Some weeks, it’s hard to think of something good to write. The world ebbs and flows, our lives ebb and flow, neither state is permanent. If we sit in the ebb and in the pain too long, we miss the glimmers, the hope. If we sit in the flow, in assuming everything is and will be fine, we miss others’ struggles and the opportunity to help. Both are true, often simultaneously.

So I don’t want to just be super-chatty about games and community-building while so many are afraid and angry and struggling, but also we’re a board game bar—bringing joy and connection is our raison d’etre. And it strikes me that, though it’s hard in a lot of ways, building something when things are hard is also our collective raison d’etre. Building actual buildings like housing and community centers and businesses, building our skills maybe in cooking or gardening or plumbing, building healing and resilience, building our connections and community: what are we for if not these?

It certainly helps to be heading into spring when the temperatures warm and the sun comes out more. I, for one, am more energized to build something.

Friends, keep warm, keep heart, and keep playing.

Alice C., board game librarian

Play Men at Work!

Men at Work is a dexterity game: players compete with their physical reflexes and coordination to build something with the components or to move them somehow. Jenga is a classic of this genre, but you might also have played Crokinole or Bandu. Even Twister is technically a dexterity game.

In this game, players draw cards to give them their job on the construction site for that turn. You’ll have restrictions on where to place the colored beams and where to place your cute little worker meeple. If you do well, you might win the approbation of your boss, the formidable Rita, but drop items and you’ll lose one of your safety certificates! One isn’t so bad, but you only have three. Check out this fun review of the game. Men at work has delightful table presence and almost unlimited placement for the pieces. What kind of wild structure will you build?

Try our Chicken and Waffle!

It’s chicken, it’s waffle, it’s Chicken and Waffle! Our house-battered chicken—crunchy and juicy and delicious—plus a dense, sweet waffle, served with maple syrup and hot honey. It’s a classic for a reason! Order for brunch or dinner with a Hefeweizen to fortify you to play Men at Work.