Knight Moves Cafe — Restaurant in Brookline

Knight Moves Cafe is one of those rare gems that seamlessly combines the charm of a cozy coffeehouse with the thrill of an expansive board game library.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of town, it’s the perfect retreat for anyone looking to unwind, connect with friends, or discover a new favorite game. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.

The first thing that catches your eye is the impressive wall-to-wall collection of board games. From classic titles like Catan and Clue to niche strategy games and quirky party options, the selection is vast and thoughtfully curated. Whether you’re a seasoned board game enthusiast or a casual player, there’s something for everyone here. The staff are knowledgeable and always happy to recommend a game based on your mood or group size.

Speaking of staff, the service at Knight Moves Cafe is consistently excellent. Friendly, patient, and genuinely passionate about games, the team here makes you feel welcome without being overbearing. They’re quick to offer explanations for unfamiliar games and are always nearby if you need a refill or a rule clarification. It’s clear that customer experience is a priority, and it makes a noticeable difference. The menu at Knight Moves leans toward the simple side but does so with a focus on quality. Coffee lovers will appreciate the rich, smooth brews crafted with care, and there’s a good selection of teas and specialty drinks as well. Pastries are locally sourced and consistently fresh, with highlights including flaky croissants, indulgent brownies, and seasonal muffins. Light eats like sandwiches and snack boards round out the offerings, making it easy to stay fueled through long gaming sessions.

One of the cafe’s standout features is its relaxed, cozy ambiance. The decor strikes a balance between modern coffee shop chic and homey living room vibes, with plenty of soft lighting, rustic wood accents, and mismatched chairs that somehow all work together. It’s a space designed for lingering, whether you’re diving into an epic strategy game or enjoying a quiet solo moment with a cup of coffee and a book. Knight Moves Cafe tends to attract a diverse, friendly crowd. You’ll find groups of college students battling over trivia games, families introducing their kids to classics, and couples discovering obscure indie titles. The shared love of games creates an easy sense of community, and it’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation with neighboring tables or join in on a public game night event. The cafe regularly hosts themed nights and tournaments, adding to its appeal as a social hub. From Dungeons & Dragons campaigns to trivia challenges and strategy game showdowns, these events are well-organized and welcoming to both newcomers and veterans. It’s a great way to meet new people or simply enjoy a themed evening of friendly competition. Another thoughtful touch is the cafe’s pricing structure for accessing the game library. A modest cover fee grants you unlimited access to the collection for the day, and it’s well worth it considering the range and quality of the games available. It also helps keep the collection in good shape and supports the welcoming environment that Knight Moves works hard to maintain.

While the cafe can get busy during peak hours, particularly on weekends, it never feels overwhelmingly loud or cramped. The layout allows for both larger group tables and more intimate nooks, making it easy to find a spot that suits your mood. Even when bustling, the atmosphere remains laid-back and comfortable.

In short, Knight Moves Cafe is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking a relaxed, engaging environment with great coffee, good company, and an unbeatable board game selection. It’s a space that invites connection, creativity, and a little friendly competition — and once you’ve been, you’ll find yourself...

It was my first time going to a spot like this, but to explain to the uninitiated: you pay a cover ($15/person on weekends, $10/person on weekdays, and an additional $5/person to bring in your own food/beverages) and can choose from a huge selection of board games to play for as long as you'd like. Also, importantly, it was cash only (at least today - they might take card when their payment system is working).

Like a typical café, they sell coffee as well as other foods and beverages to choose from. We came just after lunch but had a brownie ($4), which was rather sweet, and a latte, which was very foamy and apparently unimpressive.

It was pretty calm on a Saturday afternoon, with just a few tables filled initially and another handful trickling in while we were there. I loved seeing the piano sitting to the side, with a Beethoven collection displayed on top - it fit right in with the classical music playing in the background. The café feels very cozy; the woman working there was friendly, and I noticed a "hand wash only" sign for the cups that was almost quaint, like we were transported to a village in an older time.

We made our way through a few games that were new to me, though someone in the group had played them before (Dixit and 7 Wonders - we asked if they had Bang!, but they did not). Overall, it was a very pleasant time.

I do think the $15/person cover fee is pretty steep. I understand the expenses associated with amassing the wide variety of games here, but I wasn't anticipating that price so it unfortunately did affect...

Excellent atmosphere, excellent selection of games, piano available for anyone to play, restrooms are always clean and accommodating. Most of the employees are very friendly, but not intrusive. However, one of them acts in a way that makes me uncomfortable, and tells me that my piano playing its too loud when i'm playing at the same volume I always play at (i've played around other employees and they were fine with it.). Also, it has happened twice when the cafe was supposed to open at 3, he opened later than 3. Other than that one employee, I would rate 5 stars, but because of him, my experience is of lower quality, and thus 4 stars.

also, there is a lady who claims to be the "principal investor, and therefore co-founder and co-owner" i have had few interactions with her, and in all but one of them, i was made uncomfortable and, if i were the type of person to get insulted, my intelligence would have been insulted. apparently she runs a program called cogitania for children that is meant to enhance their thinking abilities. i have looked into it briefly, and was surprised at the both the fact that it's limited to ages 7 and up, and that they don't actually give the children the proper guidance or freedom that is expected for such a program. if you see this lady, i recommend actively avoiding her (if you meet her you will know her). i also get the feeling that she is somehow prejudiced against certain groups of people.

with all that stated, it is still a great place overall, and i would recommend it to...