The Silver Key Lounge

From photos online to walking through the door, the disappointment was thick and heavy. While the library of games was impressive and extensive and the concept of this establishment is an amazing one, it lacks character and welcoming vibes. Far too bright, even for gaming. Choosing a soft white rather than White White lights would have helped the ambience of the room. Pasting some art deco wallpaper on the walls and calling it "1920s style" doesn't make it 1920 style. To claim it is also in the style of a speakeasy is also claiming a lot. There was no mystery when entering through the plain and desolate feeling entrance before entering the giant room for gaming. Separating the gamers from the trivia players also would have helped the vibes here. Not to mention the trivia host was boring and gave off the air that he was simply there for a paycheck. He felt uninterested in the trivia and the questions were worded incredibly vague and felt too niche to his interests. While my group and I fully expected a fun and challenging trivia night full of nerdy subjects, we did not expect the VERY off the wall questions that were presented. The menu is highly lacking in character as well. It feels like something I would stop by my house to eat during lunch. Providing a better variety of finger foods along with the salads and sandwiches could really up the welcoming factor to this establishment. Drinks are also incredibly overpriced here. I understabd this is a family friendly establishment, personally it didn't feel that way. Most of the patrons appeared to not even be of age to be wanting children let alone the fact that the only children present belonged to the owner and the trivia host. Making it feel as if the establishment is "family friendly" so they can use it as a daycare. Placing some bandanas on the ceiling would have also helped the vibes and noise. Though I was surprised that it wasn't as noisy as I was told to expect, having a sound barrier above just really helps keep that speakeasy vibe. I was also utterly disappointed to see the comfort in the seating was not there. For a place to sit and game for hours the seating was not welcoming or inviting. Lastly, Ive never been in a bar or lounge that did NOT have music playing. This, above all, made the air very tense and unwelcoming. As well as the customer service received. While I feel they are nice individuals they feel overwhelmed and unprepared. I did not feel they were happy to be there or to be serving their guests. This place feels like a rough draft to something absolutely incredible. Unfortunately, I won't be returning or recommending this place to friends.

Best board game bar in Phoenix. Incredibly inexpensive compared to others with a knowledgeable staff and great beer selection. Games are in great condition and the space is charming.

Atmosphere: 5

A great place where I hang out with my friends and play games from time to time.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

It was my first time here, I had no idea what to expect, but this is a pretty cool spot to gather with friends for a game, a snack, and a drink. Good times!

Atmosphere: 5

A tabletop gamers
paradise.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic place to play games and hang out !! Staff is friendly atmosphere is super relaxed and family friendly. They have an extensive selection of games. Only downfall is they aren't closer to my side of town. Definalty worth the drive !

Kid-friendliness: If your kids are old enough to play board games this is the place to try !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Just a great place to play some games. Highly recommend the sandwiches!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: At the Grinder of Madness

Food is well priced for the product. Water is self serve. Bar staff is surly. Board game collection and is fair to middling. If you know someone with ab excellent board game collection, go to their home instead. Serviceable if none of your friends own board games, disappointing in comparison otherwise. $10 table fee.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 1

Great place to hang out and meet new people with interests in board games and TTRPGs. Beer selection is fantastic! I haven't eaten there, but the sandwiches sound really good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This has been the type of place I've been looking for for a long time. We reserved a table with no issue at all and stayed for about 5 hours. The atmosphere was filled with like-minded people who enjoy games, and it really shone through. I got the Mind Flayer sandwich, and I'm pretty sure it'll be my immediate go-to moving forward. Plus, they have mead on tap. That alone is enough to keep me and my group coming back. Hope to try out the private room soon enough. Gonna be coming back for a long time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Mindflayer Wrap

Great space with wonderfully friendly staff and patrons alike! Solid tap list with a bit of something for everyone and similarly stocked cooler. Food looked amazing and they fed me ghost pepper jack cheese. The gaming tables were in excellent condition and there's an absurd number of games in their library. (see photo)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A great place to meet up with friends. Super chill space, with lots of tables and a huge game library. Super impressed with the layout and good brew selection. Will definitely be returning!

Great spot to meet up with friends or a random group to play games. Lots of space and the owner is super friendly. Lots of games to choose from and a good selection of food and drinks to keep you happy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

First time here, hopefully not last! Huge game selection, chill af

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Lots of great board and tabletop games to play. And really good drinks! Definitely try the Chai Cider!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 4