Eat and play: 8 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 are the place to go.
These are our picks of the top 8 board game cafes in Dubai…
Charade
At this unique café, board games are free with the food for the first two hours, with additional hours costing Dhs10 per hour or Dhs25 for unlimited playtime. The menu is monstrous, with giant burgers, loaded fries and a variety of shakes that will tantalise all taste buds.
Charade, Wasl 51 mall, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, 12pm to 1am daily. Tel: (0)50 137 0779, @charadedubai
DICE Board Game Cafe
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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 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, Dhs27 for two hours or Dhs35 for unlimited play. Students are offered special rates of Dhs15 for an hour and Dhs24 for two, so long as they have proof of ID. If you need to refuel alongside your games, indulge in all day breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, desserts, milkshakes speciality coffee
Unwind, Hessa St, Al Barsha, Dubai, Mon to Fri 1pm to 11pm, Sat 1pm to 1am, Sun 1pm to 12am. 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. Kefi has an array of offers, with Monday, Wednesday and Thursday availing a two-for-one offer with Dhs35 per couple on board games and weekends offering the standard rate of Dhs35. On Tuesdays, they host a ladies’ night that allows women to play for free and men with a 50 per cent discount.
Kefi, Tower 1, Al Mamzar, Dubai, 10am to 1am daily, Mon, Wed and Thur Dhs35 for two, Tues ladies free and men 50 per cent off, Fri to Sun Dhs35. Tel: (0)4 385 2888, kefi.ae
The Six
The Six is home to more than a 1000 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 unlimited game time is Dhs35. Local students get 15 per cent off their final bills.
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
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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. It’s roughly Dhs130 for a pair and you can stay as long as you want.
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.
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