Board-game cafés have been increasing in popularity. This is an exciting new trend in pop culture moving the play of board games from home dining tables and basements to a more public setting. Recently, I had a chance to drop in to visit one of the newest of these café concepts on the Northeast side of Indianapolis, Doughnuts & Dragons. Doughnuts & Dragons is located at 3838 E. 82nd Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. This new venue has received media attention for several months. After much anticipation, the location opened for business in October, 2019. I stopped in recently and asked permission to take some photos and check the place out. I'd like to share my initial impressions and thoughts. The Space This interesting concept combines a sweet and savory combination of homemade doughnuts with craft beer. Next, add in the full compliment of over a hundred board game titles. I was impressed by the level of quality in which this concept was carried out. They didn't simply take a hole-in-the wall restaurant or bar and add a shelf with games... this place was thoughtfully designed to center around game-friendly areas and an environment which would appeal to most. The doughnut display cabinet greets you as you walk in with fresh made gourmet doughnuts in a variety of flavors and styles. Just to the right is a sleek bar with both trays of doughnuts and beer on tap lurking just behind. The ambiance is reminiscent of a coffee-shop/bookstore combination including both table & chair set ups as well as lounging areas with leather sofas. Quite a lot of square footage with different areas suited for a variety of tastes. The main seating/dining area is open and pleasant with plenty of tables and chairs. deeper into the space are a couple of leather sofas with large coffee tables well-suited for more casual gaming and conversation. The bookshelves are stocked with fresh new copies of classic board games and the latest hobby games alike... options for those casual visitors or those new to the board-gaming hobby and those who are active enthusiasts. A couple of side rooms each providing slightly different appeal. One room has large windows allowing the daylight to stream in and provide a pleasant view of the outdoors. The other room is a cozy nook almost a hide-a-way of sorts tucked behind one of the game shelves. This area allows for a more secluded experience. I can already envision a role-playing game being played within this space. Nicely appointed with modern furnishings and an overall pleasant appeal. The Games Though you may bring in your own games to play, visitors may also borrow from the house game selection. As mentioned above, games are placed on several shelves. Upon one of the shelves is a sign that suggests if your interested in playing a game, "order one from the server, just like you would doughnuts & drinks!" Games are rented for only $1 per person. A very reasonable fee to borrow from the shop's collection. The choices ranges from family and party favorites like Operation, Jenga, Life, Battleship and Codenames to the heavier modern hobby games such as Western Legends, Scythe, Agricola, Terraforming Mars and Zombicide. A nice variety for sure. I'm assuming that this collection will change and grow as the venue gets its legs and more visitors express their interests. Overview & Final Thoughts
Doughnuts & Dragons is a welcome addition to the growing number of gaming options in the Indianapolis area. This place is unique. Having a doughnut while drinking a beer and playing games ... that's heaven ... at least it is for me! Overall, I thought the game selection skewed more toward the party and family-style games. This is to be expected, as many people who are gathering for a drink and doughnut would be looking for a light game to have fun with their group. In my case and I suspect in others' as well, I would gravitate to the heavier, more involved games. I'm looking forward to seeing the community congregate here to play the latest games. To get a chance to play that recent release that not everybody has had a chance to play yet. Perhaps Doughnuts & Dragons will host learning events where a group can learn how to play a game OR maybe there will be planned game nights with a host or publisher to draw a crowd? Oh, the possibilities. I'm excited for this venue and hopeful for its success. I encourage those in Indianapolis or visitors to stop in and check out Doughnuts & Dragons. I have been to a number of gaming cafés and bars. This one is both well thought out and unique in concept. Board games can bring us together and in this case, we can enjoy a beer and a doughnut while we're at it. What types of game cafés have you visited? Do you like the idea of beer and doughnuts? Please post any comments and share your game café stories. Visit the King's GameNight Facebook page and ... Game on!
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