When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Portland Game Store
Why The Portland Game Store is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Portland Game Store, located on North Killingsworth Street, stands out as a premier destination for gamers and hobbyists in North Portland. Renowned for its warm and inviting atmosphere, this cozy store offers the largest selection of Magic: The Gathering products and board games in the area, making it an exceptional spot for both casual players and dedicated enthusiasts. A key feature that sets the store apart is its generous open-play hours, enabling visitors to enjoy an extensive library of in-house games or bring their own to play free of charge from Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Beyond just gaming, The Portland Game Store fosters a vibrant community spirit, evident since a devoted patron bought the store during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep it alive and thriving. The store also regularly hosts engaging events and tournaments, which are detailed on their calendar, and their Saturday painting primer sessions provide free paints and lessons in miniatures customization, enriching the hobby experience. To complement the gaming, visitors can enjoy a selection of draft beers, canned cocktails, and snacks from four rotating taps, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable gaming outing that’s perfect for meeting friends or making new ones. This blend of quality selection, community focus, and welcoming environment makes The Portland Game Store a standout locale for game lovers to gather and socialize.
Here's what people think of The Portland Game Store
As of recent, The Portland Game Store holds a 4.7-star rating based on 503 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Portland Game Store overwhelmingly highlight the welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere. Users commonly appreciate the store’s extensive collection of games, especially its unmatched stock of Magic: The Gathering products, which caters to both casual and competitive players. Positive feedback frequently notes the free and generous open-play hours that allow visitors to try a wide range of games without extra cost, fostering an inclusive environment for newcomers and veterans alike. Reviewers also commend the helpful and knowledgeable staff who enhance the customer experience by offering guidance and organizing frequent events and tournaments that appeal to diverse groups. On the negative side, some reviewers have mentioned occasional crowding during peak hours and limited parking, which can detract from the otherwise smooth experience. A few users expressed a desire for more seating space during busy events. Despite these minor grievances, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable, with many emphasizing that the store’s dedication to community support—especially highlighted by the heroic effort to save it during the pandemic—creates a unique and valuable space for Portland’s gaming enthusiasts. In summary, The Portland Game Store enjoys a strong reputation for quality gaming selection, community engagement, and an inviting atmosphere, making it a highly recommended spot for anyone interested in tabletop gaming.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alex M-S
Personally, I like this place more than Guardian Games. It's cozier, and it's easier to browse in my opinion. The staff is very friendly, and they have been nice to me despite being very new into the CCG scene. Oh, they also serve beers here so it makes playing in the space very comfortable.
Rose
I haven't really had the chance to get into boardgames as much as I have wanted to over the years. Typically when I enter boardgame shops I get overwhelmed and I come from a small town where I get kind of leered at by guys for not knowing much. When I come into this store though it's always so welcoming and I feel safe to explore and try new things. I recommend this shop if you want to try something new but are nervous to be noticed.
Drew Marlin
Disappointed with my experience at The Portland Game Store. I went in hoping to pick up a One Piece starter deck, only to find they were charging above MSRP for it. When I asked why, I was told it’s because the product is “limited and so highly sought after.” That kind of excuse doesn’t sit right with me — especially coming from a local store that should be supporting the community, not price gouging it. If it’s really that limited, then just put a 1 per person limit on it and let more people have a fair shot. Inflating the price just feels greedy. I’d rather support places that stick to fair pricing and care about long-term relationships with their customers. Won’t be coming back.
Nick Villanti
Great game store and friendly staff. Came for a draft with my son and his friend and we had a great time. Would definitely come back for future events.
Allistrata GG4
Good selection. Rentals available to play at one of their many tables or to take home and if you liked it enough to buy it, your rental fee goes towards your purchase. Really great staff. I hear there's beer on tap although I didn't have time to partake. Parking can be tricky sometimes but I managed to score a spot out front. Will definitely be back.
How to reach The Portland Game Store
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Website: None
Why The Portland Game Store may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Portland Game Store with your friends? Because it offers an unbeatable blend of community spirit, vast gaming variety, and a welcoming environment perfect for socializing and creating lasting memories. Located conveniently on North Killingsworth Street in Portland, Oregon, this game store is much more than a retail outlet—it’s a vibrant hub where friends and families gather to disconnect from daily stress and immerse themselves in engaging tabletop fun. The warmth and enthusiasm of the store emanate from its dedication to fostering an inclusive, inviting atmosphere where gamers of all levels feel at home. Whether you're a seasoned Magic: The Gathering player, a board game enthusiast, or new to the role-playing world, The Portland Game Store is shaped by the community for the community. With a solid 4.7-star rating from over 500 reviews, it’s clear the store excels at delivering a top-notch gaming experience. From hosting frequent events and tournaments to providing free access to a vast game library during open-play hours, it champions shared enjoyment and connection, making it the ideal meetup spot for friends seeking quality time and new adventures in gaming.
What activities can you enjoy at The Portland Game Store, and why is it perfect for group meetups?
At The Portland Game Store, the range of activities is impressively diverse, catering to every gaming style and preference, which makes it an exceptional venue for group gatherings. The heart of its appeal lies in the extensive collection of Magic: The Gathering products and a vast assortment of board games, boasting the largest lineup in North Portland. This means your group can dive into strategic card battles, cooperative board quests, or competitive game nights without ever running short of options. The store's game library is open for free use during weekdays from noon to 5 p.m., allowing groups to explore new games or stick with their classics without any pressure to purchase. Additionally, regular events and tournaments spice up the social scene, offering friendly competition or cooperative play that bonds players. Beyond gaming, the store enhances the experience with refreshments including four rotating taps of draft beers, canned cocktails, and delicious snacks to keep energy levels high. Special Saturday sessions, like the painting primer workshop where users can learn miniature customization with free supplies and guidance, add creative flair, making meetups even more engaging and memorable.
How does The Portland Game Store’s environment and layout accommodate group gatherings?
The Portland Game Store is designed with a cozy yet spacious layout that effortlessly supports group interactions and comfortable gameplay. Unlike cramped or cluttered game shops, its space promotes relaxed socializing while maintaining enough room for dynamic game setups, even for larger groups. Tables are arranged to encourage face-to-face engagement, fostering natural conversations and collaboration among players. The welcoming atmosphere is amplified by friendly staff who are passionate about gaming culture and eager to assist with game recommendations, rules explanations, or tournament signups, which enhances the overall group experience. Whether you’re planning a casual trivia night, an intense strategy session, or a family game day, the store provides a supportive environment that feels like a home away from home for gamers. Moreover, ample natural light combined with warm interior decor creates an inviting ambiance where players can comfortably settle in for hours. The inclusion of beverage options nearby means your group can enjoy refreshments throughout their visit, making the store a full-service venue that meets the social and gaming needs of any gathering.
Why is The Portland Game Store a good choice for hosting special gaming events or tournaments?
For groups looking to host special gaming events or tournaments, The Portland Game Store stands out as a premier venue due to its strong community focus and well-organized events calendar. The store regularly features tournaments for popular games such as Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer, and other tabletop competitions, presenting opportunities for groups to engage in exhilarating, structured play. These tournaments not only create competitive excitement but also foster new friendships and networking among the local gaming community. The store’s commitment to community ensured its survival during the challenging pandemic period when a dedicated patron purchased it to keep this unique gathering place alive, showing deep-rooted dedication to everyone who loves gaming. Along with competitive events, the store also runs casual open-play sessions, workshops, and painting classes where participants can deepen their hobbies and socialize creatively. For groups planning a formal event or a series of meetups, the staff’s attentiveness and the store’s flexible scheduling options make organizing and enjoying these experiences hassle-free and highly rewarding.
What amenities and services make The Portland Game Store attractive for families and diverse groups?
Families and mixed-age groups will find The Portland Game Store especially welcoming due to its inclusive services and amenities tailored to diverse attendees. The store offers a wide variety of family-friendly games alongside more intricate strategy and role-playing titles, ensuring players of all ages and experience levels find something suitable. This inclusivity makes it an ideal place for multi-generational meetups or groups with varied interests, as participants can split into smaller clusters or enjoy games collectively. The store’s free access to a comprehensive game library eliminates the need for everyone to bring their own games, reducing barriers to participation and allowing spontaneous play. For beginners or younger players, staff are approachable and eager to teach rules, making entry into new games seamless and enjoyable. Additionally, the availability of tasty snacks and beverages, including non-alcoholic options, supports long visits where no one feels left out. The Saturday painting primer classes add artistic fun for those interested in the miniature side of gaming, offering hands-on creativity that appeals to families and hobbyists alike. Overall, The Portland Game Store’s versatile offerings and friendly atmosphere ensure all group members feel welcome and engaged.
How does The Portland Game Store’s location and accessibility benefit visitors meeting there?
Conveniently positioned on North Killingsworth Street, The Portland Game Store boasts easy accessibility that makes it a practical choice for group meetups. It is just one minute from I-5 via exit 303, offering quick access for Portland residents as well as visitors traveling from nearby areas. The location is nestled within a vibrant neighborhood known for its welcoming community, which enriches the experience by providing nearby dining and entertainment options for before or after gaming sessions. Ample nearby parking and transit connections ease the challenge of meeting with friends or family, enabling stress-free arrival and departure. The store’s generous hours—open daily with extended weekday hours until 10 p.m. and weekend availability starting earlier at 11 a.m.—offer flexibility that suits various schedules, so groups can plan meetups regardless of time constraints. This combination of strategic placement and convenient operation hours invites spontaneous drop-ins and pre-planned events alike, enhancing the store’s appeal as a go-to location for social, fun-filled gaming gatherings.
What sets The Portland Game Store apart from other game stores in Portland?
What truly sets The Portland Game Store apart is its deep commitment to community engagement and creating a space where players feel valued and involved. While many game stores operate primarily as retail outlets, PGS balances retail with significant open-play opportunities and free access to an expansive game collection. The personal investment made by a devoted customer who purchased the store during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the profound passion that sustains its operations and community. This sense of ownership translates to a welcoming, friendly environment beloved by locals and visitors alike. Combined with a diverse event lineup—from competitive tournaments to creative workshops—the store cultivates not just a place to buy games, but a vibrant social venue. The presence of draft beers, canned cocktails, and snacks alongside the gaming options adds a unique board game bar flair, inviting groups to linger and enjoy themselves beyond just gameplay. Ultimately, The Portland Game Store delivers a comprehensive, warm, and high-quality gaming experience that few other stores in Portland can match, making it a premier destination to rally with friends and family.
In summary, The Portland Game Store stands as a community cornerstone for gamers in Portland, Oregon. Its exceptional reputation, broad selection of games, thoughtful amenities, and welcoming atmosphere make it a premier venue for group meetups. Whether you seek friendly competition, family-friendly activities, or creative workshops, this store provides everything needed to make your gathering enjoyable, memorable, and socially enriching. With easy accessibility and a passionate staff committed to fostering a joyful gaming culture, The Portland Game Store is the perfect rally point for groups looking to connect, compete, and create lasting memories.