Stay and Play Game Cafe
Jodi Meyer · 142 Google reviewsStay and Play Game Cafe — high-caliber cafe in Irving Park. Expect noise, energy, and a full house. Friendly team that sets the tone, and owner-operated. Josephine Barrett: "The atmosphere and service were incredible, the food was great, and the game selection is awesome"
What 481 diners keep saying
What 481 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I had a fantastic time at stay and play game café! It’s a nice wide space with plenty of tables and of course they made the tables big so that you can play the games on them. They have a nice bar and really good menu full of good Puerto Rican food with their own twist on it. I was very satisfied with both the game selection and the food selection. I had such a wonderful time playing my games and the staff were very a ton of to make sure that I had what I needed to drink and eat throughout the night. They also have a parking lot in the back and free street parking next to it. Amazing.”
“Amazing place to play games and get a bite to eat as well. The staff are super friendly and have great knowledge about the games and will help you understand how to play as well. There’s a $5 charge to play the games and they have parking in the back for customers. I’ve been here twice now and both times are great and have been super fun. Food has been amazing and I was really surprised but the coco mango shrimp sandwich. A definite spot to check out for hangouts or dates.”
“You have to visit!! This place has everything a gamer wants it needs! First of all the staff is awesome! They are superbly friendly servers and double as amazing game masters. They recommend food, games, and will even give you a quick walk through on how to play. The games are awesome. .. Everything from Gonuts for Donuts to Betrayal and everything in-between. Games for two players, games for later parties, games with low or high complexity. Best of all are the tables. Game tables and large bench tables. Room to play and eat! 😎 The food is good, reasonably priced, and something for everyone. It group left already planning our next visit. We each picked a new game to learn and research. Great discovery!!💕”
“Wonderful board game cafe with a great atmosphere. Really nice food and drink selection- we had some yucca fries and delicious coffees and mocktails. The cafe team was so sweet and the owner taught us to play a fun new game. Can’t wait to come back.”
“This place is amazing! We went for their NYE event and had such a great time. They didn't over book so there was space for everyone to play, plenty of options on the buffet, from appetizers, entree and sweets, all of which were amazing. The board game selection is also great. There have simple and complex games for people of all ages. Our server was very nice and helped us to learn a new game.”
“First time here and definitely coming back! Came in to celebrate a friends birthday and we ended up playing Puerto Rican bingo. Food was delicious and so were the drinks.”
“I'm visiting Chicago for my bachelorette and I had so much fun at this spot!!! The staff are so fun and sweet!!! They gave great recommendations and were kind enough to take our picture! The food was so delicious and filling! I loved the Rellenas de papas! Board game select was amazing! Such a variety to play and our server was so sweet and taught us one of the games. We play 5 games and were there for 5 hours! Would've stayed longer if they weren't closing. Would definitely come back if I'm ever in Chicago again”
“Stay and Play Game Cafe is a true Chicago gem. Great food, great drinks, and a great variety of games to play. Jose and Yesenia have created an amazing place to have a fun time and build community. Can't recommend enough.”
“This is the best kind of board game cafe. You feel like family when you walk in and leaving you feel like the owner will give you a hug if you let him. All of the staff is friendly, ready with game recommendations and to teach you to play something new. They charge a nominal per person table fee (very standard for this type of place) since they don't turn over tables at the same rate as a typical restaurant. Great Puerto Rican food and trusty cafe standbys. Good beer list and island rum drinks including plenty of non-alcoholic options. Massive game library and even the 2 top tables are big enough to handle a larger game. There's been ample street both times I've gone (one of which was a Saturday around 7pm) and they're right near the blue line. I can't say enough good things about this place. I've been twice and look forward to going again.”
“Took my family of 4 and had a great time, felt like family game night with some amazing food and a super friendly staff. I highly recommend that anyone in the area stop by for the food and game selection. I wish we lived closer; it'd be a regular stop for us.”
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