Best Board Game Spots in Raleigh

The Raleigh board game scene is more hoppin than you might think. Whether you just moved here, or are simply looking to get out of the house and play your favorite games with some new people, below we got you covered with some of the best spots in Raleigh.

The Gamer’s Armory

Technically in Cary, The Gamer’s Armory is all about building an awesome gamer community in the Raleigh area. They have a lot of game space, host events regularly, and have a great selection of games with reasonable prices.

With 5 stars on Yelp, this is definitely one to check out if you’re serious about board games. Oh, and be sure to check out their calendar via meetup for regular events.

Game Theory

Game Theory is located in northwest Raleigh and is another excellent social hobby shop. Their motto, “The ultimate place for gamers to meet, shop, and play” helps tell a story about what they’re trying to create.

They specialize in role-playing games, board games, card games, and miniatures and sell some basic snack food and drink for long gaming sessions. And they also have a meetup calendar with regular events. 

Event Horizon Games

If you’re looking for a bigger selection, Event Horizon Games might be your best bet. I mean, check out how massive their store is. They even have semi-private RPG rooms (and host games and events as you’d expect). Their calendar of events can be found here.

East Coast Gaming

East Coast gaming is another fairly large space with a huge selection, and these guys focus on cards and table top games. You’ll see that reflected in their events, a lot more card games than other stores. They also have a demo rack for free use for in-store play, and insist you’ll never have an issue finding space for a game. They have a special Friday night event for Magic and even a page for new players.

Atomic Empire

Technically in Durham, a highlight for many players at Atomic Empire is the bar in the back selling beer and snacks. It also might be one of the largest places on the list. Their event page is huge, and in addition to selling games of every sort they also sell a ton of comics. If you’re closer to the Durham area or just looking for a one stop shop and hangout with friends, check out Atomic Empire.

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What places in the Raleigh area have we left off the list that deserve a mention? If you stop by any of these spots with your new gamer friends (that you made off of We3 of course), leave us a comment below and give us your honest review.

And if you haven’t checked out We3 as a free way to find other board game loving people in the Triangle, check it out (it’s completely free!).

 

-Julian

 

photo: catan, board game, dice

Best Craft Beer Spots in Raleigh

craft beer sign

 

If you’ve tried We3 and already found an awesome group of people and you’re reading this, then consider it our job to be your personal concierge and help you guys find the best place to grab a beer in Raleigh.

We’ve scoured the internet and found the top rated spots for craft beer in the city, and have our recommendations for you below.

Let us know in the comments how it went, or if there’s a spot you think we should include that’s missing.

House of Hops

If you’re serious about beer and prefer a casual hangout, you’ve found your spot. House of Hops has 5 stars on yelp after over 100 reviews (!). 

It’s a standard bottle shop: you’ll pay a small “corkage fee,” but as you’re picking the beers off the shelf yourself, it’s far cheaper than drinking at a bar (with far better selection).

Plus, you’ll there’s corn hole, darts, ping pong, arcade games and board games to keep you entertained.

House of Hops Site – Google Maps – Yelp

Brewery Bhavana

With 10 core beers and beer 40 taps, Brewery Bhavana’s incredibly unique interior space and upscale food makes it one of Raleigh’s most unique spots to drink amazing beer.

Unlike many of the other spots on the list, Brewery Bhavana is a bit upscale, feeling more like a cafe in Paris than a beer garden or pub. It also made Forbes’ list of top ten restaurants in the whole United States in 2018.

Brewery Bhavana SiteGoogle MapsYelp

Trophy Brewing Company

Trophy is brewery and pizza place, and has a vibe to fit. Close to the university with outdoor seating. Trophy is social but still chill, and very friendly.

Trophy Brewing Company SiteGoogle Maps – Yelp

The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop

This bottle shop has some serious character and is a community favorite. They have a tap and sell beer by the bottle, and people rave about the selection and price.

Technically they’re in Garner, south Raleigh.

Beerded Lady Site – Google MapsYelp

Big Boss Brewing Company

A typical brewery set up with tons of room, games, and usually food trucks. Check out Big Boss Brewing Company for a quiet and friendly place with a great selection of beers

Big Boss Brewing SiteGoogle MapsYelp

Lonerider Brewing Company

This no frills Texas themed brewery has a simple, very casual feel. No need to dress up to go out and have a beer here, and you’ll have access to smaller but excellent selection of beer. Check it out of you’re looking for something low key.

Lonerider Brewing Company SiteGoogle MapsYelp

Bottle Revolution Raleigh

This local bottle shop has insane variety and outdoor seating. Like many other bottle shops, it is loved by locals and is said to have great staff and owners. One of the original bottle shops in Raleigh, and with amazing food nearby, sitting out in the patio is hard to beat on a great day or night.

Bottle Revolution Site – Google MapsYelp

brewery

Raleigh Brewing Company

This is an extremely social spot, with an emphasis on how many games and ways there are to get people interacting. They often host large events and have a large outdoor space. Is this the best place on the list for enjoying the company of friends or meeting new people? Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

Raleigh Brewing SiteGoogle MapsYelp

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Haven’t tried We3 and open to meeting cool people who like craft beer (and other things you like)? Give it a try here – it’s completely free.

Got any Raleigh craft beer tips for us? Leave a comment and we’ll pass it along to future readers!

– Julian

 

photo: brewery, glassescraft signpour