Bards & Cards - San Diego, California

Grant W.

We were in from out of town and LOVED our experience at Bards & Cards. The cashier was super personable, asking for our favorite games and suggesting things they thought we'd like. That's not super unusual for a board game shop though, what made our experience stand out was something else.

We weren't going to buy anything originally since we had to fly whatever we bought back home, but we noticed an expansion for a game we've been enjoying recently, and we didn't even know the expansion existed! We picked it up and took it to the checkout counter, where we met the same friendly cashier. Someone else was behind the counter, I didn't catch his name but he seemed to be the manager. When he saw what we were buying he came over to make sure we understood this was an expansion and to verify that we owned the base game first. This is such an incredible touch and, had we not been aware, it would have been a very sad realization when we got home!

This was a stand out experience and I would highly recommend locals in the are go out to support such a friendly, caring, and considerate game shop 🙂

Jarrodd M.

Name? 10/10
Super cute store with lots of games that I hadn't seen before but looked insanely fun. If I hadn't been flying I would have definitely grabbed the "Happy Little Dinosaurs" because literally look at it, it's perfect. Staff was nice and had good vibes. Lots of gamers in the back doing card games. I was devastated by the lack of Pathfinder 2e content but no store is perfect;)

Neueregel

Ordered the new D&D Monster Manual alt cover from them. Expected a book is good condition, got a damaged book. Package was not damaged, the book was mailed in damaged form in a package that was meant to prevent damage. I guess I should ask if I am ordering a damaged or undamaged book. This book as an alt cover was going to be set aside and not used, as I collect these. Value on damaged books do not hold the same way as un damaged books. I assume they already understand this, so not sure why I was shipped a damaged book.

Yes they offered me a full refund or 10% refund, but I want the book and it's sold out now, so I am unable to order another book.

Lame!

Nick B.

Went to this place a few months ago as I just happened to be in the downtown area. This place shines on a street that’s mostly dead during the daytime. From the great front windows display to the first table you see when walking in this super is a gem. I’m a big D&D player and a board game enthusiast and this place has a good amount of both. Some tables in the back were there for card games and some Warhammer TT. Lots of painted miniatures on display in cases in the back of the store. Plenty of dice sets to pick from in the glass counter at check out as well. Games workshops top line gets a good treatment here as well. Next time I’m in downtown I’ll def be back. Maybe host some D&D games there or you his host an episode of the Nerd Expansion Pod!

Joel M.

I’m all for giving second chances. Turns out Mr. Moody Grey Beard is a nice guy after all, and it was a misunderstanding. We initially came in this morning and wrote a review about a less than desirable experience. However, after going and speaking with the owner again, this time, he was very pleasant and helpful. Thank you for the nice response and for having us at your cool shop. We deleted our last review and replaced it with this one.

Sam C.

Great range of games, cards, and singles, with super helpful and friendly staff!! Went on a whim to pick up a couple cards and had a great time just wandering! Would definitely go again

Megan A. M. S.

Great little gem in the Gaslamp. If you have anyone who loves games or gaming of any type, you should check this place out. Friendly and helpful staff.

The L. V. (.

Very cool place! A good selection if just generally a bit of everything, and welcoming staff, a good place to stop by at in downtown, not too far from the Transit network either.