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We Played Our Cards Right and Found the 4 Best Board Game Cafés in Houston

board-games-cafe-houston

Growing up, I loved spending weekends playing games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue with friends and family. Laughing and being competitive–those were some of the best times of my childhood!

Thankfully, Houston still has board game cafés where you can enjoy that same feeling. These establishments will let you take a break from screens and have a great time with old and new board games.

It’s nice to know that even with all the technology around us, there are still places in the city where people can gather and enjoy the simple joy of board games.

Asgard Games

Media credit: Asgard Games

Website: https://asgardgames.net 

Address: 3302 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX

Contact details: (713) 677-0699

Business hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday: 11:00 to 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

If you’re a fan of Magic the Gathering, you’ve probably been to Asgard Games. 

You’ll find this place along Shepherd Drive and you can’t miss it because of its high ceiling, glass windows, and the massive sign saying “Asgard Games” out in the front. 

They host Magic the Gathering events almost everyday, hosting different formats. But every now and then, they’ll have events for Pokemon Trading Card Games, One Piece, and Warhammer, just to name a few. 

But if you’re not a fan of any of the games we mentioned, that’s alright! Asgard Games has plenty more to offer. 

Fans of miniature gaming (such as Star Wars X-Wing and Warhammer 40k) and tabletop role playing games (like the ever-famous Dungeon & Dragons) will find something to enjoy in this store. 

The wide selection of board games that are free to play in-store, all while sipping a refreshing beverage, are more than enough reasons to draw in the general public. 

They have a bartender onsite to serve alcoholic drinks so beer lovers can enjoy their unique selection of light and dark ales. 

One of our favorite fun things about this place is that you can get food delivered from other restaurants there too! Just make sure that what you’re ordering is not sold on Asgard Games’ menu. 

Pro tip: Consider taking a Lyft or an Uber to avoid the hassle of finding a parking slot.  

  Coral Sword 

Media credit: Coral Sword 

Website: https://www.coralsword.com/ 

Address: 1318 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX (in Eastwood Center) 

Contact details: (832) 742-8987

Business hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Friday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM 
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

If you drive along Telephone Road, you’ll find a building with a colorful exterior beside a tattoo parlor and a barber shop. 

That’s the Coral Sword. A quintessential board game café. 

Lining its walls are shelves filled with strategy, family and party board games that you can play while enjoying their signature latte and a Danish. I personally enjoyed their Nitro Thai Tea, but their Matcha Latte and Chai Latte are pretty popular too! 

For something savory, I’d go for the Mozzarella Sticks and for something sweet, their Chocolate and Almond Croissants are always a great choice. 

One of the things we like about this café is its playful yet cozy atmosphere. 

In contrast to the colorful exterior, the interior has a modern industrial feel with its concrete flooring, dark walls, and exposed ceilings. But the pops of color from the indoor plants, exposed brick, decor, and merchandise add some whimsy to the place. 

We’ve seen people go to Coral Sword to work, study, and read books–you don’t have to be a gamer to visit. It’s a gem for those who want to simply hang out and have a relaxing (or productive) afternoon.

Be warned though –  the Coral Sword also hosts events for enthusiasts of popular games such as Magic the Gathering, so expect the café to be crowded every now and then. 

Pro tip: Don’t have time to visit in person but just want something from the Coral Sword’s menu? You can order online and have it delivered to your door!

The TableTop Tavern by Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy 

Media credit: Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy 

Website: https://www.dlair.net/houston-north/now-serving-pub-food-at-the-tabletop-tavern/ 

Address: 21155 Tomball Pkwy, Houston, TX (in Lakewood Forest Center) 

Contact details: (832) 761-0072 

Business hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

The TableTop Tavern, which opened in August 2022, is a café located inside Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy in Houston. It’s another great place in the city to stop by if you enjoy gaming and want some good food and drinks.

The TableTop Tavern offers what they call “gamer fare”. Basically, a nice selection of beverages, including coffee, beer, and wine, and a menu of comforting pub food that include burgers, pizza, and fries. The Tavern Burger, in particular, seems to be a favorite among regulars and we have to say, it’s ours too.

The atmosphere here is laid-back and inviting. Enjoy games at the café or have your meal delivered to a themed game room. Each room enhances the gaming experience: a wizard’s library and dungeon for RPGs, plus rooms inspired by Lord of the Rings and Star Wars for fantasy and Star Wars X-Wing fans.

They also host various events like game tournaments and trivia nights for the local gaming community. 

For those looking for a chill spot to enjoy plenty of games and great food, The TableTop Tavern is definitely worth a visit.

Pro tip: Tabletop Tavern hosts Trivia Nights by Geeks Who Drink every Thursday at 7:00 PM. 

Heavenly Boba 

Media credit: Heavenly Boba 

Website: https://www.heavenlyboba.com/ 

Address: 21542 Tomball Pkwy, Houston, TX 

Contact details: (281) 251-7078

Business hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM 

For those looking for a place to hang out, play board games, and are not in the mood for coffee or alcohol, Heavenly Boba may just be the answer from the heavens. Located in Tomball Parkway, this charming café is a local favorite for bubble teas, Vietnamese sandwiches, dumplings, and more!

Customers looking to stay awhile can play classic video games on the café’s Nintendo. There’s also a shelf full of popular board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Uno, so those looking for highly interactive and easy to learn games will have plenty of choices here. 

We really enjoyed the laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere in this café. Whether you just want your fill of boba, or you want to play Jenga with friends, Heavenly Boba feels like a home away from home.

The welcoming staff and comfortable seats make it easy to relax and enjoy. If you’re in the area and looking for a place that offers delicious drinks with good company and games, Heavenly Boba is definitely a must visit. 

Pro tip: Can’t choose between coffee or tea? You can add a shot of espresso to your boba tea drink! Just ask the boba barista. 
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