Buckle up board game enthusiasts. The Board and Brew’s University City location is open and ready for game night.
Located in Chestnut Square, a mixed–use complex at 32nd and Chestnut Streets, The Board and Brew is both a café and a full–service restaurant with a twist. While you sip on one of their coffee and tea options or sample some of their signature dishes, you’re encouraged to try out board games from The Board and Brew’s collection at a cost of $5 per player.
Finding the right game is essential to a great Board and Brew experience. You can head straight for your all–time favorite (Battleship, anyone?), or try something completely different. “A lot of people have [...] the misconception that gaming is Clue, Sorry, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit... but there are so many different games," notes Michael Chmar, one of the owners of the new location.
And if you’re having trouble making your selection, The Board and Brew will have a “Game Guru” on deck to pick out a game tailored to your personality and gaming style. “We can teach you any of the games, but if it’s not a game that you would enjoy then it’s not going to help you,” Chmar states. “It’s important to our game staff and to our staff at large that everyone come in and have a great time.”
The Board and Brew is a great place to hang out even if you aren’t in the gaming mood. Kick back in the seating area on the first floor by the coffee bar—it’s a perfect location to get some studying in while snacking on a croissant.
The Board and Brew is bringing more than just board games to University City. The owners hope to establish the restaurant as a pillar of the Philly community as well. “[Philadelphia] is a great location. It offers us so much and I think that we can offer the community the same thing back,” Chmar adds.
The College Park, Md. location has formed ties with many organizations at the University of Maryland, and Michael hopes to make the same connection with students here. “At UMD we do a lot with the sports teams and clubs and so forth,” he says, “It’s important for us to be a part of that culture so that we can create partnerships all over the place in a business and friendship sort of way.”
The Board and Brew’s owners and staff hope the restaurant will become the place to be when you’re looking to indulge in delicious food, quality company, and—of course—a great game. Take it from Michael: “What people can expect is to have a good time, relax and be themselves. People come in and it’s just like a home away from home.”
Location: 3200 Chestnut St.
Hours: 7:00 a.m. — 11:00 p.m.
Price: $$
