Houston Hall
3417 Spruce Street
This pseudo–dining hall, study spot and career fair hub can hardly be called fun and games. But since September, Houston has been supplying of all your favorite board games: Scrabble, Monopoly, Cranium, Boggle and even Harry Potter-themed Clue. Never heard of Carcassonne, Sequence or Baba? Houston has those too, and all it takes is a PennCard to borrow one—so spend your next study break with Uno.
University Pinball
4006 Spruce Street
Don’t be deterred by the less–than–welcoming storefront. This arcade has a cornucopia of games. Whether you’re shooting hoops, racing F1 cars, or trying your hand as a Pinball Wizard, this arcade is great place to spend an hour or two. It’s open until 12 a.m. from Sunday through Wednesday and until 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The games are only 25–50 cents, and most give out tickets. If you win it big, go for the giant stuffed toys (perfect college room decor); if not, there are always a variety of Pixie Stix flavors to choose from.
Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Avenue
Head to Philly’s largest year–round beer garden, where you can fight the cold with steins of beer and s’mores by the fire pits (there’s indoor seating too). They have foosball, ping pong and, best of all, Jenga. Beer–drinkers from late–nights past have written jokes, dares and obscenities on the jenga sets, so be prepared to “Take a selfie,” “Kiss the person sitting next to you,”—but no pressure to “Call XXX-4866 for a good time.” Just don’t be the one who causes the tower to fall...unless you want to buy everyone another round.
Kaffa Crossing
4423 Chestnut Street
Walk into this Ethiopian cafe and you’ll be greeted with newspaper readers, checkerboard players and an unmistakable spicy aroma. You can order anything from ordinary scrambled eggs to eccentric Ethiopian dishes like quanta firfir or sambusa. While you sip on a steamy chai latte and enjoy the cozy atmosphere, you have your pick of board games to play against a close friend or a friendly stranger. If you don’t have time for chess or scrabble, you’ll find checkers and dominoes, too.
Barcade
1114 Frankford Ave
If you’re too stressed, too broke and spend too much time in the Penn bubble, Barcade is your answer. Take Septa's MFL to Fishtown (get off at Girard) to find classic arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga and Tetris for only 25 cents a play. There are games galore—it’s never too crowded—plus an extensive beer list and warm food until midnight on the weekends.
SugarHouse Casino
1001 N Delaware Ave
For a chance to win big in North Philly, make the trip to SugarHouse Casino, Philadelphia’s premier gaming destination. With Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and the Philadelphia pensioners’ favorite, slot machines, Sugar House is the place to be, whether post Kweder or as a romantic getaway. If you’re lucky, you may even have a class of ‘63 Penn grad as your dealer. It’s believed he took the job in 1964 after amassing unpayable debts at the place. If you’re unlucky, you might meet the same fate.
