1. 

   BuddyCianci
   

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   I walked down Leary to check this place out mentioned several weeks ago here on MB. Wow, they did an amazing job creating this store and pub. And they seem to be off to a good start; there wasn't an empty seat in the pub area.

   Welcome to Ballard!

   Posted 2 years ago #
2. 

   pandabur
   

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   I was wondering if they are hiring, or if their employees moved from the other location...

   Posted 2 years ago #
3. 

   HenryVIII
   

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   KINGDOM? TAXES ARE DUE

   Posted 2 years ago #
4. 

   SEdholm
   

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   Is it actually a bar too? I saw the little cafe, but figured more traditional place. Any idea when they open the cafe/bar?

   I have to say, my favorite place I went for a drink in Europe was kind of like this. They served food and normal drinks to make it family friendly (there was a birthday party downstairs one time we were there), but also served beer and wine. You paid 3 Euros each and could play any game they had for as long as you wanted. They had 2 people who worked it and they knew every game. It was a really fun place. I am really excited for this.

   Posted 2 years ago #
5. 

   Gilman Girl
   

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   I was in there this week, talked to the folks.
   Mentioned it to the Geeky Swedes to do a story but, not so far.

   Its a fabulous little place.

   Posted 2 years ago #
6. 

   Nora Bell
   

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   Been meaning to check this place out. I liked their little shop in Greenwood, but an added Pub has this geek really interested. :-)

   Posted 2 years ago #
7. 

   Arsenic7
   

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   I'll be there tomorrow, around 3, with some friends to check it out and play some games.

   If anyone wants to sit down and play a few, we'd be more than happy to leave a seat open at our table..

   Posted 2 years ago #
8. 

   SEdholm
   

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   I was going to stop by on the way home today and see if I can pick up a killer bunnies expansion pack. I used to frequent the game store in Bellingham, haven't been to one in seattle yet. I can't wait. I love finding games that are different and not quite mainstream, like Kill Dr. Lucky, the prequel to Clue

   Posted 2 years ago #
9. 

   BallardENTP
   

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   I checked it out Monday. It's amazing. Many of us nerds have dreamed of one day opening a pub + game store. This store is pretty much a match.

   Posted 2 years ago #
10. 

    BuffaloHawk
    

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    ENTP.. How is the beer selection & prices ? We better make a claim on it before the hipsters find it

    Posted 2 years ago #
11. 

    Streaker Troll
    

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    Killer Bunnies sounds somewhat boring compared to Munchkin.

    Posted 2 years ago #
12. 

    BuddyCianci
    

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    Why you need to use the "h-word," Buffalo? Just free your mind, drink your beer, and roll your 10-sided die.

    Posted 2 years ago #
13. 

    BuffaloHawk
    

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    Buddy... I am going through Pliny the Younger withdrawl.. Work with me please

    Posted 2 years ago #
14. 

    SEdholm
    

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    Dont know price but look like Trumer, Fremont, Hales, and Lucille.

    I really like tht place. Lots of room to play in store, tons of games. I will frequent it

    Posted 2 years ago #
15. 

    Nora Bell
    

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    You had me a 'Trumer' and 'Hales.' Is it just for adults, or can the 14 yo nephew tag along with me?

    Posted 2 years ago #
16. 

    Arsenic7
    

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    Friends and I had a blast at Card Kingdom this last weekend. There was plenty of table space to play games despite us being there at the same time as an MTG tournament. The pub food and drink was good, if simple. Looking forward to them having later hours and seeing how their menu evolves.

    You don't need to bring your own games, by the way, as you can rent them from the front desk. They have a very large selection and everyone should be able to find something they like.

    Posted 2 years ago #
17. 

    SEdholm
    

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    Beers on tap are $5 (bottles/cans from $3-$30). Wines are $5-7. Rooms are free to rent for now. Games are free to play. They said this was a "soft" opening and their grand opening will be in June/July. So rooms are free until then.

    I had a lot of fun playing there as well. We sat around playing a game called Squint which was a lot of fun. You lay out a ton of cards with random shapes on them and draw a card with a word on it (example clothesline, van, pregnant woman, etc) and you have to take the shapes and create them. The staff is quite knowledgeable about the games which is quite nice. I will be there a lot.

    Posted 2 years ago #
18. 

    Dweezil
    

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    @SEdholm Am I reading that right? A $30 bottle or can?

    Definitely going to make a visit this week.

    Posted 2 years ago #
19. 

    SEdholm
    

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    There is 1 $30 bottle of beer. Most are under $10, just like 1-3 that are over $20. While never purchased the beer in store, it does run on the expensive side, so it isn't too crazy, just kinda crazy to see it at a place like this. I did see Viking Blood there and have always wanted to try that, but didn't. Lots of high % beers at decent prices, don't let that $30 get in the way. Most are $3-$10 with draft beers at $5.

    Posted 2 years ago #
20. 

    BallardENTP
    

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    They're deliberately going for a high-end feel. Plush furniture, expensive fixtures, high-quality displays and lighting. That extends to food and bev, and pricing. I think it's an effort to set the bar high enough that non-gamer folks (hipsters, fratboys, career drunks, etc) won't add Cafe Mox to their pub crawl rotation.

    As an example: I played games there all day Sunday, and my pub tab was $20. For a latte and a (giant bottle of) cider.

    One of my pals ordered the $26 giant bottle of beer (it was delicious), while another buddy stuck with oversized cans of Rainier. All told, I'm guessing the five of us dropped $150 over our six-hour stay.

    In my opinion it was worth it. The libations were good, the waitstaff was super friendly and accommodating, the tables were spacious and well-lit (we played in the private room).

    Actually, double-up on that positive waitstaff comment. We went through two shifts of staff, and everyone was top-notch. They were nerds, too--it's not like they just hired random service staff. These people spoke our language.

    Posted 2 years ago #
21. 

    BallardENTP
    

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    Oh, and Nora: they don't have a full liquor license. This was a deliberate choice: drunk nerds still count as drunks, which you don't want at a bar. Also, keeping it to beer and wine allows them to have kids in the cafe.

    So your nephew can tag along.

    Posted 2 years ago #
22. 

    Nora Bell
    

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    Thanks, BallardENTP! I'll check it out. A little aprehensive about the prices I'm hearing here, though. Some of us nerdy non-hipsters are hurting financialy.

    Posted 2 years ago #
23. 

    BallardENTP
    

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    To clarify on the prices: it's a wide range. The high end is over-represented, but the low end (Rainier, drip coffee) is there.

    For everyday things like lattes ($3.50) and microbrew drafts ($5), they're mid-range / normal Seattle prices.

    Posted 2 years ago #
24. 

    Nora Bell
    

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    Ok, thanks. Yeah, a $5 micro pint is average. No sticker shock there. I'll go in and experience it for myself. The cafe/bar area looks really well done and it's a great concept.

    Posted 2 years ago #
25. 

    Elliott
    

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    I stopped in on Saturday and was so impressed by what I saw. The retail shop is full of more board games, puzzles, and card games than I've ever seen in one location, both for sale and to try out. There are designated spaces in the store that showcase kid's games, classic games, adult games, a huge selection of puzzles for both adults and kids (including finished puzzles on the ceiling!), and dedicated spaces for magic cards--of which I unfortunately know nothing about but which look very interesting. The cafe is even more beautiful than the shop. I thought the prices of the small plates and beverages served in the cafe seemed quite reasonable. I also appreciate that they offer some gluten-free beers. The waitresses were especially friendly and the food that I tried was delicious.

    Posted 2 years ago #
26. 

    Cate
    

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    I want to try this place out. Anybody up for a board game night there?

    Posted 2 years ago #
27. 

    SmartsyArtsy
    

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    Cafe? Bar? Shop? This place seems very interesting. I'm up for a board game night. Thursday?

    Posted 2 years ago #
28. 

    Gilman Girl
    

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    I could pop by Thursday, just to say 'hey'.
    NB?

    I could be talked into a game of 'Operation'!

    Posted 2 years ago #
29. 

    Nora Bell
    

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    Hmm. Beer and Operation. Now that sounds like fun! Or Clue, perhaps? :-)
    Any day after Wednesday works for me.

    Posted 2 years ago #
30. 

    Arsenic7
    

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    I'd absolutely be up for meeting there and playing a game or two.

    Not sure if they have 'Operation', though.

    Posted 2 years ago #
31. 

    Gilman Girl
    

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    Arsenic7, please contact me at giginitzell att yahoo land.

    (I) have found that coordinating gatherings (at least ones I'm involved with) off of the forum is best.

    <Cate & SA feel free to contact me as well>

    Posted 2 years ago #
32. 

    Nora Bell
    

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    Hey, GG, can you please copy me in on any email communication? :-)

    Posted 2 years ago #
33. 

    marigold
    

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    Went in with friends and we ate and drank and didn't play games. Just people watched and spent money. We'll be back.

    P.S. Nerding out on games is hip. C'mon, this is Seattle!

    Posted 2 years ago #
34. 

    BuffaloHawk
    

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    I am very curious to check this place out. I also like that it is kid friendly especially with all the crappy weather we are having. It gives me another option for when I have my daughter

    Posted 2 years ago #
35. 

    Banjoe
    

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    This looks exciting!

    Posted 2 years ago #
36. 

    iPlod
    

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    Do they have Donkey Kong?

    Posted 2 years ago #
37. 

    jugleeson
    

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    Saw this while on a walk yesterday. I will definitely be checking this out. Scrabble anyone?

    Posted 2 years ago #
38. 

    iPlod
    

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    Since we don't see any milk and a spoon with that avatar, probably not.

    Posted 2 years ago #
39. 

    Arsenic7
    

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    I'd totally be down for teaching people how to play Betrayal at House on Haunted Hill.

    Posted 2 years ago #
40. 

    Nora Bell
    

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    Does nobody play Clue anymore?

    Posted 2 years ago #
41. 

    iPlod
    

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    Not since we've been Clue-by-foured. :P

    Posted 2 years ago #
42. 

    Windopaene
    

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    I saw you in there yesterday Arsenic.

    And it's Betrayal at House on the Hill. No "Haunted"

    Posted 2 years ago #
43. 

    Arsenic7
    

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    That is true. However, the last time I was there was Sunday so it must've been some other dork with glasses.

    I sent an email to Gigi, haven't gotten one back, maybe I got the address wrong.

    My own email is my username @ gmail so feel free to contact me there.

    Posted 2 years ago #
44. 

    Windopaene
    

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    Had the glasses and everything. Ah well, still no "Haunted" in there, I got that right anyway...

    Posted 2 years ago #
45. 

    Arsenic7
    

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    Card Kingdom, cafe table, 7:00ish? We still a go go?

    Posted 2 years ago #
46. 

    Arsenic7
    

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    Calling my previous post off due to lack of response.

    Posted 2 years ago #
47. 

    gurple
    

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    For what it's worth, Arsenic7, in a world in which I didn't have to scuttle home after work to take care of my daughter, I would so be there.

    I think I'll probably be hitting this place as much as I can on weekend afternoons.

    Posted 2 years ago #
48. 

    HenryVIII
    

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    The KING will have to make other plans.

    Posted 2 years ago #
49. 

    SmartsyArtsy
    

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    I'm not sure if I missed a game last night, but my body couldn't make it out.

    Posted 2 years ago #
50. 

    Nora Bell
    

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    Arsenic7 - Check your email. I think GG came up with an alternate date.

    Posted 2 years ago #
51. 

    phoo
    

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    Went down and checked this place out today. Played for about 3 hours with some friends.
    Here are some points:

    Staff is friendly, to a point that it can't be overstressed. It's almost ridiculous how awesome and accommodating they are. Except awesome customer service is never ridiculous. They were attentive, but we never felt we were being asked to buy more - in fact they went out of their way to clarify that at one point. Something most (non-geek) staff wouldn't think to communicate. They also never hovered, but were always around when we wanted something.

    Food is snacky-type only. We made the mistake of going when we were hungry - it would be better to eat first, then snack while you play your game. Clearly this is what their menu was meant for. I understand their stress on finger foods, but I wish they offered a bread that was whole grain - too much white bread will make me sick (granted "wheat" will too, but it's slightly less bad). Gluten free people would have a bit of a rough time here too I think. However, I would expect that their menu would expand as they become more firm in their popularity. Oh, and a note - the staff was awesome in making a milk appear (as a "special coffee") for the fellow who ordered a PB&J, but seriously... you gotta have milk on hand if you serve peanut butter. I also think a soda fountain is in probably order.

    Did I mention how amazing the staff was in accommodating, knowledge and ability to communicate well with geeks? I did? Well, good, it deserves a second mention.

    What I didn't expect was how awesome the store itself was. I ended up walking out with a card game. They have _everything_. I discovered new fluxx variants (pirate fluxx!). The store itself has some gaming tables too so you aren't required to buy food if you are just that broke/casual.

    Seriously, this place is awesome. My only mourning is that as it gets more popular (they were pretty full at 3pm... good thing we got there at 1pm), it will become more difficult to get in to. Not really a criticism, just a simple selfishness.

    Oh, minor note: they went out of their way to provide tables large enough to set up game boards, cards AND house plates (granted, slightly crowded but entirely workable). My friend notes though that the finish on the table is probably going to require a clear vinyl cover at some point. Nothing on the customer's experience, but something the owners might want to do to protect their investment. They were already starting to get a little scratched from shuffling plates, dice, etc.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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