The Boarding House Cafe — Restaurant in Vernon

The Boarding House Café – The Heart of Vernon & Home of the Best Cheesecake You’ll Ever Have

I can’t put into words how much I love The Boarding House Café. It’s not just the welcoming vibe, the perfectly selected music, or the cozy atmosphere (though all of that is spot-on)—it’s the amazing woman behind it all who makes this café unforgettable.

The owner is one of the kindest, most genuine souls you’ll ever meet. She’s not just a talented baker and barista—she’s the heart of this place. Every time I’ve walked in, she’s made me feel completely accepted, never like an outsider. There’s a warmth here you can’t fake. She’s the kind of person who makes the world better just by being in it.

And don’t even get me started on the baked goods—her scones are to die for. Perfect texture, just the right amount of sweetness, they hit that homey, fresh-baked comfort feeling every single time.

But the crown jewel? Her cheesecake. Specifically, I just had the KitKat Chocolate Cheesecake, and wow—what’s normally a dessert that can easily become too rich or overpowering was perfectly balanced. The flavors were layered beautifully, sweet but never too much, indulgent but light enough that I enjoyed every single bite without feeling weighed down. Every aspect of that cake was crafted to perfection.

It’s rare to find a place where the food, the atmosphere, and the people all come together so seamlessly—but this is that place.

I recommend The Boarding House Café to absolutely everyone. Some people out there genuinely deserve all the good things life has to offer—and the owner of this café is one of them. She’s built something special here, and I’ll keep spreading the word every...

This was my 168th eatery in Vernon on my quest to eat at every eatery in town.

We're at the point where I need to eat at board game cafés to complete an ever shrinking to do list.

The Boarding House Cafe has been around for about five or six years. I remember coming here a couple times with friends after they opened in 2019.

I got nachos for $12.65 after tax. The nachos came with sour cream and salsa. There were a few diced tomatoes and cheese on it. It tasted like the quick nachos I make at home. It tasted like Tostitos rounds and the exact cheese I buy for my nachos.

They also sell a ton of cookies, pastries, coffee, and milkshakes here. I have had their milkshakes before and recall liking it several years ago.

Obviously you're coming here to hang out and play board games rather than some sort of gourmet dining experience. The nachos are meant to munch on as you play. I can't even bring myself to evaluate the taste of the nachos.

I would eat them if I was playing a board game here.

Six dollars per person to play board games here is very reasonable. It'd be cool if they had a discounted family rate for a family of four or five coming in together. Maybe they do and I just wasn't paying attention. I wouldn't be surprised knowing me.

Overall, I need to start bringing my friends here again. There was a group of Australians here and I was jealous by the fun they were having.

168 eateries down; 10...

The Boarding House Cafe and it's proprietor Marilyn, are treasures waiting to be found and explored.  It's an unique type of place, where fun and families can unplug, and once again discover each other over literally hundreds of board-games to test, play, and even buy if the fun doesn't want to stop.   Everything from the classics like Monopoly, Catan, and Ticket to ride, to Code names, Wingspan, Pandemic, Planet and too many more to even list.

Making this virtually impossible not to find a game for every type of person and skill level.  All with the help of the local game curator Dan, who is fantastic with teaching people on how to play the game for the novice to casual players.  So no matter the person, this still creates countless hours of natural imagination just waiting to be experienced and explored.

Yet this is also a place to just sit and relax alone, or talking with friends, in a modern, yet home-style cozy atmosphere.   All while indulging in one of Marilyn's baking delights, like an amazingly rich chocolate cake, or various other fresh muffins, cookies and treats.  Or trying one her tasty paninis and/or grilled cheese sandwiches, with a freshly brewed coffee.  Or savoring the more creative espresso drinks and lattes made to order.

And now you can explore all this...