This place was perfect for a caffeine intake and to hang out for a bit. They had lattes, beer (coffee beer!), mixed drinks (espresso based drinks) and foods. My family spent time trying different drinks and playing different board games. Drinks and playing "Settlers of Catan" is the recipe for a good time. I should say the staff was very nice on our visit.
Chase Phillips
Absolutely loved everything about Memphis Chess Club. The space couldn’t be cooler. Fun history (and preservation). Seemed like an active community hub- what every city needs. Loved it.
Hugh Perkins
Great game-themed/playing coffee shop. If you can sit here, surrounded by people eating delicious smelling fried and pizza, and not cave in and order some for yourself, you're a strong person than me though :) Music is fairly varied, but generally fairly palatable I feel. Fairly spacious. Nice furniture. Big windows.
John Riley W.
A very diverse place and menu. I have never been to a place where you can get pizza, great coffee, and play chess! Service was great and the atmosphere is what truthfully gives it 5 stars.
Andrew Cunningham
Great place!!
Andrew M.
A great hangout place, food is very good and the workers are super friendly! Also this is a great place to get beat by grandpas that have been playing chess for 40 years!
James Ray
I've frequented the chess club off and on for several years now, and it remains one of my favorite spots in Memphis for unwinding with a book or diving into a study session. The expansive space and inviting ambiance provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation.While the chess club's atmosphere and food offerings have consistently impressed, I find myself somewhat disheartened by the inconsistency in the espresso drinks. As a coffee enthusiast, I appreciate the artistry behind a well-crafted espresso beverage. Unfortunately, here, the execution often misses the mark. I believe that enhancing the coffee offerings could significantly elevate the overall experience for patrons. Whether it's improving the brewing techniques, focusing on the crafting of drinks, or sourcing higher-quality beans, investing in the coffee aspect could truly make a difference.Despite this critique, the chess club remains a top Memphis spot for me, and I hope to see improvements in the coffee/espresso department in the future. With a few adjustments, this place could easily become the ultimate go-to destination for both chess aficionados and coffee lovers alike.
Ryan Juarez
My job is to travel around the country, and this is by far one of my favorite places to come.The food rocks.The coffee is strong enough for me to focus on my work.And it’s located near everything else.Whether you want to stop in and relax or play chess - come visit
Emilee Hawkins
The atmosphere of this place is incredible! Don't let the name fool you, there are many games you can play or just come to eat and drink. They do offer a membership if you plan to come play games regularly, or you can pay $5 to rent the games while you are there. We tried the breakfast on our visit, and it was good. The croissant breakfast sandwich had a real fried egg! I wish the crepes had a cream filling, they were just folded crepes with toppings. However, both items were delicious! The black coffee was good, and the chai was flavorful. We will return to try their lunch/dinner options and extensive adult beverage menu! Parking is, unfortunately, the same as most downtown places and a hassle. There are a few street parking spots nearby, but they tend to be full. I recommend carpooling or ubering if possible.
Fun place. Open earlier for breakfast than some of the other places in the area. Good selection of beverages. Lots of games and cozy places to sit. Was pretty empty when I went at 8am on a Sunday.
Shiloh Stovall
Such a cute place to enjoy a drink, food, and hangout. There are board games and tons of seating, including an upstairs. I went here for a book club and it was the perfect spot to relax and talk about books.
Shady Radical
Not very friendly to my daughter, but the coffee was okay.
Azeem Rehman
Food is below average
Drew Godfrey
Delicious pizza and fun atmosphere! Our family enjoyed trying some new games. We’ll be back!
Best cocktail bar in memphis great selection
This place was perfect for a caffeine intake and to hang out for a bit. They had lattes, beer (coffee beer!), mixed drinks (espresso based drinks) and foods. My family spent time trying different drinks and playing different board games. Drinks and playing "Settlers of Catan" is the recipe for a good time. I should say the staff was very nice on our visit.
Absolutely loved everything about Memphis Chess Club. The space couldn’t be cooler. Fun history (and preservation). Seemed like an active community hub- what every city needs. Loved it.
Great game-themed/playing coffee shop. If you can sit here, surrounded by people eating delicious smelling fried and pizza, and not cave in and order some for yourself, you're a strong person than me though :) Music is fairly varied, but generally fairly palatable I feel. Fairly spacious. Nice furniture. Big windows.
A very diverse place and menu. I have never been to a place where you can get pizza, great coffee, and play chess! Service was great and the atmosphere is what truthfully gives it 5 stars.
Great place!!
A great hangout place, food is very good and the workers are super friendly! Also this is a great place to get beat by grandpas that have been playing chess for 40 years!
I've frequented the chess club off and on for several years now, and it remains one of my favorite spots in Memphis for unwinding with a book or diving into a study session. The expansive space and inviting ambiance provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation.While the chess club's atmosphere and food offerings have consistently impressed, I find myself somewhat disheartened by the inconsistency in the espresso drinks. As a coffee enthusiast, I appreciate the artistry behind a well-crafted espresso beverage. Unfortunately, here, the execution often misses the mark. I believe that enhancing the coffee offerings could significantly elevate the overall experience for patrons. Whether it's improving the brewing techniques, focusing on the crafting of drinks, or sourcing higher-quality beans, investing in the coffee aspect could truly make a difference.Despite this critique, the chess club remains a top Memphis spot for me, and I hope to see improvements in the coffee/espresso department in the future. With a few adjustments, this place could easily become the ultimate go-to destination for both chess aficionados and coffee lovers alike.
My job is to travel around the country, and this is by far one of my favorite places to come.The food rocks.The coffee is strong enough for me to focus on my work.And it’s located near everything else.Whether you want to stop in and relax or play chess - come visit
The atmosphere of this place is incredible! Don't let the name fool you, there are many games you can play or just come to eat and drink. They do offer a membership if you plan to come play games regularly, or you can pay $5 to rent the games while you are there. We tried the breakfast on our visit, and it was good. The croissant breakfast sandwich had a real fried egg! I wish the crepes had a cream filling, they were just folded crepes with toppings. However, both items were delicious! The black coffee was good, and the chai was flavorful. We will return to try their lunch/dinner options and extensive adult beverage menu! Parking is, unfortunately, the same as most downtown places and a hassle. There are a few street parking spots nearby, but they tend to be full. I recommend carpooling or ubering if possible.
Restaurantji Recommends
Fun place. Open earlier for breakfast than some of the other places in the area. Good selection of beverages. Lots of games and cozy places to sit. Was pretty empty when I went at 8am on a Sunday.
Such a cute place to enjoy a drink, food, and hangout. There are board games and tons of seating, including an upstairs. I went here for a book club and it was the perfect spot to relax and talk about books.
Not very friendly to my daughter, but the coffee was okay.
Food is below average
Delicious pizza and fun atmosphere! Our family enjoyed trying some new games. We’ll be back!