History
The idea for The Rook & Pawn started in the summer of 2014. We had heard of the success of board game cafes in Europe and of a few popping up here in North America. Carrie and I love games and love Athens and felt the concept was perfect fit here. We have loved playing games since we were kids and had amassed quite a library of games in our personal collection. We have also enjoyed meeting new friends through board game nights at each other's houses. The Rook and Pawn will be a place where any age, any skill level, will be able to find a game they love. Combining the perfect game with the perfect location in downtown Athens will make for a perfect afternoon or evening for families, students, everyone!
Specialties
The Rook and Pawn is an experience completely unique in Athens and is one of the first board game cafes in Georgia. The Rook and Pawn will feature a collection of over 850 table top and card games along with some of the best food and drink Athens has to offer. Customers who wish to play games will pay a small $5 daily fee to access the entire library and can stay and play as long as they like while enjoying a full menu of food, beer, wine, spirits and coffee. Kids 13 & under can play games anytime for free. For those that can't get enough, monthly, annual and even lifetime memberships will be available that will allow you to waive the daily fee. But you don't have to play to enjoy The Rook and Pawn, patrons who choose not to access the game library can come in anytime to eat, drink and enjoy our unique atmosphere without paying the fee.