Board Game Cafes in Maryland: Best Spots to Play & Sip

Are you looking for a fun and unique way to spend your evenings in Maryland? Look no further than board game cafes! These cafes offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere, filled with shelves of board games and delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out with friends, these cafes have something for everyone. From The Board and Brew to Gong Cha Arundel Mills, we’ve rounded up our favorite board game cafes in Maryland for you to explore. Keep reading to learn more about these exciting businesses and their rave reviews!

🏆 Our Choice Recommendation:

***OUR TOP PICK: Our top choice is The Board and Brew. With its inviting and cozy atmosphere, extensive game library, and superb food and drink options, it’s the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends or a casual date. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional bubble tea experience, Tea Top may be a better fit. Overall, The Board and Brew stands out as the superior choice for a unique and enjoyable board game cafe experience.

How We Are Rating These Locations:

1) 🍽️ FOOD QUALITY: The quality and taste of the food offered at the board game cafe, as well as the variety of options available.
2) 🍹 DRINK QUALITY: The quality and taste of the drinks offered at the board game cafe, including tea, coffee, and other specialty beverages.
3) 🎲 GAME SELECTION: The variety and quality of the board games available for customers to play at the cafe.
4) 🏬 ATMOSPHERE: The overall atmosphere and ambiance of the board game cafe, including the decor, seating, and lighting.
5) 💰 VALUE FOR MONEY: The perceived value for money of the board game cafe, including the prices of food, drinks, and game rental fees in comparison to similar establishments.

Board game cafes in Maryland offer a unique experience for those looking to have a fun and engaging time with friends or family. When evaluating these types of businesses, there are a few considerations to make. First, the atmosphere of the cafe should be inviting and cozy, similar to Bus Boys and Poets. Second, the game library should be extensive and varied, with shelves filled with many game choices. Third, the food and drink should be superb, with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Fourth, the pricing should be fair, with no hidden charges for playing games. Taste Tea offers a spotless bathroom, excellent service, and a huge selection of drinks and coordinating Boba. Gong Cha Arundel Mills has a welcoming and elegant Asian ethnic culture, with a variety of boba teas and desserts. Kung Fu Tea offers a peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and a variety of flavors and bubble options. Finally, Tea Top offers a cute place with amazing service, a variety of drinks, clean bathrooms, and board games available. Overall, these board game cafes offer a fun and engaging experience for all.

Additional Criteria:

• Drink Variety – The variety of drinks offered by the business, including different types of tea, milk tea, smoothies, and other specialty drinks.
• Food Quality – The quality of the food offered by the business, including the taste, portion size, and overall presentation.
• Atmosphere – The overall atmosphere of the business, including the decor, seating arrangements, and availability of board games or other activities.
• Customer Service – The level of customer service provided by the business, including the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, as well as their ability to handle any issues or concerns.

Option #1. The Board and Brew

Address: 8150 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740, United States Phone: +1 240-542-4613

Drink Variety: Great tea & coffee selection.
Food Quality: Phenomenal food & drinks.
Atmosphere: Cozy, hip, family-friendly.
Customer Service: Friendly, knowledgeable staff.

The Board and Brew, situated in College Park, Maryland, is a remarkable cafe that specializes in board games. The cafe boasts an impressive collection of board games, prompt service, and a warm ambiance, making it an ideal spot for individuals, groups, and families alike. The cafe offers a diverse range of food and beverage options, including a wide selection of beer and coffee, healthy alternatives, and vegetarian cuisine. The staff is well-informed, amicable, and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Although some patrons have expressed dissatisfaction with the food’s flavor or cost, the overall experience is affirmative and pleasurable. The Board and Brew is an excellent location for a laid-back gathering, a romantic evening, or a delightful family excursion. It’s a valuable addition to Maryland’s board game cafe culture.

Pros:

• Impressive collection of board games
• Diverse range of food and beverage options
• Well-informed and welcoming staff
• Ideal spot for individuals, groups, and families

Cons:

• Some patrons have expressed dissatisfaction with the food’s flavor or cost

Option #2. Taste Tea

Address: 5403 East Dr unit 1/2, Arbutus, MD 21227, United States Phone: +1 443-297-8913

Drink Variety: Huge selection of drinks.
Food Quality: No specific information.
Atmosphere: Cozy and hip atmosphere.
Customer Service: Friendly and helpful staff.

Taste Tea is an exceptional business establishment situated in a prime location, offering an array of excellent amenities, including the option for delivery, takeout, and dine-in. The tea selection is unparalleled, and the seating arrangements are both cozy and accessible to all. The staff is amiable and always eager to assist customers in finding their ideal beverage. The delectable tapioca pearls and mango balls are a must-try, and the milk tea and smoothies are highly recommended. While a few patrons have reported inconsistencies in the quality of their drinks, the staff is always willing to rectify the situation. Taste Tea is an ideal destination for college students, solo diners, and groups seeking a laid-back and trendy ambiance. With a wide selection of beverages and desserts, as well as board games available, Taste Tea is the perfect spot to unwind and relax with friends.

Pros:

• Prime location with delivery, takeout, and dine-in options
• Unparalleled tea selection and cozy seating arrangements
• Friendly staff always eager to assist customers
• Must-try tapioca pearls and mango balls, highly recommended milk tea and smoothies

Cons:

• Limited food options beyond desserts
• May experience crowds during peak hours

Option #3. Gong Cha Arundel Mills

Address: 7645 Arundel Mills Blvd Suite 110, Hanover, MD 21076, United States Phone: +1 443-780-8888

Drink Variety: Extensive tea selection, customizable.
Food Quality: Desserts, waffles, good portions.
Atmosphere: Cozy, hip, family-friendly, board games.
Customer Service: Friendly, attentive, quick service.

Gong Cha Arundel Mills, a business owned by women, boasts an impressive array of desserts and tea. The location offers a variety of options for customers, including outdoor seating, curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. The atmosphere is both cozy and trendy, making it an ideal spot for solo diners, groups, and college students. Additionally, the staff is welcoming to tourists and LGBTQ+ individuals. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, with seating, an entrance, a parking lot, and a restroom. Customers can customize their tea with options for ice amounts, sugar levels, toppings, and size. Although the location can get quite busy, the staff is attentive and engaging with patrons. The board games available for customers add a nice touch to the experience. The only potential drawback is the extensive menu, but the staff is helpful in guiding customers through it. Gong Cha Arundel Mills is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a warm and inviting atmosphere to indulge in some delectable tea and desserts while enjoying board games with friends.

Pros:

• Offers a variety of options for customers, including outdoor seating, curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in.
• Welcoming to tourists and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Wheelchair accessible, with seating, an entrance, a parking lot, and a restroom.
• Customers can customize their tea with options for ice amounts, sugar levels, toppings, and size.

Cons:

• Confusing menu, but the staff is helpful in guiding customers through it.

Option #4. Kung Fu Tea

Address: 11802 Rockville Pike G, North Bethesda, MD 20852, United States Phone: +1 240-669-7099

Drink Variety: Wide variety of drinks
Food Quality: Limited food options
Atmosphere: Casual, hip, family-friendly
Customer Service: Friendly and helpful staff

For tea enthusiasts, Kung Fu Tea is an excellent destination that boasts an extensive assortment of teas and flavors. The establishment provides a variety of amenities, including outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, dine-in, and more. The staff is amiable and obliging, ensuring that patrons are informed of any wait times. The presence of board games adds a playful and relaxed ambiance to the experience. Kung Fu Tea is a family-friendly establishment that is suitable for solo dining or working on a laptop. While there have been reports of inconsistent drink quality, the majority of reviews are positive and commend the vast tea selection and welcoming staff. Kung Fu Tea is an ideal option for those seeking a laid-back location to savor a delicious cup of tea and engage in board games with loved ones. As a board game cafe situated in Maryland, Kung Fu Tea provides a distinctive and pleasurable experience for its customers.

Pros:

• Extensive assortment of teas and flavors
• Variety of amenities, including outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, dine-in, and more
• Amiable and obliging staff
• Playful and relaxed ambiance with board games

Cons:

• Reports of inconsistent drink quality

Option #5. Tea Top

Address: 10030 Baltimore National Pike D-160, Ellicott City, MD 21042, United States Phone: +1 410-680-3988

Drink Variety: Large variety, customizable options.
Food Quality: Comfort food, good portions.
Atmosphere: Cozy, family-friendly, board games.
Customer Service: Friendly, helpful, responsive.

Tea Top, a business owned by women in Ellicott City, Maryland, offers an extensive range of amenities, including outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, dine-in, and an impressive tea selection. The establishment is also wheelchair accessible and boasts a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for families. Customers can indulge in coffee, comfort food, prepared dishes, quick bites, lunch, dinner, and desserts. Additionally, Tea Top provides seating, restrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi. While some patrons have reported issues with incorrect orders or lack of flavor in some beverages, Tea Top is renowned for its delectable bubble tea and food options. It’s an ideal location for solo dining, working on a laptop, or socializing with friends and family. All in all, Tea Top is a reliable choice for anyone seeking a board game cafe in Maryland.

Pros:

• Offers outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, and dine-in options
• Wheelchair accessible and family-friendly atmosphere
• Wide range of food and drink options, including an impressive tea selection
• Provides seating, restrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with incorrect orders or lack of flavor in some beverages

More About The State

Maryland is more than just a hub for board game cafes. This state boasts a rich history that spans from its earliest Native American inhabitants to the Revolutionary War and beyond. Maryland’s geography is equally intriguing, featuring five distinct regions that range from low-lying coastal plains to the rugged Appalachian Mountains. The state is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and gyrfalcons. However, Maryland is perhaps most renowned for its delectable seafood, particularly the blue crabs that are a staple of the local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply good food, Maryland has something to offer everyone. Come and explore all that this remarkable state has to offer!

POINTS-OF-INTEREST TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU VISIT:

🐴 – Observe the magnificence of untamed equines freely wandering on the shore and embark on a nature hike in this breathtaking national seashore.

🚣‍♂️ – Discover the existence of Chesapeake Bay fishermen through a distinct collection of native watercraft, tour the operational shipyard, and stay overnight at the historic 1879 lighthouse.

🚶‍♀️ – Educate yourself on the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman, the “Moses of her people,” and familiarize yourself with locations along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway.

🍰 – Satisfy your sweet tooth with Maryland’s official dessert, the multi-layered Smith Island cake, and immerse yourself in the unique Elizabethan dialect of the locals while exploring this 17th-century British settlement only accessible by boat.

🏰 – Stand on the exact location where the defenders of Baltimore repelled the invading British during the War of 1812 and witness where the original “Star-Spangled Banner” flag was raised in triumph.

🎓 – Pay a visit to the final resting place of John Paul Jones, the father of the U.S. Navy, and observe the exceptional military training at one of the nation’s top military institutions.

🏡 – Travel back in time and explore a 19th-century farmhouse filled with antiques, observe weaving and blacksmithing demonstrations, and enjoy wine tastings at the Maryland Wine Festival held every September.

Conclusion

In conclusion, board game cafes in Maryland, such as The Board and Brew, provide a unique and enjoyable experience for customers. Not only do they offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere, but they also provide a vast selection of board games to choose from. Additionally, these cafes offer delicious food and drinks, including milk tea and smoothies, that are perfect for a quick snack or a full meal. To make the most out of your experience, be sure to try out different games and drinks, and don’t be afraid to ask the friendly and knowledgeable staff for recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or a relaxing afternoon with a good book and a cup of tea, board game cafes in Maryland have got you covered. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about? Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope to see you at one of these amazing cafes soon!