Stay and play for $5/per person at San Francisco's first board game cafe!
Looking for a place to hang out with friends where you can choose from an expansive collection of board games AND get some delicious food? Come check out The Game Parlour! We cater our food and games to people of all ages! For those who want to play games, there is a $5 gaming fee to stay and play for as long you want (no charge for kids 4 and under). You're also welcome to just stop in and grab a bite or drink!
Huge shout-out to each and every one of our Kickstarter supporters!
About
The popularity of board games is on the rise and we believe that in a society that is clearly trending towards interacting virtually, we want to focus on the importance of having and maintaining personal and physical connections with people. What better way to do that than by opening San Francisco’s first board game cafe!
The Game Parlour is a place for people to come together and have fun playing from a huge selection of over 1,000 games spanning from old classics to new challenges. Whether it be a date night, a family outing, a small group, or a large party, we want to provide a welcoming and comfortable space for people to meet together over board games.
While you're here, be sure to grab a bite to eat! The highlight of our menu is our mochi waffles - sweet crispy waffles with a chewy center - and previously sold only at special food festivals. We also serve savory waffle sandwiches, waffle cut fries, Three Twins ice cream and gourmet popcorn. A full specialty coffee and espresso bar featuring Ritual Coffee, soda fountain, milkshakes, beer and wine rounds out our menu.
Location
1342 Irving St.
San Francisco, CA 94122
Hours
Mon - Thurs | 11am - 11pm
Fri - Sat | 11am - 1am
Sun | 1pm - 11pm
(kitchen + espresso bar closes at 10pm Sun-Thurs, and at 11:30pm on Fri-Sat)
Contact
hello@thegameparlour.com
415-571-8569
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a board game cafe?
A board game cafe is a place serving great food to go along with a wide selection of card and board games. We cater our food and games to people of all ages!
How does it work?
For those who want to play games, there is a $5 gaming fee to stay and play for as long you want (no in-and-out privileges). This fee is still charged if you bring your own games to play. Once you have paid the fee, you will receive a hand stamp.
The cost of food and drinks are not included. We also offer a ten-visit gaming pass at a discounted rate and a twelve-month gaming membership.
Why is there a fee?
The $5 fee is partly a sitting fee and also covers the cost of any damages and overall maintenance of our collection of board games.
Do we have to pay $5 if we are not playing board games?
No, if you are ONLY purchasing food and not playing games, you don't have to pay the $5 gaming fee.
Please note - Friday and Saturday after 6pm there will be a $5 gaming fee for all guests.
Do kids have to pay the $5 GAMING FEE?
Children ages 5 and up will be charged the $5 gaming fee if they are staying to play games.
Please note - children ages 10 and below must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens when there are no more tables available?
Once all our tables are full, you can add your info (name, phone number, number in your group) to our wait list. We will give you a call as soon as a table is available. Please write legibly and be sure to answer your phone! We will give you two calls and if you do not answer, we will move on to the next group on the list. You will have 15 minutes to return to TGP once we’ve called you.
** We cannot estimate wait times due to the fact that there is no time limit on tables. **
Do you offer multiple-VISIT passes?
Yes! We offer a ten-visit gaming pass and a twelve-month gaming membership. Just ask the front host about these when you come in.
What games do you have?
We have hundreds of games in our ever-growing board game collection. A comprehensive list of all our games is available on Board Game Geek. We are constantly adding games to our collection, so check back often. Feel free to suggest games as well by emailing us at hello@thegameparlour.com.
Can we play for a while, then leave and return later?
Unless it is a break to stretch or get some fresh air, we don’t allow in-and-out privileges.
When does the kitchen and espresso bar close?
The kitchen and espresso bar closes at 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and at 11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
What credit cards do you accept?
We take VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
Do you have wifi?
Yes, however, we want to emphasize that the point of our cafe is to unplug from our devices and connect with people over board games.
Can we make reservations?
Reservations are not required, but are highly recommended if you’re coming with a group of 7 or more, or during peak times (Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday afternoon/evenings). You can make a reservation here.
Do you sell board games?
Yes! Come in and check out our collection of retail games - both new and used.
Can we bring our own games?
Yes, you can bring your own games. Just be sure to leave with only your own!
Please note - the $5 gaming fee will still be charged.
Can we bring our own food and drink into the cafe?
No, we do not allow any outside food or drink into the cafe.
Can we get food and drinks to go?
Yes, you can now order delivery or takeout through the Yelp app!
You are also welcome to call in your order for pick-up (we do not take delivery orders over the phone). Our phone number is 415-571-8569.
Do you rent out the space for private events?
Yes! Host your next corporate event, birthday party or special event at The Game Parlour! Contact us at hello@thegameparlour.com for more details.
Can you teach me and my group how to play a game?
Yes, you can set up a time with one of our board game gurus who will teach you how to play a game. Email us at hello@thegameparlour.com to request a day/time, number of people in your group, and your board game of choice. We can also recommend games for you, if needed.
Available Monday to Thursday only. No additional charge on top of our standard $5 gaming fee per person.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, you can purchase plastic gift cards in store or you can purchase eGift cards here.
Do you accept board game donations?
Yes! We accept donations of new board games, as well as board games in good, used condition. Please email us at hello@thegameparlour.com with a list of the board games you would like to donate. We’ll get back to you with the games we can take and a good time to drop them off.
Reservations
Reservations are not required, but are highly recommended if you’re coming with a group of 7 or more, or during peak times (Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday afternoon/evenings).
More details:
We take a limited number of reservations, while reserving a portion of the cafe for walk-ins.
The reservation rate is $10 per person. (You will not need to pay the standard gaming fee on top of this reservation rate.)
It is recommended that reservations be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Reservations must be pre-paid at least 24 hours ahead of time and are non-refundable. WE DO NOT ACCEPT SAME DAY RESERVATIONS.
If your group ends up needing additional seats once you arrive at your reservation time, they will be charged at the same rate as the original reservation. We cannot guarantee seating at the reserved table(s) for additional guests due to space constraints. In some cases, additional guests will need to add their names to the wait list in order to be seated.
There is a 15-minute grace period if you are running late to your reservation.
If you would like to make a reservation, please fill out the form at this link and provide us with your name, contact info, number in your party, and desired date. We will review your reservation info and if available, we will send you an invoice via Square.
** Your reservation is not confirmed until you receive and pay your reservation invoice, which must be paid at least 24 hours before your requested reservation date/time. **
Gift Cards
Send a loved one or colleague the gift of gaming! Gift cards can be used towards gaming fees, food, drink, and merchandise.
Plastic gift cards can be purchased in store.
eGift cards can be purchased here.
