Board Game Cafes in Virginia: Best Spots for Dining Gamers

Are you tired of the same old routine of dinner and a movie? Looking for a unique and engaging way to spend time with friends or family? Look no further than 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. In Virginia, there are several board game cafes to choose from, each with their own unique charm and selection of games. From the cozy and inviting atmosphere of Unplugged Games Cafe to the game-filled Hangout on Main Smoothie Shop & Lounge, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite board game cafes in Virginia!

🏆 Our Choice Recommendation:

***OUR TOP PICK: Our top choice is Unplugged Games Cafe. With rave reviews about their immense collection of games, attentive and helpful staff, and great food and drinks, Unplugged Games Cafe is the perfect spot for a fun and engaging night out with friends or family. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional coffee shop experience, Fair Grounds may be a better fit. But with its unique atmosphere and focus on board games, Unplugged Games Cafe is still the superior option for those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

How We Are Rating These Locations:

1) 🎲 GAME SELECTION: The variety and quality of board games available for customers to play.
2) 🍔 FOOD & DRINK: The quality and selection of food and drink options offered.
3) 🏠 ATMOSPHERE: The overall ambiance and comfort of the establishment.
4) 💰 PRICE: The value for money in terms of prices for food, drinks, and games.
5) 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CUSTOMER SERVICE: The friendliness, helpfulness, and knowledge of the staff.

Looking for a fun and engaging way to spend your evenings? Look no further than board game cafes in Virginia! These cafes offer a unique experience that combines the fun of playing board games with the comfort of a cozy cafe. When evaluating these types of businesses, there are a few factors to consider. First, the overall atmosphere of the cafe is important. Is it cozy and inviting? Are there plenty of games to choose from? Second, the quality of the food and drinks is also important. Are there plenty of options to choose from? Are they reasonably priced? Finally, the staff’s knowledge and helpfulness can make or break the experience. Do they know the games well and can they make recommendations? Are they friendly and welcoming? With these considerations in mind, you’re sure to have a great time at any of Virginia’s board game cafes.

Additional Criteria:

• Game Selection – Variety and availability of board games and card games
• Atmosphere – The overall ambiance and vibe of the establishment
• Food and Drink Options – Quality and variety of menu offerings
• Customer Service – Friendliness and helpfulness of staff towards customers

Option #1. Unplugged Games Cafe

Address: 1300 Sycamore Square Dr, Midlothian, VA 23113, United States Phone: +1 804-893-3793

Game Selection: Immense collection, 800+ games.
Atmosphere: Cozy, casual, hip, family-friendly.
Food and Drink Options: Good food, great beer selection.
Customer Service: Friendly, knowledgeable, attentive staff.

Unplugged Games Cafe is an essential destination for aficionados of board games residing in Virginia. Its remarkable assemblage of more than 800 games provides customers with a diverse range of alternatives to choose from while relishing in delectable food and beverages. The personnel is well-informed and hospitable, rendering it an excellent location for families, friends, and even romantic evenings. The snug ambiance and attentive service ensure a memorable experience. Although the food choices are uncomplicated, they are scrumptious and reasonably priced. Nevertheless, the establishment can become congested during peak periods, so patrons should be prepared for a potential delay. All in all, Unplugged Games Cafe is a fantastic venue for those seeking an enjoyable and distinctive way to spend quality time with loved ones while engaging in some amiable competition.

Pros:

• Remarkable assemblage of more than 800 games.
• Well-informed and hospitable personnel.
• Snug ambiance and attentive service.
• Scrumptious and reasonably priced food choices.

Cons:

• Potential delay due to congestion during peak periods.

Option #2. Sweet Donkey Coffee

Address: 2108 Broadway Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24014, United States Phone: +1 540-491-0004

Game Selection: Not applicable (no information provided)
Atmosphere: Cozy, hip, family-friendly
Food and Drink Options: Great coffee, tea, dessert, organic dishes, beer, wine, breakfast, brunch, lunch, quick bite
Customer Service: Super friendly and helpful

For coffee enthusiasts in Roanoke, Virginia, Sweet Donkey Coffee is an absolute must-see. This charming cafe boasts a range of amenities, such as outdoor seating, takeout, dine-in, delivery, speedy service, a fireplace, and live music. Additionally, the cafe offers a delectable selection of coffee, tea, and desserts, as well as organic dishes, beer, wine, and spirits. The staff is amiable and accommodating, and the atmosphere is relaxed, snug, and family-friendly. Although the parking lot may be petite, there is an abundance of street parking available. While the cafe’s indoor seating is limited and prices are slightly higher, the quality of the coffee and the ambiance more than compensate for it. Sweet Donkey Coffee is ideal for individuals, college students, families, and tourists seeking a cozy and comfortable setting to savor a cup of coffee or tea while engaging in board games or working on a laptop.

Pros:

• Offers a range of amenities such as outdoor seating, takeout, dine-in, delivery, speedy service, a fireplace, and live music.
• Delectable selection of coffee, tea, desserts, organic dishes, beer, wine, and spirits.
• Amiable and accommodating staff, relaxed, snug, and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Abundance of street parking available.

Cons:

• Limited indoor seating.
• Prices are slightly higher.

Option #3. Crossroads Tabletop Tavern

Address: 9412 Main St, Manassas, VA 20110, United States Phone: +1 571-364-8885

Game Selection: Huge variety, well-organized
Atmosphere: Cozy, LGBTQ+ friendly
Food and Drink Options: Scratch-made, great selection
Customer Service: Friendly, attentive, helpful

Crossroads Tabletop Tavern, located in Manassas, VA, is a cafe that specializes in board games and is owned by a veteran. The establishment offers a range of amenities, including outdoor seating, curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and dine-in options. The tavern boasts an impressive selection of beer, cocktails, and food, with almost all of the menu items made from scratch in the kitchen. Customers can enjoy bar games, trivia night, and a cozy atmosphere that is welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and is also wheelchair accessible. Although some patrons have had mixed experiences with the service, the staff is generally friendly and helpful, providing recommendations for games and menu items. The downside is that some dishes lack flavor, but the extensive selection of board games and the comfortable ambiance make Crossroads Tabletop Tavern an ideal spot for a casual hangout with friends or a fun date night. As a board game cafe in Virginia, Crossroads Tabletop Tavern is unique in its concept and provides a welcoming atmosphere.

Pros:

• Offers a range of amenities including outdoor seating, curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and dine-in options.
• Impressive selection of beer, cocktails, and food, with almost all of the menu items made from scratch in the kitchen.
• Welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and is also wheelchair accessible.
• Provides bar games, trivia night, and a cozy atmosphere.

Cons:

• Some patrons have had mixed experiences with the service.
• Some dishes lack flavor.

Option #4. Fair Grounds

Address: 806 Baldwin Ave # 2, Norfolk, VA 23517, United States Phone: +1 757-640-2899

Game Selection: Not applicable
Atmosphere: Cozy, hip, chill vibe
Food and Drink Options: Great coffee, tea, healthy options, small plates, vegan and vegetarian options
Customer Service: Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Fair Grounds, situated in Norfolk, Virginia, is a trendy and snug board game cafe that boasts a range of conveniences, including al fresco seating, takeaway, dine-in, and delivery services, rendering it an ideal destination for individuals dining alone, college students, groups, and sightseers. The cafe also provides wheelchair-friendly parking, entrance, seating, and restrooms. Fair Grounds is recognized for its exceptional coffee and tea selection, nourishing and vegan alternatives, and small plates. The cafe features a bookshelf with gratis books, board games, and ambient music, making it a perfect spot to rendezvous with companions or engage in artistic endeavors. Despite some patrons having voiced concerns regarding pricing and accessibility, Fair Grounds continues to be a superb choice for those seeking a cozy and distinctive board game cafe experience in Virginia.

Pros:

• Offers a range of conveniences such as al fresco seating, takeaway, dine-in, and delivery services.
• Provides wheelchair-friendly parking, entrance, seating, and restrooms.
• Known for its exceptional coffee and tea selection, nourishing and vegan alternatives, and small plates.
• Features a bookshelf with gratis books, board games, and ambient music, making it a perfect spot to rendezvous with companions or engage in artistic endeavors.

Cons:

• Some patrons have voiced concerns regarding pricing and accessibility.

Option #5. Coal Mine Coffee & Sweets

Address: 13208 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113, United States Phone: +1 804-924-2115

Game Selection: Not applicable.
Atmosphere: Cozy, family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly.
Food and Drink Options: Great coffee, tea selection, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, comfort food, prepared foods, small plates, vegetarian options, brunch, dessert.
Customer Service: Friendly, personable, welcoming.

Coal Mine Coffee & Sweets is a business owned by women that is situated in Midlothian, VA. They provide a range of services, such as curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, dine-in, and catering. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a restroom that is gender-neutral and free Wi-Fi. Customers can indulge in excellent coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, and dessert, as well as cocktails and happy hour drinks. The establishment is accessible to those in wheelchairs and is also pet-friendly. Although some patrons have encountered sluggish service, the general experience is affirmative, with customers commending the delectable food and beverage options. Coal Mine Coffee & Sweets is a fantastic location for dining alone, working on a laptop, or meeting up with friends. It’s an excellent addition to Virginia’s board game cafe scene, providing a cozy and hospitable environment for everyone.

Pros:

• Offers a range of services, including curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, dine-in, and catering.
• Warm and inviting ambiance with gender-neutral restroom, free Wi-Fi, and accessibility for those in wheelchairs and pets.
• Provides excellent coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, dessert, cocktails, and happy hour drinks.
• Great location for dining alone, working on a laptop, or meeting up with friends.

Cons:

• Some patrons have encountered sluggish service.

Option #6. Hangout on Main Smoothie Shop & Lounge

Address: 194 S Main St, Amherst, VA 24521, United States Phone: +1 N/A

Game Selection: Limited options
Atmosphere: Cozy and welcoming
Food and Drink Options: Smoothies and snacks
Customer Service: Friendly and accommodating

Hangout on Main Smoothie Shop & Lounge is a business owned by women and situated at 194 S Main St, Amherst, VA 24521. The establishment provides a range of facilities, including curbside pickup, takeout, dine-in, and wheelchair accessible amenities. While indulging in delicious smoothies and snacks, customers can also enjoy a variety of board games, card games, an arcade machine, and a projector. The environment is casual, family-friendly, and LGBTQ+ friendly, with a friendly staff. One of the standout features of the shop is that there is no purchase requirement to enjoy the amenities, although customers should be aware that while the parking lot and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, the entrance and seating may not be as accommodating. Hangout on Main Smoothie Shop & Lounge is an excellent location to spend time with friends and family while enjoying tasty smoothies and snacks. As a board game cafe in Virginia, it provides a unique and enjoyable experience for customers seeking a fun and casual hangout spot.

Pros:

• Offers a range of facilities, including curbside pickup, takeout, dine-in, and wheelchair accessible amenities.
• Provides a variety of board games, card games, an arcade machine, and a projector for customers to enjoy.
• No purchase requirement to enjoy the amenities.
• Casual, family-friendly, and LGBTQ+ friendly environment with a friendly staff.

Cons:

• Entrance and seating may not be as accommodating for wheelchair users.

More About The State

Beyond board game cafes, Virginia is a state that boasts a plethora of historical, natural, and cultural treasures. With its distinction as the site of the first English colony in North America and the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents, Virginia is steeped in historical significance. However, the state’s five unique geographical regions also offer an abundance of natural beauty, ranging from the Appalachian Plateau to the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Virginia’s rich cultural offerings include Colonial Williamsburg and numerous museums and galleries. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or culture connoisseur, Virginia has something to offer. Take the opportunity to explore this remarkable state and plan your next adventure.

POINTS-OF-INTEREST TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU VISIT:

🌄 – Witness the awe-inspiring natural rock structure that extends 215 feet tall and 90 feet across at Natural Bridge. Traverse the Cedar Creek Trail and discover the Monacan Indian Village replica.

🏰 – Transport yourself back in time and immerse yourself in 18th century living at Colonial Williamsburg. Engage with costumed interpreters, tour historic buildings, and learn about the American Revolution.

🏖️ – Revel in the sun, sand, and surf at Virginia’s most sought-after beach destination, Virginia Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, visit the Virginia Aquarium, or try your hand at surfing and paddleboarding.

🕸️ – Plunge into the depths of the earth and explore the largest caverns in the eastern United States at Luray Caverns. Be amazed by the stunning rock formations, including the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument.

🏞️ – Cruise along the Skyline Drive and relish the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Shenandoah National Park. Embark on one of the many hiking trails, go camping, or spot wildlife such as black bears and deer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, board game cafes in Virginia offer a unique and exciting experience for customers. These cafes provide the perfect opportunity for in-person interaction and community building, while enjoying delicious food and drinks. With a vast collection of games, ranging from indie to mainstream titles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help guests find the perfect game to play. Whether you’re looking for a fun date night or a group outing with friends, board game cafes are the perfect destination. So, grab a coffee, try a new board game, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of these cafes. And remember, the next time you’re looking for a fun and engaging activity, board game cafes in Virginia are the perfect choice. Thank you for taking the time to read this review, and we hope to see you at one of these amazing cafes soon!