Forget the lukewarm lattes and questionable muffins – the real draw of a board game cafe is the smorgasbord of strategic delights it offers. But with countless games flooding the market, where does a fledgling cafe curator even begin?
Well, fear not, aspiring game gurus! This guide dives headfirst into themust-have tabletop gamesthat will keep your patrons coming back for seconds (and thirds) of strategic bliss. From gateway games for newbies to brain-burning adventures for seasoned players, we’ve got you covered.
Dixit
Unleash Your Imagination with Every Card
Dixit is a creative storytelling board game where players use abstract art to tell stories and guess each other’s cards.
Dixit is a whimsical game that uses storytelling and stunning artwork to create a unique experience every time. Each player has cards filled with dreamlike illustrations that spark the storytelling fire. On your turn, you’ll pick a card and craft a clever sentence or phrase to hint at what it depicts. The other players will then secretly choose a card from their hand that best connects with your hint.
The twist? Once all the cards are shuffled, everyone tries to guess which one is yours! It’s a delightful mix of deduction and creative connection. You score points for guessing right, but also for having other people pick your card as a match. It’s a mind-melding laugh riot that’s perfect for bringing new people to the board game table. Dixit is easy to learn, gorgeous to look at, and sparks creativity – making it a must-have for any board game cafe.
Catan
Embark on a Journey to Settle the Isle of Catan
A classic strategy board game of resource management and expansion. Players compete to colonize the rich, diverse island of Catan.
Catan’s beauty lies in its simplicity. Each game unfolds on a unique, modular board made up of interlocking terrain tiles. You’ll roll dice to harvest resources like lumber, brick, and sheep. Then, use those resources to build roads, settlements, and cities – the more impressive your holdings, the more victory points you score.
You’ll also need to trade with your fellow players to get the resources you need, so be prepared to negotiate, barter, and maybe even make a deal with the occasional pirate (represented by a robber that can disrupt resource collection).
Catan is a perfect gamefor both newbies and seasoned gamers. It’s easy to learn, fast-paced, and offers endless replayability thanks to the ever-changing board layout. Plus, there’s always an element of friendly competition and strategic thinking involved, making it a great choice for a lively evening at the board game cafe.
7 Wonders Board Game
Build Your Civilization and Achieve Glory
A fast-paced strategy game where players lead one of the seven great cities of the Ancient World. Draft cards, build structures, and vie for supremacy.
Imagine yourself as the leader of an ancient civilization. In 7 Wonders, you’ll clash with your neighbors (both literally and figuratively) in a race to build the most glorious city the world has ever seen.
You and your fellow players are each building a different wonder of the ancient world, like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or the Colossus of Rhodes. Each round, you’ll draft cards that give you resources, military might, scientific advancements, sweet wonders tech – you name it.
You draft cards by passing your hand around the table, picking one card, and then passing the rest on. It’s like a lightning-fast game of hot potato, but with cards instead. The cards you choose shape your civilization’s strengths. Maybe you’ll go all in on science and dominate the tech race. Or perhaps you’ll be a military powerhouse, constantly crushing your neighbors (in a friendly way, of course). There are even cards to boost your trade or let you score points for having the most impressive wonders.
The whole game takes about 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick and exciting game night. There’s also not a ton of downtime, because everyone is always picking cards at the same time. It’s a strategic rush that’s like building a mini-empire in the blink of an eye. So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, brain-twisting game with a side of ancient civilization glory, 7 Wonders is your jam.
Stonemaier Games: Viticulture Essential Edition (Base Game)
Craft Fine Wines and Lead Your Vineyard to Success
In Viticulture Essential Edition, immerse yourself in the picturesque Tuscan countryside, where you cultivate your vineyard to produce Italy’s finest wines.
Ever dream of sipping sunshine-y Tuscan wine from your very own vineyard? Well, Viticulture Essential Edition lets you do just that (minus the actual sipping, unfortunately). This worker-placement game whisks you away to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where you’ll take the reins of a fledgling vineyard.
You start with a basic plot of land, some workers, and a thirst for vintner-y glory. On your turn, you’ll strategically place your workers on different action spots on the board. These spots let you expand your vineyard by planting grape varietals, building structures like a fancy winery or a cozy tasting room, and even snag the help of visiting experts – all to craft the most impressive wines in Tuscany.
Each season throws different challenges your way. In summer, you might be focused on planting and growing grapes, while winter is all about crushing those grapes and turning them into vino. There’s also a bit of competition involved, as players race to snag the prime worker placement spots. But hey, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone, especially when it comes to crafting the best bottle of Pinot Noir this side of Siena.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Quick-Thinking, Laugh-Inducing Fun for Everyone
A simple, fast-paced card game that promises hilarity and quick reflexes, perfect for any gathering or party.
Calling all champions of lightning reflexes and masters of saying weird things really fast! Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is the ultimate party game that will have you shouting, slapping, and laughing your head off.
The game comes with a deck of cards, each featuring a delicious (or adorable) image of a taco, cat, goat, cheese, or pizza. Players take turns flipping cards from their deck into a growing pile in the center of the table, all while chanting “Taco! Cat! Goat! Cheese! Pizza!” in rhythm. But here’s the twist – if the word you just said matches the image on the FLIPPED card, everyone needs to SLAP the pile as fast as they can! The slowest slapper collects the entire discard pile as a penalty.
The first player to get rid of all their cards wins, but there’s more to it than just quick reflexes. The game throws in a few curveballs with special cards featuring wacky animals like a groundhog or a narwhal. When one of these pops up, you’ll need to do a specific silly action, like thumping your chest like a gorilla, before racing to slap the pile. These goofy moments are guaranteed to have everyone in stitches.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a super quick game – rounds only last about 10-15 minutes – so it’s perfect for fitting in a game between appetizers or while waiting for more people to arrive. It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages and will have you bonding with your fellow players over your shared silliness.
Codenames
Decipher the Codes, Contact Your Agents
Codenames is a team-based social word game where players use association and deduction to find their agents first.
The tension builds as teammates race to guess their words before time runs out, all based on their spymaster’s clever (and sometimes crazy) clues. Will you be the first team to contact all your agents and win the game? Or will you accidentally guess the double agent and blow your cover?
Monikers: More Monikers
Hearty Laughs with Outlandishly Fun Guessing
CMYK Monikers is a zany, fast-paced party game where players attempt to guess bizarre and intriguing names on cards, perfect for any group size.
This standalone expansion for the popular Monikers game throws 330 brand new, ridiculously interesting names at you. We’re talking offbeat celebrities, historical figures you never knew existed, and fictional characters that will have you scratching your head and snorting with laughter.
The gameplay is simple, but the hilarity comes from the way you give clues. Over three rounds, you’ll try to get your teammates to guess the name on the card. Round one lets you say anything – think wild metaphors, pop culture references, or even interpretive dance moves (hey, no judgment!). Round two? One word only. Talk about pressure! Finally, round three is pure charades, so get ready to unleash your inner mime.
The beauty of CMYK Monikers is that the wackier the names, the more creative you get with your clues. Plus, with multiple rounds, you get to see the same names from different angles, making it a guaranteed giggle fest. It’s perfect for groups of all sizes, from a cozy game night with friends to a wild party with a bunch of strangers.
Filler Games
Unstable Unicorns Card Game
Strategize, Sabotage, and Summon Unicorns in a Magical Race to Victory
Unstable Unicorns is a whimsical, strategic card game where players build unicorn armies to betray friends and achieve mythical mastery.
This next game isfor all the glitter-loving chaos monstersout there! Unstable Unicorns is like My Little Pony meets The Hunger Games – perfect for unleashing your playful competitive side at your next game night.
In the game, you’re vying to be the first player to collect a sparkly stable of seven unicorns. But these unicorns aren’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are magical unicorns with special abilities to help you stomp on your opponent’s dreams (gameplay-wise, of course). There are upgrade and downgrade cards to buff up your own unicorns or rain on someone else’s parade. And of course, there are the ever-important “Neigh!” cards, used to thwart your opponents' magical shenanigans.
The game is full of laughter and chaos, with players backstabbing each other with glee (all in good fun, hopefully!).
Sushi Go Party!
Expand Your Sushi Selection!
Sushi Go Party! elevates the beloved card-drafting game to new heights with more cards, more players, and more deliciously strategic decisions.
Sushi Go Party! is the deluxe version of the award-winning card drafting game that lets you build your ideal sushi platter, one card at a time. It’s perfect for a lighthearted competition, especially with a larger group (up to 8 players can join the fun!).
Picture a conveyor belt overflowing with delectable dishes – tempting sashimi, plump nigiri, and even kawaii (cute) desserts! Each round, you’ll draft cards featuring these delicious treats. After secretly choosing a card, you pass the remaining hand to your neighbor. This keeps everyone on their toes, as you need to consider not just what you want, but also what your opponents might snatch up!
Your goal is to collect the most points by the end of the game. Different sushi types score points in various ways. Maybe you’re aiming for a trio of tempting tempura or a whole school of shimmering sashimi. But watch out! Collecting just two pieces of sashimi won’t get you anything, so strategize carefully.
FAQ
How many games should a board game cafe have?
It depends on your space and target audience. A good starting point is 50-100 games, with a mix of complexity and player count.
Should I prioritize trendy games or classic titles?
A healthy balance is key! Offer a mix of both to cater to different preferences. Classic games have staying power, while trendy titles can attract new customers.
How do I keep my game collection fresh?
Host game nights featuring new releases or demo days with popular Kickstarter campaigns. You can also rotate some games in and out to keep things exciting.
