Chicago is a Very Board Game Friendly City
Introduction
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, Chicago stands out as a haven for those who crave face-to-face fun, strategy, and connection. The city and its surrounding suburbs have embraced the board game renaissance, offering a vibrant array of venues, events, and communities where people of all backgrounds can gather, play, and make new friends. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for a unique night out, Chicago’s board game scene is welcoming, diverse, and thriving.
The Rise of Board Game Culture in Chicago
Board games have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with younger generations leading the charge for analog entertainment. Chicago, always a city of neighborhoods and community spirit, has become a hotspot for this movement. The city’s board game culture is fueled by a desire for genuine social interaction, creativity, and a break from digital overload.
Why Board Games?
- Social Connection: Board games bring people together, fostering real conversations and laughter.
- Inclusivity: Chicago’s venues and groups welcome all skill levels and backgrounds.
- Variety: From classic games to modern strategy epics, there’s something for everyone.
Board Game Cafés: The Heart of the Scene
Chicago boasts a growing number of board game cafés, each with its own unique flavor and community vibe.
Board game cafés are truly the heart of Chicago’s gaming scene, offering a welcoming space where people can gather to play, eat, and socialize.
Venues like Snakes & Lattes, Stay and Play Game Cafe, Bonus Round Game Cafe, and Athena Board Game Cafe stand out for their extensive libraries—ranging from hundreds to over 800 games—alongside thoughtfully curated menus and friendly staff who often guide newcomers through game rules. These cafés blend the joy of tabletop gaming with quality food and drink, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for everything from casual meetups to memorable date nights.
Whether you’re rolling dice in a private room at Snakes & Lattes or enjoying Puerto Rican cuisine while strategizing at Stay and Play, these cafés foster community and connection, making them essential destinations for Chicago’s board game enthusiasts.
To see a list of these cafes, click here.
Board Game Bars and Breweries
Beyond dedicated cafés, many of Chicago’s bars and breweries have embraced board games as a staple of their social offerings. Chicago’s board game bars and breweries offer the perfect combination of craft drinks and engaging gameplay, making them popular spots for both casual hangouts and dedicated game nights.
Places like Navigator Taproom in Logan Square stand out with their unique pour-your-own-beer walls and a vast selection of board games, including life-sized versions of classics like Connect Four and Jenga. Other favorites, such as Guthrie’s Tavern and California Clipper, provide cozy atmospheres where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails or local brews while playing your favorite games.
These venues create a lively yet inviting environment where friends and strangers alike can connect over shared interests, blending the social energy of a bar with the interactive fun of board gaming. Whether you’re looking to try a new craft beer or dive into a strategic game, Chicago’s board game bars and breweries deliver an experience that’s both refreshing and entertaining
To see a list of these bars, click here.
Pubs: Chicago’s Cozy Board Game Havens
Chicago’s board game scene isn’t limited to cafés and bars— pubs play a vital role in the city’s social fabric. Pubs in Chicago, often inspired by British and Irish traditions, offer a warm, communal environment perfect for unwinding with friends over a pint and a board game.
Many local pubs feature rustic décor, hearty comfort food, and a relaxed pace, making them ideal spots for lingering over a long game night. It’s common to find regulars gathering for trivia nights, casual meetups, or simply to enjoy the cozy atmosphere that encourages conversation and camaraderie. Some pubs even keep a selection of classic board games on hand, inviting patrons to settle in for hours of friendly competition.
To see a list of pubs, click here.
What’s the Difference Between a Pub and a Bar?
While the terms “pub” and “bar” are sometimes used interchangeably, they offer distinct experiences rooted in culture, history, and atmosphere:
- Atmosphere: Pubs are known for their cozy, welcoming vibe, often featuring traditional décor, dim lighting, and a sense of community. Bars, by contrast, tend to have a modern, lively, and sometimes trendy ambiance, with louder music and a faster pace.
- Drinks and Food: Pubs typically focus on a wide selection of beers—especially local and imported ales—and serve hearty meals or comfort food. Bars emphasize cocktails, spirits, and quick snacks, with food often taking a back seat to drinks.
- Social Dynamics: Pubs foster a sense of camaraderie, where patrons are encouraged to relax, socialize, and even strike up conversations with strangers. Bars are more about the energetic, social playground vibe, often attracting a younger crowd looking for a lively night out.
- Tradition vs. Trend: Pubs are steeped in tradition, often acting as neighborhood gathering spots. Bars tend to be more cosmopolitan, catering to diverse tastes and offering themed experiences or specialized drink menus.
In Chicago, both pubs and bars contribute to the city’s reputation as a board game-friendly destination. Whether you prefer the laid-back comfort of a pub or the energetic buzz of a bar, you’ll find plenty of places to roll the dice and make new friends across the city and suburbs.
These venues make it easy to combine a night out with friends and a few rounds of your favorite games.
Chicago’s Growing Community of Dedicated Game Stores
Chicago is experiencing a surge in dedicated game stores that go far beyond retail, offering expansive spaces where people can freely play board and card games, paint miniatures, and dive into role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons—often at no cost as long as tables are available.
Standouts like Chicagoland Games (Dice Dojo), Games Plus in Mount Prospect, Prism Games Chicago, and Good Games Chicago each feature extensive demo libraries, large open play areas, and regular events, making them true community hubs for hobbyists. These stores provide everything from board game nights and Magic: The Gathering tournaments to miniature painting sessions and D&D campaigns, fostering a welcoming environment for both newcomers and longtime fans.
The number of such stores continues to grow across both the city and suburbs, reflecting Chicago’s thriving and inclusive tabletop gaming culture and ensuring that anyone interested in the hobby can easily find a space to play, learn, and connect with others.
To see a list of Stores, click here.
Events, Meetups, and Conventions
Chicago’s board game friendliness extends far beyond static venues. The city is home to a robust calendar of events, meetups, and even conventions dedicated to tabletop gaming.
Regular Meetups
- Chicago Board Games Meetup: Weekly gatherings at rotating venues, open to all skill levels, with 20–30+ attendees per event.
- Northwest Side Chicago Board Game Friends: Casual group meeting in neighborhoods like Edison Park, Norwood Park, and Portage Park, often at Stay and Play Game Cafe.
- Uptown/Edgewater Social Board Game Group: Twice-monthly meetups for young professionals, focused on Euro-style games and socializing.
Conventions and Special Events
- Protoplay Chicago: Annual convention near O’Hare for designers and playtesters.
- Gaming Hoopla & Polar Vortex: Suburban conventions focused on playing games, not just shopping.
- Social Game Nights: Weekly events at Snakes & Lattes and other cafés, designed to help people meet and play with new friends.
These gatherings are perfect for newcomers and veterans alike, offering a welcoming environment to learn new games and connect with others.
The Suburban Board Game Scene
Chicago’s board game friendliness doesn’t stop at the city limits. The suburbs are home to their own vibrant communities, cafés, and events.
- Elgin: Regular board game groups meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, welcoming players from the northwest suburbs.
- Evanston: Evanston Games and Café hosts Scrabble nights and other board game events, easily accessible by public transit.
- Schaumburg: Adepticon, a major miniatures and board game convention, is held here annually.
- Western Suburbs: Reddit users report a growing number of board game cafés and meetups, with interest spreading rapidly beyond the city.
The suburban scene is characterized by its friendliness and accessibility, making it easy for residents outside the city to join the fun.
Google Trends and Popularity
Board games are not just a local trend—they’re a national phenomenon. Google search data shows a steady rise in interest for board games, especially in major cities like Chicago. While the most popular Google searches are dominated by big brands, “board games” consistently ranks as a high-volume, low-competition keyword, reflecting the hobby’s broad appeal and growth potential.
Why Chicago is Special
What sets Chicago apart as a board game friendly city?
- Diversity of Venues: From cozy cafés to bustling bars, there’s a spot for every taste and budget.
- Community Spirit: Chicagoans are known for their friendliness and openness, making it easy to join a game or start a conversation.
- Accessibility: Many venues are located near public transit, and suburban options ensure everyone can participate.
- Inclusivity: Groups and venues actively welcome people of all backgrounds, ages, and experience levels.
- Events for Everyone: Whether you want a casual night out or a deep dive into strategy games, there’s an event for you.
Tips for Getting Involved
- Check Meetup.com: Search for board game groups in your neighborhood or suburb.
- Visit a Café: Try Stay and Play, Bonus Round, or Snakes & Lattes for a curated experience.
- Bring a Friend (or Go Solo!): Most groups are welcoming to newcomers, even if you come alone.
- Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or join a game you’ve never played before.
Conclusion
Chicago’s board game scene is a testament to the city’s love of community, creativity, and fun. With a wealth of venues, events, and friendly faces, it’s never been easier to unplug, roll the dice, and make new connections. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or out in the suburbs, Chicago truly is a board game friendly city—one where everyone is invited to play.