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12
Northeast Ohio: You Won't Be 'Board' at These Game Stores
Video games have grown from the nostalgic simplicity of Pong to the epic intricacy of Fortnite, generating $20 billion annually in the United States along. But with more than 5,000 new titles hitting the market recently, board games are enjoying a huge surge in popularity.
Whether you're looking for classics like Monopoly or checking out new games such as Ticket to Ride, you'll find something for everyone at these great game stores and cafés around Cleveland and beyond.
Tabletop Board Game Café
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If variety is the spice of life, Tabletop Board Game Café is as savory as it gets. With a library of nearly 1,000 games and a menu of upscale snacks and light meals, Tabletop is the pioneer of Cleveland's gaming community. Monthly events such as game clinics, mixers and trivia nights help you hone your skills while socializing with fellow game enthusiasts. Looking for a creative birthday party or shower theme? Tabletop's instructors will come to you with a customized assortment of games. Daily passes are $5, while a $25 membership includes five daily passes and a discounted rate of $3.50 afterward. Hours are 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday.
The Malted Meeple
53 Milford Drive, Hudson 44236
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The Malted Meeple sounds like a cool title for a game, but it's the next best thing: a lively hangout where family and friends can gather for some fun competition. During game time, grown-ups can enjoy wine, craft beer, or a creative theme drink such as Angry Fireball or Elektra's Elixir. Kids get their own beverage treats like Cherry Chimera, a cheesecake-flavored latte, or the appropriately-named Princess Leia cinnamon roll milkshake. Take game-playing to the next level in one of Malted Meeple's interactive escape rooms. Daily game fees are $5 per person, and annual individual or family memberships are available. Malted Meeple is open 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, and noon - 2 a.m. Saturday.
Recess Games
26636 Brookpark Road Ext., North Olmsted 44070
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Remember when you were a kid and recess was your favorite part of the day? Experience that same sense of joy at Recess Games. Shop from the wide selection of board games in stock and try before you buy with a test run in the gaming area. Whether you want to explore new game options or network with like-minded fans, Recess Games has a nearly daily schedule of Pokemon Weekly League, Pinochle Wednesdays, and other group events. Hours at Recess Games are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
Immortals Inc.
20545 Center Ridge Road, Suite LL38, Rocky River 44116
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You know the staff members at Immortals Inc. are passionate about their work when their bios are written as game descriptions. Their goal is to provide a clean, family-friendly store that's equally accessible to newbies and veteran gamers. Meet family and friends in Rusty Dragon Inn, a private gaming room set off from the retail space that accommodates up to 10 players. In addition to a 4' x 6' foot gaming table, amenities at Rusty Dragon Inn include a TV and refrigerator, gaming mats and a small private work area to "strategize." Fee is $25 for a four-hour block. Immortals Inc. is open from noon - 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Battlegrounds to Board Games
1314 Whipple Ave., NW, Canton 44708
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Today's board games have come a long way from oldies-but-goodies such as Sorry!, Battleship, and Life. Battlegrounds to Board Games specializes in sophisticated tabletop war and role-playing games as well as collectible card games like Pokémon and Yu-gi-oh! Indulge your competitive spirit by joining in on one of BG2BG's tournaments or leagues. Tuesdays are Board Game Night when you can bring your own or have free play on one from the house library. Hours are noon - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon - midnight Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
Empire Game Center
9258 Market Square Drive, Streetsboro 44241
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Magic: The Gathering is just over 25 years old, but's it's so inventive and influential that it was recently selected for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame, alongside Matchbox Cars and coloring books. Empire Game Center specializes in Magic: The Gathering cards and play, with weekly booster drafts and games with various formats. Drop in to monthly Board Game Night for demos, specials, and open play with no charge. Store hours are 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays, with extended hours until midnight on Friday, and noon - 7 p.m. weekends.
Lakeshore Learning Store
27500 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood 44122
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Want to sneak some education into your kids' game time? Lakeshore Learning Store stocks a variety of colorful and entertaining board games for kids up to age 11 that teach math and reading while building problem-solving and motor skills. Plan a "field trip" on Saturday between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. for free weekly craft sessions. Hours at Lakeshore Learning are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
Weird Realms
11508 Lorain Ave., Cleveland 44111
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Weird Realms bills itself as "Cleveland's Nerd Store," but you'll feel totally hip browsing their collection of sci-fi books, comics, and collectibles in between rounds of the latest and greatest board games. Get a sneak peek at the next big thing at their pre-release parties. Can't find the game you're looking for? Weird Realms will order it for you, and throw in a discount to boot. Hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. and noon - 8 p.m. weekends.
Critical Hit Games
13433 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights 44118
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Nearly every day, Critical Hit Games has a post about new tabletop games arriving in their store. While the current business of selling games is extremely lucrative, Critical Hit has a policy of not marking up inventory above regular price. In fact, many items are sold at a discount. When you visit, be sure to check out the faithful reproduction of the TARDIS from Doctor Who that serves as the restroom. Critical Hit is open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Your Move
What game keeps you playing for hours at a time? Tell us about it!
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