Ottawa’s Best Board Game Cafes that Will Save Your Friendships in a Tech-Obsessed World
My supposed BFF got married today. How did I find out? Instagram. I’m shocked; She never mentioned a word about it!
Now she’s probably off to her new husband’s homeland, so it’s possible that we might never see each other again, aside from the occasional glimpses on each other’s feed.
It’s ironic how social media, which was supposedly designed for connections, made us forget to foster friendships in real life.
Back in high school, my friends and I lived for board games, giving us a chance to actually talk to each other. Now, this gave me an idea.
As a writer, the only way to nurse this tiny grudge was to make this list of the best board game spots in Ottawa, sparing others the shock of discovering a friend’s major life event through a social media post.
And frankly, I’m hoping Jamie will see this and get the hint: we need to talk!
1. Hangout
Website: https://www.instagram.com/hangoutottawa/
Address: 839 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-265-1693
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Hangout is a quaint bubble tea store, offering a delightful variety of sweet drinks and shaved ice desserts, along with a broad collection of board games, and video games.
True to its name, folks can hang out here with their friends as they sip on their tasty treats while perusing the variety of board games available.
The best part is, they have every kind imaginable, so you can choose from strategic games and card games!
Plus, they’re often open until late, making it the perfect location for late-night hangouts and gaming sessions.
2. Manor Lounge
Website: https://www.escapemanor.com/
Address: 292 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613-695-1655
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday and Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Manor Lounge is Escape Manor Ottawa’s very own dining destination, offering not only delectable bites but also a plethora of entertainment options.
Patrons can expect a wide array of exciting activities, including a magic show, an event for dueling pianos, parlor games, as well as board games.
If you’re tired of losing different rounds of UNO again and again, consider challenging your friends to a game of bocce ball or darts! Or perhaps, if you’re seeking a more thrilling and immersive experience, you might want to try their escape rooms.
3. Level One Game Pub
Website: https://levelonegamepub.com
Address: 14 Waller St
Contact details: +1 613-979-7529
Operating hours:
- Monday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Level One Game Pub is an obvious choice for a lot of Ottawans, considering it’s jam-packed with a variety of board and video games.
They have a collection of more than 1300 and 1000 respectively, making variety their top selling point.
Whatever you want, they probably have it! I’ve actually been searching for a place with Guess Who, and lo hand behold, Level One Game Pub came to the rescue, letting me relive my favorite childhood game.