Go Play at the Bay Area's Best Board Game Nights, Magic Gatherings, Pokemon Leagues + More
31 March 2016
Whether you’re into classic board games like chess and Go, card games like Magic, miniature games like X-Wing, or you just want to bust out the old Catan, these local game shops have you covered. Bust out your favorite game and make friends along the way.
Gamescape has been a reliable resource for SF gamers for 30 years, selling everything from puzzles to gamers dice. They host a myriad of events throughout the week such as Fantasy Flight miniatures and Magic: The Gathering. The inviting store also holds an open board game night on Mondays where people are encouraged to bring their favorite games, or play one from their free library. // 333 Divisadero St. (Lower Haight), gamescapesf.com
The Folsom Street Foundry has teamed up with Showdown Entertainment to bring you three nights of pure gaming pleasure. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights at The Foundry get quite lively with console gaming, both casual and competitive games, ping pong, Rock Band, food, and delicious beer. Feel free to play board and card games, or bring your own favorite game and wait for new friends to find you. // 1424 Folsom St. (SoMa), folsomstreetfoundry.com
Head to Games of Berkeley (just steps away from the downtown Berkeley BART station) on Tuesdays for open board game night, where anyone can play one of the games from the biggest free-to-play game library in the East Bay. The well-stocked store also has an X-Wing league night, a Pokemon night, and even a Go club. In the summer months, join them on Sundays for Locally Grown Games, where local game designers show off their new games to the patrons of Eats, Beats & Brews Festival. // 2151 Shattuck Ave. (Berkeley), gamesofberkeley.com
EndGame is a spacious board, card, puzzle, and miniatures game store in Oakland, with an expansive upstairs gaming area available by reservation when events aren't already underway. Featuring weekly, monthly, and special game events, EndGame serves up something for everyone. And speaking of serving, EndGame will soon open its own cafe next door. // 921 Washington St. (Oakland), endgameoakland.com
Gamescape North offers a great selection of board games, card games, miniatures, and hobby supplies, making it the leading game store in the North Bay. Gp fpr open board game night on Thursdays, and check out their events page for special game nights. If you’re into X-Wing, Warhammer, or Pokemon, Gamescape North has a night for you. // 1225 Fourth St. (San Rafael), gamescape-north.com
If you’re looking for a store dedicated to card games in SF, check out Versus Games. Magic lovers, this is your heaven, with events practically every night of the week. Versus is the place to go for those of you who need to trigger your Trap Card. // 1716 Taraval St. (Parkside), versusgamessf.com
This cozy, dad-run game store is all about gaming and family. D20 offers several nights (and weekends) of board gaming geared toward Pokemon, Magic, and D&D. Pick your poison, pack up the kids, and get to D20. Bonus, D20 will let you rent out games so you’re never stuck with paying for a game you don’t like. The owners want to stress that while their game collection is not encyclopedic, it is carefully selected, meaning they agonize over what’s good so you don’t have to. // 1405 Encinal Ave. (Alameda), d20alameda.com
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