Many Atlantans have games on the brain, and we're not just talking the Super Bowl. The board game craze has become a part of the local nightlife scene with several bars and restaurants offering board game nights. And local board game groups use game play as a unique form of socializing. We cut the deck and dealt the following:
THE TOWER GAME CENTER
This game depot offers popular board, collectible card and role playing games for sale. On Sunday afternoons, its Board Game Sundays event begins rolling at noon. Super Bowl Sunday is no exception. Players typically dive into popular European games including Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride. There's no age restriction, but organizers ask that all kids age 15 and younger be accompanied by an adult.
Free. Noon. Sundays. The Tower Game Center, 860 Duluth Hwy, Suite 156, Lawrenceville. 678-442-1787, www.thetowergames.com.
THE ATLANTA BOARD & CARD GAME MEETUP GROUP
The Atlanta Board & Card Game Meetup Group meets on the second Wednesday and last Saturday of each month at The Loop Pizza Grill just outside of Tucker. Approximately 20 to 40 game lovers converge for hot Euro-style games (think Settlers of Catan) and games of strategy like Blokus. The games are provided, and quicker games are typically played earlier in the evening. Saturday events are packing out, so organizers recommend newbies popping in on Wednesdays.
Free. 5 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 11. The Loop Pizza Grill, 3537 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta. 770-220-2666.
THINKING MAN TAVERN
Although it doesn't have an organized board game event, patrons are invited to grab a game off of the shelf and start an impromptu match. The staff keeps tons of games on hand, including multiple copies of Cranium, Connect Four, Sorry!, Boggle and Battleship. Other faves include Uno, Yahtzee and Scattergories. Trivial Pursuit cards used to be scattered over the bar itself, but they earned retirement after becoming too tattered. But three versions of Trivial Pursuit are available for play. The bar's name and theme is a tip of the graduation cap to higher education. Much of the decor —taxidermy, globes and maps —was rescued during an Agnes Scott College dumpster dive session. If your favorite board game is taken, throw some darts or play trivia on select nights.
Free. Thinking Man Tavern, 537 W. Howard Ave., Decatur. 30030. 404-370-1717, www.thinkingmantavern.com.
KIRKWOOD ACES BAR & GRILL
Board game fans can belly up to this rockabilly-tinged bar and request a game. Tease the brain with Cranium, get wordy with Scrabble or bust out your best "d'oh" while playing "The Simpsons" Operation. Players who drink can grab hold of a PBR or request a signature cocktail like the Cape Compton, a high-octane cocktail made with Crunk!!! Energy Drink. Kirkwood Aces offers other forms of competition, including pinball and adult-themed trivia complete with risqué questions.
Kirkwood Aces Bar & Grill, 1992 Hosea L. Williams Drive N.E., Atlanta. 404-377-9577, www.kirkwoodaces.com.
PLAY DATE ATLANTA
Atlanta entrepreneur Imari Harvard launched the monthly social, Play Date Atlanta in 2005 as an alternative to the nightlife scene. Guests plop down a cover, and it gives them access to a host of games and a cash bar. A heaping helping of games are available at each event including Hungry Hungry Hippos, Uno, Monopoly and more. Harvard says the more popular games are group efforts like Taboo and Pictionary. And Play Date Atlanta has signature group games, too, including Musical Chairs, Simon Says and hula hoop contests. The crowd is mostly in its 30s, and includes both singles and couples 21 and older. Harvard's latest event creation, Call Me Up combines improv with crowd participation using audience members' cell phones. The kick off Call Me Up event takes place at 595 North on Saturday.
$10. 9 p.m. Feb. 14. Loft at Castleberry Hill, 170 Northside Drive S.W., Atlanta. 404-522-5678, www.playdateatl.com.
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