Score! Seattle’s Newest Tabletop Game Store Is a Winner

Need an excuse for a family game night? Or better yet, a new scene for board time? Check out Meeples Games in West Seattle, our area’s newest (and coolest) tabletop game store. Its family-friendly vibe will have you passing “Go” in no time. Game on!

What’s in Store
Meeples Games is the newest tabletop game store to hit the Seattle scene. And although it follows familiarly in its predecessors’ footsteps, owner Laura Schneider had a clear vision for this new player. The idea, she explains, was to create a store that’s “accessible, comfortable and welcoming” for everyone. So that the most experienced gamers all the way through to the game-curious can check out and spend time in this gaming spot. Bottom line is you don’t have to understand the store name’s back-story to shop or play there. But if you’re curious about its origins… Meeple is a generic term for any Euro style board game piece. It’s good to be in the know!

The store is organized into two halves, with games shelved by theme or by age, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. All the hot new games, and games recently featured on Wil Wheaton’s TableTop show have their own floor space. A cinch when you need to find good games, fast. Meeples also houses a game library where players can check out the latest and greatest in boarding (of the tabletop variety) any time the store is open. It’s an easy way to test the waters before making a purchase, especially with fickle kiddos in the mix, or to just pass the time. And if you’re interested in group events (for the littles or the bigs), be sure to check out the store’s online event calendar for cool upcoming matches and workshops hosted in the Thunderdome. It’s game face time!

Do You Like Snacks with Your Games?
The one-site café serves up food that pairs well with games (think chips & salsa, veggies & dip), as well as traditional café fare like pastries, salads and even pannini pressed sandwiches, with Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available. As for drinks, gamers can enjoy True North Espresso drinks, beer and Jones Soda. And everything’s reasonably priced, too (from $1-$10) so you won’t break the bank if you grab a snack or a drink while playing with the fam. Think of it as your own game room, but without the clean up! 

The Big Score for Families
Add family game day at Meeples to your weekend can’t-miss list, and head over to the store between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays for some QT with the kiddos. Raid their game library to find a new favorite or play a classic throwback that’ll make you feel young again. Trouble and Mouse Trap are just a few of the vintage titles you’ll find in the gaming library. And Robot Turtles (that coding game for kids you’ve been dying to check out), Pick a Dog (Pig or Polar Bear, too!), and Cranium are some of the more obscure and contemporary titles lurking in the Meeples closet, waiting to be discovered. Take your pick; it’s hard to lose!

A Win for Kids
If you need to spice up the family game closet, Schneider has a few suggestions that will put you in the win column, as far as the kidlets are concerned. Cheeky Monkey, housed in an adorable fuzzy monkey carrying case, is a crowd pleaser of the 4 and up variety. While Carcassonne Junior or The Three Little Pigs Board Game are cool picks for the over 6 crowd. And Bears! just screams “play me” to those over 7. Let’s face it, as Seattle parents, we understand the importance of having a few rainy day indoor game options, even in the summertime. 

Good to Know
When you head to Meeples, be sure to look up, because the store is on the second floor. Park on the street or use the lot in the back (both are free) for easy access. See you there!

Meeples Games
3727 California Ave. S.W., Suite 2B
Seattle, Wa 98116
206-535-7896
Online: meeplesgames.com
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight

Do you plan on checking out Meeples Games? Share your experience in a comment below.

–Allison Sutcliffe, words and photos