Battle Grounds Café: A Gamer’s Haven

Battle Grounds Gaming Café is a brand-new haven for gamers and coffee enthusiasts that has just opened its doors on Northeast Sandy Boulevard in the Hollywood District of Portland. The café’s Grand Launch event was postponed by winter’s icy grasp last month but with the ice melted one may now choose to make the quest to discover what it has to offer. Namely, plenty of affordable fun at just $5 per patron, for the day – which is refreshing when it’s so in the norm to expect to have to give an arm-and-a-leg for a pittance of fun in most establishments. Within Battle Grounds’ vast library of games, listed on its webpage, one is sure to find something to fancy their interests, but if one wishes they may bring their own tabletop and board games. And when the night is over, you also can rent games for three days with a $5 charge and trek home with a sweet haul. 

At the Café many amenities are offered including locally roasted coffee and a locally made baked-goods bar that includes vegan options through their partnerships with local businesses such as Spielman Bagels, Blue Kangaroo Roasters, and Shoofly Vegan Bakery, D & Tea, along with Piecemakers painters, Vulcanforge Creations, and D N D Dice. There’s also a selection of local craft beers, ciders, and wines to choose from. 

This is a welcome addition to Portland, in a time when hangouts like this are few and seemingly far between. So-called “third places” are any place one goes for social interactions outside the home or workplace and are disappearing from our societal landscape. When I was a kid, I had arcades and bowling alleys that my friends and I could meet up at. When I was a teenager there were internet cafés and later, computer gaming cafés where people could meet up and play Counter-Strike. And as an adult who doesn’t really enjoy sitting at a loud and noisy bar and who already gets enough caffeine in my morning coffee, there aren’t many places as inviting to my current passions or my inner child. These venues play crucial roles in building relationships and sense of belonging in the community. Battle Grounds aims to be one of those few places embracing joy and the need for adventures and quest we hold within ourselves. 

Amidst the libations offered, this hall holds expectations of civility, harmony, and refined manners. Tavern brawls and uncouth impoliteness are forbidden and sternly frowned upon; rather, an atmosphere of inclusivity and joy is imbued within its noble walls. Battle Grounds even provides rental space for private parties and holds events throughout the week, where specific games are put on for the evening such as Magic: The Gathering, or D & D. Patrons may reserve tables for $20. And if your entire hoard needs more accommodation, private event pricing is available. 

Drop in any day of the week at 3738 N.E. Sandy Blvd., from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and til 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Image sourced from battlegroundsgamingcafe.com