When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Paladins League
Why The Paladins League is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Paladins League is a family-owned game café located in Northeast Portland, specifically on NE Fremont Street in the Cully neighborhood. It is a vibrant gathering spot dedicated to bringing people of all ages together through the joy of gaming and shared imaginative experiences. With a vast library of over 600 board games spanning classic games, role-playing, social bluffing, dexterity, and strategy games, it caters to both seasoned players and newcomers eager to explore different genres. The space is designed to be warm and welcoming, emphasizing community, creativity, and connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Beyond gaming, The Paladins League features a full kitchen and soda fountain, offering delicious food, ice cream desserts, milkshakes, sodas, beer, wine, and cocktails, making it a perfect venue for both casual meetups and extended play sessions. Families find it especially appealing as it fosters environments for young gamers to connect with their peers and their families to bond over shared interests. The venue also includes private rooms for events and parties, encouraging collaborative adventures and social gatherings. The ethos of the business is inspired by cherished memories and the desire to promote magic, teamwork, and integrity, making it a unique, inspiring destination for friends to meet up and create lasting memories.
Here's what people think of The Paladins League
As of recent, The Paladins League holds a 4.9-star rating based on 64 reviews.
Reviews of The Paladins League reflect an overwhelmingly positive reception, with a 4.9-star rating from 64 reviews. Reviewers frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a family-friendly and inclusive environment that encourages social interaction and creativity through gaming. Patrons appreciate the extensive and diverse game library, which offers options for all skill levels and interests, from classic strategy games like Chess and Go to lively party games like Giant UNO. The quality and variety of food and drinks also receive positive remarks, with many enjoying the unique menu items such as ice cream desserts and crafted cocktails. Another common highlight among positive reviews is the staff's friendliness and willingness to help guests navigate the game selections, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, negative comments are relatively rare but include occasional notes about the $5 game pass fee, which some visitors find a bit steep, and the café’s hours of operation, which may not always align with everyone’s schedules. A few mention the seating capacity during peak times can feel cramped. However, these critiques are minimal compared to the appreciation expressed. In conclusion, the reviews depict The Paladins League as a cherished community space that successfully balances a fun, imaginative gaming experience with excellent hospitality and thoughtful amenities, making it a standout location for both casual hangouts and organized game gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Abbie Lu
This place is great for families and friends. I Love that you can hang out and enjoy their huge library of games. The food was decent but had some issues, I think it's okay since you're mainly there for the experience. The atmosphere is awesome and inviting and the service was good. I highly recommend it for fun get-togethers with family and/or friends.
R Raw
Great staff, good food, fun games. They have a very cool looking private room w/fancy game table to rent, as well as reserved tables and walk-in booths and 4-tops. They have an excellent game selection! Not the old basic, zero-effort Americana games, but modern games that are fun, take thought, strategy, and cleverness to play and win. I'm excited to try out more games here. They have a great pastry selection. I enjoyed the chicken pot (hand) pie, the milkshake, and cider. Can't wait to get into the apple pie & blueberry coffee cake - they look excellent. The only complaint: Horrible, just horrible music. 80's & 90's tracks on repeat. We heard "me so horney" three times, among other repeats. The first time was both nostalgic and awkward with the young kids around. Repeats were cringe. Please play original, royalty-free, creative commons, etc. if it costs too much to play something appropriate (Cloud Cover is $16/month commercial use, I believe.) Music aside, I'm looking fwd to coming back :)
Evangeline Crittenden
Had a sweet Father’s Day brunch with my husband and our baby. The space is very stroller-friendly and easy to navigate. We both had the breakfast biscuit which was insanely delicious. The biscuit was homemade, the bacon was perfect and there was a little extra cheese cooked to crispy perfection around the edges, plus a sweet bacon jam that balanced it out nicely. The staff is friendly. Apparently the chef bakes all the pastries there and I saw some very tempting mini apple pies and berry coffee cake that looked delicious. I also had the huckleberry shake (a special) and it was lightly sweet and delicious, a lovely summer treat. We aren’t really board game people, just a family with a young baby who wanted an east place to get brunch, and this place far exceeded our expectations. Will definitely be back!!
Marcia Hernandez
Such a fun place we found by chance. Large comfy space with thoughtful and delicious cocktails. And such a great deal to be able to play so many games! Nick was our bartender and it was great being to talk about his craft and work on the brain teasers they have. This is going the be a Portland staple.
Amy Sams
Fantastic spot for delicious food, ice cream treats and gaming. We stopped by without any specific plans, just some magic decks and a desire for lunch. They’ve thoughtfully arranged ordering for easy group or single ordering, and have large tables with smaller size plates even for entrees, so you have plenty of space for your play. The hand pie and fries were delicious, as was the homemade soda and milkshakes. Great spot, we’ll be returning!
How to reach The Paladins League
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Website: None
Why The Paladins League may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Paladins League with your friends? Because it’s more than just a place to eat or play—it’s a vibrant community hub where connection, fun, and shared experiences come alive through tabletop gaming and comfort food. The Paladins League, located on NE Fremont Street in Portland, is designed to be a spacious, welcoming space that fills a unique niche for families, groups of friends, and all ages. Its carefully curated collection of over 600 board games invites you to challenge, cooperate, or simply enjoy quality time together while surrounded by an atmosphere rooted in camaraderie and nostalgia. Whether you're a hardcore strategy player, a fan of light party games, or just looking for a casual spot to bond over food and drinks, this venue blends those elements seamlessly. The game pass system encourages long, leisurely visits where laughter and competition intertwine, making it an ideal spot to rally your favorite group for an engaging and memorable meetup. Beyond games, its menu offers comfort classics alongside handcrafted sodas, milkshakes, and a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails to satisfy different tastes, ensuring everyone has something delightful to enjoy.
What activities are available at The Paladins League that make it perfect for a group meetup? The core attraction is the extensive library of over 600 board games spanning every genre imaginable: role-playing games, classic board games, dexterity challenges, party games, and deep strategy games. This diversity means every guest—from the youngest newbie to the seasoned gamer—can find something that suits their taste and skill level. The $5 per person game pass grants unlimited access to all these games throughout the day, facilitating a marathon-style gaming session where people can try new games or revisit beloved favorites without restriction. Additionally, children under 10 can play free with an accompanying adult’s game pass, making it an inclusive destination for families. The layout supports group play naturally, with ample seating designed for easy conversation and shared experiences. Besides gaming, The Paladins League hosts special events that range from themed game nights to community meetups, further enhancing its role as a social hub where new friendships form and old ones deepen.
Why is The Paladins League’s food and drink menu ideal for groups? Their kitchen serves up comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes alongside indulgent desserts and inventive drinks that satisfy all age groups and preferences. The menu features comfort foods perfect for fueling long hours of play, such as hearty sandwiches, flavorful snacks, and classic favorites that appeal broadly. The drink menu is equally versatile, offering everything from handcrafted sodas and creamy milkshakes to an assortment of beers, wines, and crafted cocktails. This ensures that whether your group members want a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage or something stronger to toast the night, everyone’s needs are covered. The combination of food and drink options helps keep energy levels high and spirits lifted, supporting a lively and comfortable environment where groups can focus on enjoying each other's company and the games. The thoughtful inclusion of adult and kid-friendly options further reinforces this place’s family-friendly and community-focused ethos.
How does The Paladins League foster a sense of community and connection within its space? The venue was chosen specifically for its location on NE Fremont Street, recognized as a vibrant, family-rich neighborhood in Portland that lacked a spacious, inclusive gathering space. The owners’ personal connection to the community and intent to nurture local relationships shines through in every aspect of the business. The Paladins League isn’t just a commercial venue; it’s actively engaged with neighboring businesses and the broader community, aiming to be a supportive partner in the area’s social life. The atmosphere encourages interaction and new connections, making it an excellent place to host not only casual meetups but also group events or celebrations. Regular events, themed gatherings, and the welcoming vibe help create a beacon of joy and togetherness in a world often marked by isolation. The families, friends, and solo visitors alike find a sense of belonging here, making it a venue where community bonds naturally flourish.
What makes The Paladins League stand out compared to other meetup spots in Portland? Its unique fusion of an extensive tabletop gaming library with a fully equipped kitchen and soda fountain offering ice cream desserts and adult beverages makes it a multi-dimensional venue tailored for sustained group engagement. Unlike traditional restaurants or bars, this venue invites guests to stay longer, play more, and interact deeper—transforming a standard outing into a dynamic social experience. The family-friendly policies, such as free gaming for children under 10 with adult accompaniment, and the vast game variety ensure accessibility across generations. Being women-owned, the business also stands as a conscious choice for supporting diversity and empowerment within the local economy. Located on Fremont Street, its connection to Portland’s rich community culture adds an authentic local flavor that many chain establishments miss. This combination of inclusivity, choice, and local integration positions The Paladins League as a standout destination for anyone looking to turn a simple meetup into an event filled with shared joy, discovery, and connection.
In summary, The Paladins League offers a compelling blend of gaming, dining, and community engagement that makes it an outstanding choice for hosting meetups with friends or family. Beyond just a venue, it cultivates a sense of belonging and fun through its thoughtfully designed space, extensive game selection, accommodating food and beverage options, and commitment to local community support. Whether you come to conquer a challenging strategy game, enjoy a comforting meal, or simply bond over milkshakes and laughs, this place provides all the ingredients to turn an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary shared adventure. For groups seeking a lively and unique environment that caters to all ages and interests, The Paladins League on NE Fremont is truly a league of its own.