F1 Arcade Chicago Reveals First Look at Food and Beverage Program Ahead of August 14 Opening

Ahead of its opening in River North, F1® Arcade Chicago has unveiled its elevated food and beverage lineup for the venue, offering guests a first look at the culinary experience that will complement the brand’s immersive social racing destination. Featuring exclusive cocktails by chef, bartender and author Julia Momosé, Chicago-inspired menu items, locally inspired ingredients and exclusive rooftop offerings, the culinary program will bring together F1® Arcade favorites with additions created to celebrate the city’s food and beverage scene. 

Opening Friday, Aug. 14 at 1 W. Grand Ave., F1® Arcade Chicago will mark the brand's first Midwest location, combining racing simulators, elevated dining and cocktails, and shared experiences in the heart of River North. The venue features 61 full-motion racing simulators, flexible private event spaces and the brand's first-ever rooftop terrace. 

“At F1®  Arcade, we've always believed that great hospitality is about creating moments people want to come back for. Racing may be what brings guests through the door, but exceptional food, drinks and service are what turn a visit into a memorable night out,” said Mat Horvath, Chief Executive Officer of F1® Arcade. “Chicago has played an important role in our journey as the home of our U.S. headquarters, so opening here feels especially significant. We've created a destination that brings together the energy of Formula 1®, a vibrant culinary and cocktail program, and a rooftop unlike anything else in our portfolio, giving guests an entirely new way to eat, drink, race and celebrate together.” 

Julia Momosé Brings Chicago Storytelling to F1® Arcade’s Beverage Program 

Adding a Chicago perspective to the beverage program, F1® Arcade Chicago partnered with chef, bartender and author Julia Momosé, the creative force behind Chicago’s Japanese dining bar Kumiko. Momosé’s work has earned global recognition, including the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar, Tales of the Cocktail’s World’s Best Bar and Restaurant Bar of the Year honors and multiple placements on The World’s 50 Best Bars. 

For F1® Arcade Chicago, Momosé created two exclusive cocktails inspired by Chicago’s history, global connections and the collaborative spirit behind Formula 1®. 

“Every cocktail begins with a story—of people, place and the ingredients that bring them together,” said Momosé. “For F1® Arcade Chicago, I wanted to create drinks that celebrate Chicago as a crossroads while honoring the spirit of collaboration that defines Formula 1®. Each cocktail reflects a meeting of cultures, craftsmanship and hospitality.” 

The Paddock Spritz combines Haku Vodka, KOVAL Cranberry Gin Liqueur, Clover Honey, Moët & Chandon Champagne and lime. Inspired by Formula 1®’s paddock, the behind-the-scenes hub where teams collaborate and prepare for race day, the cocktail brings together Japanese and Chicago influences through local spirits and Champagne. 

The Wolf Point pays homage to the historic location where Chicago’s three river branches meet, blending Suntory Toki Whisky, yuzu junmai sake, Green Chartreuse, banana, lemon and Angostura bitters. Named for one of the city’s landmarks, the cocktail reflects Chicago’s history as a crossroads of cultures, ideas and experiences. 

In addition to Momosé’s exclusive creations, the beverage menu will feature additional signature cocktails and shareable experiences, including the Chicago-exclusive Undercut Collins, created by bartender Alex Jump in collaboration with F1® Arcade Beverage Director LP O’Brien, winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters. A take on a classic Tom Collins, the cocktail is topped with a local IPA, Half Acre Daisy Cutter flavor bubble for a Chicago-inspired finish. 

Guests can also enjoy the Tiny-Tini Tower, a shareable cocktail experience featuring six miniature martinis available as either Espresso Martinis or Porn Star Martinis. 

For guests seeking a spirit-free option, the menu will include F1® Arcade’s alcohol-free Designated Driver cocktails, including the Mule in the Paddock, made with Almave, Lewis Hamilton’s non-alcoholic blue agave spirit, alongside spiced ginger, lime and Franklin & Sons soda. 

Chicago-Inspired Menu Highlights 

Alongside F1® Arcade’s globally inspired menu favorites, the Chicago location will introduce exclusive dishes and locally inspired additions that celebrate the flavors and character of the city. 

The Grand Trio will feature three gourmet mini hot dogs served on brioche buns inspired by flavor combinations from around the world. 

For dessert, the Podium Finish offers a Chicago-inspired take on a classic frozen custard sundae, featuring smoked salt popcorn brittle, brownie crumb and an optional warm Malört caramel drizzle. 

Chicago’s influence extends throughout the broader menu through localized ingredients incorporated into several F1® Arcade signature dishes, including the Giardiniera Martini Dip featuring Caruso’s Chicago caviar cheese and crispy pita; Rock Shrimp Tempura served with sesame, Illinois chili crisp and cilantro dip; Nduja Pizza topped with spicy nduja, mozzarella, chili crisp and Illinois hot honey; and Chicago Fries served with celery salt and giardiniera aioli. 

Rooftop Cocktails Made for Chicago Summers 

Making its global debut in Chicago, F1® Arcade’s rooftop terrace will offer an open-air destination featuring skyline views, a dedicated rooftop bar and a specially curated food and beverage program designed for warm-weather gatherings. 

Rooftop highlights include the Frosé, made with Whispering Angel Rosé, raspberry, white peach and lemon, and the Welcome to Miami, one of F1® Arcade’s signature margaritas turned frozen featuring Volcan Blanco tequila, passionfruit spiced hibiscus, lime and mint. 

Guests can also enjoy handcrafted mojitos made with Chicago Cane Cooperative Silver Rum, available in Classic, Strawberry and Passionfruit varieties. 

Complementing the rooftop cocktail menu, F1® Arcade Chicago will offer a curated selection of beers from Chicago breweries, including Revolution Brewing and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery. The lineup highlights the city’s brewing scene while providing guests with a range of options to enjoy on the rooftop throughout the summer season. 

Guests can enjoy F1® Arcade Chicago’s food, beverage and rooftop offerings without a racing reservation. The venue welcomes guests of all ages until 7 p.m. daily; after 7 p.m., F1® Arcade Chicago is exclusively for guests 21 and older with valid identification. 

Dining reservations are now available on OpenTable for guests looking to experience F1® Arcade Chicago's restaurant and rooftop without racing. Simulator racing experiences can be reserved at F1Arcade.com, with standard racing experiences starting at $19.