Have you been thinking about learning how to play Dungeons and Dragons, or just want to pull out the old Scrabble board?
There’s a hidden gem at 8228 Oak Street where you can play your favorite board game, grab a bite to eat, and meet new people with the same enthusiasm for board games.
The d4 Tabletop Gaming Café is the place to be. The café is a family business owned and operated by Tracy Meyer and her husband, Mark Meyer. For the past year and a half, their space has served as the city’s hub for tabletop gaming.
“We started in New Orleans because we just saw there wasn’t any game store in the city,” Tracy said. “Being near the colleges, we get a lot of people that take the streetcar, other public transportation, or walk.”
However, with the recent mainstream discovery of just how cool being a nerd is, Tracy explained, it’s not just college students walking in the door.
“We’ve ended up getting a lot of kids that watch shows like ‘Stranger Things,’” Tracy said. “There’s a pre-teen crowd that watches YouTube series like ‘Critical Role’ and others and want to learn how to play.”
But it’s not just D&D. If you’re looking for Magic the Gathering, The Settlers of Catan, dice, miniatures and card sleeves, Pokemon, or Vampires: The Masquerade, they’ve got it — even the classics like Clue or Candy Land. If they don’t have it, they’ll order it for you.
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Looking for space to play a game? Go in, grab a table, and let the adventure begin.
“People think that they have to pay to play in here, but that’s not true,” Tracy said. “You can come in, sit down, and play if there is a free table. We just ask that you buy something.”
There’s a full menu of food. Poboys, soups, salads, wraps, and daily specials. It’s enough variety to keep you fueled up while you’re battling orks and evil elves.
Don’t have your own game? No problem, there are over 200 board games for rent or purchase. Are you just looking for new people to go on an adventure with? Tracy says they have a calendar of events for just about everyone.
“Friday Night Magic (on) Friday, Dungeons and Dragons for newbs and veterans and Fridays and Saturdays, and I host My Little Pony every other Sunday,” she said. “There’s also an open game of Vampires: the Masquerade every other Sunday.”
If you’re interested in the events, check out their calendar.
Don’t know how to play? Walk in and ask where to get started.
“We love that, because we also want to build a community. That’s the fun part about a game shop,” Tracy said. “Yes, it’s a shop where you can come and eat and buy things. But it’s also a place to hang out.”
So, don’t be shy. Strap on you armor, sharpen your sword, grab your shield, and head over to Oak Street for an adventure at d4 Tabletop Gaming Cafe.
