Game On at Stay & Play Game Cafe

Enjoy classic board games and tasty Puerto Rican food at this Irving Park cafe.

Take your family game night to the next level at Stay & Play Game Cafe in Irving Park. The creative family-owned cafe provides everything you need for the perfect game night: a wide selection of games for all ages, delicious food, drinks for grown-ups and even fancy mocktails and hot chocolates for kids. 

Quick details about Stay & Play Game Cafe 

  • Hours: 4-10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
  • Cost: $5 game pass and a minimum $10 food and/or drink purchase per person. Kids 12 and under play free with each paying adult. People 65 and older play free with a minimum $10 purchase. 
  • Parking: Limited parking is available behind the cafe. Street parking is also available. 

Photo credit: Stay & Play Game Cafe

Stay & Play Cafe has more than 700 board games in its collection, including 50 children’s games and 300 games that are categorized as “light” in complexity. There are classics like Sorry! and Connect Four, as well as new and quirky kids’ games that everyone can enjoy. Servers are well-versed in the board game library and are happy to help your family find and learn to play their new favorite game. 

Whether your family likes to roll dice, flip cards or race game pieces around the board, the cafe has games for every interest, age and skill level. No matter your gaming style, one thing is for sure: all that gaming is sure to work up an appetite!

Stay & Play Cafe offers a delicious Puerto Rican menu with sandwiches, pastelillos, tostones, plantains, yuca fries and jibaritos. Adults can indulge in tropical island vibes with rum-based cocktails or fruity virgin mocktails. There are also vegan and gluten-free options, and a kid’s menu with grilled cheese, quesadillas or classic chicken nuggets. Don’t forget to end the night with a coffee and a dessert — kids will love snacking on the cafe’s popular churros! 

Ready to get your game on? Check out these tips for visiting Stay & Play Game Cafe with kids, and get more suggestions on planning a day out in the Irving Park neighborhood. 

Tips for visiting Stay & Play Game Cafe with kids

Photo credit: Stay & Play Game Cafe

  • Order off the kids menu for a meal your child will love. Choose from grilled cheese, chicken nuggets or a quesadilla. Each kid’s meal comes with your choice of french fries or a fruit cup. Older kids that want to order off the grown up menu may enjoy the ham and cheese sandwich, fried plantains or sweet potato fries. 
  • High chairs and a restroom with a changing room are available for the littlest family members.
  • During peak operating hours, a two-hour time limit applies to tables. 
  • Visit during Happy Hour (4-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday) for deals on meals, snacks and drinks. 
  • Love breakfast food? Visit on Sundays for an additional brunch menu that includes Coquito French Toast, Churros Waffles, Dulce de Leche Pancakes and make-your-own omelets.
  • Guests may bring their favorite board game from home, but the game pass fee will still apply. 
  • The cafe hosts many social events, from dancing classes to bingo and themed game nights. Check their event calendar to find an event that interests your family. 

Other things to do nearby

Photo courtesy of Uppie Yuppy

  • Keep the play going at Uppie Yuppy, an indoor play place that is just down the street! 
  • Visit Kilbourn Park and enjoy a playground, a greenhouse and children’s garden, tennis courts and more sporting fields. 
  • After all that playing and gaming has worked up an appetite, chow down at Smoque BBQ. The mouth-watering barbeque joint even has a kid’s menu with mini pork and brisket sandwiches. 
  • Stop for a drink at Old Irving Brewing Co., a family-friendly brewery with a kid’s menu and great craft brews.

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Nikki Roberts
Nikki Roberts
Nikki Roberts is the assistant editor on the Chicago Parent team. She is always on the lookout for the coolest and trendiest new attractions, restaurants and events for Chicagoland families. Her newsletters, online family guides and exciting digital content keep families informed on all the latest happenings around town.

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