What Snakes & Lattes is and how to visit

Snakes & Lattes is a board game café chain with locations in Toronto and New York where you pay an hourly table fee to play games from their library while ordering food and drinks. Unlike a traditional café where games are free, you're paying for access to the space and the curated collection of games — typically 500 to 700 titles per location. The hourly rate usually runs $5 to $10 per person depending on the time of day and location, with discounts for larger groups or longer stays.

You walk in, tell staff how many people are in your group and how long you want to stay, and they seat you at a table. A staff member brings over a catalog or tablet showing available games, you pick one (or several), and they teach you the rules if you need it. Food and drinks are ordered separately and added to your bill. Most locations are open afternoons through late evening, with extended hours on weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay an hourly per-person fee to sit at a table, separate from food and drink costs.
  • Staff will teach you the rules of any game you choose, so you don't need to know how to play beforehand.
  • The game library includes party games, strategy games, and cooperative games suitable for different group sizes and skill levels.
  • Reservations are recommended on weekends and evenings, especially for larger groups.

Pricing and what it covers

The table fee covers your seat and access to the game library for the duration of your stay. Pricing varies by location and time: weekday afternoons are usually cheaper than evenings and weekends. Some locations offer discounts if you stay longer than a certain number of hours, or if your group is large. You'll be charged per person, so a group of four staying two hours will cost more than two people staying one hour.

Food and beverages are ordered from the café menu and billed separately. Most locations serve coffee, tea, soft drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and snacks. There's usually no requirement to buy food, though most people do order something. Some locations have a minimum food purchase per table, so ask when you arrive or call ahead.

How to choose and learn a game

When you're seated, staff will show you the game catalog — either a printed binder or a digital menu on a tablet. Games are usually organized by player count, game length, and difficulty level, so you can narrow down options based on your group size and how much time you have. If you're unsure what you want, staff can recommend games based on what you tell them about your group's preferences.

Once you pick a game, a staff member will bring it to your table and explain the rules. This is one of the main advantages of a board game café: you don't need to read a rulebook or watch a tutorial video beforehand. The staff member will walk through setup, turn order, and how to win, then answer questions as you play. If you get stuck mid-game, you can flag down staff for clarification.

Group size and reservation policies

Snakes & Lattes accommodates groups from two people to 20 or more, depending on the location and available tables. Small groups (two to four people) can usually walk in without a reservation on weekday afternoons, but weekends and evenings fill up quickly. Larger groups should call ahead or book online to may provide a table.

Most locations accept reservations through their website or by phone. When you book, you'll specify the number of people, preferred date and time, and how long you plan to stay. Some locations hold the reservation for 15 minutes past the booked time, so arriving a few minutes late is usually fine. If you need to cancel, check the location's cancellation policy — many allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What types of games are available

The library includes party games (like Codenames or Telestrations, which work well for larger groups and don't require deep strategy), strategy games (like Catan or Ticket to Ride, which involve planning and resource management), cooperative games (like Pandemic, where players work together against the game itself), and casual games for people new to board games. Most locations stock games that play in 30 minutes to two hours, though some have longer options.

Staff can recommend games based on your group's interests. If you like word games, they'll point you toward word-based titles. If you want something competitive, they'll suggest games with clear winners and losers. If you have someone in your group who's never played a modern board game, they can suggest titles that are straightforward to learn but still fun for experienced players.

What to expect on your first visit

Arrive a few minutes early so you can check in and get seated without rushing. The space is usually casual and social — you'll see other groups playing games at nearby tables. Noise levels vary by location and time of day; evenings tend to be louder. Staff are trained to be helpful without hovering, so you can ask questions whenever you need them.

Bring your group's energy and willingness to try something new. Board game cafés work best when people are relaxed about winning or losing and focused on spending time together. If someone in your group has never played a modern board game, let staff know — they'll pick something that's fun and not intimidating. Most first-time visitors leave wanting to come back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy food to play games?

Most locations don't require a food purchase, but some have a minimum spend per table. Call your local Snakes & Lattes before you visit to confirm their policy. Many people order coffee or a snack anyway, since you're sitting there for a couple of hours.

What if I don't know any of the games?

Staff will teach you. That's part of the service. Tell them you're new to board games and they'll pick something fun and straightforward to learn, then walk you through the rules before you start playing.

Can I bring my own games?

Most locations don't allow outside games, since the table fee is for access to their library. Check with your specific location, but the standard policy is to play from their collection only.

How long should I book a table for?

Most games take 45 minutes to 90 minutes to play, so booking two hours gives you time to learn the rules, play, and chat without feeling rushed. If you want to play multiple games, book three hours. You can always leave early if you finish faster.

What's the age policy for kids?

Snakes & Lattes welcomes families, and many games work for kids ages 8 and up. Some games are better for older kids or adults. When you book or arrive, let staff know the ages in your group and they'll recommend games that work for everyone.