Board Game Cafe Singapore
Do you love board games and prefer gaming in a cafe setup?
And if you are, you’ll be pleased to note that Singapore boasts some of the very best board game cafes in the world.
These cafés offer a place to spend a few hours with friends, a venue to learn something new, or a chance to try something new altogether.
And so, here’s a list of our top picks for the best board game cafes in Singapore for 2024, along with a brief synopsis of each place. So do mind the dust and put on your thinking cap!
Quick Summary
- Best board game cafes in Singapore for 2024 include Play Nation, Games@PI, Battle Bunker, King and the Pawn, and Experience Point.
- When choosing a board game cafe in Singapore, consider factors such as games selection, ambiance, food and drinks, cost, and customer service.
- Board game cafes have taken Singapore by storm, quickly turning into a beloved pastime for both locals and visitors alike.
Key Consideration Factors
When searching for the perfect board game cafe, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Look for places with a wide selection of board games. Whether you love the classics or want to try something new, having many options is key.
- The vibe of the cafe is super important. It should be a cozy spot where you can easily spend hours playing games with your pals.
- Don’t overlook the food and drinks! Good snacks and beverages can really make your gaming experience even better.
- Check out how they charge for gaming time. Some cafes might have a flat rate, while others charge by the hour. And sometimes, buying food or drinks can lower your gaming fees.
- Friendly and helpful staff can make all the difference, especially if you’re new to board games and need some suggestions or help understanding the rules.
Best Board Game Cafe Singapore
1) Play Nation
| Key services | Board game rentals, extensive game library, private event hosting, cafe with snacks and free flow drinks |
| Address | 58 Prinsep St, Singapore 188686 |
| Website | playnation.com.sg |
| Phone | +65 6336 9578 |
| Operating hours | 12pm-11pm Sunday to Thursday, 12pm-3am Friday and Saturday |
Play Nation is a board and console games saloon, cash-only, intimate and friendly, and open until 11 pm.
It’s since grown to four outlets, two in Orchard and one in Tampines — east siders, note — and most recently the newest, abroad in the Philippines.
All the stores are themed, but all equally inviting – with brightly coloured beanbags, a choice cut of Insta-ready café food (pancakes, eggs benedict, open bagels) and a range of drinks, aimed at the requisite buzzy side tidal to the actual gaming.
Key Differentiators
- It has expanded to four branches, two in the Orchard area and one in Tampines—east siders take note; and most recently, the newest one in the Philippines.
2) Games@PI
| Key services | Wide selection of cool board games, regular game night and tournaments, merchandise sales, knowledgeable staff |
| Address | 220 Orchard Road #03-01 Midpoint Orchard, Singapore 238852 |
| Website | www.pi.com.sg |
| Phone | +65 6734 3858 |
| Operating hours | 12pm-4pm and 5pm-9pm Monday to Friday, 12pm-9pm Saturday and Sunday |
In the middle of Singapore and a stone’s throw from Orchard Road, this hidden games mecca demonstrates that glitzy malls and boutiques are not all that lures tourists to the famed shopping street.
At Games@PI, it’s Industrial fluorescent office lighting and racks and racks of games for sale or rent.
With the rest of the staff, you can inspect the scene and read about its details, or go to the front counter for more information. A retail area is located in the front of house, while the back area serves as the space for casual plays and tournaments alike.
Try a few, and if you like them, you can buy board games here too. Regulars know Games@PI is also one of the most up-to-date game shops in the town.
Key Differentiators
- Together with the staff, you can browse and learn more about the board game cafe scene. The retail area is out front, while the back area is dedicated to casual plays and tournaments alike.
Client Testimonial
Very good board game shop in Singapore. The staff is nice and helpful. They reserved the last arkham horror expansion. A lot of new and classic board games, rowdy party games and tabletop war games.
Ricar Trikar
3) Battle Bunker
| Key services | Wide variety of board games, tournament hosting, private party accommodations, extensive gaming community engagement |
| Address | BUGIS+, 201 Victoria St, #03-16/17, Singapore 188067 |
| Website | battlebunker.com.sg |
| Phone | +65 6509 4011 |
| Operating hours | 12pm-9pm daily |
This is one of the better communities in Singapore, and this counts a lot with board games and tabletop gaming where half the fun with the hobby is the people you play with.
We also get a lot of quality-of-life benefits, like lockers where you can store your games (so you don’t have to pack them up every time you play), a painting area with plenty of light to get our miniatures done right, and also the luxury of bottled water you can buy, and other drinks.
It’s so obvious that they love games, in fact, that they even make their own, which you can help fund on Kickstarter. If you’re local, then pick a spot—the one at Bugis+ or the one at West Coast Plaza—and go, bros.
Key Differentiators
- The fact that they even make their own games (that you can back on Kickstarter) shows how passionate the folks here are. They got two outlets—one at Bugis+ and one at West Coast Plaza—so pick one that’s nearer to you and your homies and head on over.
Client Testimonial
Went down to purchase the Exploding kittens expansions, Sarah who was working the counter at the time was both patient and knowledgeable about the game and the many questions i had about the available board games they had. Definitely worth a visit!
Quek Chin
4) King and the Pawn
| Key services | Cosy atmosphere, over 300 board games, food and beverage menu, private room booking, centrally located near cultural spots |
| Address | 24 Purvis St, level 2, Singapore 188601 |
| Website | www.kingandthepawn.com |
| Phone | +65 6259 1913 |
| Operating hours | 5:30pm-11:30pm Tuesday to Friday, 11am-1:30am Saturday, 11am-10pm Sunday |
King and the Pawn is a 55-seater, homely place found on the second floor of another shophouse on Purvis Street. We have a go-to restaurant with a menu of stick-to-your-ribs grub, cocktails made from local liqueurs and craft beers, not to mention no time limit on how long you can stay: nothing in this world could be better.
What the cafe requires is only a ‘cover charge’ of $8 for each person (Tue-Thu) and $13 (Fri-Sun) for whoever’s playing.
Surefire hits are Riff Raff, which is a fine test of motor skills in which you must perch tiny counters precariously atop a spinning ship; and Cards Against Muggles – a quite literally shameless Harry Potter rip-off of Cards Against Humanity (also available) – which will have Harry Potter fans and Harry Potter non-fans falling about the place.
Also try the Tomato and Roasted Grape Bruschetta with a huge pot of feta cheese; and the Truffled Honey Croque Madame.
Key Differentiators
- All the cafe asks for is a “cover charge” of $8 per person (Tue-Thu) and $13 (Fri-Sun) for whoever’s playing.
Client Testimonial
An unique Cafe for Recreation in Weekend.
Location is strategic, walking distance from MRT. No small board game fee.
Metrolite Andrew
5) Experience Point
| Key services | Open gaming sessions, vast collection of board and video games, role-playing game nights, friendly competitions, hobby workshops |
| Address | 803 King George’s Ave, #02-190, Singapore 200803 |
| Website | www.experience-point.com |
| Phone | +65 9183 1725 |
| Operating hours | 6pm-11pm Monday to Friday, 12pm-12am Saturday and Sunday |
Experience Point, tucked away just a walk from the Lavender MRT in Little India, is a bare-bones, almost austerely focused but high-energy little cafe committed to tabletop games.
And also games. There are 200 or so games here, of reasonable diversity, from card games, to pen-and-paper roleplaying, and beyond.
But whereas bars that deploy board games typically range lightly from Monopoly to Pictionary, Experience Point has picked itself almost clean of the classics, then flipped straight to the back of the dictionary to unearth murders among the abbey monks and competitive knitting.
But fret not, they will still personally handpick options suited to your tastes. They carry games like Limpeh Says, the local version of Cards Against Humanity, too.
Key Differentiators
- They carry games like Limpeh Says, the local version of Cards Against Humanity, too.
Other Considered Options
BG Monsters Cafe
Just head over to your most loved Board Game Store, BG Monsters Cafe which is right next to the Outram Park triple-line interchange station! Ideal for team-building, birthday and parties! Play in a warm and cozy indoor space or head out to the outdoor patio setup for Board Games or D&D Tabletop Games. Photography courtesy of Tabletop Ascension Attend their CNY Board Game, Dungeons and Dragons Epic, and Halloween Events and keep an eye out for more!
Mind Cafe
A fixture of the alternative/underground community for more than a decade. Longstanding monthly Mind Cafe for team board game geeks and drop-in groups. It’s in Dhoby Ghaut, with 500 games to choose from, including old favourites like Snakes and Ladders.
Settlers’ Cafe
Among the things that draws visitors to Settlers’ Cafe is its veritable line of more than 600 board game titles. The cafe has been open for more than 15 years, and is a much-loved halal-certified space. Low light, low sofas and the classic oak racks of shopworn games bring the atmosphere down.
ME Cafe & Games
ME Cafe & Games is 24hr multi-media games cafe with unlimited options of games, console/mahjong/boardgames at $6/pax/hr.
Board Game Cafe Singapore
You may be interested in board game cafes. These cafés are a fun environment to spend time with friends and family, as you can play any board game you want. If you are a board games enthusiast and are wondering, where can I play some board games in Singapore? Well, don’t worry we did research and have given the best board game cafes above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions about board game cafes in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best Board Game Cafes in Singapore below:
What are the best board game cafes in Singapore?
The best board game cafes in Singapore include Play Nation, Games@PI, Battle Bunker, King and the Pawn, and Experience Point.
What’s the cost to enjoy games at a board game cafe in Singapore?
Prices can differ from one cafe to another. While some charge a cover fee ranging from $8 to $13 per person, others might opt for an hourly rate. It’s always a good idea to reach out to the cafe directly for the most current pricing details.
Is it okay to bring my own games to these cafes?
Absolutely, several board game cafes welcome customers to bring their games. Though, it’s wise to check first as some places may have specific rules or policies regarding this.
Do these cafes offer food and drinks?
Indeed, you’ll find a variety of food and beverages for sale at most board game cafes. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack, a light meal, or a full dinner, along with a range of drinks, you’re covered. They make sure your gaming experience is both fun and fulfilling without leaving you hungry or thirsty.
Are there age limits at board game cafes in Singapore?
Board game cafes are generally inclusive, catering to various age groups. However, depending on the nature of the games or the cafe’s atmosphere, there might be age restrictions. If you’re thinking of bringing younger players along, it’s best to check with the cafe in advance.
