Eat and play: 10 fun board game cafes in Dubai

It’s time to go old school…

Whether you’re looking for a digital detox or just a day out with friends and family, these pocket-friendly board game cafes in Dubai are the place to go.

Here are top 10 board game cafes in Dubai to try… 

DICE Board Game Cafe

Located in the heart of Circle Mall JVC, all game fanatics can get involved in over 1,000 board games, puzzles and mandalas, costing only Dhs40 per person for unlimited usage. Guests won’t get hungry or parched, with an extensive menu of salads, burgers, pizzas, snacks, sharing platters, smoothies, milkshakes and of course – coffee.

Dice Board Game Cafe, Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village, Dubai, Mon to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 12am, Tel: (0)4 582 0108, dice-cafe.com

Unwind

This café has a small yet artisanal menu with unorthodox sandwiches, coffees and desserts. It also has over 800 games, and the place is teeming with ‘game masters’ to help you pick a game and understand the rules. You can go one of three ways with your timings – Dhs18 for an hour and Dhs27 for two hours. Students are offered special rates of Dhs15 for an hour and Dhs24 for two, so long as they have proof of ID. You can choose to play all day for just Dhs35. If you need to refuel alongside your games, indulge in all-day breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, desserts, milkshakes speciality coffee. There are two Unwind board game cafes in Dubai to pick from: Hessa and Zabeel.

Unwind, Hessa St, Al Barsha, Mon to Thurs 2.30pm to 12am, Fri 2.30pm to 1am, Sat and Sun 12.30pm to 1am; Zabeel, near Zabeel Park, Mon to Thurs 8am to 12am, Fri to Sun 8am to 1am. Tel: (0)4 336 6611, @unwinddubai

Kefi

This venue believes books, board games and coffee are the perfect combination. Grab your besties and make your way down to this cosy venue for an afternoon of fun. For just Dhs35 per person, you can play to your heart’s content.

Kefi, Tower 1, Al Mamzar, Dubai, 10am to 1am daily, Dhs35 per person, Tel: (0)4 385 2888, kefi.ae

The Six

The Six is home to more than 1,000 games. You can pick a game for yourself or ask one of the resident experts for a recommendation. Each player must pay Dhs35 for an unlimited amount of game time. The café also has an extensive menu, so everybody is sure to find something to their liking.

The Six, Burj Vista, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 9am to 12am, Fri and Sat 9am to 2am. Tel: (0)4 334 2666, @thesixcafe

Hive

A five-minute walk from Dubai Internet City metro station, Hive is a must-visit. Indulge in a freak shake and some unheard-of games at just Dhs15 for an hour. It’s Dhs25 for two hours and for unlimited game time, it’s Dhs35.

Hive, Onyx Tower 1, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, Sun to Thur 12pm to 12am, Fri to Sun 10am to 2am. Tel: (0)58 826 9077, @hiveboardgamecafe

The Workshop

Part concept store, part art gallery, part workspace, part café. That’s the Workshop. It’s got vegan and gluten-free options and a range of board games to treat yourself to.

The Workshop, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, 9am to 9pm daily. Tel: (0)4 341 2595, @theworkshopdubai

Game Over Escape Rooms and Board Game Cafe

Whether you fancy a game, or just want a coffee, milkshake, or snack, this cafe is perfect. Game Over offers entertainment for colleagues, students, families, and adults alike through games for all ages. With a library of over 100 board games, there is a game for everyone. Order your drinks to play board games for free. As the name suggests, you can also indulge in an escape room experience.

dubai.escapegameover.ae

Public Cafe

Public Cafe is a great spot for friends to catch up over coffee and bites but they can also get a little competitive with a game or two.

Public Cafe, One Lake Plaza, Cluster T – Jumeirah Lake Towers, Tel: (0)4 451 9670. @public_cafe 

The Hungry Monkey Dubai

This spot in Al Barsha is a barrel of laughs. Not only is it a bar with cool drinks, but it also has dancing, and plenty of board games to up the fun. Want to check the place out? Be sure to book in advance as tables are limited. It’s Dhs25 per person per hour if you just want to play a game but pick anything from the menu and you will be able to. play for free.

Donatello Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1, Near Mall Of The Emirates, Tel: (0)50 707 5307. @hungrymonkeydubai 

Back to Games

While this is more of a store where you can purchase your next game, there is a demo section where you can play for free. It’s great if you want to try a game out before you take it home with you.

Times Square Center, Ground Floor, Sheikh Zayed Road, open daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (0)4 323 1336. @backtogames

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