Looking for a fun way to express your creativity, challenge your strategic mettle, or unlock your imagination? While not a new trend, tabletop games are a great way to take a needed break from ubiquitous tech-based entertainment to spend time with friends and loved ones.
This winter, beat the weather with a good, old-fashioned board game— or something more modern. Considering challenging your friends with an exciting card game, or a grand adventure with a roleplaying game. Whether you’re into Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, or Risk, Toledo’s gaming stores which have you covered.
Old School Gaming
Opened: 2010. 1403 Bernath Pkwy. 567-343-4980.
oldschoolgaming.net
With a wide selection of tabletop gaming merchandise and a friendly, well-informed staff, finding the right game night diversion is simple here. There is no charge for table space, and 40+ people can occupy the play area at once. Join every other Tuesday in their D&D adventurers league or check their calendar, loaded with gaming events and opportunities, to meet new people who share your favorite hobby.
Dragon’s Roost Coffee & Games
Opened: 2017. 6600 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. 419-517-8454. thedragonsroost.com
Stop by Saxon Square, on Sylvania Ave. near McCord Rd., and fuel up with a caffeinated beverage while browsing for the ideal board game. The cafe, complete with a full espresso bar and pastries, allows you to test games and hang out. The station for miniature painting allows you to create that perfectly detailed Space Marine squad for your next game of Warhammer 40K. If there’s a game you’d like to explore, contact the shop ahead of time to reserve a table.
Toledo Game Room
Opened: 1987. 3001 W. Sylvania Ave. 419-475-3775. toledogameroom.com
Toledo Game Room is a staple of the Toledo tabletop scene. Their experienced and knowledgeable staff will help you find what you’re looking for with a great selection of accessories and parts for fans of gaming miniatures. Their spacious location offers a variety of gaming events and tournaments including Warhammer 40K on Thursdays.
Frogtown Hobbies
Opened: 2014. 5229 Hill Ave. 419-690-4855.
frogtownhobbies.com
Frogtown Hobbies offers a huge selection for any tabletop hobbyist, especially card games with game nights and tournaments nearly every night of the week. For fans of Magic: The Gathering and trading card games, this must-visit is known for their diverse selection and ample gaming space.
Checkmate Games and Hobbies
Opened: 2011. 6725 W. Central Ave. 419-720-6901
checkmategames.net
Nestled in St. James Plaza, at the corner of Central and McCord, next to Video Game Underground and JC’s Comics N’ More as the tabletop hub of Sylvania’s unique gaming corner. In addition to a selection of tabletop games, they offer tournaments for many popular card games. Whether you’re looking to test your skill at Yu-Gi-Oh, D&D or chess, Checkmate has a loaded schedule of weekly game nights.
