Most of us would agree that there’s nothing like the combination of great vibes, aesthetic ambiance, and delicious food. But throw in some board games and you have a chart-topper. You could be a DnD Dungeon Master or a newbie wanting to try their hand at board games other than Monopoly. Whoever you are, these board game cafés in Mumbai are just the place for you. Clear your evening and grab a few friends (or come solo to make some new ones). Here's your list of the 5 best cafés in Mumbai for board game lovers.
With a range of food as wide as their range of board games, Pair A Dice Café in Oshiwara is a great spot for board game lovers. They’ve got chess boards for tabletops and four-chair seating arrangements so visitors can have a comfortable board game experience. We’d recommend taking a look at their menu before you go there to pre-decide your order. After all, you’re going to spend a lot of time picking a board game from their extensive collection, so you might as well plan the food part of your outing beforehand!
The staff at the café are wonderfully friendly and patient, and will take the time to explain the games to you if you need them. This is how you know it’s a great spot to make a foray into board games. As mentioned, you have tons to eat, from snacks like onion rings and pizzas to full meals like Lasagne and Thai Curry Rice. The types of cuisine you can pick from are Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Continental.
Address: 53, Oshiwara Link Plaza, 1st floor, Andheri West, Mumbai, 400102.
Cost: The café charges per hour to access the games. Overall, you’ll spend between INR 300 - INR 1,500 for two people.
Timings: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm. Open all days of the week.
Must-Try: Potion Explosion Lasagne, Tandoori Paneer Pizza, and Peri-Peri Fries.
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If your childhood love was Monopoly and Snakes and Ladders, and your current loves are Catan and Azul, Ministry of Games is the place to be. This café has over 250 board games, ranging from the simpler ones you can enjoy over a cup of coffee or a cold shake, to the ones that draw all your attention. Twister will make sure you tire yourself out with laughter and holding the odd pose or two, while a range of tactical and strategic board games will tire you out mentally. Once you’ve had your fill of board games, try your hand at some PlayStation classics or enjoy a friendly game of pool!
All this activity is bound to leave you hungry. Luckily, Ministry of Games has just the right combination of delicious snacks to keep you going. Munch on their croissants and paninis if you want something light or opt for a pizza or pasta for something on the more filling side.
Address: Shop no. 4 & 5, Shiv Sagar, near Iskcon Temple, AB Nair Road, Juhu, Mumbai, 400049.
Cost: INR 150 per hour, INR 250 for unlimited board games, INR 350 for unlimited board games and one beverage. Charges exclude the costs of individual food items and PS + Xbox costs.
Timings: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm. Open all days of the week.
Must-Try: Harissa Chicken Sandwich, Cheesy Croissants, Garlicky Chicken Pasta, and Pizza Pockets.
Tucked into Irla’s Prime Mall, Chai And Games is the perfect place for a day filled with board games. The café is founded and run by Ronak, a massive board game enthusiast himself. You’re bound to find quite the collection of card and board games in this cheerful little nook. You don’t have to be a pro to play, simply let Ronak know what you want (a simple game or something mid-level), let him pick, and he’ll help you along the basics of the game.
Chai And Games is particularly exciting for board game enthusiasts; since Ronak posts reviews of board games on YouTube, several board game creators (both Indian and foreign) send him review copies that you won’t yet find on shelves! This is also where you can find like-minded enthusiasts to bond with, making it one of the best cafés in Mumbai for board game lovers. In terms of refreshments, you get piping hot chai to sip on, alongside a range of mouthwatering Italian dishes.
Address: Prime Mall, L113, Basement, Shopping Street, Irla Road, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056.
Cost: INR 150 cover charge for one hour (unlimited chai included), and INR 100 for every additional hour. An all-day pass costs INR 200 on weekdays and INR 400 on weekends.
Timings: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Must-Try: Garlic bread and Cheese Pizza.
Also Read: Mumbai Travel Guide
If you haven’t yet experienced the amazing vibes that Doolally offers, you’re in for a treat. With two locations in Mumbai (Andheri and Khar), this popular pub is known for its range of brewed beers and ciders. The interiors are aesthetic, with white brick walls and wooden furniture. Warm lighting and plants simply add that extra oomph so you’re always Insta-ready.
But don’t get distracted by the list of beers to pick from – there are several fun tabletop games and piles of unbeatable food to go along with it. If you’re just there for a bit of fun, Jenga and Cards Against Humanity will make the cut. Want to get that gray matter moving? Opt for the simpler Codenames or the challenging Shasn. Keep an eye on their social media since they regularly hold some pretty cool events too.
Khar Address: Raj Kutir Apartment, 10 A, E854, road no. 3, Khar West, Mumbai, 400052.
Andheri Address: C18-21 Dalia Industrial Estate, near Fun Republic Road, off New Link Road, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Andheri West, Mumbai, 400053.
Cost: INR 2,400 for two people (including alcohol).
Timings: 9:00 am - 12:30 am on weekdays. 7:00 am - 12:30 am on weekends.
Must-Try: House Fries, Buttermilk-Fried Chicken, Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff, and Chicken Ghee Roast.
Looking for a relaxed way to spend a dull day? Head to The Little Door with your pals. White walls, blue tile flooring, and cane chairs define the vibe, transporting you to an island in Greece where you can sit and enjoy Mediterranean and European cuisines. Soft, upbeat music plays while you sip on your cocktail (or mocktail), setting the mood for an increasingly competitive game of Scrabble. This is what it’s like at The Little Door, an aesthetic spot in Andheri’s Veera Desai with a choice of comfy board games.
If you’re not keen on spending money specifically to access board games but still want a few hours of light gaming, The Little Door is the ideal location. You can find gaming classics here, from the chaotic Taboo and the brainy Chess to the madness of Uno. A super Instagrammable café with the perfect setting to sit back with a few board games, The Little Door is a must-visit.
Address: Ground floor, Shri Siddhivinayak Plaza, Mumbai, 400053.
Cost: INR 2,000 for two people (including alcohol).
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 5:00 pm - 1:30 am. 12:00 pm - 1:30 am on Sundays.
Must-Try: Fettuccine Pasta, Focaccia Pizza, and anything from their Tapas (small plates) menu.
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Summing Up
Forget spending those weekends at home, these 5 spots are the best cafés in Mumbai for board game lovers. There’s something for everyone on this list, from spots that ease you into board games to nooks for hardcore board gamers to places where you can just take it easy. All that’s left is to ring up a few (or many) of your friends and pick a date!
Are There Any Board Game Cafés In Mumbai?
Yes, Mumbai has a bunch of board game cafés! Your best bet for an afternoon of intense board games is Chai And Games in Vile Parle, and Ministry of Games in Juhu. Pair A Dice is the perfect merge of gaming meets café, while Doolally and The Little Door are ideal for a relaxed session with familiar board games.
Is Creeda Board Game Café Still Open?
Unfortunately, Fort’s Creeda Board Game Café had to shut shop owing to the pandemic. If you’re on the lookout for another location, simply head to one of the 5 cafés we’ve listed out above!
What Is The Best Coffee Shop In Mumbai?
The Bagel Shop, Di Bella, and Le 15 Cafe are some of the best coffee shops in Mumbai.
Which Part Of Mumbai Has The Maximum Of Popular Cafes?
The most popular cafes in Mumbai are in Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai.
What Are The Best Cafes For A Date In Mumbai?
The best cafes for a date are PoolSide Cafe, Prithvi Cafe, Silver Beach Cafe, BirdSong Cafe, and Mockingbird cafe.
Are Mumbai Restaurants Open For Dine In?
Yes absolutely, Mumbai cafes and restaurants are open for dine-in.
What Time Do Bars Shut In Mumbai?
The bars in Mumbai are open till 1.30 am at night.
How Many Restaurants Are There In Mumbai?
There are over 87,000 restaurants in Mumbai.