Card and board games in Poznan: a list of selected cafes for those who enjoy playing games over a beer

Card and board games in Poznan: a list of selected cafes for those who enjoy playing games over a beer

April 11, 2025

Poznan is a city that offers unique places for card and board game enthusiasts. Local cafes and pubs have created spaces where enthusiasts can spend hours on their favorite games, meet new people and discover new titles. Each of these places has its own unique character, rich history and offers hundreds of different games - from classic card games to modern board games. Whether you're an experienced gamer or just starting your adventure with board games, Poznan venues provide a friendly atmosphere and professional staff who will help you choose the right game and explain the rules.

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Kosteczka Pub and Grotto Gaming Pub - gems for gamers

Kosteczka Pub, located on Strzelecka Street, is a place that has been attracting board and card game enthusiasts for more than a decade. The pub was established in 2010 on the initiative of a group of friends-enthusiasts who dreamed of creating a space combining the pleasure of gaming with the atmosphere of a traditional pub. The name 'Dice' refers to the dice, which are an integral part of many board games and are a symbol of luck and chance in the world of games.

The interior of Kosteczka delights with its atmosphere - the walls are decorated with posters with motifs of popular games, and the wooden shelves bend under the weight of more than 300 titles. Among them are real gems, including collector's editions of 'Magic and Sword' - the first Polish fantasy board game, which debuted in the 1980s and still has its loyal fans. Cube is also famous for organizing card game tournaments, such as Magic: The Gathering and Gwint, which attract players from all over Greater Poland.

It is interesting to note that Kosteczka Pub is located in a tenement from the early 20th century, which survived the turmoil of World War II. The pub's basement retains its original vaulted ceilings, which create a unique atmosphere during evening RPG sessions. According to local legend, valuable book collections of Poznan libraries were hidden in this basement during the war, which adds an extra historical dimension to the place.

On the other hand, Grota Gaming Pub, located on Dluga Street, is a relatively young, but already iconic place on the map of Poznan gaming venues. Opened in 2015, Grotto stands out for its unique decor inspired by the world of fantasy and science fiction. The walls are decorated with hand-painted murals depicting scenes from popular games and movies, and the lighting was designed to create a magical, cozy atmosphere.

Grotto Gaming Pub boasts an impressive collection of more than 400 games, including rare collector's editions. Among them is a unique copy of the first edition of 'Settlers of Catan' autographed by Klaus Teuber himself - the creator of this iconic game. The restaurant regularly organizes themed nights dedicated to specific game systems, such as Dungeons & Dragons or Warhammer, during which experienced game masters lead sessions for beginners and advanced players.

An interesting aspect of Grotto is its involvement in the local gaming community. The pub cooperates with Poznan schools, organizing board game workshops as an alternative form of education and integration for young people. In addition, Grotto is one of the main organizers of the annual Poznan Board Games Festival, which since 2017 has attracted thousands of enthusiasts from all over Poland.

Both Kosteczka and Grotto offer a wide selection of drinks and snacks at affordable prices. At Kosteczka, you can sample proprietary drinks inspired by popular games like 'Elixir Mana' and 'Potion of Healing,' while Grotto is famous for its craft beers brewed specifically for the venue by local breweries. Both venues also offer a menu of snacks ideal for consumption while playing - ones that don't dirty the cards or the board.

The Underground - a boardroom - a hidden treasure for enthusiasts

The Underground - a boardroom venue, located at 22 Rybaki Street, is a place with a fascinating history and a unique character. The venue opened in 2013 in the space of the former basement of a 19th century tenement house, which before the war belonged to the well-known Poznan merchant and game collector Heinrich Schmidt. According to accounts, Schmidt amassed an impressive collection of traditional games from around the world, which was unfortunately lost during the turmoil of war. The current owners of the Underground, inspired by this story, decided to create a place that refers to the former owner's collecting passion.

The interior of the Underground impresses with authentic brick vaulted ceilings and atmospheric lighting, which creates a cozy atmosphere conducive to long gaming sessions. The premises are divided into several zones - a main room with large board game tables, an intimate space for card games, and a cozy corner with comfortable chairs, ideal for RPG games requiring longer sessions. The walls are decorated with handmade maps of worlds from popular fantasy games and historical graphics depicting people playing traditional games throughout the ages.

The Underground boasts an impressive collection of more than 500 games, carefully selected by the owners. Among them are modern hits as well as true white ravens - including a complete collection of Polish board games from the communist period, such as 'Eurobiznes' and 'Explorers'. A special pride of the premises is an original edition of 'Go' - an ancient Chinese strategy game - made of traditional materials according to centuries-old tradition.

An interesting fact is that the Underground regularly organizes 'Evenings with the History of Games' - events during which experts talk about the evolution of board and card games throughout history, presenting replicas of historical games such as Egyptian Senet or medieval chess. These educational meetings are very popular among Poznan game enthusiasts and historians.

The venue is also famous for organizing card game tournaments, which attract players from all over Poland. Particularly popular are monthly tournaments in 'Legend of the Five Circles' - a Japanese card game set in the world of samurai, which has an exceptionally strong community in Poznan. The winners of these tournaments represent the city at national competitions, and several times Poznan Underground players have even qualified for the European championships.

The Underground also stands out for its approach to new visitors. Specially trained 'Game Masters' help choose the right game to suit players' preferences and experience, and then patiently explain the rules. This friendly atmosphere makes the establishment an ideal place for both experienced players and those who are just beginning their adventure with board games.

The Underground's menu features a wide selection of teas from around the world, coffees brewed using a variety of methods, and homemade cakes and snacks. Prices are moderate, and the gaming fee is charged in the form of a symbolic 'admission ticket', which includes unlimited access to all games on the premises. Regulars can take advantage of a membership card, which offers additional discounts and privileges, such as the ability to book an exclusive table or participate in closed events.

CANIS LUPUS - a club cafe with traditions

CANIS LUPUS, located in the Kinepolis complex on Bolesława Krzywoustego Street, is a unique place that combines the functions of a game store, club cafe and gaming room. The venue was opened in 2011 by a group of friends who met while studying at Adam Mickiewicz University, where they ran the university's board game club. The name 'CANIS LUPUS' (the Latin name for wolf) refers to the game 'Werewolf', popular among gamers, which was the first game the founders of the venue played together.

The history of CANIS LUPUS is closely linked to the development of Poznan's board game scene. In the 1990s and early 2000s, when board games were just gaining popularity in Poland, the future founders of the cafe organized informal meetings in dorms and private apartments. Over time, the group of enthusiasts grew so large that the idea of creating a permanent place dedicated to this passion was born. Initially CANIS LUPUS was located in a small place in Jeżyce, before moving to its current spacious location in Kinepolis in 2015.

The interior of CANIS LUPUS was designed with players' comfort in mind. The space is divided into several zones: a store with a wide selection of games, a spacious game room with large tables, a cozy cafe corner and a separate room for tournaments and workshops. The decor refers to classic fantasy themes - the walls are decorated with hand-painted murals depicting scenes from popular game worlds, and the wooden furnishings were made by local craftsmen.

The collection of games available at CANIS LUPUS includes more than 600 titles, making it one of the largest in Poland. Among them are both international bestsellers and lesser-known gems, carefully selected by the owners. Particularly valuable is the collection of historical board games, including a complete set of the first Polish games published by the now legendary Publishing and Trading Company 'Bard' in the 1990s, which launched the modern board game market in Poland.

An interesting fact is that CANIS LUPUS has in its collection a unique prototype of the game 'Neuroshima Hex', created by the Poznan studio Portal Games, with handwritten notes and corrections by the designers. This game, which later became an international hit and lived to see a digital adaptation, has its roots right here in Poznan, and its first tests took place among friends who later founded CANIS LUPUS.

The restaurant is famous for hosting regular events that attract enthusiasts from all over the region. Particularly popular are 'Game Nights' - all-night board game marathons held on the last Friday of every month. During these events, the café bustles with activity until the early hours of the morning, and gamers have the opportunity to test market novelties and meet other enthusiasts. CANIS LUPUS also organizes tournaments of card games such as 'Magic: The Gathering' and 'Pokemon TCG', which attract both experienced players and novices.

A unique aspect of CANIS LUPUS is its commitment to education through games. The establishment cooperates with Poznan schools and libraries, organizing workshops that use board games as a teaching tool. The owners have developed a proprietary 'Learning Through Games' program that helps develop logical thinking, strategy and cooperation skills among children and teenagers.

The CANIS LUPUS menu features a wide selection of coffees, teas, juices and snacks ideal for consumption while playing. Prices are moderate and the fee system is flexible - guests can pay for the time they spend in the premises or buy a pass for multiple entries. Regulars often opt for membership in the CANIS LUPUS Club, which offers numerous privileges, including discounts on game purchases and participation in special events.

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