Board Game Cafes in New Jersey: Top Spots to Play & Dine

Looking for a fun and unique way to spend your afternoon in New Jersey? Look no further than board game cafes! These cafes offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee while playing your favorite board games with friends or family. We’ve scoured the state to find the best board game cafes, each with their own unique charm and selection of games. From Genus Boni, a charming toy store with a tea corner and a great selection of board games, to Intrinsic Café, a cozy spot with a huge bubble tea menu and plenty of indoor seating, to Melao Cafe & Creamery, a lovely cafe with funky decor and hand-rolled ice cream, to The Coffee House & Cafe, a hidden gem with a great selection of coffee and sandwiches, to Carr High Cafe, a great spot for burgers, sandwiches, and boba tea, to Greenroom, a cute bar with a great selection of drinks and board games, to Kung Fu Tea Plainsboro, a wonderful spot for delicious bubble tea and positive vibes. Keep reading to learn more about each of these amazing locations!

🏆 Our Choice Recommendation:

***OUR TOP PICK: Our top choice is Genus Boni, a charming toy store with a cute little corner for tea and board games. With a unique collection of toys for all ages and a friendly and courteous staff, this store is a great choice for families and board game enthusiasts alike. While it may not be the best fit for those looking for a full-service cafe experience, the nearby Intrinsic Cafe could be a great 1st-runner up option. Overall, Genus Boni’s delightful atmosphere and impressive board game selection make it the superior choice for a fun and engaging outing.

How We Are Rating These Locations:

1) 🍵 BEVERAGE QUALITY: The quality of the tea and other beverages offered, including the taste, presentation, and variety.
2) 🎲 GAME SELECTION: The variety and availability of board games and other games for customers to play.
3) 🍴 FOOD QUALITY: The quality and taste of the food offered, including the variety and presentation.
4) 🏬 ATMOSPHERE: The overall atmosphere and ambiance of the establishment, including decor, music, and seating.
5) 💁‍♀️ CUSTOMER SERVICE: The level of customer service provided by the staff, including friendliness, helpfulness, and responsiveness to customer needs.

Board game cafes in New Jersey offer a unique and fun experience for customers of all ages. When considering a visit to one of these establishments, there are several factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, the selection of board games should be taken into account. Are there a variety of games available for all skill levels and interests? Additionally, the quality of the food and drinks offered should be considered. Are there vegan or gluten-free options available? Is the coffee or tea selection up to par? Another important factor is the atmosphere of the cafe. Is it cozy and inviting, with comfortable seating and friendly staff? Are there any unique features, such as a cute little corner to have tea or a mural that adds to the ambiance? Lastly, the availability of other activities, such as live entertainment or board game rentals, can make for a more enjoyable experience. Overall, board game cafes in New Jersey offer a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends and family, and with a little research, customers can find the perfect spot to suit their needs.

Additional Criteria:

• Drink Quality – Refers to the quality of the drinks served, including taste, presentation, and consistency.
• Ambience – Refers to the overall atmosphere and environment of the business, including decor, music, seating, and lighting.
• Customer Service – Refers to the level of service provided by the staff, including friendliness, helpfulness, and responsiveness.
• Game Selection – Refers to the variety and quality of board games available for customers to play, including both classic and modern games.

Option #1. Genus Boni

Address: 432 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840, United States Phone: +1 732-515-9257

Drink Quality: High quality teas served
Ambience: Adorable and cozy atmosphere
Customer Service: Welcoming and courteous staff
Game Selection: Wide selection of board games

Genus Boni is a captivating plaything emporium situated in Metuchen, NJ. The establishment provides in-person shopping, delivery, and is easily accessible for those with mobility issues. Patrons can also relish complimentary Wi-Fi and a snug seating area to engage in games or peruse literature while indulging in tea. The shop boasts an exclusive array of toys for all age groups, encompassing educational pastimes, science sets, and robotic playthings. The personnel are amiable and courteous, and the tea selection is of the highest quality. Although the shop does not furnish board games for lease, they have a vast assortment obtainable for purchase. One probable disadvantage is that the establishment is petite, so it may not be the optimal choice for large gatherings. Nevertheless, it is an excellent location for a brief visit or to acquire unique presents for inquisitive children. All in all, Genus Boni is a charming toy store that provides a cozy and informative experience for clients seeking something distinct in the board game cafe milieu in New Jersey.

Pros:

• Provides in-person shopping and delivery options
• Easily accessible for those with mobility issues
• Exclusive array of toys for all age groups
• Amiable and courteous personnel

Cons:

• Petite establishment may not be optimal for large gatherings
• Does not furnish board games for lease, only for purchase

Option #2. Intrinsic Café

Address: 5 Sussex Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, United States Phone: +1 201-618-2689

Drink Quality: Great bubble tea flavors
Ambience: Cozy and inviting atmosphere
Customer Service: Friendly and professional staff
Game Selection: No information available

In Newark, NJ, Intrinsic Café is a welcoming and snug establishment that provides a range of amenities, including outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and dine-in options. The café is renowned for its exceptional coffee, assortment of teas, and desserts, as well as its vegan options and small plates. Visitors can relish a relaxed and trendy ambiance that is LGBTQ+ inclusive and accessible to wheelchairs. Despite some patrons observing tardy service and tepid coffee, the general experience at Intrinsic Café is affirmative, with numerous individuals commending the amiable personnel and selection of board games. This café is an ideal choice for individuals dining alone, college students, and groups seeking a cozy environment to work or study. When it comes to board game cafés in New Jersey, Intrinsic Café distinguishes itself with its distinctive and fanciful atmosphere, outstanding coffee and tea, and varied menu choices.

Pros:

• Offers outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and dine-in options
• Known for exceptional coffee, assortment of teas, and desserts
• Provides vegan options and small plates
• LGBTQ+ inclusive and accessible to wheelchairs

Cons:

• Some patrons have observed tardy service and tepid coffee

Option #3. Melao Cafe & Creamery

Address: 1425 Irving St, Rahway, NJ 07065, United States Phone: +1 732-215-4942

Drink Quality: Great coffee, tea, shakes, ice cream.
Ambience: Cozy, hip, family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Customer Service: Super polite, friendly, helpful, responsive.
Game Selection: No information available.

Melao Cafe & Creamery, located in Rahway, NJ, is an excellent destination for coffee, sweets, and board games. The cafe provides a variety of options such as curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, and dine-in, ensuring that all customers can enjoy their services. Melao Cafe & Creamery is the ideal location for solo dining, working on a laptop, or hanging out with friends, with a fantastic selection of coffee, tea, and natural cuisine. The cafe’s welcoming staff and cozy ambiance make it a popular spot for tourists and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Although some patrons have reported sluggish service during peak hours, the cafe’s exceptional rolled ice cream and quirky seating compensate for any potential shortcomings. In general, Melao Cafe & Creamery is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a relaxed environment to indulge in coffee, sweets, and board games in New Jersey.

Pros:

• Offers a variety of options such as curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, and dine-in.
• Ideal location for solo dining, working on a laptop, or hanging out with friends.
• Popular spot for tourists and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Fantastic selection of coffee, tea, and natural cuisine.

Cons:

• Some patrons have reported sluggish service during peak hours.

Option #4. The Coffee House & Cafe

Address: 931 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ 08837, United States Phone: +1 732-486-3400

Drink Quality: Great coffee and tea selection.
Ambience: Cozy, hip, and casual atmosphere.
Customer Service: Friendly and attentive staff.
Game Selection: No information available.

The Coffee House & Cafe located in Edison, NJ is an ideal destination for those who have a passion for coffee and food. This cafe offers a range of options for its customers, including outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, and dine-in choices. The menu is impressive, featuring an extensive selection of coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options, with healthy and vegetarian alternatives also available. Additionally, the cafe provides live entertainment on weekends and open mic nights twice a month. Although a few customers have mentioned that the portions are small and the prices are high, the welcoming staff and cozy ambiance more than compensate for any possible downsides. The Coffee House & Cafe is a perfect location for meeting friends, working on a laptop, or grabbing a quick bite. The cafe’s relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is perfect for board game enthusiasts, making it an excellent spot for a game night with friends.

Pros:

• Offers a range of options for customers, including outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, and dine-in choices.
• Impressive menu with an extensive selection of coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options, with healthy and vegetarian alternatives also available.
• Provides live entertainment on weekends and open mic nights twice a month.
• Relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for board game enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Some customers have mentioned that the portions are small and the prices are high.

Option #5. Carr High Cafe

Address: 49 Carr Ave, Keansburg, NJ 07734, United States Phone: +1 732-344-6126

Drink Quality: Boba tea is recommended
Ambience: Cozy and family-friendly
Customer Service: Friendly and accommodating
Game Selection: No information available

Carr High Cafe, situated at 49 Carr Ave, Keansburg, NJ, is a business owned by a Black individual. This establishment provides a range of conveniences, including outdoor seating, curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, takeout, dine-in, and catering. Carr High Cafe also caters to children with its kids’ menu, offers vegetarian options, and has a wheelchair accessible entrance. Carr High Cafe is a snug and family-oriented venue that serves comfort food, coffee, and dessert. While dining, customers can indulge in board games and video games. The cafe has garnered high praise from patrons for its delectable cuisine and exceptional service. Nevertheless, some customers have experienced parking issues and occasional order errors. All in all, Carr High Cafe is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed and amiable ambiance to relish scrumptious food and board games.

Pros:

• Offers a range of conveniences, including outdoor seating, curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, takeout, dine-in, and catering.
• Caters to children with its kids’ menu, offers vegetarian options, and has a wheelchair accessible entrance.
• Provides a snug and family-oriented venue that serves comfort food, coffee, and dessert.
• Garners high praise from patrons for its delectable cuisine and exceptional service.

Cons:

• Some customers have experienced parking issues.

Option #6. Greenroom

Address: 203 Frank E Rodgers Blvd S, Harrison, NJ 07029, United States Phone: +1 973-412-0007

Drink Quality: No information available
Ambience: Cozy, hip, casual, vibrant
Customer Service: Friendly, attentive, welcoming
Game Selection: Board games available

Greenroom, situated in Harrison, New Jersey, is a snug and informal bar that provides a range of amenities, including no-touch delivery, takeout, dine-in, bar games, karaoke, sports, and more. The establishment boasts an impressive selection of libations, such as beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor, and serves comfort food, small plates, and quick bites. The vibe is trendy and hospitable, rendering it an excellent choice for college students and groups. While a few patrons have noted tardy service and a shortage of utensils, the bulk of evaluations laud the amiable personnel, exceptional tunes, and delectable cuisine, like the steak tacos and wings. In general, Greenroom is a reliable option for those seeking a laid-back locale to savor a beverage and engage in board games in New Jersey.

Pros:

• Offers a range of amenities, including no-touch delivery, takeout, dine-in, bar games, karaoke, and sports
• Boasts an impressive selection of libations, such as beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor
• Trendy and hospitable vibe, making it an excellent choice for college students and groups
• Delectable cuisine, like the steak tacos and wings, according to bulk of evaluations

Cons:

• A few patrons have noted tardy service and a shortage of utensils

Option #7. Kung Fu Tea Plainsboro

Address: 10 Schalks Crossing Rd Unit # 8, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536, United States Phone: +1 609-269-8179

Drink Quality: Great tea selection, delicious drinks.
Ambience: Cozy, hip, casual atmosphere.
Customer Service: Friendly, helpful, and patient staff.
Game Selection: No information available.

If you’re searching for a trendy and snug location to indulge in a cup of tea, Kung Fu Tea Plainsboro is the place to be. This establishment boasts an impressive variety of tea, boba drinks, and coffee, making it an ideal destination for individuals dining alone, groups, college students, and tourists alike. The employees are amiable and accommodating, and the ambiance is pristine and optimistic. Additionally, they offer board games for patrons to enjoy. Although some customers have expressed concerns regarding incorrect orders or unsealed lids, the management has taken constructive criticism to heart and is striving to enhance their service. All in all, Kung Fu Tea Plainsboro is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a refreshing and delectable beverage in a cozy and hospitable setting. It’s an excellent hangout spot for friends, studying, or unwinding after a long day. As a board game cafe, Kung Fu Tea Plainsboro provides a one-of-a-kind experience that’s perfect for those who want to relish in some games while sipping on their preferred drink.

Pros:

• Impressive variety of tea, boba drinks, and coffee.
• Amiable and accommodating employees.
• Pristine and optimistic ambiance.
• Offers board games for patrons to enjoy.

Cons:

• Some customers have expressed concerns regarding incorrect orders or unsealed lids.

More About The State

Beyond board game cafes, New Jersey is a veritable trove of cultural, historical, and natural treasures. The state boasts a fascinating past, from the Lenape and Munsee tribes to the Revolutionary War. Visitors can explore Washington Crossing State Park, where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River, or venture into the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region, home to the Kittatinny Mountains and the Delaware Water Gap. But New Jersey is more than just a repository of history and nature. It’s also a hotbed of creativity and innovation, with famous residents like Thomas Edison and Frank Sinatra. And let’s not forget the delectable seafood and stunning wildflowers! Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature aficionado, or food lover, New Jersey has something to offer. Come and discover all that this remarkable state has in store!

POINTS-OF-INTEREST TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU VISIT:

🏖️ – The Atlantic City Boardwalk, built in 1870, is a four-mile-long promenade that offers a plethora of attractions. Be sure to check out the Steel Pier, an iconic amusement park with a giant observation wheel that provides stunning views of the city and the ocean all year round. The Entrance to the Stars is a must-see landmark that showcases the handprints of famous personalities like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

🏰 – Cape May, a historic seaside town located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey on Delaware Bay, boasts beautiful beaches, the stunning Cape May Point Lighthouse, and many charming Victorian-style vacation homes. Explore the Emlen Physick Estate, a museum that exemplifies the American Stick Style of architecture. Take a harbor tour on the Yankee, an 80-foot-tall schooner, or go on a dolphin and whale-watching cruise.

🗽 – Liberty State Park, spanning 1,212 acres along the waterfront, offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Upper New York Bay. Visit the 36-acre tidal salt marsh of Communipaw Cove, a nature preserve, and the memorials and monuments like Liberation, dedicated to the Holocaust, and the Empty Sky, a memorial consisting of two 210-foot-long steel walls with the names of those victims of the tragic events of 9/11 who had ties to New Jersey. Don’t miss the Interpretive Center that provides information related to the ecology and history of this part of New Jersey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, board game cafes in New Jersey offer a unique and enjoyable experience for customers of all ages. These cafes provide a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while playing your favorite board games. With a wide selection of games available for purchase, you can also take the fun home with you. The cafes also offer a variety of tasty treats, including boba tea and hand-rolled ice cream. Don’t forget to check out the cute little corners where you can read a book or play a game while sipping on your drink. The friendly and courteous staff will make sure you have a great time. If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening, board game cafes in New Jersey are definitely worth a visit. So, grab your friends and family and head over to one of these cafes for a memorable experience. Thank you for taking the time to read this review, and we hope you have a wonderful time at the board game cafes in New Jersey!