Board games are back: These cosy cafés in Chennai are reviving the offline play

Inside the enclave of Chennai's cafés, engaging board games unite individuals with meaningful connections and playful interactions.

BySarika Sasikumar

Published Aug 11, 2023 | 12:00 PM Updated Aug 11, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Board game cafes provide an interactive and social environment where individuals can connect, have fun, and enjoy. (Gamesync)

Chennai’s board game cafés have ushered in a new era of offline entertainment, providing a haven for individuals seeking to disconnect from digital screens and connect with each other over engaging board games.

If you’re in Chennai and looking for a delightful way to spend your time, especially with a gang of friends, these six cafés are the places to be!

1. The Board Game Lounge

Located at the heart of Adyar in Sreela Terrace, The Board Game Lounge is a paradise for avid gamers.

The café boasts an extensive collection of board games, including ones based on books, series, and anime, catering to the interests of all ages.

Whether you’re a kid seeking adventure or an adult in search of leisure, this place has got you covered!

Featured games

The cafe boasts an extensive collection of board games, including ones based on books, series, and anime. (The Board Game Lounge)

The café boasts an extensive collection of board games, including ones based on books, series, and anime.
(The Board Game Lounge)

Cascadia: A game combining natural habitat and strategy

Dune Imperium: Deck-building and forming alliances in the fictional world of Dune

Anachrony: A Euro-style strategy game set in a post-apocalyptic world

Location: 1st Floor, Sreela Terrace, No. 105, 1st Main Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar 

Operating Hours: Tue-Fri: 2 pm – 10 pm, Sat-Sun: 12 pm – 9 pm, Monday closed

Entry Fee: ₹300 per person

Contact: 08072906499

Instagram: @the.boardgame.lounge

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2. The Board Room Café 

Located in both Mylapore and Anna Nagar, The Board Room Café offers an engaging and refreshing escape from the monotony of daily life.

Aside from a diverse range of board games that stimulate the mind and emotions, the café hosts various events, tasks, and programmes like Mic Testing and Fever Friendship Club.

The café also conducts exciting contests such as Catan Summer Slam and hosts overnight gaming sessions.

Featured games

Munchkin: A role-playing game, including the recent addition of the Harry Potter Munchkin game

The Quest for Eldorado: A competitive game where players race to find gold

Locations: Anna Nagar – 30, 4th Ave, AG Block, River View Colony

Mylapore – 3, Bheemasena, Garden Street

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am – 10 pm

Entry Fee: ₹120 per person on weekdays, ₹180 per person on weekends

Contact: Anna Nagar – 8925910400; Mylapore – 9361051942

Instagram: @theboardroomindia

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3. Gameistry

With an impressive collection of over 1,300 board games, Gameistry claims the top spot in fun and entertainment.

In addition to offering a flavourful menu and assorted collection of games, Gameistry also organises birthday parties, board game sessions for clubs, and even weddings.

The café goes the extra mile by selling their board games on their website, extending the joy of gaming to the public.

 

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A post shared by Gameistry (@gameistry_entertainment)

Featured games

Kushi Express: A culinary challenge that tests your speed and strategy

Sheriff of Nottingham: A multiplayer game involving bluffing, negotiation, and set collection

Location: 2nd Floor, SCM Jamaldeen Chambers, Red Cross Road, Egmore

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 11 am – 10 pm

Entry Fee: Weekdays – ₹119 per hour, Weekends – ₹149 per hour, Weekday Package (4 hrs) – ₹299, Weekend Package (4 hrs) – ₹399

Contact: 09613696137 

Instagram: @gameistry_entertainment

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4. Gamesync 

Gamesync is the perfect hangout spot for friends to bond over an extensive collection of board games and delectable savouries.

With a cosy atmosphere and friendly staff, this café provides an ideal environment for leisurely meet-ups.

Featured games

Gamesync provides an ideal environment for leisurely meet-ups. (Gamesync)

Gamesync provides an ideal environment for leisurely meet-ups. (Gamesync)

Azul: A game involving patterns and colours

Cluedo: An exciting whodunit game

Location: 3rd Floor, Natesh Apartment, 100 Feet Road, Venkateswara Nagar, Velachery

Operating Hours: Wed-Fri: 12 pm – 10 pm, Sat-Sun: 10 am – 10 pm

Entry Fee: ₹99 per person on weekdays and weekends, Unlimited Games – ₹299 on weekdays, ₹399 on weekends

Contact: 8111048454

Instagram: @gamesync_official

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5. GameOn Café

Gear up for an exciting and adventurous ride offered by GameOn Café.

With a wide selection of games to stimulate strategic and creative minds, this café also serves the best beverages for a relaxing weekend.

 

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A post shared by GameOn Café (@gameoncafeindia)

Featured games

With a wide selection of games to stimulate strategic and creative minds, Game On also serves the best beverages for a relaxing weekend.

With a wide selection of games to stimulate strategic and creative minds, GameOn also serves the best beverages for a relaxing weekend. (GameOn)

Herd Mentality: A clever and creative game that induces unity

Catan: A game of strategy and exploration

Location: 17, Radha Krishnan Street, Parthasarathi Puram, T Nagar

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 11 am – 9 pm, Sat-Sun: 11 am – 10 pm

Entry fee: Weekdays – ₹99 per hour, Weekends – ₹129 per hour

Contact: 07845883738

Instagram: @gameoncafe

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6. Untangle – House of Puzzles

Untangle is a haven of puzzles and board games, making it an ideal place for families to spend quality time together.

Boasting over 1,200+ puzzles and 400+ board games, this café helps you unravel your mind from the stresses of daily life.

Untangle boasts over 1,200+ puzzles and 400+ board games.

Untangle boasts over 1,200+ puzzles and 400+ board games. (Untangle)

Featured games

Century Spice Road: A game all about adventure and exploration

Watch Your Mouth: A game that tests your speaking and listening skills

Location: No 2, Ground Floor, KB Dasan Road, Opposite HDFC Bank, Teynampet

Operating Hours: Tue-Sun: 11 am – 10 pm, Monday closed

Entry Fee: ₹100 per head, ₹100 for every additional hour

Contact: 09840673880

Instagram: @untangleindia

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