When it comes to Americans playing board games, you can thank COVID for our renewed interest in this old-fashioned pastime. Our family has always been interested in playing games when we get together. From Scattegories to Cards Against Humanity to Ticket to Ride, we love playing games together. And these days, if we want to go out for a drink or meal together, we could take our pastime with us to one of the many board game bars and cafes now open in Maine.
Board Game Bars and Cafes in Maine
According to the Portland Press Herald, Maine is behind on this trend. “Bars, cafes and restaurants featuring game libraries, role-playing events and gaming tournaments first began to appear elsewhere in the early 2000s,” it said in its article “Maine is finally getting on board with games at bars.” In the past few years, we’ve seen a handful open Southern Maine, including:
- Owlbear’s Rest in Westbrook
- Another Round in Portland (they also host a weekly trivia night with Best Worst Trivia)
- The Pint and Pawn in Biddeford
What is a board game bar or cafe?
At its core, a board game bar or cafe is exactly what it sounds like: A bar, restaurant or another kind of gathering place that has a massive collection of board games you can play while enjoying drinks and snacks.
Unlike a typical cafe, focusing primarily on food and drink, the central attraction at a board game cafe is the games themselves. They offer an impressive library of games, ranging from classic favorites like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer strategy games such as Catan and, as I mentioned, our family loved playing Ticket to Ride.
“Board games are inherently social. They require players to be present in a way video games can’t. Players can work together or against each other in a safe, fun space that has its own rules and expectations. This makes gathering around a table for a game an incredibly unique and engaging experience,” says Anne-Marie De Witt, co-owner and founder of Fireside Games.
Some places may charge a small fee for unlimited play while others operate on a pay-per-hour model. No matter how it’s structured, the idea is to offer a comfortable space where people can come, relax and enjoy an afternoon or evening playing games they love — or discovering new favorites.
What do you do at a board game cafe?
When you walk into a board game cafe, expect to be greeted by shelves packed with every kind of board and card game imaginable. The staff is usually well versed in all the games and can help you pick something that matches your mood, whether you want lighthearted fun or something more competitive and strategic.
Once you’ve chosen a game, simply sit down and start playing. Board game cafes are typically designed for comfort, with large tables that accommodate groups of different sizes, making it perfect for gatherings of friends, families or even a casual date.
Along with the games, you can order drinks, food or snacks. Some cafes have extensive menus featuring coffee, craft beers and even full meals, while others focus more on light snacks like chips, dips and pastries.
Many cafes also host game nights, tournaments or special events. As I mentioned earlier, one of the board game cafes in Portland, Another Round, also hosts a weekly trivia game. Some cafes also let you bring in your own games or dice for role-playing campaigns. My older daughter goes to one such cafe near where she lives to play Dungeons and Dragons with her friends.
Final thoughts
Board game cafes offer an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. It’s a great way to connect with family and friends in a low-stress environment that doesn’t revolve around screens. With a wide range of games to choose from, delicious food and a chance to meet new people, it’s easy to see why board game cafes have become such a popular hangout.
We’ll continue to keep our eyes and ears open for any new board game bars and cafes opening in Southern Maine. In the meantime, you can always check out your local library for regular game nights or even a lending library of board games. Because Maine libraries aren’t just for books anymore.
Portions of this article first appeared on Food Drink Life.
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