When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Bonus Round Game Cafe
Why Bonus Round Game Cafe is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bonus Round Game Cafe, nestled in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere ideal for gathering with friends. This unique cafe blends a passion for board games with a full-service café experience, featuring a diverse menu that includes coffee, snacks, sandwiches, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, Bonus Round's skilled Game Guides are on hand to recommend and teach a wide variety of games to suit any group's preferences. The cafe's inviting ambiance, combined with its well-curated game library, makes it an excellent venue for casual meetups, game nights, and special events. Open from noon on weekends and late into the evening during weekdays, it accommodates both daytime and nighttime socializing, providing flexibility for guests. Its thoughtful approach to noise, favoring an environment conducive to conversation, enhances the social experience further. Located at 3230 N Clark St, Chicago, Bonus Round Game Cafe stands out as a beloved community spot rated highly by visitors for both its food and game offerings.
Here's what people think of Bonus Round Game Cafe
As of recent, Bonus Round Game Cafe holds a 4.7-star rating based on 488 reviews.
Visitors consistently praise Bonus Round Game Cafe for its exceptional food and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Many reviews highlight the personalized game recommendations that enhance the experience, with staff often bringing several games to choose from and patiently explaining the rules. Positive feedback also focuses on the cozy atmosphere and the well-rounded menu suitable for enjoying throughout a game session. Additionally, friendly service and the opportunity to discover and even purchase new games contribute to high customer satisfaction. On the other hand, some reviews suggest that while the food options are enjoyable, ordering just snacks may suffice for a typical visit focused on gaming. A few visitors noted initial hesitation before visiting but have expressed eagerness to return as the cafe makes them feel comfortable and welcome. Ultimately, the combination of great service, a robust game selection, and a social yet relaxed environment makes Bonus Round Game Cafe a celebrated destination among its patrons, reflected in its strong 4.7-star rating from nearly 500 reviewers.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jeff D3ltablues
I stopped in from out of state. The staff is knowledgeable, the game selection is good. The people are fun and kind. Btw, the food is really good and affordable! I recommend this place without reservation.
Christian Maron
An absolute gem of a cafe. Fig goat cheese was heavenly and the board game offerings are insane. So many board games and they're so well organized and labeled!! The staff are beyond incredible, checking in multiple times to see how things were going and if we needed any help learning games. I'd recommend coming here during happy hour if you can as it gets pretty expensive fast.
Lisa Carmichael
Fun experience. We played three games that we have never played before or had even heard of. The staff got us started in each game. Played one round of each. Drinks were good. Didn’t order food though. Highly recommend giving Bonus Round Game Cafe a try located in Wrigleyville in Chicago. It was a great family experience!
Samuel Cortez
Went there with my friends for our first time. We played Wingspan which is an advanced level game but we had all the time we needed to start and finish with more time to spare. We had a big coffee table which gave us lots of space to play the board game and have food and drinks. The food prices were reasonable. Their drip coffee is solid. The atmosphere is awesome. We loved our time and definitely wanna go back there. Customer service is very positive.
Lisa Drost
What a great place! Place to play games and enjoy food and drinks while you are! I would not rate this like a regular restaurant because I think it more focused on the game playing with some food. If you are going for the food, probably not your place. It’s good if you go expecting pretty basic stuff, like a microwaved quesadilla. However, everything else completely makes it a great place. The staff is fantastic! They will suggest and/or bring you games from their huge selection. They will explain the games or let you learn on your own. We paid $7 each for a game pass, and played for almost 3 hours. There is $10 minimum order for food and drinks while you are there. I had a root beer float and my daughter had a couple really nice craft beers. Saw other people’s snacks and things looked ok. A quesadilla and a veggie tray I remember. My only small dislike is that the tables are really close together and it took me a bit to get comfortable with that. We had a wonderful time!!
How to reach Bonus Round Game Cafe
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Why Bonus Round Game Cafe may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bonus Round Game Cafe with your friends?
Bonus Round Game Cafe, located in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview neighborhood, is a premier destination for social gatherings centered around fun, food, and games. With a remarkable 4.7-star rating from nearly 500 reviews, it clearly stands out as a top choice to meet up with friends or family. The core reason to rally here is its unique blend of a welcoming atmosphere, a comprehensive board game collection, and a full-service cafe offering diverse food and drink options. Whether you're a casual player or a serious board game enthusiast, Bonus Round creates an environment that sparks connection and laughter over shared games. The staff, noted for their friendliness and deep knowledge, elevate the experience by suggesting suitable games and helping new players grasp rules quickly, ensuring nobody feels left out. The combination of great service, a lively yet comfortable ambience, and multiple entertainment options makes it ideal for groups looking to bond or celebrate special occasions in an engaging, fun-filled setting.
What activities and games can you enjoy at Bonus Round Game Cafe?
Bonus Round Game Cafe is not just a place to eat and drink; it’s an immersive playground with a vast assortment of board games tailored for every taste and group size. Their game library includes classics as well as contemporary hits, ranging from quick party games to strategic, longer plays. Visitors can expect to find card games, cooperative challenges, competitive battles, and thematic adventures that encourage interaction and teamwork. The knowledgeable Game Guides are an integral part of the experience—they help newcomers and seasoned players alike discover games, explain the rules clearly, and even offer personalized game recommendations based on your group's preferences. This curated support helps minimize any intimidation factor for beginners and maximizes fun for experienced players. Additionally, the cafe often features “escape room in a box” experiences that bring a puzzle-solving element to your meetup. Whether you want to casually enjoy some friendly competition or dive deep into a complex game, Bonus Round accommodates all levels of enthusiasm.
What makes Bonus Round Game Cafe perfect for a group meetup?
Several factors make Bonus Round an outstanding venue to host meetups of any size. The space is designed to comfortably seat groups, from small circles of 2-4 friends to larger gatherings that require advance reservations (especially for parties over 8). Unlike many noisy establishments, the cafe maintains a pleasant noise level that enables easy conversation without having to raise your voice. This is particularly important when playing games that require discussing strategies or storylines. The menu complements the experience by offering a broad range of options—savory sandwiches, snacks, and sweet treats, alongside an espresso bar, craft beers, wines, and cocktails. This allows each guest to find something they enjoy while keeping energy levels up over hours of gaming. The staff’s dedication to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment helps ensure your group feels at home, making it an ideal spot for birthday parties, casual friend hangouts, or family gatherings.
How do food and drink enhance the meetup experience at Bonus Round Game Cafe?
Food and beverages at Bonus Round are carefully crafted to keep the social and gaming experience flowing smoothly. The menu features café staples like fresh sandwiches and snacks that are easy to share and eat between turns. For groups who enjoy pairing their games with drinks, the extensive selection of coffee, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails ensures there’s something for every palate. Importantly, their bar menu includes mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, catering to diverse preferences and ages. Eating and drinking at Bonus Round feel integral to the entertainment rather than an afterthought; the café atmosphere encourages lingering around the table as you transition between games or recap the last round’s highlights. Many visitors praise the quality and variety of offerings as a major reason they return. This focus on food and drink as a social complement—not just sustenance—makes any game night here feel like a thoughtfully planned event.
What special services and amenities support your visit to Bonus Round Game Cafe?
Bonus Round Game Cafe goes beyond typical game cafes with its attentive customer service and convenient offerings for groups. Reservations are encouraged, particularly for larger parties or during busy times like weekend evenings, ensuring your group can secure an ideal table without a long wait. For groups larger than eight, there is a dedicated reservation form with a prompt 24-hour response time, ensuring smooth planning. Their game guides not only recommend and teach games but also assist with setting up and troubleshooting, facilitating a seamless experience. The space itself is designed for accessibility and comfort, with ample lighting and seating arrangements conducive to social interaction. They also sell games from their collection, allowing you to take home a newfound favorite and recreate the fun with friends later. These services demonstrate Bonus Round’s commitment to providing a thorough, enjoyable, and hassle-free experience, perfect for group events.
What do visitors say about their experience at Bonus Round Game Cafe?
Visitors consistently highlight Bonus Round Game Cafe’s warm ambience, helpful staff, and impressive game selection as standout features. Many reviews mention how the staff’s game recommendations helped them discover new favorites, making even first-timers feel confident and included. The combination of an inviting environment and attentive service fosters a sense of community, praised by regulars who relish returning for repeat visits. Patrons often commend the quality of the food and drink menu, noting that it pairs perfectly with the gaming experience, supporting long, fun-filled meetups. The cafe is also recognized for its clean, thoughtful layout and respectful noise level, critical for focus and conversation when playing games. Even visitors new to board games feel that Bonus Round is an accessible, friendly place to explore this hobby with friends or family, making it a top spot for game nights in Chicago.
How can you plan your visit and make the most of your time at Bonus Round?
To make the most out of your visit to Bonus Round Game Cafe, it’s advisable to plan ahead—especially if you have a larger group or want to visit during peak hours like Friday or Saturday evenings. Reservations can be made online to secure your preferred time and table, reducing wait times and ensuring a smooth start to your gathering. Consider arriving a bit early to explore the game collection with the help of game guides who can tailor recommendations for your group’s size and experience. If you’re looking to host a special event or birthday party, the cafe staff will assist with arrangement details, making your meetup unique and memorable. Don’t forget to explore the menu before you arrive, so you know what snacks and drinks to order to keep everyone energized. By combining thoughtful planning with the welcoming atmosphere and engaging activities at Bonus Round, you guarantee a successful, enjoyable outing with friends or family.
In summary, Bonus Round Game Cafe offers an exceptional blend of friendly service, diverse and well-curated games, delicious food and drink, and a comfortable setting that makes it an unbeatable choice for social meetups. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply want to relax and connect through play, this cafe provides the perfect backdrop for memorable experiences with friends and loved ones.