Though it is more of a general arcade instead of a place that specializes in pins, Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, IL (http://www.gallopingghostarcade.com) has a couple of nice pins -- Funhouse, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Gorgar, F14 Tomcat, Black Knight... couple others that I'm forgetting. I haven't been there is a couple of months, so I don't know what kind of condition they are in now. They played fine when I was there last time (December or so). They aren't the new Sterns, though. Alternatively, you can get a free tour of the Stern factory in Melrose Park. Just give them a call. you can play some of the newer pins at the end of the tour.

Count me as +1 for this type of request. I'd be coming from suburbs too, but I just don't go out by myself anymore. I would love for any of the awesome places to be able to have us with families out earlier in the day. What is standing in the way of that if any of you know?

If Joliet is not too far, check out Chicago Street Pinball. They have a couple of newer Sterns and a ton of older pins. The place is laid back, I take my kids there quite a bit (they are 12 and 7). Adults are $10 - kids ages 10 and under are $6 - all you can play all night. They are currently only open Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm-11 pm. www.jolietpinball.com

Logan Hardware Records (All Ages) has The Walking Dead LE, Tommy, No Fear, & Dr. Dude all on free play in the back room which is accessible with a purchase from the store. There are also vids there. Basically our original concept, just down the street from the old location & current location of Logan Arcade (21+).

Great place to bring kids, decent Italian restaurant right next door and minor league baseball team right down the street.