Board Game Cafes in North Carolina: Top Picks and Reviews

Looking for a fun and unique way to spend your evenings in North Carolina? Look no further than the world of board game cafes! These cafes offer a fun and casual atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while playing a variety of board games with friends and family. From Well Played Board Game Café to Meeple’s Brew, there are plenty of options to choose from. So come on in, grab a drink, and let’s dive into the world of board game cafes in North Carolina!

🏆 Our Choice Recommendation:

***OUR TOP PICK: Our top choice is Well Played Board Game Café. With its warm and welcoming environment, amazing team, and a great library of games, it’s the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends or family. Plus, their baby games behind the counter make it a great option for parents with young children. However, if you’re looking for a more bar-like atmosphere, Gamers Geekery & Tavern may be a better fit. Overall, Well Played Board Game Café stands out as the superior option for its cozy and inclusive atmosphere, variety of games, and exceptional service.

How We Are Rating These Locations:

1) 🎲 GAME SELECTION: The variety and quality of board games available for play.
2) 🍻 FOOD & DRINK: The quality and selection of food and drinks offered.
3) 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 STAFF & SERVICE: The friendliness, helpfulness, and knowledge of the staff.
4) 🏠 ATMOSPHERE: The overall ambiance and comfort of the space.
5) 💰 VALUE: The perceived value for the cost of playing games and purchasing food/drinks.

Board game cafes are a unique and fun way to spend an evening with friends or family. When considering a location to visit, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, the selection of games is key. A wide variety of games, both classic and niche, ensures that there is something for everyone. Additionally, the atmosphere of the cafe is important. A warm and welcoming environment, with friendly and knowledgeable staff, can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience. It’s also worth considering the food and drink options available, as well as any additional fees for game play. And let’s not forget about cleanliness – a clean and well-maintained space can make for a more enjoyable experience. Overall, board game cafes offer a unique and entertaining way to spend time with loved ones, and with so many options available in North Carolina, there’s sure to be a location that fits your needs and preferences.

Additional Criteria:

• Game Selection – Variety and availability of board games
• Atmosphere – The ambiance and environment of the business
• Food and Drink Options – The selection and quality of food and beverages offered
• Customer Service – The helpfulness and friendliness of the staff towards customers

Option #1. Well Played Board Game Café

Address: 162 Coxe Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801, United States Phone: +1 828-412-5788

Game Selection: Huge variety, good condition.
Atmosphere: Cozy, family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Food and Drink Options: Great selection, delicious.
Customer Service: Helpful, positive, polite.

For those seeking an enjoyable and distinctive experience, a visit to Asheville, NC’s Well Played Board Game Café is a must. This establishment boasts an impressive array of board games, catering to both mainstream and specialized interests, with a day pass costing a mere $7 per individual. In addition, the café provides an assortment of food and beverage options, ranging from beer and cocktails to coffee and comfort fare. The staff is amiable and eager to assist newcomers in understanding game regulations. Although the ambiance is warm and welcoming, it can become boisterous at times, so individuals searching for a serene environment may want to explore other alternatives. In summary, Well Played is an excellent choice for families, groups, and anyone seeking an entertaining and immersive way to spend a few hours.

Pros:

• Impressive array of board games catering to both mainstream and specialized interests.
• Affordable day pass costing only $7 per individual.
• Assortment of food and beverage options available.
• Amiable staff eager to assist newcomers in understanding game regulations.

Cons:

• Ambiance can become boisterous at times, not ideal for those seeking a serene environment.

Option #2. Gamers Geekery & Tavern

Address: 107 Edinburgh S Dr #213, Cary, NC 27511, United States Phone: +1 919-650-2366

Game Selection: Huge selection, well-organized.
Atmosphere: Cozy, family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Food and Drink Options: Good food, great beer selection.
Customer Service: Friendly, accommodating, attentive.

Gamers Geekery & Tavern, located in Cary, North Carolina, is a cafe that specializes in board games and offers a range of services including takeout, dine-in, delivery, and speedy service. The cafe is inclusive and accessible, with a great selection of beer that caters to solo diners, groups, and the LGBTQ+ community. Customers can indulge in a variety of food options, including comfort food, small plates, and desserts, while enjoying free Wi-Fi and access to a gender-neutral restroom. Although the food is satisfactory, the real attraction of the cafe is its vast collection of board games and welcoming staff. It’s the perfect place to spend quality time with friends, playing board games and sipping on drinks. However, some customers may find the $10 table cover charge to be a downside. All in all, Gamers Geekery & Tavern is an excellent choice for those seeking a fun night out with friends, complete with a diverse selection of board games and beverages.

Pros:

• Offers a range of services including takeout, dine-in, delivery, and speedy service.
• Inclusive and accessible, with a great selection of beer that caters to solo diners, groups, and the LGBTQ+ community.
• Vast collection of board games and welcoming staff.
• Perfect place to spend quality time with friends, playing board games and sipping on drinks.

Cons:

• Some customers may find the $10 table cover charge to be a downside.

Option #3. Game On! Cards and Coffee

Address: 560 N Reilly Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303, United States Phone: +1 910-229-2903

Game Selection: Large variety of games
Atmosphere: Cozy and welcoming
Food and Drink Options: Great coffee and tea selection
Customer Service: Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Game On! Cards and Coffee is a board game cafe that is owned by veterans and women. The cafe provides a range of services, such as takeout, delivery, curbside pickup, dine-in, and solo dining options. While indulging in their favorite games, customers can relish in delicious coffee, tea, and comfort food. The cafe is also wheelchair accessible and has restrooms that are gender-neutral. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as the vast selection of games and tasty drinks, have been highly praised by customers. However, during peak hours, the cafe can become crowded, which some customers have noted. Game On! Cards and Coffee is an excellent choice for college students, families, and groups searching for a fun and welcoming environment to play games and enjoy delicious drinks.

Pros:

• Owned by veterans and women
• Offers a range of services, including takeout, delivery, curbside pickup, dine-in, and solo dining options
• Wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral restrooms
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff and vast selection of games and tasty drinks

Cons:

• Can become crowded during peak hours, which some customers have noted

Option #4. Meeple’s Brew

Address: 9545 Chapel Hill Rd, Morrisville, NC 27560, United States Phone: +1 919-377-0027

Game Selection: Huge collection of games.
Atmosphere: Cozy, hip, relaxed.
Food and Drink Options: Great coffee, tea, smoothies.
Customer Service: Friendly, helpful staff.

Meeple’s Brew, situated in Morrisville, North Carolina, is a cafe that specializes in board games. The establishment boasts a diverse array of conveniences, such as open-air seating, curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, dine-in, speedy service, and an impressive selection of coffee and tea. Additionally, the cafe is wheelchair-friendly and provides alcoholic beverages, beer, and vegetarian options. Customers can opt for solitary dining, work on their laptops, or come with companions. Although the $5 per person charge to play games may not appeal to everyone, the cafe’s extensive collection of board games and themed trivia nights make it an excellent destination for gaming enthusiasts. In general, Meeple’s Brew is a snug and trendy cafe with a laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a hasty brunch, remote work, or an evening of board games with friends.

Pros:

• Offers open-air seating, curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, and dine-in options
• Provides speedy service and an impressive selection of coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages
• Wheelchair-friendly and offers vegetarian options
• Extensive collection of board games and themed trivia nights for gaming enthusiasts

Cons:

• $5 per person charge to play games may not appeal to everyone

Option #5. Luck Factory Games

Address: 305 McGill Ave NW Suite 80, Concord, NC 28027, United States Phone: +1 704-787-9068

Game Selection: Huge variety, thousands available
Atmosphere: Welcoming, cozy, family-friendly
Food and Drink Options: Snacks, drinks, alcohol available
Customer Service: Friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating

Luck Factory Games is a board game cafe situated in Concord, NC, which is owned by women. The establishment provides a range of conveniences, such as in-store pickup, delivery, and wheelchair accessibility. For a nominal admission fee of $5 per individual, patrons can indulge in an extensive array of board games. The personnel are well-informed and obliging, offering suggestions based on the customers’ preferences. Luck Factory Games is a secure environment for transgender individuals and is welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Although the area is spacious and accommodating, it can become congested during peak periods. Overall, Luck Factory Games is an excellent location for family outings, romantic evenings, or group gatherings. It’s a one-of-a-kind and enjoyable approach to spend an afternoon or evening, and the boundless selection of games ensures that there’s something for everyone.

Pros:

• Provides in-store pickup, delivery, and wheelchair accessibility.
• Well-informed and obliging personnel.
• Secure environment for transgender individuals and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
• Offers an extensive array of board games for a nominal admission fee of $5 per individual.

Cons:

• Can become congested during peak periods.

Option #6. Carolina Tabletop Games

Address: 315 Main St #1, Pineville, NC 28134, United States Phone: +1 704-835-1128

Game Selection: Large selection, demos available.
Atmosphere: Cozy, friendly, welcoming.
Food and Drink Options: Beer on tap, snacks available.
Customer Service: Knowledgeable, patient, friendly.

Carolina Tabletop Games is a cafe that specializes in board games and is situated in Pineville, North Carolina. The establishment provides a range of conveniences, such as curbside and in-store pickups, delivery, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The cafe is accessible to people who use wheelchairs and has both standing and sitting tables for customers to play tabletop games. Patrons are allowed to bring their own food and beverages, and the store also sells snacks and draft beer. The employees are amiable and knowledgeable, and the proprietor is personable and attentive. Although some clients have observed a pet smell and cleanliness concerns, the owner has taken measures to address these issues. All in all, Carolina Tabletop Games is an excellent destination for tabletop game enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. It’s a fantastic spot to socialize with friends, experiment with new games, and savor a refreshing beer.

Pros:

• Provides curbside and in-store pickups, delivery, and complimentary Wi-Fi
• Accessible to people who use wheelchairs and has both standing and sitting tables for customers to play tabletop games
• Allows patrons to bring their own food and beverages
• Employees are amiable and knowledgeable, and the proprietor is personable and attentive

Cons:

• Some clients have observed a pet smell and cleanliness concerns
• Limited food and drink options available for purchase
• Location may be inconvenient for some customers

Option #7. The Kingmaker’s Draft

Address: 101 S Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, United States Phone: +1 828-595-2014

Game Selection: Impressive variety and availability.
Atmosphere: Cozy, hip, and casual.
Food and Drink Options: Great beer and cocktail selection.
Customer Service: Super friendly and helpful staff.

The Kingmaker’s Draft is a board game cafe situated in Hendersonville, NC that is owned by women. This snug and trendy establishment provides an impressive assortment of board games, prompt service, and a remarkable beer and cocktail selection. On Friday nights, they also offer karaoke and are accessible to those in wheelchairs. The clientele highly praise the obliging and accommodating personnel, the inviting ambiance, and the vast array of games. Nonetheless, a few patrons have remarked on the limited dessert choices and the lack of a dedicated parking area. All in all, The Kingmaker’s Draft is an excellent destination for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends. It’s a perfect haven for board game aficionados and those seeking a distinctive and enjoyable experience.

Pros:

• Impressive assortment of board games
• Remarkable beer and cocktail selection
• Accessible to those in wheelchairs
• Highly praised obliging and accommodating personnel

Cons:

• Limited dessert choices
• Lack of a dedicated parking area

Option #8. The Mighty Meeple

Address: 8440 Pit Stop Ct NW #180, Concord, NC 28027, United States Phone: +1 704-625-7913

Game Selection: Huge variety, well-stocked.
Atmosphere: Friendly, inviting, buzzing.
Food and Drink Options: Snacks, drinks, mini-bar.
Customer Service: Helpful, accommodating, knowledgeable.

The Mighty Meeple, situated in Concord, NC, is a cafe that specializes in board games and is owned by a veteran. The establishment provides a variety of services such as in-store pickup, delivery, and in-store shopping. It is also wheelchair accessible and LGBTQ+ friendly, with a plethora of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, NFC mobile payments, and quick visits. The staff is well-informed and obliging, with a vast selection of games, dice, and hobby essentials. Although the prices for MTG singles can be steep, the store has an extensive collection of games, miniatures, and paints. The store is well-arranged and has a spacious gaming area in the rear for tournaments and events. All in all, The Mighty Meeple is an excellent destination for MTG and Pokemon TCG enthusiasts, with a wide selection of game dice/pieces, frisbee golf, and playing mats to choose from.

Pros:

• Wheelchair accessible and LGBTQ+ friendly
• Well-informed and obliging staff
• Spacious gaming area for tournaments and events
• Wide selection of games, miniatures, and paints

Cons:

• Steep prices for MTG singles
• Limited to board games and hobby essentials

Option #9. Gamer’s Guildhall

Address: 5448 US-70, Morehead City, NC 28557, United States Phone: +1 252-499-9863

Game Selection: Extensive variety of games.
Atmosphere: Cozy, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Food and Drink Options: Great cocktails, food at bar.
Customer Service: Amazing, welcoming, helpful.

Gamer’s Guildhall, situated in Morehead City, NC, is a sanctuary for both gamers and nerds. This location provides a variety of options for dine-in, delivery, and takeout, as well as a bar with exceptional cocktails, making it an ideal destination for a night out. The prompt service and comfortable ambiance make it an excellent choice for groups, as it is LGBTQ+ friendly and a secure space for transgender individuals. The free Wi-Fi and wheelchair accessibility make it a convenient location for everyone. Although the assortment of games is vast, the establishment also offers karaoke, live performances, trivia night, and other activities. The staff is amicable and hospitable, and the homemade delicacies are a must-try. Although the establishment is still new and may not possess all the amenities of a larger gaming cafe, it is an excellent spot for those seeking a relaxed and enjoyable night out. It is ideal for individuals who have a fondness for gaming, anime, and nerd culture in general.

Pros:

• Offers a variety of dining options, including delivery and takeout.
• Provides a bar with exceptional cocktails, making it an ideal destination for a night out.
• LGBTQ+ friendly and a secure space for transgender individuals.
• Free Wi-Fi and wheelchair accessibility make it a convenient location for everyone.

Cons:

• Still new and may not possess all the amenities of a larger gaming cafe.
• May not be suitable for those who do not have a fondness for gaming, anime, and nerd culture in general.

Option #10. Kitchen Table Games & Bistro

Address: 926 U.S. Hwy 221 Business, West Jefferson, NC 28694, United States Phone: +1 336-846-3002

Game Selection: Wide variety available
Atmosphere: Cozy and welcoming
Food and Drink Options: Healthy and fresh
Customer Service: Friendly and accommodating

Kitchen Table Games & Bistro, situated in West Jefferson, NC, is a cafe that specializes in board games. The establishment provides a range of services, including in-store shopping, in-store pickup, wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The menu features a variety of nutritious meals, such as breakfast bowls, quinoa bowls, and avocado toast. The staff are cordial and well-informed about the menu and the diverse selection of games available for purchase. Although some patrons have reported issues with the timing of their orders, the food is freshly prepared and made to order. All in all, Kitchen Table Games & Bistro is an excellent option for those seeking healthy food choices and a lively ambiance to play board games with friends. It’s ideal for families with children, groups of friends, or anyone searching for a distinctive dining experience.

Pros:

• Offers a unique dining experience with a variety of board games available for purchase and play.
• Provides nutritious meal options, including breakfast bowls, quinoa bowls, and avocado toast.
• Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, and complimentary Wi-Fi available.
• Staff are knowledgeable about the menu and games.

Cons:

• Some patrons have reported issues with the timing of their orders.
• Limited menu options for those with dietary restrictions.
• Location may be out of the way for some customers.

More About The State

There’s so much more to North Carolina than just board game cafes! This southeastern state is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions. From the towering Appalachian Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast, North Carolina boasts a diverse range of landscapes that will leave you in awe. Take a trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture and lush gardens. Or head to the Outer Banks and visit the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a beacon of hope for sailors for over a century. History buffs will love exploring the state’s colonial past, from the first permanent settlement at Charles Town to the Halifax Resolves, the first formal call for independence from Great Britain. And don’t forget about the vibrant cities of Raleigh and Charlotte, home to world-class museums, art galleries, and sports teams. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a culture vulture, North Carolina has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Come discover the magic of this incredible state for yourself!

POINTS-OF-INTEREST TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU VISIT:

🚗 – Blue Ridge Parkway: Nicknamed “America’s favorite drive,” the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway offers endless scenic views of the Blue Ridge mountains and surrounding landscapes. Along the way, there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails that branch off from the numerous pull-offs, some leading to spectacular waterfalls.

🏖️ – Outer Banks: This 200-mile stretch of barrier islands is known for its fantastic beaches, attracting large numbers of visitors in the summer months. Families in particular flock to the Outer Banks. Visitors can also tour lighthouses, enjoy camping, or even see a museum or two.

🏰 – Biltmore Estate: The Vanderbilt Mansion is the largest private home in the United States, with 250 rooms filled with impressive artwork, antiques, and architecture. The estate’s gardens are expansive, including the Italian Garden, with its ornate pools and sculpture, and the Rose Garden, which features more than 250 varieties.

💦 – Waterfalls: North Carolina’s mountains are full of amazing waterfalls, and many of them are easily accessible by a short walk or hike. Some of these can be combined with a visit to small mountain towns and other sights. Must-see waterfalls include Linville Gorge, Whitewater Falls, High Falls, and Dry Falls.

⛷️ – Ski Resorts: North Carolina’s five ski resorts attract winter sport enthusiasts from far and wide to their impressive slopes. Spread out over the mountain regions, each resort has its own vibe. The biggest ski resorts are Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, both located near the funky town of Banner Elk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, board game cafes in North Carolina offer a unique and enjoyable experience for customers of all ages. These businesses provide a warm and welcoming environment for families, friends, and even solo gamers to come together and enjoy a variety of games while enjoying delicious food and drinks. The staff at these cafes are knowledgeable and friendly, always willing to help explain game rules and make recommendations. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for a fun night out, board game cafes in North Carolina are definitely worth checking out. Remember to bring your appetite and a sense of adventure, and be prepared to have a great time. And with the wide variety of games available, there’s always something new to discover. So why not gather your friends and head to one of these cafes for a night of fun and games? Thank you for taking the time to read this review, and we hope to see you at one of these fantastic businesses soon!