Retro City

Retro City

Reviews Summary

This retro collectibles shop is overwhelmingly praised for its nostalgic atmosphere, featuring a vast selection of 80s, 90s, and 00s memorabilia, including video games, toys, sports cards, VHS tapes, and vinyl records. Customers love the friendly owner, reasonable prices, and the unique party space with arcade games. The store’s immersive decor and welcoming vibe make it a standout destination for reliving childhood memories. While some note minor gaps in specific retro items (e.g., girly toys or board games), the consensus is highly positive, with many calling it a must-visit gem for pop culture enthusiasts.

About This Listing

Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

Features

Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

1275 Peoria St

Washington, Illinois 61571

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12-6PM
Thursday 12-6PM
Friday 12-6PM
Saturday 12-6PM
Sunday 12-5PM

Customer Reviews

We love this store. We have shopped here many times and always has a friendly smile and Great finds. Had my son?s 13th birthday party and it was great. Plenty of room for the amount of people allowed, vibe was great, nice mix of new and old gaming options and even a fun Bluetooth boombox. Did not disappoint!

Pop in here with some friends and was blown away! Lots of retro video games and systems. Tons of vinyl and movie props, lots of toys and a boatload of various cards (both game and sport). It is literally a trip back into time. If you are Gen X or a Millennial you'll love this place. I myself added an old WWF Hasboro action figure to my collection and it looks great. Think 80s, 90s and everything nostalgia. Great place, easy parking, friendly staff. We will be back many more times.

Fun trip back to the 80s and 90s. Highlights: Blockbuster movie section with tons of VHS tapes from back in the day. Lots of NES, super nintendo, n64, sega games available. Decent size sports card collection on offer. You can rent out the back room for parties with tons of arcade games and playstations and nintendo as well. Duck hunt on an old school console TV. Lots of small collectibles from back in the day too. Owner was very friendly. Worth the trip down memory lane.

What a cool place that is just full of nostalgia! When I first looked this place up, I thought it was just for trading cards, sports, Pok?mon, etc. I went there with a few friends today for the first time and it was full of many childhood pastimes. There were Barbie?s, stuffed animals, gaming systems, reading cards, memorabilia, vhs tapes, cds, records, toys, and so much more. I could have spent hours in here just relishing in the nostalgia! Definitely loved the old arcade games and set ups! We bought a cou

What a fantastic place to get all your vintage toy, video game and trading card collectables. I love all of the new and old sports cards and packs they have. The new sports card area is totally awesome and they have great deals on single cards and packs. I'm looking forward to coming back regularly to check out new stock. So cool!!!

Clean shop and really nice set-up. Good variety of Retro 80's-90's items. Seems to have a focus on video game consoles and games as well as a nice sports section. But, still have action figures, collectable glassware, movies (VHS), and more. There is a fun "living room" set-up with a console TV and a classic game system hooked up. Definitely worth a stop.

This is a really cool store with tons of variety and things to look at. They had a great selection of retro games with good prices in my opinion. Inside has a comfortable welcoming vibe. A true gem for Washington, especially for those that love nostalgia and pop culture!

Hands down amazing buisness. When I go to this establishment, i feel at home in a generation of many. Albums, cards, comics; this place has new oddities, stock and everything that gives you a blast from the past.

Fantastic store with great selection of comics, games, and nostalgic memorabilia. The store owner has been an absolute pleasure to meet each time I visit. Everything is laid out in a way that makes browsing convenient and easy and the store itself is decorated in a way that feels like you've gone back to your childhood. Go here if you want a good retro store experience!

Genuinely love going here to get cards, always have exactly what I'm looking for. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for retro items or cards. The service is great and super helpful.

Great atmosphere, just a fun shop to walk around, and the prices for what I looked at were reasonable.

This business was actually pretty awesome. It was open. Easy to view everything and the owner was really nice. There's lots of early childhood collectibles and memorabilia from Michael Jordan to pok?mon to Funko pops. Check it out sometime

This is a pretty cool place!! I do wish there were more retro girly items here though. It's fun to look through! *edit* I would love to see more 90s board games, Barbie?s, McDonald?s toys, goosebumps books, Polly pockets. ??

Kids and I love this store. Very nice people that work there

My wife and I visited a few days before Christmas and were blown away. She recognized the place as being the former location of The Rock and she was astounded what had been done to the place. Toys, particularly from the 80s and 90s, were arranged thoughtfully amidst Blockbuster shelves of VHS and CD?s. A Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 were set up to be played at any time. The lighting was incredible with vibrant reds and blues adorning the ceiling and neon set up on the walls. Really, this store felt like a

Great place to have a kids birthday party. Everyone is friendly. Very clean

Awesome place! Has lots of video games, toys, trading cards and a few comics. Prices are fair and owner was very nice. Will be back for sure

Awesome shop to find neat collectibles and relive childhood nostalgia from 80s, 90s and 00s.

When I tried going here the first time, I was thrown off because the store is on the side of the strip mall and not facing the main road ??. But, glad I went back and in the store. I bought a bunch of Atari 2600, NES, SNES, Genesis and Gameboy games. They have a few records, retro consoles, movies and more. The store owner is really nice. It is a great treasure in Washington and worth checking out!

I just went there and returned with some old but amazing games! I love going to this place. But? there are a lot of the same types of games for some of the sections and needs growing, but definitely a five star place!!!!????

Great shop with plenty of variety. Video games, vinyl records, Pokemon, old and new sports cards, figures, the list goes on and on!

A living pop culture museum! Spacious and inviting with smile-inducing decor wall to wall. Like stepping into an 80s coming of age film. Very friendly staff! Every collectible subculture you can imagine: video games, cabbage patch kids, gremlins, Chicago Bulls, pro wrestling, a VHS/DVD library on original Blockbuster racks, CRTs, boomboxes, Star Trek, Star Wars, Simpsons, comics, cards? that's maybe just half of everything. Wishing Retro City the best, an instant central Illinois gem!

This place was REALLY fun but not many games

Had an 11 year olds birthday party here in the back room and it was fantastic. The kids had a blast.

A nice sized retro store with a good mix of items. Prices seem competitive. A shame they're in an awkward spot just slightly off the main road. Will definitely be trying to make it a semi regular stop!

Awesome store. Highly recommended.

Awesome games. Awesome people who work there. We are going to make this place a regular hangout.

Words can't describe how amazing this place is, I would stay there for ever if I could, must visit!

A great place to find older stuff you enjoyed as a child.

Awesome place brings back my childhood memories!!!!! The owner is super nice also!!!!

Amazing place so cool old stuff Old video games definitely go here if you want old stuff

Great store,nice selection and very clean!

Great options for old video games from 2000s consoles for good prices

Super cool and nostalgic place with good prices

Good people skills friendly staff

Nice comfy atmosphere. Loved it .

Best cards selection

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”