About us
Meet us at the Boarding Home—a cozy board game cafe in Carlsbad—for a relaxed, screen-free evening of tabletop play. The focus is on modern, mid-weight titles that are as satisfying to look at as they are to play (think Wingspan, Azul, Cascadia, Everdell, etc.).
This group IS for you if: You want a casual night out, appreciate games with beautiful art and clever mechanics, and enjoy tactile pieces paired with a bit of satisfying strategy.
This group is NOT for you if: You want to play trading card games (e.g., Magic: The Gathering), role-playing games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons), or miniature wargames (e.g., Warhammer). Our focus is on the happy medium between light party game and heavy euro-game.
House Rules
To keep things stress-free and welcoming, we operate under a few simple guidelines:
- Zero Experience Required: We draw straight from the cafe's library and teach 100% of the rules at the table. You never need to study a rulebook beforehand.
- Bring Absolutely Nothing: Every game is completely self-contained and standalone. Just show up, grab a drink or a pastry from the cafe counter, and play.
- The 15-Minute Rule: We only select games that can be explained to a total beginner in 15 minutes or less.
About the Venue:
The Boarding Home is a fantastic, curated space for tabletop gaming. Entry to the play lounge is $10, which includes either a complimentary standard drink/snack or a discount toward one of their signature specialty items. While there is absolutely no additional cost to join this meetup group, all attendees are expected to cover the cafe's standard entry fee upon arrival.
If you’ve been looking for a low-stakes way to disconnect from your phone and hang out with other board game lovers, come grab a seat at one of our reserved tables.
Upcoming events
1

