image: courtesy of Snakes&Lattes
If you want somewhere to go to and hang out with friends, a unique place for a date, or some family time, Snakes and Lattes is the place to be. The board game cafe is quickly gathering steam as one of Toronto’s newest and best places to spend some time relaxing with friends.
Getting over the hurdle
The concept itself is a great one. People love coffee, food, and board games, so the decision to combine all in one venue is deceptively simple. After a $5 entrance fee is paid, patrons can dine on well-priced Croque Monsieurs, Oreo cupcakes, candy bars, paninis, and much more. The drinks section is even more impressive: lattes, coffee, espresso, milkshakes, fresh juice, smoothies, and hot chocolate are just a few examples of the spread available.
The games beat all the culinary options, though. The selection is just plain out of this world. The westward wall is literally jam packed with over 1500 great games. Classics like Monopoly and Connect Four are joined with commercial ventures like Pirates of the Caribbean Battleship and the Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival Day game. New classics like Settlers of Catan and Mister Jack are also well represented, as well as a mind blowing amount of trivia games like Battle of the Sexes, Sex and the City Trivia, and every edition of Trivial Pursuit ever.
The venue itself is nicely lit, well organized, and furnished with spacious and comfortable chairs and tables. The space fills up quite quickly (the both times I’ve been there, it’s been full up) but you’re able to place a convenient reservation. There’s no time limit as for how long you can stay, so feel free to enjoy a lengthy game should it be required. If you’re having difficulty understanding the rules of a particular game, the server at the drink bar will happily explain how to play and offer recommendations for other games to try. Service is friendly and laid back, giving Snakes and Lattes an independent, relaxed feel.
It’s fun, inexpensive, relaxed, and centrally located at about a two minute walk from Bathurst Station. Hours run from 11AM to midnight every day of the week, making the cafe a flexible venue for a hang out with friends, a date, or family. Snakes and Lattes is a sure bet to please.
A veritable nerd haven, I love hanging out here, the cafe has been such an excellent addition to the neighbourhood. Also, they have every board game you can think of!