Stay and Play Game Cafe

Stay and Play Game Café in Chicago blends the owners’ Puerto Rican heritage with a love of tabletop games to create a gathering place unlike any other. The cozy dining room serves homemade dishes inspired by family recipes alongside a board game library that spans quick card games to deeper strategy. Founders José and his partner built the café to foster face to face interaction and community, inviting guests to slow down, share a meal and connect over a game. After ordering empanadas, sandwiches or other comforting bites, visitors can choose a game from the café’s collection and settle in at a table with friends or family. Staff members circulate to offer recommendations or answer questions. A selection of coffee, beer and other beverages complements the food, and the atmosphere is casual, warm and inclusive. Because the owners value community above all, there’s a relaxed approach to closing times, letting conversation and play continue naturally. Stay and Play Game Café provides more than just entertainment; it’s a neighborhood hub where people of diverse backgrounds gather for shared experiences. By combining flavorful cuisine with engaging games in a welcoming space, it encourages guests to be present, interact and create lasting memories together.