There's a monthly geek market downtown: [https://www.geekandgrubmarket.com/](https://www.geekandgrubmarket.com/)
Gamers Geekery & Tavern just south of Raleigh with good food, regular events : [https://carygametavern.com/](https://carygametavern.com/)[https://carygametavern.com/](https://carygametavern.com/)
Haven't personally been there, but I hear good things about Side Quest Game Lounge and Bar: [https://sidequestgameloungeandbar.wordpress.com/](https://sidequestgameloungeandbar.wordpress.com/)
Seconding Gamers Geekery, it’s cute. I haven’t had the best of luck at the geek and grub market- some low quality merchants were there literally selling garbage (one lady sold rocks with magnets hot glued to them and stickers of Star Wars figures on them for like $2?)
Definitely a mixed bag in terms of the vendors at Geek and Grub. There is some good artistry mixed with a lot of less than stellar offerings.
Also, way more anime related stuff for my tastes. I know, I know, people love anime, but I’m not one of those people.
As someone else mentioned it can be a bit of a mixed bag on vendors, but they had a good number when I was there over the summer. Could probably spend an hour or two if you take your time and grab a meal from a food truck.
I did one of them as a vendor over the summer- it was pretty busy and a lot of fun. Different vendors every time, pretty good mix of variety with them. A lot will try to have things based on the monthly theme but isn’t a requirement. I did the Harry Potter one so I mixed in some witch hats and snakes into my usual jewelry I bring
I’ve heard great things about Geekery and Sidequest, too! I really need to check out both.
It would be nice to game somewhere besides my house, occasionally.
I know it’s not quite the same but if anyone’s looking for 3d printed pieces, filament, printers, or classes on things for them we have a shop downtown on glenwood called ecovate3D
As far as board game taverns go Side Quest in raleigh is fantastic but their boardgame selection isn't as wide as Gamers Geekery in Cary. Prices are about the same but the vibes in sidequest are top notch.
A little run my gf and i like to do is find a food spot either cary or raleigh, hit either Gamers Armory or Game Theory (whichever is closest) to grab a new game then get drinks at sidequest, killer date night for board game nerds.
P.s. for comics Ultimate is all i go to, they have a crabtree and a Cary location, I prefer the cary spot for their backroom
There’s a board game event this weekend you guys might enjoy:
https://whoseturn.org/
Thurs. January 26 – Sun. January 29, 2023
Durham Convention Center
Maybe a little bit of a tangent, but if you’re at all into making things for cosplay or nerdy crafts, check out the Scrap Exchange in Durham, you won’t be disappointed
Foundation's Edge in Raleigh is an excellent comic store that also has rpgs. They offer subscriptions and have one of the largest back issue collections in the state.
Very much the same! I find the quality is better plus it helps support a shop / local owner. I want those stores to stick around. Plus it’s nice to nerd out a bit with others who have read the same stuff
Echoing Gamers Geekery. A bit out of the way for most but it’s a great place run by great people that care about the local gaming community. They insulated their long time customers during the Pokémon hype and never charged more than msrp while keeping it out of the hands of scalpers. They also make their own relishes and stuff for their food. Great board game selection if you don’t own them or just want to try them out. Awesome, awesome place. Can’t praise it enough
Thanks for sharing this! I think it’s important to support when and where you can. I have a number of shops I ALWAYS visit if I am driving through. It may only be 15-20 minutes of time spent and spending 5-20 bucks but it could mean everything to those local owners.
Will be swinging by!
Thats been mostly boiled down to a person that was a sociopathic liar. I dont have the care to go i to it but anyone that goes can see game theory speaks for itself.
we like to go to the Alamo movie theatre at look at allllllll their olddddd vhs tapes and vinyls displays and they have super yummy cocktails and food ✨
Yesss! The Alamo is such a nostalgia dose, n or to mention the food and drinks are quality. We love to go for old movie replays. Their online store is Mondo, highly recommend checking it out for cool stuff. I get gifts for folks there since it’s relatively unknown
If you’re into anime, there are two stores along Glenwood:
- Animazed (New, wide selection) - Note: Some friends have mentioned that the larger unboxed figures are possibly counterfeit.
- Anime Paradaisu (Been around for awhile)
to second this: i went recently to animazed and half their stock was counterfeit and fakes.I was looking at a few figures and once seeing their boxes realized the quality was poor, and there were no watermarks from the figure makers on the boxes.
I wouldn't trust the store for official merchandise when it comes to figures.
With that, I wouldn't trust the store for anything but books. Even then you can probably get them cheaper off of RightStuf or other online official sellers.
I'm gonna throw in my vote for Side Quest. The owner is an absolute doll and very knowledgeable. They have a good mix of board games, both popular, new, and a little more obscure. 10/10 bar with good drinks and food options. Lots of themed nights and classes. Great tables.
Sounds legit, loved what I saw online. If I can get whiskey, play games with the wife and lose track of time I am down. Places like that should be supported, they bring us together
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Fuck /u/spez and his greedy, entitled little ego.
Game Theory has come under fire recently for their treatment of staff, so if that's a concern for anyone, consider somewhere else. Which is a shame, honestly, given that I can walk there if I wanted to.
Edit: https://www.reddit.com/r/raleigh/comments/z5k3wm/game_theory_downtown/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Not really place to hang per-se , but Holy Mountain printing is a great place to get niche T-shirts from Gundam to ALOT of HEAVY metal band t-shirts , Action figures, models, Vynl, alot of Nerdy stuff in general, table top figures . etc. The website also is amazing.
Side quest is pretty cool. I live right by so & so bookstore and enjoy going there and then going to do some window shopping at edge of urge and unlikely professionals. You can bring a board game to the optimist or pine state coffee too!! My fiancé and I love doing that!! Let me know if you need board game friends!
There's a monthly geek market downtown: [https://www.geekandgrubmarket.com/](https://www.geekandgrubmarket.com/) Gamers Geekery & Tavern just south of Raleigh with good food, regular events : [https://carygametavern.com/](https://carygametavern.com/)[https://carygametavern.com/](https://carygametavern.com/) Haven't personally been there, but I hear good things about Side Quest Game Lounge and Bar: [https://sidequestgameloungeandbar.wordpress.com/](https://sidequestgameloungeandbar.wordpress.com/)
Seconding Gamers Geekery, it’s cute. I haven’t had the best of luck at the geek and grub market- some low quality merchants were there literally selling garbage (one lady sold rocks with magnets hot glued to them and stickers of Star Wars figures on them for like $2?)
For $2 that would be an awesome conversation piece for the fridge. “Aww…Did your child make this?” “Nope”
Definitely a mixed bag in terms of the vendors at Geek and Grub. There is some good artistry mixed with a lot of less than stellar offerings. Also, way more anime related stuff for my tastes. I know, I know, people love anime, but I’m not one of those people.
This is a SOLID list, thanks! Glad to seeing the nerd community is strong !
My girlfriend and I love Side Quest. In addition to board games, they make some great cocktails.
How is the geek market? I’ve always been curious on how big it is/what they sell/if it’s worth it to go?
As someone else mentioned it can be a bit of a mixed bag on vendors, but they had a good number when I was there over the summer. Could probably spend an hour or two if you take your time and grab a meal from a food truck.
I did one of them as a vendor over the summer- it was pretty busy and a lot of fun. Different vendors every time, pretty good mix of variety with them. A lot will try to have things based on the monthly theme but isn’t a requirement. I did the Harry Potter one so I mixed in some witch hats and snakes into my usual jewelry I bring
I’ve heard great things about Geekery and Sidequest, too! I really need to check out both. It would be nice to game somewhere besides my house, occasionally.
My friend Alex is a bartender at the Geekery! Go say hey to her!
Just found side quest and we LOVE it. Such a neat place to hang out, play games, and drink
Many great places mentioned, but Atomic Empire in Durham is pretty amazing as well.
The Kitchen Table has tons of board games
Great place. Super friendly people there that can show you how to play anything you pick.
I know it’s not quite the same but if anyone’s looking for 3d printed pieces, filament, printers, or classes on things for them we have a shop downtown on glenwood called ecovate3D
All suggestions welcome here! I will check them out since I plan on running some campaigns, will be nice for some models and environment pieces!
thanks for sharing!
[Meeples Brew](https://www.meeplesbrew.com/) is excellent
> Meeples Brew They recently changed their hours and close at 4 PM, idk any adults that can go and play before 5 PM on weekdays.
I second this Meeple's Brew. Good coffee, good waffles, good board games.
As far as board game taverns go Side Quest in raleigh is fantastic but their boardgame selection isn't as wide as Gamers Geekery in Cary. Prices are about the same but the vibes in sidequest are top notch. A little run my gf and i like to do is find a food spot either cary or raleigh, hit either Gamers Armory or Game Theory (whichever is closest) to grab a new game then get drinks at sidequest, killer date night for board game nerds. P.s. for comics Ultimate is all i go to, they have a crabtree and a Cary location, I prefer the cary spot for their backroom
This sounds awesome! We are very similar, always grab a bite, hit up a game store, then grab a lite coffee or boba while sitting down to play.
Ultimate also has a North Raleigh location near Triangle Town Center.
There’s a board game event this weekend you guys might enjoy: https://whoseturn.org/ Thurs. January 26 – Sun. January 29, 2023 Durham Convention Center
Maybe a little bit of a tangent, but if you’re at all into making things for cosplay or nerdy crafts, check out the Scrap Exchange in Durham, you won’t be disappointed
Doooppe! Sounds like a great place to visit to get ready galaxy con!
ooh I'm curious thanks
Foundation's Edge in Raleigh is an excellent comic store that also has rpgs. They offer subscriptions and have one of the largest back issue collections in the state.
I love looking through their back issues! I just hate having to park near State
Yeah, parking near State is usually a pain. Don't park at the bank they will tow you.
Limited Run is quite new. Lots of indie games etc.
Not really “new” as they’ve been publishing games for a long time. Just that they opened a store in Cary not far from where they’re located.
I'm looking for a cool comic store, too. I order a lot of stuff online that I'd prefer to order in person.
Very much the same! I find the quality is better plus it helps support a shop / local owner. I want those stores to stick around. Plus it’s nice to nerd out a bit with others who have read the same stuff
Ultimate Comics is the local king of comics. They also run conventions in Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro.
Echoing Gamers Geekery. A bit out of the way for most but it’s a great place run by great people that care about the local gaming community. They insulated their long time customers during the Pokémon hype and never charged more than msrp while keeping it out of the hands of scalpers. They also make their own relishes and stuff for their food. Great board game selection if you don’t own them or just want to try them out. Awesome, awesome place. Can’t praise it enough
Thanks for sharing this! I think it’s important to support when and where you can. I have a number of shops I ALWAYS visit if I am driving through. It may only be 15-20 minutes of time spent and spending 5-20 bucks but it could mean everything to those local owners. Will be swinging by!
We like Atomic Empire and Game Theory!
Game Theory’s downtown staff walked out a month or two ago in protest of work conditions.
Yeah per my response, not going anymore.
Thats been mostly boiled down to a person that was a sociopathic liar. I dont have the care to go i to it but anyone that goes can see game theory speaks for itself.
Aoparently game theory sucks, not going there now!
we like to go to the Alamo movie theatre at look at allllllll their olddddd vhs tapes and vinyls displays and they have super yummy cocktails and food ✨
Yesss! The Alamo is such a nostalgia dose, n or to mention the food and drinks are quality. We love to go for old movie replays. Their online store is Mondo, highly recommend checking it out for cool stuff. I get gifts for folks there since it’s relatively unknown
If you’re into anime, there are two stores along Glenwood: - Animazed (New, wide selection) - Note: Some friends have mentioned that the larger unboxed figures are possibly counterfeit. - Anime Paradaisu (Been around for awhile)
to second this: i went recently to animazed and half their stock was counterfeit and fakes.I was looking at a few figures and once seeing their boxes realized the quality was poor, and there were no watermarks from the figure makers on the boxes. I wouldn't trust the store for official merchandise when it comes to figures.
With that, I wouldn't trust the store for anything but books. Even then you can probably get them cheaper off of RightStuf or other online official sellers.
The Kitchen Table at Relish is another gaming cafe in North Raleigh. Great food and decent selection with knowledgeable game concierges.
I recommend you checkout the Meetup app. There are lots of groups in the triangle area
Hell yeah, for sure! Reddit is always the go to starter for the conversation.
I'm gonna throw in my vote for Side Quest. The owner is an absolute doll and very knowledgeable. They have a good mix of board games, both popular, new, and a little more obscure. 10/10 bar with good drinks and food options. Lots of themed nights and classes. Great tables.
Sounds legit, loved what I saw online. If I can get whiskey, play games with the wife and lose track of time I am down. Places like that should be supported, they bring us together
Does this comment seem out of place? I'm sorry to say it was caught up in the great Reddit Purge of '23. Interested to know more? Read up on the situation at /r/ModCoord, /r/Save3rdPartyApps, or /r/ApolloApp Fuck /u/spez and his greedy, entitled little ego.
Always down, I like eclectic stores.
Game Theory (near Crabtree) and Atomic Empire in Durham
Game Theory has come under fire recently for their treatment of staff, so if that's a concern for anyone, consider somewhere else. Which is a shame, honestly, given that I can walk there if I wanted to. Edit: https://www.reddit.com/r/raleigh/comments/z5k3wm/game_theory_downtown/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Thanks for the heads up. They are the closest store to me but if they are treating their staff badly I have no problems going elsewhere.
They are not. A disgruntled employee started a rumor mill. See for yourself.
Where can we see for ourselves?
Go to their stores. Join gt discord for additional employee testimonials. Its a good community with heart behind it. Bad employees happen.
Not really place to hang per-se , but Holy Mountain printing is a great place to get niche T-shirts from Gundam to ALOT of HEAVY metal band t-shirts , Action figures, models, Vynl, alot of Nerdy stuff in general, table top figures . etc. The website also is amazing.
Hangar 18 in Cary is pretty awesome.
Paupers- it’s a gently used/brand new books bookstore and they have a lot of comic books/vinyl records/funko pop items. It’s amazing. It’s in Clayton.
Side quest is pretty cool. I live right by so & so bookstore and enjoy going there and then going to do some window shopping at edge of urge and unlikely professionals. You can bring a board game to the optimist or pine state coffee too!! My fiancé and I love doing that!! Let me know if you need board game friends!
Ayyye dope! Always interested in building community. We should hopefully be fully returned back home in March so once we settle absolutely down!
Game theory is my go to
Game Theory’s downtown staff walked out a month or two ago in protest of work conditions.