New St. Charles bar features arcade games, movie theater

ST. CHARLES – For those who think drinking locally brewed beer and playing arcade games is the perfect combination, Ed Simbol wants you to check out his basement.

Simbol recently opened Ed’s Basement at 219 W. Main St. in downtown St. Charles.

It literally is his basement, as he lives just above the business.

"It's a really easy commute to work," said Simbol, who also operates Bigby's Pour House in Addison and Rolling Meadows.

He originally wanted to open the establishment in March, but the state’s stay-at-home order, which was put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, prevented that from happening. His business partners in Ed’s Basement are Brandon Andriola and Rick Muermann.

Along with being the operator of Ed’s Basement, he tends bar there, which is an opportunity he loves.

“I love being able to chat with my patrons,” Simbol said. “I believe service is everything in this industry.”

Because of the current restrictions in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, capacity is limited to 50 people. The bar normally would be able to seat more than 100 people.

Face coverings are required to enter Ed’s Basement.

“We do give them a mask if they don’t have one, as it is required,” Simbol said.

The bar in the establishment was made from wood from a bowling alley in the now-closed Wheaton Bowl.

“I like doing things out of the ordinary,” Simbol said.

Ed’s Basement certainly is not your ordinary bar.

Along with arcade games, the establishment features a cozy movie theater with seating for eight.

“We’ll have movie nights and video game tournaments,” Simbol said in showing off the movie theater. “This is definitely my favorite part of the bar.”

Fittingly, characters from the show “Mystery Science Theater 3000” are depicted on the walls of the theater. Simbol said current COVID-19 restrictions will prevent them from hosting movie nights.

Colorful murals made from recycled plastic six-pack holders also grace the walls of Ed’s Basement.

“It’s a little taste of my childhood,” said Simbol, who is 36 years old.

The walls of the women’s bathroom are lined with photos of performers from Zanies Comedy Club, which closed earlier this year along with the rest of Pheasant Run Resort.

Ed’s Basement features locally brewed beer, including from Alter Brewing and Pollyanna Brewing Company.

“I think it’s very important to support local,” said Simbol, who has brewed beers for both breweries in the past.

Plans are to sell food in the future after kitchen equipment is installed. The establishment also will sell beer to go in the future.

Ed’s Basement has a laid back, casual atmosphere.

“It’s a comfortable neighborhood bar with delicious beer and soon-to-be good local eats,” Simbol said.

More information about Ed's Basement is at its Facebook page, @edsbasementbar.