives or entire lemons on toothpicks.

At the 24,000-square-foot Lincoln Park location, Kings adds several amenities to fit the Chicago lifestyle, such as a 222-foot bar for slinging shots of Malort and more than 50 high-definition screens on which to watch Chicago's sports teams defeat ketchup once and for all.