The Best Board Game Cafe's in Chicago, Reviewed for 2025
Being a Chicago native, I have quite a bit to say about the options available to Chicagoan’s looking to get their board game scratch itched. Below I’ve compiled a list of the best board game cafes across a variety of factors like ambiance, board game selection, drink selection, food selection, staff professionalism and price. Let’s hop in!
1) Stay and Play Game Cafe
Jose is the man. This game cafe is really simple, and it’s awesome for that. The prices are good, the food is great (especially if you like Puerto Rican food- the Yuca fries were delicious) and the owner duo is just a delight to be around.
Overall, the selection of games was also great. I counted close to 100 games when I was there, and it included fan favorites like Catan, Ticket to Ride and Carcassonne.
Just for the service and vibes alone I’d recommend this spot.
- Service was top notch.
- Food was reasonably priced and the quality was super solid for a game cafe.
- Super family friendly, the vibe wasn't too snobby and overall very welcoming.
2) Bonus Round Game Cafe
Another great option out near Lake View off (somewhat) the red line.
The vibes were good, the food was also pretty decent but very basic. I liked the fact that they had M&M’s on the menu 🙂
The design of the space was pretty bland, unfortunately. The staff made up for it, but comparing it to Stay and Play I think it was just a little bit behind.
Overall, the space seemed really welcoming, the coffee was decent, and they have a pretty solid selection of games.
I would recommend heading over if you’re in the Lake View area.
- Board Game Selection
- Food selection was decent, reasonably priced as well
- Design of the space was pretty bland
3) Snakes and Lattes
I recently checked out Snakes & Lattes in Chicago and was blown away by the board game vibes! I loved browsing their massive collection of games while Sam, our game guru for the night, enthusiastically recommended Wingspan and Ticket to Ride based on our group’s preferences. The truffle parmesan fries and loaded nachos were the perfect fuel for our gaming marathon, and a bartender made a mean Old Fashioned that kept our spirits high during an intense round of Catan. The staff were incredibly helpful with game recommendations, though I noticed the weekend waits can get pretty intense. Their fun atmosphere and tasty food make this a perfect spot for game night with friends or even a unique date night.
- Huge game selection
- Knowledgeable staff
- Weekend crowds
- Service sometimes slow
4) Athena Board Game Cafe
Tucked away in Rogers Park, Athena Board Game Cafe presents itself as the scholarly professor of Chicago’s game scene, with a meticulously organized library of 450+ games that would make the Dewey Decimal System blush with admiration. Their BYOB policy allowed me to pair my strategic downfall in Catan with the appropriate craft beer for drowning sorrows, while their appetizers provided the necessary brain fuel for calculating probability outcomes. The cafe’s earnest commitment to gaming purity is refreshing, though the location can make parking really difficult if it’s your first time visiting.
- Perfectly organized collection
- Welcoming BYOB policy
- Challenging to find
- Limited food options
Board Game Cafe’s in Chicago… Closing Remarks
While Chicago has a smaller amount of total board game cafe options, the ones that do exist are all pretty solid. Stay and Play was my favorite just for the overall vibes and food. It felt authentic and like a local spot. Snakes and Lattes also stood out as an option that feels more corporate but fully built out. It’s a great first date spot, period.
If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, just want to connect with new people or even are looking at a trivia night, you’re well taken care of in Chicago.