A board game is a game played on a board, a compact and portable surface with markings designed for playing a game, and on which pieces are placed and moved. Playing board games can stimulate brain areas that are responsible for memory formation and complex thought processes for all ages. It also can boost essential cognitive skills, such as greater multitasking ability, faster and more accurate decision-making, and problem-solving.
Due to the popularity of board games, board games cafes have been set up to cater to this group of board game enthusiasts. A board game cafe or bar usually has hundreds of board games on its shelves for guests to choose from. These cafes usually have trained staff who can advise on the rules and mechanics of a game so you can start playing right away. There is a small charge for access to these games and there are usually food and drinks sold at these cafes.
What are the different types of board games available at board game cafes?
Board game cafes provide different levels of difficulty ranging from beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels that are suitable for all age groups. Here are the 4 different types of board games you can find at a board game cafe:
- Co-op or Co-operative games – This is a newer type of board game as this type of game allows players to team up instead of play against each other like the traditional board games.
- Card Games – This type of board game such as Deck Builders usually starts with a limited hand of cards, but after each turn, players can acquire more cards which opens up more game options for them.
- Mystery Games – Mystery or Secret Identity games are where players figure out “Who did it?” by engaging in some detective work based on the clues given by the game.
- Children’s Games – These are beginner-level games designed specifically for children to develop their cognitive thinking and hand-eye coordination.
8 Best Boardgame Cafes in Klang Valley 2023
1. Upper Room Boardgame Cafe @ Cheras Connaught
The Upper Room Boardgame Cafe is a spacious cafe that has a wide variety of board games and also some classics such as Monopoly, Cards Against Humanity, Machi Koro, and Splendor. The friendly staff will explain to you the rules of the games and teach you how to play them. The food is surprisingly delicious and served in generous portions and the menu is updated occasionally. You also get a free drink of your choice each time you visit.
Operating Hours:
12.10pm to 11pm (Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday)
1pm to 11pm (Sunday) Closed on Wednesday
Address: 18-1, Jalan Menara Gading 1, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://upper-room-boardgame-cafe.business.site/
2. Meeples – European Boardgame Cafe
The Meeples – European Boardgame Cafe is a cafe brightly lit with natural sunlight and has an impressive selection of board games. There are currently over 100 types of board games and counting, as the shop adds to its collection annually. They have a good membership package and once a month, there would be a board game on promotion that customers can play for free. There is also finger food available for you to munch on if you get hungry. It is the perfect family-friendly cafe to have a good time.
Operating Hours: 5pm to 12am (Tuesday – Sunday) Closed on Monday
Address: 64-1, Jalan SS 15/4d, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://meeples.com.my/
3. WePlayGames Cafe Cyberjaya
The WePlayGames Cafe Cyberjaya is a hidden gem within the Tamarind Square which offers a good variety of board games and card games that cater to all ages. Their friendly staff is always on standby to explain the rules and mechanics of each game. If you have trouble selecting a game, they would be more than happy to assist you as well. The cafe food is tasty and their desserts such as the Salted Egg Lava Croissant and cakes are simply divine.
Operating Hours:
12pm to 10pm (Saturday – Thursday)
2.30pm to 10pm (Friday)
Address: D2-04-16, Level 4, Tamarind Square, Persiaran Multimedia, Cyber 10, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://weplaygames.co/
4. Vivae Board Game Cafe
The Vivae Board Game Cafe is a simple no-frills board game cafe with friendly staff who are well-versed in playing the board games available in the shop. The cafe also has huge selections of board games from beginner to intermediate levels and you can enjoy Japanese food while playing. If you are an avid board gamer, you can try coming to this cafe to test out the games before you decide to buy a set for yourself. The staff will minimize the time you need to figure out how to play complicated games and simplify the process by explaining it to you.
Operating Hours:
2pm to 12am (Monday – Saturday)
2pm to 10pm (Sunday)
Address: 18A, Jalan SS 21/62, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.vivae.my/
5. Boardgamecafe.net
Boardgamecafe.net sells a wide array of board games while allowing its guests to play board games as well. This is one of the few places in Kuala Lumpur where you can get board games at a relatively lower price compared to other shops. They also sell board games on their website and if you order above a certain amount online, Boardgamecafe.net can deliver it to you without additional charges. The owners of this cafe are extremely friendly and you can also give them a call before visiting their cafe.
Operating Hours:
2.30pm to 7.30pm (Thursday)
4pm to 9pm (Friday)
1pm to 6pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Closed on Monday – Wednesday
Address: 157-1, Jalan Lancang (opposite Taman Midah MRT station, Taman Sri Bahtera, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://boardgamecafe.biz/
6. Boardgame Depot
The Boardgame Depot is located on the 2nd floor with a small signboard placed next to the stairway. For newcomers, it would be rather difficult to locate but it will not take too long to find it if you know what you are looking for. This cafe exudes old-school vibes and its tables are filled with books that can be rented or purchased. There are a variety of choices of board games here, starting from beginner to advanced levels and this cafe sells brand new board games as well. When you are here, you can also sip on some refreshments while having fun playing board games.
Operating Hours: 12pm to 7.30pm (Saturday – Sunday) Closed on weekdays
Address: 16, Lorong Ara Kiri 3, Lucky Garden, 59100 Bangsar, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BGDepot/
7. Soulmad Cafe
The Soulmad Cafe is a comfortable and cozy board game cafe with cute soft toys and toys scattered throughout the cafe. It is a great place for meeting friends or going on a casual date. You can also have fun at the table soccer which is completely free of charge. The restaurant serves delicious halal popcorn chicken in generous portions. Their chocolate cake dessert is lovely as well. The cafe staff are friendly and accommodating and will gladly ease you into starting any complex games you are interested in.
Operating Hours:
1pm to 10pm (Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday)
1pm to 2am (Friday – Saturday)
Closed on Monday
Address: MKH Boulevard, 1-11, Jalan Changkat, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Soul-Mad-Cafe-116286453109451/
8. 6FunDays
6FunDays is a one-of-its-kind gem of a board game cafe that not only has a wide choice of board games, interesting Japanese Jenga games, and card games. It also has plenty of Nintendo Switch games for you and guests to enjoy. The best part is that if you are a member, it only costs RM10 per hour. They have 5 Nintendo switch stations in total, and for non-members, they charge RM11per hour which comes with free drinks and snacks. Reservations for private events and parties are allowed as well.
Operating Hours:
2pm to 6pm (Monday – Thursday)
6.30pm to 10pm (Friday)
2.30pm to 10pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Address: 27-2, Jalan PJU 5/9, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://6fundays.com/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
