Mancala Monk Board Game Cafe Hamilton

We went today and had a fantastic time. The owners and staff were amazing and super kind and the food/drinks were good too.
They took the time to recommend the games (we wanted something not very long, not very complicated, and also kids-friendly) and explained the basic rules, so we could get familiar with the game. They were also very attentive with food orders.

We live in a few towns away, but will definitely come back for a family game afternoon.:)

They advertise walk-ins but do not accept them …. We were looking forward to spending our Friday night here, we called ahead and asked about hours and pricing and they were helpful with answers but when we got there 25 mins later we were turned away as they were “all booked up”, nothing was mentioned about them being booked up when we had just been on the phone saying we were coming … there was also multiple open tables as there was only 2 groups/ 2 tables being used… I can see this place has lots of good reviews but I think it was just poor management, I won’t be giving this place another chance but hopefully nobody has the same experience we did

We love spending time as a family here playing games. We always come across games we've never heard of and learn how to play them before buying them. Always a great experience

I come here far too often for their grilled cheese and seemingly limitless board game supply.

Love it here. Probably have every game imaginable and the food is spectacular. Also fantastic for Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.

The owner is a really great guy too. Supporting this business supports our community and a family. Highly recommend!

The atmosphere is just as good as it should be! And still is! When we comes in, we paid the fee for playing no matter how long, so we stayed literally over 6 hours until almost closed time, and they are very friendly! Big plus for them!

Fun place, friendly service, clean and great atmosphere! Not to mention only a bazillion games to choose from and play! Love this place!

We had the best time!

It was our first visit here and at a Board Games Cafe in general. The atmosphere was great, the food was delicious, there was a variety of games for all ages and abilities, and the staff were absolutely pleasant.

I am a respite worker who supports children and youth with special needs and today I visited with one if my kiddos. The staff were incredibly supportive and accommodating to the sensitivities and needs of my kiddo which made our experience so tremendous.

I highly recommended this place! We will definitely be back.

Thank you Mancala Monk!

Been coming by for 4 years now. How time flies! So glad that they persevered through covid.

The absolute best board game cafe in the city - and better than the 5 I've been to in Toronto as well.

Will definitely be back and will plan to bring bigger groups as I love this little piece of geekery in my neighborhood.

Also - the mocha supershake and ube brownie are amazing. You're welcome.

Previous review:

Everything is really nice. The staff, the selection of games, variety of people and even the décor. It all has an air of a chill place to hang out with friends. The food and drinks are very yummy too.:)

It's been my favourite date night place for over two years.

My first visit to a boardgame place ever.
Opened a whole new experience for me, very comfortable atmosphere.

A wonderful community gem! Lots of great board games to play, a menu with lots of options for every snacker, beers, cocktails, and drinks, this place is amazing! This is a must have weekly spot! The staff were very friendly the whole time, it was a great atmosphere to relax in.

My go to boardgame place in Hamilton, their game selection is fantastic. Food isn't too expensive either.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the board game cafe, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience! The staff there were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home from the moment I walked in. The selection of games available was impressive, catering to all kinds of preferences and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can find something enjoyable to play. And let's not forget the food and milkshakes - they were simply divine! The delicious treats perfectly complemented the gaming atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable outing. I highly recommend this board game cafe to anyone looking for a fun and inviting place to enjoy good company, fantastic games, and great refreshments.

Me and my kids had a wonderful time here playing their many many games and their food/snacks

Amazing place. The atmosphere is amazing and they’re very friendly! Great food and drinks and a great variety of games. It’s 100% my new hang-out spot:)

Really welcoming people, awesome assortment, tasty food. Will def come back. Good first date spot.

Did not try the food as not there for long, but staff was curtious and friendly. Store was clean and well maintained with a wide variety of board game and other merchandise you would expect. Definitely would visit again and recommend to others.

Wall to wall to ceiling board games to play, excellent service, a quaint little bistro, merchandise, middle age vibes.highly recommended.

Mancala always feels like home. All the staff seem so nice and the owners seem like the loveliest people. So glad we had such a great board game cafe for 7 years now!

I just recently tried the Tuna Melt for the first time and dang was it delicious, will definitely be getting it again. The bubble tea is also delightful (especially honeydew).

The brownie and decaf caramel latte I shared with my wife were also both really tasty.

They have a massive selection of boards games to try out and the staff can help you narrow it down to something new and fun. They often have some people there either playing some variant of DnD or a deck building game and offer lots to buy for those games.

Would always recommend going if you like board games and want to try something new. Weekends can get pretty busy though so I would recommend getting a reservation if you think of it ahead of time.

Great place for a date, monks is a once in a lifetime kinda place that has it all, great value, amazing service and a classic feel to it. Try the fresh baked goods

Great games cafe that is well maintained. The staff are super friendly and helpful. And the milkshakes. Oh man are they good!

Excellent service! Went for a cute date night out as we've never been, and the two gentlemen working that night were absolutely lovely! Will definitely be coming back very soon! Adam and Will were incredibly nice and inviting and Adam makes great Milkshakes! Definitely recommend, fun for all sized groups:)