Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

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.

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.

Always an amazing time. Staff is so welcoming and amazing.
Drinks and snack are wonderful and always yummy.

This place is AMAZING!
WAY better than any other place I have played Dungeons & Dragons at.

-The staff are friendly and amazing.
-The place is clean, neat and organized.
-The cafe food and beverages are delicious.

Fully recommend. Try this place at least once to see for yourself!

Love that there is a place that young adults can go to have a cup of coffee, a snack or two, and play some board games with friends. We need more safe environments like this in our area and/or need more folks to know they exist. Not everyone is into the “bar scene” in order to make some new relationships. Critical Grind offers a grand scheme of events and experiences that speak to everyone’s social palate.

Critical Grind is amazing! Dont have someone to play TCG's with? Go on tuesdays or fridays and meet the most amazing, welcoming community there is! Weather its Lorcana, MTG, or anything else, youre gonna find SOMEONE to play with you. AND their board game selection is AMAZING! The staff are SUPER nice, and they have a good selection of drinks and snacks!

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

Rudy is always so kind, when i walked in for the first time looking for a drink he walked me through the whole menu and helped me pick the perfect drink, he also gave me a tour and showed me amazing products, I love how welcoming it was if you’re new and thinking about stopping in do it!! Ps try the dragonfruit lychee refresher with lemonade ITS SO GOOD!