Board game nights are a hot pick as a wholesome group activity, and once that competitive spirit kicks in, we can easily play till the rooster crows. But when you’re playing at home, everyone has to keep their volume down to avoid waking the neighbours, and there are limited choices to keep bellies filled. Enter board game cafes to save the day.
For the owls who love to rack their noggins at night, here are some late-night board game cafes in Singapore. They’re located from the CBD to the heartlands, so you can get plenty chatty and order refreshments to fuel your winning streak.
The Mind Cafe is a veteran of hosting game nights and supplementing nosh on the streets of Dhoby Ghaut. Right opposite SOTA, they’ve got 2 outlets about 100m apart, so there’s space for everyone to play.
Choose from over 600 games to play till 6am during the weekends and 2am on weeknights. If you’re unsure where to start, the helpful Game Facilitators can recommend some based on your likes and dislikes.
Image credit: @themindcafe_sg
From now till 31 August 2022, there’ll be discounted prices for food and games. Hourly packages start from $17.90/pax and $14.90/pax for students, and include free-flow drinks and snacks. For those seeking something more substantial, get the Meal & Gaming Package (from $20.90/pax) that comes with a main course on top of the free-flows.
The Mind Cafe
Address: 60A Prinsep Street, #02-00, Singapore 188664
Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun & PH 11am-2am | Fri-Sat 11am-6am
Telephone: 8121 5188
The Mind Cafe Mega
Address: 30 Prinsep Street, #01-01, Singapore 188647
Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun & PH 2pm-2am | Fri-Sat 2pm-6am
Telephone: 8121 5188
Image credit: Well Played Cafe
Reminiscent of a European farmhouse, Well Played Cafe’s aesthetic interior is perfect for immersing oneself into mediaeval-style games like Avalon or Catan. Game rates start at an affordable $8.90/pax for 3 hours. If you’re intending on having a meal at the cafe, jump on their special deal where you get to play for free just by spending $35/pax on food and drinks.
The menu features classic brunch options that are cleverly named after popular board games like the eggy Scrabbles Benedicts ($12.90) and Jenga Platter Breakfast ($17.95).
Aside from food, the game cafe doubles as a bar where you can pick up some local craft beers at $12 a can. Teetotallers can go for their selection of mocktails like So Gud ($9), a mix of kaya-flavoured yoghurt and soda.
Address: 109A Rowell Road, Singapore 208033
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 6pm-11pm | Thu-Fri 12pm-11pm | Sat-Sun 11am-11pm (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 6970 8143 | 8899 1507
Image credit: @settlerscafe
Nestled amongst Clarke Quay’s legion of cafes is Mosanco Settlers Cafe. For $10/pax per hour, you get to choose from their wide selection of curated games, from 2-player options to strategic co-ops. Plus, the cafe is open 24/7, so you and your pals can pop by to have cafe brunch for supper with a couple of board games on the side.
Image credit: @settlerscafe
To refuel after expending a ton of brain power on the games, Mosanco Settlers has an extensive cafe-style menu including all-day brunch, smoothie bowls, and Korean bites, just to name a few.
There’s also an assortment of caffeine options too, should you need to power through the night. Spending above $15 on food and drinks knocks the board game rate down to $6/pax per hour.
Bonus: Besides eating and playing board games, you can also channel your inner artist with Art Jamming (from $35) at the cafe. Unleash your creative juices on either an 8in or 12in canvas in a 2.5-hour session, all equipment provided.
It comes with a cup of complimentary tea or coffee as well. And yes, the art jams sessions are an all-day everyday affair, in case your inner Picasso awakens in the wee hours of morning.
Address: 39A North Canal Road, Level 2, Singapore 059295
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Telephone: 8845 2822
There’s a wide variety of console games such as FIFA and Super Mario Party.
Image credit: @krispykitchensg
Another old-timer in the gaming cafe business is Play Nation, an establishment near Dhoby Ghaut that is seriously well-stocked. With over 500 board games and console titles, there are no chances for dull moments to creep in.
Students are welcome to flex their concession cards to score a special deal of $13.90 for unlimited game time between 12pm-6pm, complete with free-flow drinks.
Play Nation’s very own board game, Dream Catchers.
Image credit: @dreamcatchersgame
The cafe plays stockist for a collection of locally-designed games, including their very own board game creation, Dream Catchers. If any of the games especially excite your inner whizz, you can purchase them from the cafe or their website.
Grab your friends and start a board game from $12.90 per hour, including free-flow drinks and snacks. If you’re feeling peckish, Play Nation has got you covered with a Game and Food package from $20.90 for unlimited play time till 6pm and a main dish. Their menu includes filling dishes like Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl ($11.90) and Buttermilk Chicken Cutlet ($9.90).
Address: 58 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188686
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-11pm | Fri-Sat 12pm-3am
Telephone: 6336 9578
Image adapted from: King and the Pawn
King and the Pawn is a board game cafe that has something for all ages. Board game rates are $9/pax on Tuesdays to Thursdays and $13/pax on Fridays to Sundays and public holidays, with no time limit. Take the fam out for a friendly board game outing, and your young tots 7 years and under get to play for free.
Grownups can try their luck during Happy Hour which takes place Tuesdays to Fridays, 5.30pm-8pm – you’ll get a chance to score 2 cocktails for $24 if you roll dice doubles.
Image credit: @kingandthepawn
King and the Pawn doesn’t just have snacks to stave hunger pangs, they’ve also got brunch options to rival that of a proper cafe. Pop by for some sweet treats like the Warm Toffee Cake ($11), savour decadent dishes like the Truffled Honey Croque Madame ($19) and a creamy Camembert Brûlée ($24) platter to share.
Address: 24 Purvis Street, Level 2, Singapore 188601
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5.30pm-11.30pm | Fri 5.30pm-1.30am | Sat 11am-1.30am | Sun 11am-10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 6259 1913
Private LAN rooms and free retro arcade gaming for paying diners.
Image adapted from: @kommune_82soho & @kommune_82soho
If you’ve ever found yourself lamenting over how boring town has become in comparison with overseas haunts, you might want to reconsider. Within Orchard Gateway is Kommune @ 82SOHO – short for 82 Social House – that’s heavily inspired by Korean game culture and entertainment.
From $2/pax per hour, hit up the private LAN stations and battle it out in popular games like Valorant. The Board Game Rooms (from $10/pax per hour) double up as private work or study rooms to help you clock in some productivity and spice up the meaning of “WFH”.
Image credit: @kommune_82soho, @kommune_82soho
For those seeking a chill retreat after shopping, kick back at the Barefoot Kommune Open Lounge from $10 for 2 hours. You can even hang out longer as long as no one’s in the queue.
Besides getting snacks at Kommune, you can cure your hunger pangs over at Tigress, 82Soho’s next-door restaurant space which serves classic Korean dishes like Bulgogi ($26) and Korean Wings (from $12).
Address: 277 Orchard Road, #03-18 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
Opening hours: 11.30am-11pm, Daily
Telephone: 8112 0480
Image credit: @thesmartlocalsg
While we’re reminiscing about the golden days of clubbing, check out Playscape Cafe and Games. This board game cafe in Clarke Quay is perfect for the gang to gather after a long day at work. Better yet, swing by during Happy Hour – taking place Wednesdays to Sundays, 5pm-7pm – for a series of drinking games and 20% off all alcoholic drinks.
Image credit: @thesmartlocalsg
Hourly game rates start from $4.50 for members* and $5 for non-members. For those looking to game away till dawn, check out their Sundown Party rates which apply 9pm-5.30am on Fridays to Sundays as well as public holidays and public holiday eves, where each hour costs $16.90 for members* and $18.80 for non-members.
The food options here include fuss-free snacks like Cup Noodles ($3) and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches ($2.50) that won’t be too heavy on the tummy while you ton the night.
*Membership is at an annual fee of $9. Perks include table reservations and discounted prices. Do check with their staff on how you can register.
Address: 12 Upper Circular Road, Singapore 058410
Opening hours: Wed-Thu 12pm-11pm | Fri-Sun 2pm-5.30am | PH & PH eve 1pm-5.30am (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Telephone: 8917 7961
Playscape Cafe and Games website
SAFRA Punggol (left) and SAFRA Jurong (right).
Image adapted from: @safrasg, @safrasg
Most of us have only gone to our nearby SAFRA for recreational activities and sports like swimming and bowling. Perhaps a lesser-known facility at SAFRA clubs are their Games Rooms which can be found in all 6 locations, including Jurong and Punggol.
Image credit: SAFRA
Those itching to shuffle some tiles can make a booking at these game rooms that have been fitted with either automatic or manual mahjong tables. We couldn’t ask for more – you’ll get a private room to comfortably play mahjong till late.
The rates differ for each SAFRA club so do check out their respective websites.
Note: SAFRA membership is required to book the room, and the member needs to be present throughout the session.
Whether it’s a lighthearted game of Uno or trying out brand new game titles that you’d never think to buy, these late-night board game cafes promise a night of epic fun and restaurant-standard food.
Especially with the nightlife scene off the table, we can count on these board game cafes that open till late to satisfy our supper cravings and provide entertainment till the wee hours of the morning. Better yet, you won’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbours.
Here are some other activities for your next hangout:
Cover image adapted from: @thesmartlocalsg, @settlerscafe, Play Nation
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