In the age of smartphones and endless scrolling, it’s rare to find a place where people truly unplug and connect. But step into a board game cafe, and you’ll discover a world where the digital age takes a backseat to the timeless joy of face-to-face interaction.
While most coffee shops are filled with solitary laptop warriors, board game cafes buzz with groups of friends and strangers alike, engaged in animated discussions and strategic gameplay. It’s a reminder of the simple pleasures of human connection and the power of a shared experience.
At its core, a board game cafe is exactly what it sounds like: A cafe that has a massive collection of board games you can play while enjoying drinks and snacks. Some are set up like coffee shops, and others are bars with a different twist instead of darts and pool tables.
Unlike a typical cafe, focusing primarily on food and drink, the central attraction at a board game cafe is the games themselves. They offer an impressive library of games, ranging from classic favorites like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer strategy games such as Ticket to Ride.
Several large cities have board game cafes and clubs, such as New York, Washington DC and Chicago. They’re becoming popular spots for gatherings of friends, families or even a casual date.