Singapore boasts a vibrant scene for tabletop enthusiasts, from cozy cafes perfect for a casual afternoon to dedicated dens for the serious strategist. Whether a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, there’s a spot waiting for you to unplug and play.
Here’s a look at some of the best places to roll the dice.
1) The Mind Cafe
The Lowdown & Vibe: A long-standing favourite since 2005, The Mind Cafe is a go-to for many board game aficionados. It’s known for its vibrant and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a weekend hangout or even a unique date night. The walls lined with games create an immediate sense of excitement for what’s to come.
Game On! What to Play: With an extensive library that started with over 200 games and has grown significantly, players are spoilt for choice. The selection spans from timeless classics like Scrabble and Monopoly to contemporary hits such as Codenames and Sushi Go.
A key feature is the presence of “Game Master” staff who are on hand to help navigate complex rules or recommend new games, which is particularly helpful for those looking to try something different or who are new to the hobby. This guidance ensures less time deciphering instructions and more time playing. The Mind Cafe also retails board games, including locally themed ones like “The Durian Game” and “Hawker Wars”.
Food & Drinks: The Mind Cafe complements its gaming experience with a menu packed with comfort food. Options range from crispy fries to hearty pasta dishes. Many of their gaming packages come with free-flow drinks and snacks, adding to the value. This approach makes it easy for groups to spend several hours gaming without needing to leave for refreshments.
The Price of Play & Practicalities: Gaming packages are a popular option. For example, the “Night Fever gaming” package offers unlimited hours from 6pm to 2am for $19.90 (Mon−Thurs and Sun). Lunch and Dinner sets that include games and a main course are also available, ranging from $19.90 to $29.90 for a few hours of play. Online reservations can be made.
Why It’s A Winner: The combination of a massive game selection, helpful game masters, and appealing food and drink packages makes The Mind Cafe a consistently popular choice. It’s particularly good for groups and those who appreciate guidance in choosing and learning games. The availability of free-flow snacks and drinks with many packages enhances the social and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging longer play sessions.
The Mind Cafe
Website: https://www.themindcafe.sg/
Address: 60A Prinsep Street #02-00, Singapore 188664
2) Settlers Cafe
The Lowdown & Vibe: Established in 2003, Settlers Cafe proudly holds the title of Singapore’s first board game cafe and has become an iconic part of the local gaming scene. Now located at 562 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218178 (previously Clarke Quay) , it offers an immersive atmosphere. The decor, often described as reminiscent of a medieval fantasy novel with dark wood furniture and dim lighting, transports players to another world.
A significant draw is its 24/7 operation, making it a unique spot for late-night or even early-morning gaming sessions. This round-the-clock availability caters to a diverse crowd, from night owls to those seeking an unconventional daytime activity.
Game On! What to Play: Boasting an impressive library of over 600 games, Settlers Cafe offers one of the most extensive selections in Singapore. Players can find everything from popular titles like Kluster, Ubongo, and Exploding Kittens to strategy games such as 7 Wonders Duel and classics like Monopoly and Scrabble. Game tutorials are available on their website for many popular games.
Food & Drinks: Settlers Cafe provides a tempting selection of food to accompany the gaming. Their menu includes all-day brunch items, hearty burgers, cheesy pastas, and their signature Acai Bowls. It’s important to note that no outside food and beverages are allowed.
The Price of Play & Practicalities: The gaming fee is $7 per hour per person, with a requirement to order at least one food or drink item per person. Private rooms are available, with rates detailed on their menu; these are great for larger groups or private gatherings. Bookings can be made online.
Why It’s A Winner: Its 24/7 availability is a huge plus for those with unconventional schedules. The vast game library ensures there’s always something new to try, and the immersive ambiance adds to the experience. Friendly staff and good food options complete the package, making it a beloved institution.
Settlers Cafe
Website: https://www.settlers.sg/
Address: 562 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218178
3) King and the Pawn
The Lowdown & Vibe: King and the Pawn is a unique board game cafe and bar. It offers a casual dining style and positions itself as a “one-of-a-kind” venue. The venue seems to target an audience that appreciates a more curated and slightly upscale social gaming environment, blending the fun of board games with a quality bistro and bar experience.
Game On! What to Play: The cafe features a collection of over 350 board games. The selection is diverse, catering to various tastes and group sizes, including party games, bluffing games for large groups, brain-burning strategy games, family games, and 2-player games perfect for a different kind of date night. There is also the presence of “game gurus” who are available to recommend games and teach the rules, ensuring players can quickly dive into the fun parts. This expert assistance makes the wide array of games accessible even to beginners.
Food & Drinks: King and the Pawn emphasizes “proper food, proper fun,” with a menu of cafe and bar favorites given distinctive twists by their chefs. All-time favorites include creamy duck confit pasta, camembert brûlée, and finger-lickin’ wings. A full brunch menu is served on weekends. The bar offers beer on tap, milkshakes, and cocktails. Happy Hour runs from Tuesday to Friday, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with deals like 2 pints of draft beer for $22.
The Price of Play & Practicalities: The board game cover charge is $10per person from Tuesday to Thursday, and $14 per person on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday Eves, and Public Holidays. There is no time limit mentioned for these rates.
The cover charge is waived if spending on food and drinks exceeds $50 per person for the whole party (before service charge).
Children aged 7 and below play for free, and those aged 8-12 receive a 50% discount on the board game cover (maximum of 4 discounted children’s fees per table). A Student & NS Men discount of 20% off the total bill is available from Tuesday to Thursday (excluding Happy Hour promotions), provided everyone at the table presents a valid ID.
Reservations can be made online or by phone. They also cater to private events with two spaces that can be sectioned off.
Why It’s A Winner: King and the Pawn stands out for those who enjoy a more refined experience with good food and a well-stocked bar alongside their board games. The presence of game gurus is a significant plus for learning new games or getting recommendations. The ambiance is suitable for dates, small group gatherings, or even corporate events.
King And The Pawn
Website: https://www.kingandthepawn.com/
Address: 17 Purvis Street, #01-01, Singapore 188596
4) Play Nation HQ
The Lowdown & Vibe: Play Nation HQ is a well-established name in the local gaming scene. The Prinsep Street venue positions itself as a versatile entertainment hub, catering to a broad demographic that includes families and students, notably by offering both board and console gaming options. This dual offering significantly broadens its appeal compared to venues that focus solely on board games.
Game On! What to Play: Play Nation boasts an impressive collection of over 500 board games and console titles. Staff members are known to patiently explain game rules and offer recommendations based on group preferences. Beyond playing on-site, Play Nation also retails games and toys, including their own “Play Nation Originals”. This wide variety ensures that there are options for different moods, group sizes, and gaming preferences, making it a flexible entertainment choice.
Food & Drinks: The menu at Play Nation is designed to complement extended gaming sessions. It includes shareable sides such as Truffle Fries ($8.90), Calamari Rings($7.90) and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (S$7.90). For those seeking more substantial fare, main courses like Fish & Chips ($11.90), Salted Egg Chicken Rice ($10.90) and various pasta dishes (from $9.90) are available. Some gaming packages conveniently include free-flow drinks and snacks, enhancing the value. A selection of beer and wine is also offered.
The Price of Play & Practicalities: Board game sessions are priced at $12.90 per person for 1 hour and $16.90 per person for 2 hours. A student special offers unlimited time from Monday to Friday for $13.90 per person, and $16.90 per person on Saturdays and Sundays.
All-night specials are also available: $18.90 per person from Sunday to Thursday(6pm−11pm), and $20.90 per person on Fridays and Saturdays (8 pm-3 am).
For combined console and board game sessions, the rates are $15.90 per person for 1 hour and $19.90 per person for 2 hours. The student special for this combo is a 3-hour session (12 pm-6 pm) at $16.90 per person (Mon−Fri) and $18.90 per person (Sat-Sun). All-night console and board game specials cost $22.90 per person (Sun−Thu, 6pm−11pm) and $24.90 per person (Fri-Sat, 10pm-3am). A “Lunch Special” package is available from S$22.90, which includes unlimited playtime until 6 pm and a choice of food.
Reservations are available and recommended.
Why It’s A Winner: Play Nation is lauded for its huge variety of games (both board and console), friendly service, and good value packages, particularly for students and those looking for late-night gaming options.
Play Nation HQ
Website: https://playnation.com.sg/
Address: 58 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188686
5) Team Board Game (TBG)
The Lowdown & Vibe: Team Board Game (TBG) describes itself as having “The Coziest Board Gaming Space”. Run by passionate board gaming enthusiasts, TBG focuses on providing a core gaming experience with a vast library at highly affordable rates. This appeals particularly to dedicated gamers who prioritize access to a wide range of games and a sense of community over elaborate food and beverage services or high-end ambiance. A standout feature is its fully automated system for table booking, payment for drinks and snacks, and game selection from the library. Their role as a fulfillment hub for Kickstarter games also underscores their deep connection to the hobbyist community.
Game On! What to Play: TBG boasts an extensive library, with claims of being “The Best Gaming Library in Singapore” and external sources mentioning over 1,000 board game products. The selection covers a wide array of genres, from 2-player games like 7 Wonders Duel and party games such as Sushi Go Party, to co-operative experiences like Pandemic. They also stock Kickstarter games, offering access to titles that might not be widely available elsewhere.
Food & Drinks: TBG features a separate pantry area where customers can consume food and drinks. While they sell a range of snacks, noodles, and drinks in-store, a key benefit is that customers are also allowed to bring their own food and beverages. This BYO policy is a significant draw for budget-conscious gamers or those with specific dietary preferences, allowing them to focus on the gaming experience itself without being tied to in-house F&B costs.
The Price of Play & Practicalities:
Weekday Rate: $3 per person per hour block. For those planning longer sessions, a full day rate (4 hours or more)is available at $10 per person.
Weekend Rate (also applies to Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays): $3.50 per person per hour block. The full day rate (4 hours or more) is $12 per person.
Overnight gaming is possible if notice is given a day in advance. Last walk-in for the game area is 8PM (Mon-Sat) and 6PM (Sun). Bookings can be made through their website or via WhatsApp (+65 8829 2090 .
Why It’s a Winner: TBG is highly attractive due to its extremely affordable rates, especially the full-day flat fee, making it ideal for extended gaming marathons. The sheer size of its game selection is another major draw. The fully automated system and cozy gaming space contribute to a comfortable and efficient experience. It’s also a great place to try unique or Kickstarter games before deciding to purchase them. The combination of low cost, extensive game choice, and the option for overnight gaming caters well to dedicated board game groups and individuals seeking maximum gaming value.
Team Board Game (TBG)
Website: https://www.teamboardgame.com/
Address: 16 Arumugam Road, #01-03 LTC Building D, Singapore 409961
6) BG Monsters Cafe
The Lowdown & Vibe: BG Monsters Cafe is a cozy board game cafe, customer reviews consistently highlight the friendly, helpful, and patient nature of the staff and owners, who are adept at recommending and explaining games. This emphasis on a personalized and welcoming atmosphere makes it an inviting spot for both newcomers to the board gaming world and seasoned regulars looking for a comfortable and supportive environment.
Game On! What to Play: Patrons can choose from over 350 different board games. There are also game masters who can recommend games tailored to a group’s preferences and guide them through the rules. Beyond traditional board games, BG Monsters Cafe also hosts Dungeons & Dragons sessions, with game schedules available on Warhorn and a dedicated Discord server for the D&D community. This dual offering caters to a broader range of tabletop gaming interests, allowing them to tap into the dedicated RPG community.
Food & Drinks: Drinks and snacks are available.
The Price of Play & Practicalities:
Hourly rates are noted as: 1 hour for $6.90 and 2 hours for $12.90 and 4 hours for $18.90. There is also a student package and a members exclusive package.
The cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Online reservations made via their website.
Why It’s a Winner: BG Monsters Cafe earns high praise for its super friendly, knowledgeable, and patient staff, making it an excellent choice for those new to board games or looking for guidance. The wide selection of games combined with affordable rates, especially for students, makes it a popular spot for groups of friends and families.
BG Monsters Cafe
Website: https://bgmonsters.com.sg/
Address: 61 Kampong Bahru Rd, #02-03, Singapore 169368
