Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

I’ve been coming to critical for a minute now because it was a good place to get a matcha latte and the staff is always friendly. I will say there are inconsistencies every time I go though. Some people add caramel and it’s perfect. Others add caramel and it tastes not sweet at all. But this last time I was genuinely confused because I’ve been getting matcha lattes from them for months and they’re always at least almost full of drink for a 20oz. This time it was half foam and the cup felt super light. As a matcha “addict” I’ve never seen a drink half full of foam. For the first time in my life I worked up the courage to ask for a new one. I was immedielty told that’s how they are suppose to be cause they foam a lot. So I just took it for what it was. I just wanted to share this because spending almost $7 on a drink to receive 5 sips and some foam and was told it is how it’s suppose to be, when I’ve gotten it several times and it’s never been like that just confused me real bad. Overall though it tasted good, and the baristas are always very kind just not a fan of the inconsistencies.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Cute gaming cafe! Huge variety of games and the barista was really friendly with us. I spent way too much on purchasing games, but hard to regret it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I visited Critical Grind to participate in my first ever Pack Rush event for Disney Lorcana and had an absolute blast! The staff and community are wonderful. If you are looking for a LGS to call home, look no further!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love Critical Grind! Every experience i have had there is top notch! Great community involvement, caring staff, and fun atmosphere. Love, love, love!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Roll for Vibe Check. That’s a Nat 20!

Driving back home after a wedding up in the Chicago area, Emily and I were needing some caffeine to stay awake after a night of partying with the newlyweds and wedding party. We pulled up local coffee places relative to where we were and randomly decided on Critical Grind since it wasn’t far from our location on the interstate. As we pulled up and parked, I knew we picked a good place due to being a Board Game Cafe.

The barista was really friendly as we spent time looking at the menu and I spent time looking at all the Magic the Gathering product and all the various other little things they sold up at the counter. I got my usual iced americano and Emily got her a chai tea latte. We also snagged some stickers and I got myself a pin and a little Dragon Ball Z mystery tin. As we ordered, the barista gave us a rundown of the place and said there were either 400 or 1400+ board games available around the corner. Emily and I went to scope it out while our drinks were being made.

We spent a solid 10 minutes looking over the selection of board games they offered to let you play. As we headed back front, our coffees were done. We spent a few more minutes checking out the other side of the cafe/store as it was another large area to play Magic, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and whatever else you need large tables for. I told my friends about this place after the fact. It would’ve been perfect for our needs when we used to crash a Panera to play some games of Commander. Sure, there are places to play Magic proper in the Peoria area but this place had the vibe for my group of friends. I think it’s cause they serve coffee, too, but I could be bias towards caffeine.

After I made my separate purchase of little trinkets, we took our coffees and got back on the road as we were anxious to be home. I noticed my americano was light on color so I knew it would be light on bitter. It definitely left ya wanting that punch to the tastebuds but was otherwise had a nice flavor profile. Emily really loved her chai tea latte and said it was closer to what she wanted versus the one she got at the hotel coffeeshop (which I didn’t review but was really cool).

Emily and I both really liked the vibe of this place and during the drive home said it would be worth it drive back up to Shorewood to hang out here on some random day off and explore the city. So, I totally expect to be back up here before too long for some 1v1 games with Emily and coffee coursing through our veins.

Stay nerdy, everyone! It’s a fun time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

i stopped in afew times in the past felt weird... then i was coming out family work dr. therapist... thanks to this place and the friendly people! great place to be and relaxe bad day grab a wizards brew put ur head down on a table! havent had the food why i gave 3 starts.

Edit: 256618.04

Thank you for letting me buy back what was “cut”.

-live long and prosper

-edit: updated photo of new chainmail that #OSF wrongfully cut off me

PS:thank you everyone
#pride2025 #savethemanuals

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Just stopped in for a coffee and to check this place out.What a cool idea. I can see me bringing my daughters here for a board game date 🩷Ava and Ky we're so kind.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Honestly this cafe is such a comfort place. I started coming here for a monthly game night hosted by Joliet Pride Network and was welcomed with open arms. The staff is super friendly and eased my anxiety over time and now feel like friends. Doesn’t hurt that they also have some pretty cool drinks and snacks 😁

Such a cute spot, so welcoming and everywhere you look there’s some personality. Every time I’ve been here the staff has been so nice and accommodating that along with the different drink and toast specials keep me coming back. This place is a hidden gem and I hope they are greeted with the success they deserve here.

I would have killed for a place like this growing up! Great coffee and there is always a fun event to drop into! Not to mention just a great place to hang and play a new game!!

Came for the toast and drinks, stayed for the nerd activities! Love the miniature painting figure night and looking forward to learning how to play magic here. I want to bring all my work friends and have a board game night here too! Great place to hang with friends and make a few new ones (if you’re into that)

Very cute cafe that also sells board games. The run gaming and other events that's open to kids and all. My husband and I stopped by after checking out the sports card store next door. Would definitely come back whenever we're in the area

Stopped in for delicious coffee today. Staff was friendly and our lattes were amazing. I had cinnamon and my husband tried the fluffernutter latte. Both a 10/10

From the first day I went, Ash made me feel welcome, like I belonged, and I made sure I let him know that. It's a bit of a trek south, I wasn't sure what to expect but I was interested in checking out the charity bingo for months, and though I was shy at first, Ash and the Cafe itself really felt like home. I'd one day hope there'd be one closer if there ever was another store. I don't even play any of the advanced board games, i go for community events and to play party games perhaps 3 to 4 times a month and that suffices. Food and beverages are all excellent as well. Props to all other employees as well, and especially props to Dana and Shawn. Highly recommend.

Had a great time! Perfect place to spend a rainy cold afternoon. Warm drinks, welcoming atmosphere, and of course all the games! Wide variety of games to play things suitable for younger kiddos and ages beyond that. Will definitely be going back.