Snakes & Lattes Chicago — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

I came to Snakes & Lattes excited to host a group event for my group, but unfortunately, the experience was a major letdown.

Let’s start with the positives: the atmosphere is great, the decor is fun, they offer a large selection of games, and the food was pretty good. But that’s where the positives end.

The drinks? Practically undrinkable, so strong they were unpleasant and left at our table. But the absolute worst part of our visit was the staff. I have never been treated so rudely or made to feel so unwelcome.

We were sat at a large table in the back and told by the hostess that we could play two games at once due to the size of our group. When we confirmed this with the “game teacher,” we were scolded and told no because it made their job harder, they even said they’d speak to the hostess for telling us that in a very “you’re in trouble” manner. From that moment on, we felt like we were being punished for simply asking a question.

For the entire 3 hour reservation, no one on the waitstaff ever checked on us. We got a few “thumbs up” from the same game teacher, but that was it. To make matters worse, about half an hour in, I received a phone call from the front asking if we were still coming, despite the fact that we were already there. I said yes, and the person on the phone just said “oh okay.”

Later, when exploring the game room, one of my guests and I were met with sarcastic and rude comments from an employee who felt the need to butt into our private conversation to critique our game choices. Not helpful, not funny, just uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Two hours in, another staff member approached us to say several people hadn’t paid their $7 game fee and told us to take care of it immediately. The group was confused by the system, which is entirely phone-based. No staff takes your order, you can’t pay at the table, and no one offers help unless you chase them down. What kind of place doesn’t let you order with a server? Not even asked once if we needed anything.

Overall, the attitude of the staff was condescending, dismissive, and unprofessional. For $7 a person, you'd be better off buying a game yourself and playing at home, at least you’ll be treated with respect. Disappointing and...

I live down the road and wanted to like this place so much, but it was the worst customer service experience I have had in my 10 years living in Chicago. Full stop.

We did the dinner + escape room deal. We arrived on time for our reservations, but food/drinks came out very slowly. We kept reminding servers that we had the escape room reservation to get to. Over an hour in (and 15 minutes before the escape room was supposed to start), we were told nothing beyond our appetizers would make it out in time. And they offered to box up the rest of our dinner to take home after the escape room (which lasted over 2 hours)... Are you serious??

Also, we had to prepay for this meal, so we paid for food we never received. Not to mention our 2nd round of drinks never showed up either. A manager came over and told us their software couldn't physically process a refund, so they couldn't do that. We asked if they could even give us a gift card to make up the difference... "No we don't have those." The best solution we were offered was to box up food to give us cold in 2 hours. (Which we never even got.) Wow.

But the escape room would save the night, right? It started 20 minutes late as they were waiting for people to arrive who never came (wish we could have eaten our dinner, right?), and then the entire software that runs the game shut down 5 minutes in and wasn't back online for another 30 or so minutes, during which time we tinkered around the room unable to actually do anything. The game was ok... But definitely not on par with other top rooms in Chicago.

So over $100 got me some bread, beef jerky, sashimi, a drink, and a partially functioning escape room. No refunds and no solutions offered to try to save the customer experience. Extremely disappointing.

UPDATE: 2 days later our dinner deposit was refunded, so that earns them a 2nd star. Nothing back from the escape room, and nothing given as an incentive to...

-- Step Right Up to Snakes and Lattes Welcome to a board game enthusiast's paradise nestled in the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago! Picture a realm where the enchantment of Harry Potter merges seamlessly with the magic of Universal Studios, all infused with the whimsical charm of Willy Wonka's wonderland. This trendy gaming spot effortlessly captures the essence of cool hipster vibes, creating an atmosphere that's both captivating and welcoming. As you step into Snakes and Lattes, prepare to embark on a gaming adventure like no other. It's a place where iconic tales like Dungeon and Dragons come to life, where families engage in epic battles over strategic Monopoly boards, and where every corner exudes excitement and charm. And let's not forget about the delectable drinks that extend far beyond the realm of Butterbeer, accompanied by savory bites that tantalize your taste buds. This gaming haven is not just about entertainment; it's about forging connections and sparking conversations. The staff, led by master instructor Chris, are experts at curating gaming experiences tailored to your preferences. Chris effortlessly simplifies the rules of even the most complex games, turning intricate strategies into intuitive experiences in mere minutes. During our visit, we dove into the captivating world of PatchWork: Americana—a delightful blend of puzzles, Monopoly-esque strategy, and the life-sized decisions of Life. We then delved into the whimsical realm of Boop, a pet owner's dream where adorable kittens and cats vie for supremacy, adding a playful twist to traditional chess and checkers. If you're seeking something unique that fosters camaraderie and excitement, Snakes and Lattes is the ultimate destination. Prepare to be enchanted, entertained, and immersed in a world where every game tells a story and every moment is...