Next Level Board Game Cafe - Mountain View, California

Jennie H.

I love that this board game cafe opened up right in the heart of Downtown Mountain View. The space is portioned off nicely with partial walls and nooks so people can play games of different group sizes in different spaces and have a section for their group if they like, without feeling too closed off. The walls for each section are painted in pretty different themes, as well. And lighting is excellent!

There's open play, which means you don't need to come with a group and people are welcoming if you'd like to join their game.

On Thursdays, we usually start with several quick (10-15 min) party games to warm up. Then, the staff takes a few minutes to highlight some games from their extensive collection (they highlight different games each week), a combination of games that some groups already know they want to play and have open space for more players as well as other games that people might be interested in learning more about. Then we break off into different groups depending on our interests and usually play a long game for most of the evening. The evening wraps up with the option of a quick party game for those waiting on friends at other tables.

Shelf-stable snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Complimentary water carafes and cups are also available. Restrooms are clean. The space doesn't feel stuffy, and I love that it is safe and inviting (you don't have to worry about unwanted people aggressively hitting on you unlike some other settings).

I only wish they were open more weeknights. And I hope they open a hot menu bar with delicious and thoughtful non-greasy food selection soon!

Carolina M. O.

I love this place so much! You can play any boardgames in their shelf and the staff will explain you the rules if you have any questions. It’s like a huge living room where you can stay with your friends and have fun. You can make new friends too! I’ll definitely come back!

Isabella D.

What a unique spot! I've been here twice when visiting friends in California, and the owners are so welcoming with this space. They are great at explaining games you're unfamiliar with, so your options are endless with the number of games they offer. I had the best time here after my friend's wedding reception. 10/10!

Michael B.

I hosted a small work event here and we will hands down be recommending this place to everyone! What a fun way to spend time with friends!
The owners are so nice and accommodating while being professional and helpful. The pricing is super reasonable and the game selection is vast while being well organized. We played 3 different games and had no issues with missing/damaged game pieces.
I look forward to the cafe opening 😀

Jess D.

This place is super cute and is an amazing addition to downtown Mountain View! They just opened and are still getting the cafe part set up, but it already feels so fun and welcoming. They have a huge selection of games and the owners are very kind and knowledgeable. I imagine this space will be a great hang out spot, party venue, cafe, and more! I will definitely be back soon

Francisco

Introduction
Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited by a friend to play Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) at the Next Level Board Game Cafe. It was their first time hosting a DnD game day, and the turnout was fantastic. Despite forgetting to book a game for my daughter and myself, the staff managed to get us into a game, and we had a memorable time. Here’s a detailed account of our experience.

Game Day Experience
Warm Welcome:
The staff at Next Level Board Game Cafe were incredibly friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived. They ensured we got a spot in a game even though I hadn't booked in advance, which was a great start to our day.

Comfort and Amenities:
We played DnD for about three hours. For those who find wooden chairs uncomfortable, the cafe offers table cushions—a thoughtful touch that adds to the comfort of the gaming experience.

Food Policy:
The only downside was the no food policy, which I totally understand. They do have a snack bar with chips, cookies, and sodas, but as someone who prefers a more substantial meal, I found this a bit lacking. However, I heard they’re building a cafe section, which is fantastic news. It’s difficult to sit for 3-4 hours without a comfortable place to enjoy a small meal, so this addition will be a great improvement.

Pricing and Value
Affordable Entry:
The entry fee was extremely affordable at $7 per person. While I appreciate the low cost, I believe a slightly higher fee of $10-15 would be more sustainable for the business. With the addition of the cafe, maintaining a balance between affordability and profitability will be crucial for their growth.

Crowd and Atmosphere
Diverse Age Group:
The crowd was mostly my age (I'm a millennial), though my 13-year-old daughter enjoyed the event as well. If you're planning to send your children, I recommend taking them or sending them in groups, as the crowd tends to be older.

Parking:
Parking can be a bit challenging since the cafe is located in downtown Mountain View. Be prepared for a bit of a walk to reach the venue.

Final Thoughts
Overall, our game day at Next Level Board Game Cafe was fun and interactive. The staff’s friendliness and the comfortable gaming environment made for an enjoyable experience. I look forward to them hosting another DnD day and wish them nothing but the best. Despite the minor inconveniences, the event was well worth attending, and I can't wait to see how they evolve with the addition of the cafe section.

If you’re a fan of board games and looking for a welcoming place to play, I highly recommend checking out Next Level Board Game Cafe. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie, you'll find a community of like-minded individuals ready to roll the dice and embark on adventures together.

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Krishiv V.

Love going to this café! Staff are wonderful, they're friendly and super knowledgeable about board games. They also host weekly events and meetups for newcomers. It's a great place to meet new people and make friends 🙂

Anne J. C.

Collection:
$7 per person for all-day access to a surprising selection of new releases, like Wyrmspan. They even have the latest expansions for Wingspan and Everdell.

Cafe:
They're still setting up the cafe, so I'll update this section at later time. At the moment, they sell snacks and bottled drinks.

Comfortability:
They provide seat cushions which are a great touch! We returned them to the stack afterwards. Tables were expandable and collapsable depending on group size, very sturdy and didn't shake. Noise levels were managable. The extra walls helped muffle the noise from larger groups.

Overall, I love the friendly atmosphere and I can't wait to see them grow into a complete board game cafe!