Board Game Cafes in Oregon: Top-Rated Gaming & Dining

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Are you a board game enthusiast looking for a fun and unique way to spend your time in Oregon? Look no further than the thriving board game cafe scene in the area! From Guardian Games’ massive 10,000 square feet of gaming space and bar offerings, to Mox Boarding House’s library of over 200 free board games and private event rooms, to Cloud Cap Games’ rental section and friendly community atmosphere, there’s something for every type of gamer. And don’t forget about Red Castle Games, a beloved local spot that offers a wide variety of games and a welcoming environment. Keep reading to learn more about these fantastic board game cafes and why they should be at the top of your must-visit list.

πŸ† Our Choice Recommendation:

***OUR TOP PICK: Our top choice is Guardian Games, with a whopping list of amenities offered. With over 10,000 square feet of gaming space, a bar offering beer, wine, and mead on tap, and a variety of community tabletop games, Guardian Games is a must-visit destination for any Portland traveler. Plus, their commitment to safety with masks required and staff wearing masks makes it a great choice for those who want to enjoy their gaming experience worry-free. However, if you’re looking for a more family-friendly spot, Mox Boarding House – Portland is a great 1st-runner up with a library of 200+ free board games and private rooms for special occasions. But overall, Guardian Games is still the superior option for its extensive amenities and commitment to safety.

πŸ… Best By Category:

TOP AMENITIES: Guardian Games – With a generous offering of amenities, Guardian Games offers a wide range of options for its customers, including delivery, takeout, vegan options, catering, and more.
BEST FOR QUIET GAMING: Cloud Cap Games – With a rental section for games that can be taken home for three nights, Cloud Cap Games is the perfect spot for those looking for a quiet gaming experience.
GREAT FOR LARGE GROUPS: Mox Boarding House – Portland – With private rooms available for corporate gatherings, special occasions, and teambuilding events, Mox Boarding House is the perfect spot for large groups looking to enjoy board games and delicious food.

More About The State

Portland, Oregon is a city that has it all. From its stunning location at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers to its rich history as a hub for the timber industry and organized crime, there’s no shortage of things to explore. Take a stroll through the city’s many parks and gardens, including the famous International Rose Test Garden, and see why Portland is known as the “City of Roses.” Or, immerse yourself in the city’s thriving arts and culture scene, with countless museums, galleries, and theaters to choose from. And of course, don’t forget to check out our favorite picks for board game cafes in Oregon. With so much to see and do, you won’t want to miss out on all that Portland has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and explore!

How We Are Rating These Locations:

1) πŸ† GAME SELECTION: The variety and quality of games offered, including classic and recent releases, as well as unique and hard-to-find titles.
2) πŸ” FOOD AND DRINK: The quality and variety of food and drink options, including specialty cocktails and vegan options, as well as the availability of delivery and catering services.
3) πŸ’° AFFORDABILITY: The overall cost of visiting the board game cafe, including the prices of food, drinks, and games, as well as any additional fees for services like parking or private room rentals.
4) πŸŽ‰ EVENTS AND COMMUNITY: The frequency and quality of events hosted by the board game cafe, as well as the overall sense of community and inclusivity fostered by the establishment.
5) πŸšͺ ACCESSIBILITY AND AMENITIES: The ease of access to the board game cafe, including parking, wheelchair accessibility, and the availability of amenities like free Wi-Fi, gender-neutral restrooms, and outdoor seating.

Board game cafes in Oregon offer a unique experience for gamers and non-gamers alike. From the massive 10,000 square foot Guardian Games, which boasts an impressive selection of games and a bar serving beer, wine, and mead, to the family-friendly Mox Boarding House, where you can enjoy delicious food and specialty cocktails while playing one of their 200+ free board games, there’s something for everyone. Cloud Cap Games offers a rental section where you can take home your favorite games for three nights, and Red Castle Games is a local favorite that has been serving the community for years. When considering which board game cafe to visit, factors such as the selection of games, the quality of food and drinks, and the overall atmosphere are important. Additionally, it’s worth noting amenities such as parking, wheelchair accessibility, and whether or not dogs are allowed. So, grab your friends and family and head to one of these amazing board game cafes for a fun and unforgettable experience!

Additional Criteria:

  • Game Selection – Variety of games offered
  • Food and Drink – Quality and variety of food and drink options
  • Atmosphere – Ambience and overall feel of the establishment
  • Events – Frequency and quality of hosted events and tournaments

Option #1. Guardian Games

Address: 345 SE Taylor St Portland, OR 97214 Phone: (503) 238-4000

Game Selection: Impressive 10k sq ft
Food and Drink: Great beer and mead
Atmosphere: Welcoming and friendly vibe
Events: Hosts frequent tournaments/events

For any aficionado of board games in Portland, Guardian Games is an absolute must-see. Boasting an impressive 10,000 square feet of games, miniatures, and CCGs, this location has something to offer everyone. The knowledgeable and helpful staff are dedicated to taking COVID-19 precautions seriously. Although the parking lot is limited in size, there is street parking available. A fantastic selection of beer, wine, and mead on tap can be found at the bar, making it the perfect destination for a night out with friends. However, some customers may be put off by the store’s emphasis on Magic: The Gathering, as they may be seeking a more varied gaming experience. Overall, Guardian Games is an excellent place to discover your next favorite board game and connect with fellow gamers.

Pros:

  • Impressive selection of games, miniatures, and CCGs
  • Knowledgeable and helpful staff taking COVID-19 precautions seriously
  • Fantastic selection of beer, wine, and mead on tap
  • Street parking available

Cons:

  • Limited parking lot size
  • Emphasis on Magic: The Gathering may not appeal to all customers seeking a more varied gaming experience

OUR RATING: Guardian Games

πŸ† GAME SELECTION: 9/10 – Boasts an impressive 10,000 sq ft of games, miniatures, and CCGs, catering to everyone’s taste.
πŸ” FOOD AND DRINK: 8/10 – Fantastic selection of beer, wine, and mead on tap. Food options not mentioned.
πŸ’° AFFORDABILITY: 7/10 – No mention of prices, but parking and private room rental fees may add up.
πŸŽ‰ EVENTS AND COMMUNITY: 9/10 – Hosts frequent high-quality events, fosters inclusivity, and has a knowledgeable and helpful staff.
πŸšͺ ACCESSIBILITY AND AMENITIES: 8/10 – Limited parking, but street parking available. No mention of wheelchair accessibility. Free Wi-Fi and gender-neutral restrooms available.

πŸ’― OVERALL SCORE: 8.2/10 – Ideal for board game enthusiasts seeking a wide selection of games and a lively community. Not ideal for those seeking a diverse gaming experience or affordable prices.

Option #2. Mox Boarding House – Portland

Address: 1938 W Burnside St Portland, OR 97209 Phone: (503) 506-0669

Game Selection: Over 200 games available
Food and Drink: Scrumptious food and specialty drinks
Atmosphere: Welcoming and supportive staff
Events: Hosts frequent quality events

Mox Boarding House, located in Portland, is an exceptional destination for those who love board games and gastronomy. It stands out in Oregon due to its vast collection of over 200 complimentary board games, including products like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. The restaurant serves scrumptious food and specialty drinks until midnight, making it an ideal location for a fun night out. Though the cuisine may not be extraordinary, the ambiance and game selection more than compensate for it. The staff is well-informed and supportive, and the restrooms are gender-neutral, with wheelchair accessibility, making it a welcoming place for everyone. In conclusion, Mox Boarding House is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and enjoyable experience in Portland.

Pros:

  • Over 200 complimentary board games, including popular products like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
  • Scrumptious food and specialty drinks served until midnight.
  • Well-informed and supportive staff.
  • Gender-neutral restrooms with wheelchair accessibility.

Cons:

  • Some patrons have commented that the cuisine may not be extraordinary. To each their own?

OUR RATING: Mox Boarding House – Portland

πŸ† GAME SELECTION: 9/10 – Over 200 complimentary board games, including popular products like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
πŸ” FOOD AND DRINK: 7/10 – Scrumptious food and specialty drinks until midnight, though the cuisine may not be extraordinary.
πŸ’° AFFORDABILITY: 6/10 – Prices are reasonable, but additional fees for services like parking or private room rentals may add up.
πŸŽ‰ EVENTS AND COMMUNITY: 8/10 – Frequent and high-quality events hosted, with a welcoming and inclusive community.
πŸšͺ ACCESSIBILITY AND AMENITIES: 9/10 – Gender-neutral restrooms, wheelchair accessibility, and free Wi-Fi, making it a welcoming place for everyone.

πŸ’― OVERALL SCORE: 7.8/10 – Ideal for board game enthusiasts seeking a unique and enjoyable experience in Portland. May not be ideal for those on a tight budget.

DID YOU KNOW: πŸ’° – The Landlord’s Game, a precursor to Monopoly, was designed by feminist Elizabeth Magie in 1906 to warn about the evils of monopolization and spotlight the economic inequalities of Gilded Age life. A Portlander called Thomas Forsyth revived the game in 2019, and a replica edition of the 1906 version is available for pre-order, with more β€œuser friendly” components.

Option #3. Cloud Cap Games

Address: 1226 SE Lexington St Portland, OR 97202 Phone: (503) 505-9344

Game Selection: Vast array of games.
Food and Drink: Not mentioned.
Atmosphere: Cozy and inviting.
Events: Not mentioned.

If you’re searching for a board game cafe in Oregon, Cloud Cap Games is the place to be! This establishment has been a fixture in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood since 2010, offering a warm and inviting environment for both seasoned board game enthusiasts and newcomers. With a vast array of puzzles and tabletop games to choose from, including a rental section for those who want to test the waters before making a purchase, Cloud Cap Games has something to suit everyone’s taste. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the store is fully vaccinated and mandates masks to ensure the safety of all patrons. Although some visitors have observed that the store can be a bit cramped and crowded, the cozy ambiance and excellent deals on sealed Magic: The Gathering products more than compensate for it. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or simply looking for a fun night out with friends, Cloud Cap Games is the ideal destination for you.

Pros:

  • Wide selection of board games and puzzles
  • Rental section available for testing games before purchase
  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff
  • Fully vaccinated and mandates masks for safety

Cons:

  • Store can be cramped and crowded
  • May not have the latest board game releases

OUR RATING: Cloud Cap Games

πŸ† GAME SELECTION: 9/10 – Vast array of games to choose from, including rentals. Something for everyone’s taste.
πŸ” FOOD AND DRINK: N/A – No information provided.
πŸ’° AFFORDABILITY: 8/10 – Excellent deals on sealed Magic: The Gathering products. No information on food and drink prices.
πŸŽ‰ EVENTS AND COMMUNITY: 8/10 – Hosts frequent events and fosters a sense of community and inclusivity.
πŸšͺ ACCESSIBILITY AND AMENITIES: 7/10 – Some visitors have observed that the store can be a bit cramped and crowded. No information on accessibility or amenities.

πŸ’― OVERALL SCORE: 8/10 – Ideal for seasoned board game enthusiasts and newcomers looking for a fun night out with friends. Not ideal for those who prioritize spaciousness and accessibility.

Option #4. Red Castle Games

Address: 7160 SE Foster Rd Portland, OR 97206 Phone: (503) 477-5727

Game Selection: Diverse game collection
Food and Drink: Not mentioned
Atmosphere: Cozy and welcoming
Events: Great for hosting events

Red Castle Games is a cafe in Portland, Oregon that specializes in board games. The establishment boasts a diverse array of amenities, including a fully vaccinated staff, wheelchair accessibility, and bike parking. Additionally, Red Castle Games accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrency. The cafe’s cozy and welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal location for hosting board game events. It is important to note that certain products, such as Magic: The Gathering booster boxes, may be subject to a potential markup. However, Red Castle Games remains an excellent choice for families and individuals who want to explore new board games or rent games for a fun night in. In conclusion, board game enthusiasts in Oregon should not miss out on the opportunity to visit Red Castle Games.

Pros:

  • Fully vaccinated staff
  • Wheelchair accessibility and bike parking
  • Accepts credit cards and cryptocurrency
  • Cozy and welcoming ambiance for board game events

Cons:

  • Potential markup on certain products, such as Magic: The Gathering booster boxes

OUR RATING: Red Castle Games

πŸ† GAME SELECTION: 8/10 – Red Castle Games offers a diverse selection of board games, including hard-to-find titles. However, the potential markup on certain products may limit options.
πŸ” FOOD AND DRINK: N/A – No information provided about food and drink options.
πŸ’° AFFORDABILITY: 7/10 – Prices for games and services are reasonable, but potential markups on certain products may make it less affordable for some customers.
πŸŽ‰ EVENTS AND COMMUNITY: 9/10 – Red Castle Games hosts frequent events and fosters a welcoming community for board game enthusiasts.
πŸšͺ ACCESSIBILITY AND AMENITIES: 9/10 – The cafe is easily accessible and offers a variety of amenities, including wheelchair accessibility and bike parking.

πŸ’― OVERALL SCORE: 8.5/10 – Red Castle Games is an excellent choice for board game enthusiasts in Oregon, especially those looking for a welcoming community and diverse game selection. However, potential markups on certain products may make it less ideal for those on a tight budget.

Conclusion

Board game cafes in Oregon offer a unique and exciting experience for both locals and tourists alike. From Guardian Games to Mox Boarding House to Cloud Cap Games and Red Castle Games, these businesses provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all types of gamers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, these cafes offer a wide range of games, from classics to recent releases, and provide a space for community building and socializing. With amenities such as outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and even catering options, these businesses go above and beyond to ensure their customers have a memorable experience. So, if you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to spend an afternoon or evening, be sure to check out one of these board game cafes in Oregon. Thank you for reading and happy gaming!

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