Stay and Play Game Cafe

If you’re looking for cozy vibes, killer food, and a board game collection that could humble even the most confident strategist, this café is your new happy place. The real MVP? Matt, our waitress, who somehow juggled food orders, game rule explanations, and emotional support like a seasoned dungeon master. She’s basically the Gandalf of good service. The food was shockingly excellent. The grilled cheese healed us. The fries may have unlocked a new level of consciousness. Come for the games, stay for the food, worship Matt. Would trade all my victory points to come back!

- Amazing service/friendly staff - They have their own parking lot - They have a very organized system for the games - They play Latin music - Very cozy and comfortable vibes/atmosphere - You get to interact with the Puerto Rican owners because they are both there and actually sit and play games themselves - They have a lot of events and opportunities for the community to be more united - They’re food and drinks are all very delicious and home-made

First time here but I’ll be back again soon! Really fun environment with really nice people. Less formal than other game cafes I’ve been to. It’s basically a delicious cafe with a million games to play and expert recommendations if you want them.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I'm visiting Chicago for my bachelorette and I had so much fun at this spot!!! The staff are so fun and sweet!!! They gave great recommendations and were kind enough to take our picture!
The food was so delicious and filling! I loved the Rellenas de papas!
Board game select was amazing! Such a variety to play and our server was so sweet and taught us one of the games. We play 5 games and were there for 5 hours! Would've stayed longer if they weren't closing. Would definitely come back if I'm ever in Chicago again

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The foodis always great and homemade. local ownership is great and super friendly. Stefan does a great job of keeping us entertained while taking our order. The restrooms are super clean, and they have every board game you could ever want great place to spend an afternoon. The brunch on sunday is good as wel. they also have a bunch of game night and trivia and activities during the week. it’s easy to get to the blue line as well or the UPNW Metra

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Google listed price: 10 to 20 per person 😄

Actual price: 30 to 50 per person 😬

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

The service here is incredible. It's like a fine dining experience where everyone knows what worker placement is. Except it's way cooler than fine dining, there's no Michelin restaurant with 800+ board games and a staff that will help you find the right one and learn it. Very much looking forward to coming back with more time to explore there library and menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I am a regular here. The food is amazing and the space is wonderful for large and small parties. Their service is top notch. I’ve never had a bad time or felt out of place. They are super welcoming and willing to teach or help with any game on the wall. Must do place for family night.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stay and Play Cafe is fantastic! Stephan, our server, was friendly, swift, and incredibly helpful. The food was so delicious that I’m already looking forward to tasting it again. The game selection was huge, and I absolutely loved the environment. Can't wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wonderful Puerto Rican cuisine with a fun and lively atmosphere. Service was wonderful and all staff were quick to jump in and give instructions on selected games. Largest board game selection I have ever seen! Perfect for date night, night out with friends, or dinner with the family!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing amount of games and the food in the appetizer sampler was delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Love this place! On a whim we decided to check this place out and the game selection is expansive. The workers were very friendly! The food AMAZING! Best Cubano Sandwich I’ve ever had. Coffee and hot chocolates hit the spot. And the atmosphere is inviting.

Great place, you can go wrong if you decide on this place for food or games.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Thankful to have this place in medium proximity. Took my young child. Even though she can barely contain her hands, we had fun with grown kid games, thanks to the extra space and service provided. Calm and clean. Cute patio. Parking lot!? Heck yeah.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Didn’t know this place had Puerto Rican food and finally decided to go in and try the food. The service was great and the food was great as well. Will definitely come again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Service is excellent. Even help you pick and learn a game! Food delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5