The present is a thrilling time for the #gamers of the world. Sadly, we’re not referring to video games, an industry that continues to embarrass itself with titles all but unfinished on release, inflated prices, loot boxes and in-game transactions that are the equivalent of legalized and highly addictive gambling accessible to 9 year-olds, the asinine and exploitative live-service model, and overworked, underpaid, and overstressed developers.
Instead, we’re referring to, of course, the wonderful world of board games. Thanks in part to the pandemic, board games have skyrocketed in popularity, with the industry predicted to grow by $4 billion over the next four years. Sitting around a table with your crew tossing dice, cracking jokes, and sipping your choice beverage is an increasingly sought-after experience among young people, and reasonably so. Not everyone’s closet is bursting with 20 different themed versions of Monopoly, though, so here are some of the San Francisco Bay Area’s best board game bars, cafes, and hangout spots that cater specifically to #gamer patrons.
See also: The Bay Area's Best Board Game Stores To Find Your Next Fun Favorite
The Game Parlour
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1342 Irving St / Website
This Inner Sunset hangout space opened in 2018 and is equipped with over 600 board games, waffle-based nibbles, and an espresso bar. If you’ve ever longed to munch on a Sweet Mochi Waffle while owning your friends in Catan, The Game Parlour is a must-visit. They also host a Dungeons and Dragons campaign every Thursday; Stranger Things fans rejoice.
The Sycamore
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2140 Mission St / Website
Apart from gaming, The Sycamore stands on its own as a bustling Mission brew pub with solid, cheap sliders, a rotating selection of local and international beers, an expansive heated outdoor patio, and a punk-centric jukebox. The cherry-on-top: they also have a bunch of great board games. Stop by on Sunday mornings for brunch, bottomless Mimosas, and, of course, #gaming.
The Little Shamrock
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807 Lincoln Way / Website
Resting just across the street from Golden Gate Park, The Little Shamrock is the Sunset District’s oldest business, having first opened in 1893. Delightfully old-school refreshingly modest, this cozy Irish-themed pub checks every box it needs to: cold drinks, warm staff, prime location, free popcorn, board games. You heard us correctly: they have free popcorn to augment your #gaming sesh.
Victory Point Cafe
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1797 Shattuck Ave / Website
East Bay gamers, rejoice: Berkeley now boasts a hip hangout and study space with locally-sourced coffee, craft beers, comfort food bites, and over 750 board games. While walk-ins are more than welcome (and will suffice for a mid-afternoon almond croissant and jenga sesh), we recommend booking a table with some friends for a full evening of pizzas, brews, and D&D. Victory Point also lets you reserve a game of your choice while booking a table, meaning you’ll always be able to snag your favorite.
The Social Study
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1795 Geary Blvd / Website
Right across the street from The Fillmore in the heart of Japantown, The Social Study serves up drip coffee and mellow gaming vibes by day and - by night - transmutes into a sultry, low-key club offering soju cocktails, potato skins with brown sugar bacon, and chill house DJ beats. Pick whichever vibe speaks to you and enjoy some #gaming amongst the exposed brick and hipsters.
Mechanics’ Institute
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57 Post Street / Website
Neglecting the chess lovers of the city would be a crime of the highest order, so we’re rounding out our list with San Francisco’s preeminent chess locale. The Mechanics’ Institute isn’t just an incredible spot for chess and contemplation: it’s a 150 year-old boutique library and cultural center open to the public. With consistent film screenings, book clubs, lectures, writing workshops, and the city’s longest-running chess club, this is one of the Bay Area’s coolest, and most historic, spots to chill, learn, and #game.
See also: Test Your Team-Building Skills And Conquer These 5 Best San Francisco Escape Rooms
Photography by: Cottonbro/Pexels
