Hex & Company — Restaurant in New York

Leaving this review so people who look like myself know they might not be as welcomed as other patrons here. I came here yesterday with my friend and asked if there was availability, and a worker went around the back, then came back to me at the front and shared that I should find anywhere back there to sit. There was only 1 area that wasn't occupied by friend groups, so we sat there. We enjoyed our game for an hour, then another worker said we need to move and that anyone would have had the sense to know to not sit at the large group seating. May I remind you, this was the only actual spot available when I came, and I was told by a worker to sit anywhere at the back. She scurried off after stating that last line, then another worker came instead. I made him know that she was highly disrespectful and should apologize, but he instead doubled down on being disrespectful (even said I should have seen the empty 6-seater, and go back up to the front and say 'actually, nothing seems to be available'..). Clearly, logic had no place here, but still, I said nothing disrespectful back, didn't shout, etc. even though it could have been justified. I decided that while I spent my money for my friend and I to be there, it wasn't worth it being subjected to this amount of disrespect by the staff. And as I left, I couldn't help but notice that there was an empty large group table at the other end of the backroom (and it did not have a reservation sign), so they could have used it and left us alone. Even still, I'd have no issue being asked to move, but the way the workers chose to be disrespectful to the black patrons will have myself and my peers second-guessing going to another Hex and Co location again. Unfortunate because we've enjoyed going to other locations (but honestly have spent too much $ in them for a board games spot), but if these are the kinds of workers Hex & Co is comfortable hiring, we should enjoy our evenings elsewhere. And apologies for the long read, I just know I'd want this kind of info shared to me so that I know where people like myself are and aren't welcomed.

Also, please have a great day and I hope you're having an excellent start to 2024! A few Hex & Co workers aren't enough to derail our great year, and I do wish these individuals change for the better as this degree of hatred often resides in people who are very...

The stores have nicely constructed interior spaces, but the experience is hampered by a generally confusing and unorganized retail and play space, as well as disinterested employees.

I visited both the Broadway locations, both were fairly empty at the times I had gone. I was barely greeted or engaged with by the employees who were more interested in their own conversations and didn't seem to be doing too much- I don't need tending too in retail stores, but it would be nice if they felt a little more approachable.

The retail shelves looked disheveled and unorganized- some games looked in poor condition for new. There are no price tags on anything as well. You have to bring the game up to the register to see the price, which I had never experienced in a game store before. This is shocking because lots of games range in a variety of prices and seems like a waste of staff's time to confirm a price for you if the store is busy, and awkward for the customer if they decide it's not the amount they were anticipating on spending.

The play space's games look beaten, battered, and like they were thrown on the shelves. I can't comment on my experience in actually playing at these locations, but if I were to pay to sit down and play, it would be nice to pull out a game in reasonable condition.

I've been in plenty of board game cafes and stores with play spaces and am disappointed that these are, largely, the experiences that New York City has to offer.

Maybe it is an off week for them, but I hope it improves...

Hex & Company: A Game of Two Halves

Hex & Company, a quirky blend of board game cafe and retail store, is a delightful haven for gamers and coffee enthusiasts alike. The eclectic decor and inviting atmosphere create a unique and enjoyable experience.

The coffee, a caffeinated concoction that rivals the best of them, was a perfect pick-me-up. And the cheesecake pumpkin slice? A divine dessert that would make even the most discerning pastry chef swoon. The staff, for the most part, were friendly and helpful, guiding us through the labyrinth of board games and coffee options.

However, our experience took a turn for the worse on a second visit later that day when a staff member, perhaps having a particularly rough day or perhaps just a bit too invested in board game etiquette, confronted one of our group members for browsing the games without prior permission and renting. It was a bit like a librarian scolding a child for touching a book.

While it's understandable that the establishment has rules to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all patrons, the way the situation was handled could have been more tactful. A gentler approach, perhaps with a friendly reminder about the rental process, would have been more effective than the hostile approach we received from her.

Despite this minor hiccup, Hex & Company remains a charming place to spend an afternoon. Just remember to play by the rules, check with the staff before touching anything, or risk the wrath of the...