Board Game Cafes in California: Eat & Play With Our Top Picks

Looking for a fun and unique way to spend time with friends or family? Look no further than board game cafes in California! These cafes offer a cozy and casual atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while playing your favorite board games. From San Francisco’s first board game café, The Game Parlour, to Calibear Cyber Cafe’s high-performance gaming PCs and hosting of eSport championships, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to discover our top picks for board game cafes in California!

🏆 Our Choice Recommendation:

***OUR TOP PICK: Our top choice is The Game Parlour, San Francisco’s first board game café. With an expansive collection of board games, delicious food, and a gaming fee of only $7 per person, The Game Parlour is the perfect spot to hang out with friends. Plus, all staff are fully vaccinated and masks are required, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. While not ideal for kids, The Game Parlour is a great fit for anyone looking for a fun and casual hangout spot. For those looking for a more high-energy gaming experience, Calibear Cyber Cafe is a great 1st-runner up with its high-performance gaming PCs and eSport tournaments. However, The Game Parlour’s combination of board games, food, and affordable pricing make it the superior choice for a laid-back and enjoyable time with friends.

More About The State

California is more than just a state with board game cafes. This beautiful location boasts a diverse geography, ranging from the Pacific Coast to the Sierra Nevada mountains, and from the redwood and Douglas fir forests to the Mojave Desert. California is also home to some of the most notable landmarks and cultural attractions in the world, such as Hollywood, Disneyland, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Not to mention, California’s economy is the largest of any state within the United States, with a $3.37 trillion gross state product as of 2022. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that California is the most populous state in the US. But don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about our favorite picks for board game cafes in California. Keep reading to find out more!

How We Are Rating These Locations:

1) 🎲 GAMING EXPERIENCE: This category evaluates the quality of the board game cafe’s gaming experience, including the variety of games available, the condition of the games, and the overall atmosphere of the gaming area.
2) 🍴 FOOD AND BEVERAGE: This category evaluates the quality of the food and beverage options available at the board game cafe, including the taste, variety, and pricing of the menu items.
3) 💰 AFFORDABILITY: This category evaluates the affordability of the board game cafe, including the cost of the gaming fee, food and beverage prices, and any additional fees or charges.
4) 🚪 ACCESSIBILITY: This category evaluates the accessibility of the board game cafe, including the ease of finding the location, parking options, and any accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
5) 🎉 EVENTS AND COMMUNITY: This category evaluates the board game cafe’s involvement in the local gaming community, including any events or tournaments hosted, the level of customer engagement, and the overall sense of community within the cafe.

Board game cafes are a great way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying some delicious food and drinks. But what should you consider when choosing the perfect location for your next game night? First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure the staff is friendly and accommodating. Are they knowledgeable about the games and willing to help you learn? Do they wear masks and follow safety protocols to ensure a safe and comfortable environment? Another important consideration is the selection of games available. Do they have a wide variety of games to choose from, including classics and new releases? And what about the food and drinks? Are they tasty and reasonably priced? Some locations even offer catering services for events or parties. Additionally, you may want to consider the atmosphere of the location. Is it a quiet and cozy spot or a bustling and energetic one? Do they have private rooms available for larger groups or events? And finally, don’t forget to check out any additional amenities such as free Wi-Fi, parking options, and wheelchair accessibility. With these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect board game cafe for your next game night adventure.

Additional Criteria:

• Gaming Fee – Cost to stay and play
• Food Options – Availability of food and drinks
• Game Selection – Number and variety of board games
• Community – Emphasis on building a community of gamers

Option #1. The Game Parlour

Address: 1342 Irving St San Francisco, CA 94122 Phone: (415) 655-6600

Gaming Fee: Affordable unlimited playtime
Food Options: Vegan alternatives available
Game Selection: Vast array of board games
Community: Emphasis on socializing and fun

Are you searching for a spot to socialize with your pals, engage in board games, and savor delectable cuisine? Look no further than The Game Parlour in San Francisco! For a mere $7 per individual, you can enjoy unlimited playtime (children aged 4 and under are free of charge). This Asian-owned café boasts a vast array of board games, vegan alternatives, and sheltered outdoor seating, making it an ideal destination for everyone. However, be advised that the noise level can be quite high, and the outdoor seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Nonetheless, The Game Parlour is an excellent location for a fun and wholesome get-together with friends. So, grab a bite to eat, select a game, and let the good times commence!

Pros:

• Unlimited playtime for a low price of $7 per person
• Wide selection of board games and vegan food options
• Sheltered outdoor seating available for customers
• Ideal location for socializing with friends and family

Cons:

• High noise level may be disruptive to some customers
• Outdoor seating is first-come, first-served
• Limited information on accessibility for customers with disabilities

Option #2. Calibear Cyber Cafe

Address: 1336 S Mary Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087 Phone: (408) 703-7070

Gaming Fee: Affordable, satisfactory
Food Options: Fresh, affordable
Game Selection: Complimentary, satisfactory
Community: Organizes local tournaments, community-oriented

Introducing Calibear Cyber Cafe, a women and Asian-owned establishment situated in Sunnyvale, California. This cafe specializes in high-performance gaming PCs that come with high-speed internet connections, as well as freshly prepared milk tea and food, and complimentary board games. They also organize local eSport championships and tournaments for gaming enthusiasts. The cafe is open until 1 AM every day, making it an ideal spot for late-night hangouts or study sessions. Although the food and drinks may not be groundbreaking, they are satisfactory and more affordable than other establishments with similar offerings. Calibear Cyber Cafe is wheelchair accessible, provides validated parking, and accepts various payment methods such as credit cards, Android Pay, Apple Pay, and cryptocurrency. The staff is fully vaccinated and masks are mandatory, ensuring a safe environment for gaming and boba enthusiasts. All in all, Calibear Cyber Cafe is an excellent destination for gamers and individuals seeking a cozy, late-night hangout spot.

Pros:

• Specializes in high-performance gaming PCs with high-speed internet connections
• Organizes local eSport championships and tournaments for gaming enthusiasts
• Open until 1 AM every day, making it an ideal spot for late-night hangouts or study sessions
• More affordable than other establishments with similar offerings

Cons:

• Food and drinks may not be groundbreaking, but are satisfactory

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Option #3. Bigger Better Games

Address: 4588 Peralta Blvd Ste 13 Fremont, CA 94536 Phone: (510) 516-5383

Gaming Fee: No fee charged
Food Options: No food served
Game Selection: Vast array of games
Community: Emphasis on community building

Bigger Better Games is the ultimate haven for board game enthusiasts in Fremont, California. This store is dedicated to the community and boasts a vast array of board games, card games, and strategy games. Additionally, they offer pre-painted miniatures for games like Warhammer/40k and Infinity. The store is equipped with a private lot parking, wheelchair accessibility, and bike parking, making it an ideal destination for all types of visitors. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to assist you in finding the perfect game for your needs. Despite its small size, the store provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for gamers to gather and play. However, it’s worth noting that during busy events, the store can become crowded, and the layout may be perplexing for first-time visitors. All in all, Bigger Better Games is an excellent place for anyone seeking to discover new games and connect with fellow gamers in the community.

Pros:

• Vast array of board games, card games, and strategy games
• Pre-painted miniatures for games like Warhammer/40k and Infinity
• Private lot parking, wheelchair accessibility, and bike parking
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Cons:

• Store can become crowded during busy events
• Layout may be perplexing for first-time visitors

Option #4. Dogpatch Games

Address: 1095 Tennessee St San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (415) 610-8590

Gaming Fee: Not mentioned
Food Options: Outside food allowed
Game Selection: Vast and diverse collection
Community: Not mentioned

If you’re a fan of board games and happen to be in San Francisco, then you absolutely must check out Dogpatch Games. This establishment boasts an expansive, immaculate space complete with multiple restrooms, making it the ideal spot for a laid-back day of board gaming with your pals. Their collection of games is vast and caters to all interests and skill levels, and the staff is both knowledgeable and accommodating. The games are well-organized and well-maintained, and outside food and beverages are permitted. While the temperature inside can be a bit chilly, they do provide indoor heaters to keep you cozy. The only drawback is that they don’t offer any food or drink options, but there are plenty of nearby eateries to choose from. All in all, Dogpatch Games is a fantastic destination for quality time with loved ones, and there’s sure to be a game that everyone will enjoy.

Pros:

• Expansive, immaculate space with multiple restrooms
• Vast collection of games catering to all interests and skill levels
• Knowledgeable and accommodating staff
• Outside food and beverages are permitted

Cons:

• Temperature inside can be a bit chilly (but indoor heaters are provided)
• No food or drink options available on-site (but plenty of nearby eateries to choose from)

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Option #5. Geeky Teas & Games

Address: 2220 W Magnolia Blvd Burbank, CA 91506 Phone: (818) 639-2283

Gaming Fee: $5 entry fee
Food Options: Outside food not included
Game Selection: 400+ games available
Community: Emphasis on community building

For those seeking an exceptional board game cafe experience in California, Geeky Teas & Games is an absolute must-visit. This business is owned by members of the LGBTQ, women, and veteran communities and offers a plethora of amenities, including private parties, team building events, and meetings/conferences. With a library of over 400 games and a tea blend inspired by all things geeky, this establishment is the perfect community hub for those looking to unwind and have a good time. However, it’s important to note that there is a $5 fee to enter the game room, outside food is not included, and there are cats on the premises, so beware if you’ve got allergies. Furthermore, on Saturday nights, the venue hosts Booze and Board Games, which may involve some risqué language and topics. All in all, Geeky Teas & Games is an excellent destination for families, friends, and anyone seeking a day filled with gaming and tea.

Pros:

• Owned by members of the LGBTQ, women, and veteran communities
• Offers private parties, team building events, and meetings/conferences
• Library of over 400 games and a tea blend inspired by all things geeky
• Perfect community hub for those looking to unwind and have a good time

Cons:

• Cats on the premises may not be great if you have allergies

Option #6. Gameology

Address: 100 W Green St Ste 102 Pasadena, CA 91105 Phone: (626) 304-9333

Gaming Fee: Slightly higher prices
Food Options: Not mentioned
Game Selection: Vast array of games
Community: Ideal spot for socializing

Gameology is a board game cafe in California that is worth your attention. The personnel are amiable and accommodating, and the establishment is fully stocked with a vast array of games. The gaming area on the upper floor is quite spacious, making it an ideal spot for socializing and gaming with your pals. It’s important to note that the prices may be slightly higher than what you can find online. Some patrons have also mentioned that the staff can be a bit aggressive when it comes to sales, but overall, the experience is positive. If you’re searching for a convivial and enjoyable spot to play games, Gameology is definitely worth a visit.

Pros:

• Friendly and accommodating personnel
• Vast array of games available
• Spacious gaming area for socializing
• Convivial and enjoyable atmosphere

Cons:

• Prices may be slightly higher than online
• Some staff members can be aggressive with sales

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Option #7. Emerald Knights

Address: 4116 W Burbank Blvd Burbank, CA 91505 Phone: (818) 588-3631

Gaming Fee: Affordable, but varies.
Food Options: Limited snack selection.
Game Selection: Wide variety available.
Community: Welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

If you’re searching for a spot to satisfy your board game cravings, then you need to check out Emerald Knights Comics and Games located in Burbank, CA. This establishment boasts a fantastic array of games, comics, and collectibles that will keep you occupied for hours on end. Their amiable team is always eager to assist you in finding what you’re looking for. Although some patrons have reported negative experiences with the pricing and customer service, the store has taken steps to address these issues and enhance the overall experience. If you’re in the market for a fun venue to engage in gaming or peruse comics, then Emerald Knights is definitely worth a visit.

Pros:

• Offers a great selection of board games, comics, and collectibles.
• The staff is friendly and always willing to help customers find what they need.
• Provides a fun and engaging venue for gaming and comic enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Some customers have reported negative experiences with pricing and customer service.

Conclusion

Board game cafes in California offer a unique and exciting experience for customers of all ages. From the delicious food and drinks at The Game Parlour to the high-performance gaming PCs at Calibear Cyber Cafe, there’s something for everyone. Bigger Better Games and Emerald Knights provide a community-focused atmosphere for board game and comic enthusiasts. Geeky Teas & Games offer a wide selection of books, games, and geeky gifts. No matter which location you choose, you can expect a fun and engaging experience. Entrance fees and rental costs vary, so be sure to check each location’s website for details. Overall, board game cafes in California provide a great opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while enjoying delicious food and engaging in fun activities. Thank you for reading and happy gaming!