When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Victory Point Cafe
Why Victory Point Cafe is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Victory Point Cafe is a unique and vibrant board game cafe located in Berkeley, California, that offers an ideal place for friends, families, and gamers to gather and connect through face-to-face interaction. Established in 2015, it was the Bay Area's first board game cafe, founded on passions for board gaming, community, coffee, and craft beer. What sets Victory Point Cafe apart is its welcoming atmosphere where guests can pay a nominal fee to access a vast collection of hundreds of board games and stay as long as they like. The cafe also provides a tasty menu featuring locally roasted coffee, craft beers, pizzas, sandwiches, and snacks, including vegan and gluten-free options, catering to diverse dietary needs. The ambiance is clean, cozy, and family-friendly, encouraging both seasoned gamers and newcomers to learn and enjoy games together. Frequent visitors often find it easy to meet new people or enjoy a relaxed meetup with friends without the hassle of cleanup. The cafe serves as a sanctuary from the digital age, promoting human connection and community engagement through the joy of playing games in person. It hosts a diverse customer base, making it a great local hub for social interaction and entertainment in Berkeley.
Here's what people think of Victory Point Cafe
As of recent, Victory Point Cafe holds a 4.7-star rating based on 890 reviews.
Reviews of Victory Point Cafe highlight its success as a fun, engaging, and community-oriented destination. Many users praise the cafe for its welcoming environment, cleanliness, and the extensive library of board games that caters to players of all skill levels. Positive feedback often mentions the helpfulness of the staff who assist with teaching new games and the friendly atmosphere that fosters new friendships. Visitors also appreciate the affordability and the variety of food and beverages, including options for vegans and those with gluten intolerance. However, some negative reviews point out occasional inconsistencies in food quality, such as sandwiches that some customers found lacking, and a desire for improved menu variety. Despite minor critiques, the overwhelming consensus is that Victory Point Cafe succeeds in creating a unique and enjoyable social experience combining good food, drinks, and a rich selection of games. Its appeal as a family and adult-friendly space that emphasizes community and connection has maintained high ratings and loyal patronage, making it a beloved spot in Berkeley's dining and social scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sasha Zabelin
Ordered a mocha with a rugelach this morning and got an unexpected rabbit in the foam - I would give you 10 out of 10 for design creativity, and an extra 5đđđđđfor carrying this rugelach! The đ» was from my previous visit đ A+ for making my day đ
Tony Wu
âCame for the cafe, stayed for the games.â Access to the games requires an $8 tab (as of June 2025) while seating is free. If youâre not coming for the gamesâdonât worry. You can study or work at many a table. Should you choose to game (as my group did), you can sit at tables with reservations outside of the reserved times. Shelves are stocked to the brim with plenty games; we even ordered a pizza to go along! It does get somewhat loud inside at peak times, so outside seating is a good option too. Would come again!
Joe Turner
This place is **amazing**. They have an extraordinary collection of board games. They are very friendly and helpful about selecting games. They carry actual DnD dice. They have a discord!!! I will bring my friends.
Shivakshi Gupta
I have been here a few times. They have good games and polite staff members. They have good vegan and vegetarian food options, including items with vegan cheese. Recommended.
Abdul A.
Victory Point Cafe is a cozy gem that blends the charm of a classic cafe with the fun of a game arcadeâonly instead of machines, itâs all about board games. I ordered a honey lavender latte with oat milk, and it was smooth, fragrant, and perfectly balanced. The ambiance reminded me of old-fashioned cafes back home, with a warm, inviting vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. I visited on a Saturday evening and noticed many students and people studying, yet it never felt too loud or crowded, representing the class of such area. I really liked itâmore places like this need to exist.
How to reach Victory Point Cafe
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Website: None
Why Victory Point Cafe may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Victory Point Cafe with your friends? Victory Point Cafe is more than just a dining spotâitâs a vibrant social hub perfect for gathering with friends and family. With a stellar 4.7 rating from 890 reviews, this Berkeley favorite offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy both quality food and engaging entertainment. Imagine a place where you arrive not just to eat, but to linger, laugh, and play. Victory Point Cafe combines a warm, family-friendly environment with the unique twist of a board game cafe, making it an ideal setting to create memories and strengthen bonds. Whether you're looking to indulge in flavorful eats, savor tasty desserts, or dive into countless board games, this venue thrives on connecting people. The opportunity to meet new friends over a game or relax on their outdoor patio under sunny skies adds layers to the experience that typical cafes simply donât offer. Itâs a spot where fun and food harmoniously meetâperfect for any group meetup.
What activities can you enjoy at Victory Point Cafe? At the heart of Victory Point Cafeâs appeal is its extensive collection of board games, which transforms a traditional cafe visit into an interactive adventure. Whether youâre an experienced gamer or a newbie, the staff are known for their friendly assistance in teaching rules and recommending games that fit your groupâs size and interest. Games like âSettlers of Catanâ require at least three players, making it easy to meet other enthusiasts, build new friendships, and enjoy collaborative competition. Alongside board gaming, the cafe offers comfortable seating arrangements conducive to group discussions or relaxed socializing. Guests can also take advantage of free wifi, balancing gaming and online connectivity effortlessly. The cafeâs inclusive atmosphere makes it ideal whether your group is family-oriented, couples, or a mix of friends. Moreover, the space is well maintained and clean, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
Why is Victory Point Cafe perfect for a group meetup? The cafeâs design and offerings cater explicitly to groups looking to share quality time together. From casual outings to special celebrations, Victory Pointâs layout supports intimate gatherings and larger ensembles alike. Their menu is versatile, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, which address diverse dietary preferencesâimportant when feeding a group. The Fireball Island sandwich and other flavorful dishes complement your gaming experience without interrupting the flow of fun. The inclusion of an outdoor seating area is a significant plus, allowing your group to enjoy fresh air and a relaxed vibe during warmer months. Convenient parking options nearby and bike parking make accessibility easy for all attendees. Additionally, the staffâs welcoming nature and dedication to customer service ensure that your group feels valued, making logistics smooth and stress-free. Unlike other cafes where you have to clean up after your friends, here, the staff handles that, so you truly get to focus on enjoying your gathering.
How does Victory Point Cafe stand out in the Berkeley community? Victory Point Cafe has built a strong reputation within Berkeley as a âgame changerâ in the local social scene. In an age dominated by screens and digital isolation, it offers a refreshing, face-to-face experience where people connect over traditional games and good food. Many reviewers highlight the pleasant, positive energy and social opportunities that the cafe facilitates. It strikes a balance between being family-friendly and appealing to adult game enthusiasts, widening its appeal across age groups. Its long hoursâopening as early as 8:00 am and staying open until 11:00 pm on many daysâallow for flexible meetups, whether you want a morning coffee and game session or a late-night hangout. This combination of warmth, community, and variety has made Victory Point a beloved staple for both locals and visitors looking for a unique place to gather.
What should you expect from the food and drink offerings? The menu at Victory Point Cafe covers a broad spectrum of tastes. They offer sandwiches like the Fireball Island, with clear labels for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free preferences. Drinks include coffee made with non-dairy milk options, accommodating diverse dietary needs. The food strikes a nice balanceâflavorful yet casualâdesigned so you can enjoy gaming without heavy interruptions. Dessert options sweeten the gathering further, adding to the overall inviting vibe. Their take-out option also makes it convenient for groups who want to grab something quickly and continue their meetup elsewhere. The combination of well-prepared food and the ability to stay comfortable and nourished during hours of gameplay is a critical reason the cafe stands out as a meetup spot.
In what ways does Victory Point Cafe make your group meetup hassle-free? From arriving to the conclusion of your visit, Victory Point Cafe simplifies the group experience. Clear signage and instructions ensure newcomers understand the gaming options available, and the helpful staff provide guidance and game setup so you jump right into the fun. They take care of cleanup, so you donât have to worry about tidying up after your gathering, which is often a stressful aspect of hosting. The cafeâs central location on Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley places it within walking distance of multiple parking choices and easy bike access, making arrival and departure easy for everyone. Free wifi also supports people who may want to multitask during a break or contact others about the meetup. These thoughtful touches mean your group can focus fully on enjoying each otherâs company with minimal logistical fuss.
How inclusive and welcoming is Victory Point Cafe? One of Victory Point's strongest traits is its commitment to inclusivity and creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The cafe caters to people with various dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring everyone can find something appealing to eat or drink. The environment is family-friendly, with many customers praising the cafe as a great spot for all ages, yet it also provides an adult-friendly setting for more competitive or sophisticated gaming sessions. Reviews frequently mention the staffâs friendliness and willingness to help customers learn new games, which makes the space inviting even for those unfamiliar or new to board gaming. This culture of openness and hospitality contributes strongly to the cafeâs high ratings and reputation as a community treasure for meetups.
Why is Victory Point Cafe a smart choice for your next meetup? Choosing Victory Point Cafe means selecting a venue that offers more than just foodâitâs an experience. Whether you want to spend a few hours playing games, catch up over coffee, or host a small party, this cafe orchestrates everything so your meetup feels effortless and enjoyable. High customer ratings and positive reviews reinforce the cafeâs status as a top choice in Berkeley for social gatherings. The combination of great food, a well-curated game library, excellent service, and easy accessibility makes Victory Point Cafe a place where memories are made and friendships forged. Its unique blend of social entertainment and dining underpins why so many choose this spot as their regular venue for group hangouts. For anyone looking to deepen connections with friends or family, Victory Point Cafe provides the perfect atmosphere and amenities to do just that.