LIVE, LAUGH, PLAY — AT L.A. TABLETOP SPOTS
PLAY is an integral part of what it means to be human. We’ve been playing games for thousands of years, after all. And for good reason: Play can improve comprehension, creativity and problemsolving skills. It can reduce stress and bring people together. Playing tabletop games, for example, can help you feel more socially connected and increase your confidence, researchers have found. Tabletop games, which can be played at bars, game shops and cafes throughout Los Angeles County, incorporate many types of play, from moving pieces to imagining narratives.
There’s a name for the sense of flow and pure joy felt while playing: the “play state.” It means one is fully immersed in an activity that provides pure bliss and a break from distractions and worries. Whether you’re a hobbyist or new to gaming, here are five spots where you can harness and develop your personal sense of play.
GAME N’ GROUNDS
Game N’ Grounds is an inviting neighborhood coffee shop and a fully stocked board game store and cafe all in one. Its library includes more than 300 board games, including some, like Quacks of Quedlinburg, with pieces not available in standard boxes. Store “gameologists” recommend games they think you’ll enjoy, ranging from multiple-hour strategy games to 15-minute party games. They also can demo the game. The store has a custom Dungeons & Dragons world that you can only experience there. Nightly board game events can draw 40 to 50 people, with a focus on creating a safe and inviting community. Events for beginners include D&D 101 and Learn the Game of the Week. Show up solo or in a group; staff members will play with those who come alone or encourage people with similar interests and skill levels to play together. The most popular coffee drinks here are the strawberryand-rose-flavored King’s Rose and vanilla-andlavender-flavored Queen’s Lavender. There
GEEKY TEAS & GAMES
Women-owned, LGBTQfriendly Geeky Teas & Games transports you into a fantasy gaming world. It has a dwarventhemed tavern and a spaceship-themed room, plus more than 400 tabletop games to play. The shop, which can draw more than 40 patrons on a given night, requires all guests to be COVIDvaccinated. Geeky Teas & Games offers some snacks and water but does not allow additional food. Reserve a table online, especially on the busiest days (Saturdays and Tuesdays). Geeky Teas & Games also houses a cat rescue, and well-trained cats wander the space. The best way to make new friends here is through its Discord server: Post your interests, and staff members or patrons will help you get involved. You can usually find someone to explain new games.
Geeky also hosts an LGBTQ board gamers group. Founder/co-owner Donna Ricci focuses on creating a light-hearted, fun and accepting community, “building a place where geeks feel like they are being honored.” Table $5 per person; private room $10 per person. Snacks start at $1.50, souvenir tea $10.
2220 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, (818) 639-2283, geekyteas.com
GUILDHALL
“Any game that might be
fun with a beer, we have that game,” says Collin Tollefson, Guildhall’s general manager. The adult gaming and esports bar has more than 300 board games regularly updated to accommodate the latest trends. It offers both party and strategy games and allows you to bring your own games. Guildhall’s Burbank and Whittier locations pay incredible attention to detail with bright walls, themed decorations and well-lit rooms. Nerdythemed drinks and cocktails like Dragonblade and Chareaudinger’s Cat, as well as local craft beers, are available. On Fridays and Saturdays, gamers tend to fill the 20 to 30 tables at each location. Players typically range in age from 25 to 40. If you are alone, the staff recommends sitting at the bar. Wall-mounted TVs stream gaming podcasts and esports competitions. On the menu: gluten-free chicken tenders made with corn chips and house-smoked meats. Check Instagram for food specials. Drinks $6 to $14; food $5 to $24. Gameplay is free.
Burbank, (818) 561-4552, guildhall.tv
NEXT-GEN GAMES
Packed with 25 to 60 patrons nightly, NextGen hosts themed events for people to play together. Its busiest nights are Mondays for Dungeons & Dragons and Thursdays for Pokémon. Wednesday board game night is also a great time to play games and meet people. Pay $5 for the night to access the game library. That turns into store credit, so after visiting and playing five times, you could have a $25 credit toward the purchase of a game. If you want to meet new people, attend one of Next-Gen’s events. You can stop in during store hours and rent games with friends as long as there is open space. Gamers who come here know their preferred games inside and out. There’s also a Discord. Snacks and drinks $1-$3.
5450 W. Pico Blvd., #103, Los Angeles, (323) 9383400, nextgengames.la
ODYSSEY GAMES
Walk into Odyssey Games and you’ll see walls painted with castle bricks, volcanoes and gaming characters. There’s even a large wooden watermill. It’s all designed to put you in a gaming mood, as are the more than 100 games and 50 tables, and gameplay is free. On Tuesdays, you can learn Warhammer; on Wednesdays, learn D&D. Board games are the draw on Thursdays. There’s also an active Discord, and two rooms upstairs that you can reserve for a more secluded experience. Owner Paul Zuber aims to create a welcoming environment. The staff will let you try out games, and they can teach you games when available. Come in and play anytime the store is open, but if you want to meet people, attend events; check the online calendar. Snacks and drinks range from 50 cents to $5.