Cracow's game pub scene offers unusual experiences that transport guests to alternative realities. Two particularly outstanding venues are R'lyeh Café and Cybermachina Game Pub, which represent completely different but equally fascinating concepts of entertainment.

R'lyeh Cafe is a place that alludes by its name and decor to the mythology of Cthulhu created by H.P. Lovecraft. The restaurant, located at 28 Lubicz Street, is a real paradise for lovers of fantasy and board games. The interior is decorated with mysterious symbols, books and design elements inspired by the works of the American writer, which creates a unique, dark atmosphere. The pub has an impressive collection of board games, which can be rented for the duration of your stay at the pub. Particularly popular are games set in Lovecraft's universe, such as 'Arkham Horror' and 'Eldritch Horror', but the offer also includes classic titles and novelties from the world of board games.

What sets R'lyeh Cafe apart from other venues are the regular RPG themed events, where a game master leads sessions for those interested. The atmospheric interior is conducive to immersion in fantastic worlds, and the staff is there to help choose the right game and explain the rules. The bar offers a wide selection of craft beers that go perfectly with hours of gameplay. Prices at R'lyeh Cafe are kept at an average level, which, combined with the unique atmosphere, makes this place attractive to fantasy and board game lovers.

On the other hand, Cybermachina Game Pub at 13 Stolarska Street takes guests to a completely different dimension - to a world inspired by cyberpunk and video game culture. The pub has been operating in Krakow for several years and has managed to build a strong community of gamers. The interior of Cybermachina impresses with its futuristic design, neon accents and references to popular computer games. Posters from iconic productions hang on the walls, and the whole place is illuminated by a characteristic blue-purple light.

The main attraction of Cybermachina are video game stations equipped with the latest generation of consoles. Guests can compete in popular titles such as FIFA, Mortal Kombat and Mario Kart. In addition to video games, the pub also offers arcade machines that take players back to the golden age of arcades. For lovers of more traditional entertainment, there are foosball tables and a wide selection of board games.

Cybermachine is also famous for its themed drinks inspired by popular games, an added attraction for guests. Regular video game tournaments attract both amateur and more advanced gamers, creating a unique community. Prices at Cybermachina are slightly higher than at R'lyeh Cafe, but this is compensated for by the wealth of activities available and the unique atmosphere.

The two venues, although quite different, are united by a passion for gaming and a desire to create a space where one can combine the pleasure of drinking alcohol with a good time. R'lyeh Cafe will appeal to lovers of atmospheric board games and fantasy, while Cybermachina will attract enthusiasts of video games and futuristic atmospheres.

The cosmic theme in Krakow's gaming pubs is reflected in two unique venues belonging to the same chain - Cosmic Minigolf Pub and Cosmic Games Pub. These two venues, although located not far from each other on Karmelicka Street, offer completely different entertainment experiences, but combine them under a common intergalactic banner.

Cosmic Minigolf Pub, located at 50 Karmelicka Street, is the first pub in Krakow to offer fluorescent minigolf in a cosmic setting. The history of the place dates back to 2018, when a group of friends decided to create a place that combines minigolf fun with a pub atmosphere. The interior was designed to transport guests to an intergalactic journey - the walls are covered with fluorescent paintings depicting planets, stars and cosmic objects, which glow in the dark under the influence of UV lamps.

The miniature golf course consists of 9 holes of varying levels of difficulty, each with a unique obstacle referring to space themes. Players are given fluorescent balls and clubs that also glow in the dark, adding an extra dimension to the gameplay. According to local legend, the course's record belongs to a mysterious visitor who visited the pub only once and beat all the holes in just 18 strokes, then disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

The bar at Cosmic Minigolf Pub offers a wide selection of cocktails with cosmic names such as 'Galactic Explosion' or 'Black Hole,' which are often served with showy accompaniments such as dry ice or glowing ice cubes. Prices at the establishment are at an average level, and one round of miniature golf is an additional cost, but this does not deter guests who want to combine drinking pleasure with an unusual activity.

Cosmic Games Pub at 27 Karmelicka Street, on the other hand, focuses on board and console games, also kept in a cosmic style. The pub was established as an extension of the Cosmic Minigolf Pub concept and quickly gained popularity among board game enthusiasts. The interior, like that of its sister establishment, is decorated with cosmic motifs, but here more emphasis has been placed on comfortable seating and tables suitable for board games.

Cosmic Games Pub boasts a collection of more than 200 board games, ranging from simple and quick titles to complex strategies requiring hours of gameplay. Among them are both classics and novelties from the world of board games. Especially popular are space-themed games such as 'Terraformation of Mars', 'Star Empire' and 'Eclipse'. The pub's staff is well versed in the rules of most games and is happy to help new players choose the right title and explain the rules.

Interestingly, Cosmic Games Pub regularly organizes late-night board game marathons, during which players can stay up all night playing games. These events are extremely popular and often seats are booked several weeks in advance. The pub is also famous for organizing tournaments in popular games such as 'Carcassonne' and 'Get on the Train.'

The bar at Cosmic Games Pub offers a similar menu to that at Cosmic Minigolf Pub, with an emphasis on cocktails and craft beers. Prices are comparable, and board game rentals are free as long as drinks are ordered.

Comparing the two venues, Cosmic Minigolf Pub is ideal for those seeking active entertainment and an unusual experience, while Cosmic Games Pub will appeal to lovers of more leisurely, though no less exciting board games. Both places have in common a cosmic vibe, a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to combine the pleasure of drinking with a good time with friends.

Cracow also boasts places that are entirely dedicated to board game culture. Board Game Cafe and BarON are two unique venues that have created a space for board game lovers, combining the pleasure of playing games with the opportunity to enjoy drinks.

Boardowa Board Game Cafe, located at 52 Poplar Street, is a place with a fascinating history. The restaurant was established in 2015 on the initiative of a group of friends who decided to share their passion for board games with the residents of Krakow. The initially small venue quickly gained popularity and had to be enlarged to accommodate the growing number of guests. Today, Boardowa is a spacious place with a dozen tables suitable for board games.

Boardowa's interior was designed with players' comfort in mind - comfortable chairs, adequate lighting and acoustics conducive to conversation. Posters with motifs from popular games hang on the walls, and the whole is kept in warm, cozy colors. Boardowa's collection of board games includes more than 400 titles, making it one of the largest in Krakow. It includes classics such as 'Monopoly' and 'Scrabble', as well as modern titles such as 'Azul', 'Brass: Birmingham' and 'Gloomhaven'.

What sets Boardowa apart from other venues are its regular themed events, such as board game tournaments, evenings with news from the world of board games and workshops for beginners. The venue also collaborates with local game developers, organizing prototype tests and meetings with designers. According to local legend, the idea for several Polish board games, which later became successful on the market, was born at Boardowa.

The bar at Boardowa offers mainly non-alcoholic drinks such as coffees, teas and fruit cocktails, but craft beers and wines are also available. The menu is rounded out with snacks ideal for consumption while playing, such as nachos and pretzels. Prices at Boardowa are at a medium level, and board game rentals incur a small fee, which is canceled when drinks of a certain value are ordered.

BarON, on the other hand, located at 1 Stefana Batorego Street, is a place that combines the world of board games with the world of console games. The restaurant has been operating since 2017 and has quickly become a popular spot on the entertainment map of Krakow. BarON boasts an impressive collection of more than 300 board games, including complex RPGs and fast-paced card games, making it an ideal place for gamers with different preferences.

BarON's interior is designed in a style reminiscent of medieval taverns, with wooden tables, benches and fantasy-inspired decorations. Candles and dimmed lighting add to the atmosphere, which is conducive to immersion in the world of gaming. In addition to board games, BarON also offers stands with Xbox One consoles, which attracts video game enthusiasts.

One of the most distinctive events held at BarON is the weekly PubQuiz, which takes place every Tuesday and attracts teams from all over Krakow. Questions often allude to the world of gaming, fantasy and pop culture, which further emphasizes the venue's profile. BarON is also famous for its themed evenings, during which gamers can take on characters from different universes and experience unforgettable adventures.

The bar at BarON offers a wide selection of craft beers, including several variants brewed especially for the establishment, as well as cocktails inspired by popular games. The menu is complemented by snacks and dishes that can be comfortably consumed while playing. Prices at BarON are slightly higher than at Boardowa, but this is compensated for by the wealth of available attractions and the unique atmosphere.

Comparing the two places, Boardowa Board Game Cafe is more focused on the pure enjoyment of board games, offering a calm, cozy atmosphere ideal for long games. BarON, on the other hand, combines the world of board games with consoles and a more party atmosphere, which attracts a younger audience. What both venues have in common, however, is a passion for games and a desire to create a space where one can combine the pleasure of drinking with a good time with friends.

Whether you're an experienced gamer or just starting out, both Boardowa and BarON offer a friendly atmosphere with something for everyone. The staff at both places are well versed in the rules of most games and are eager to help new players choose the right title and explain the rules.