Welcome to Hexagon!
If it is your first board game cafe experience, or just new to Hexagon, here are some commonly asked questions! If the question you have is not on the list, no worries! You can contact us at calgary@thehexcafe.com or edmonton@thehexcafe.com.
Updated: September 12, 2022
What is a Board Game Cafe?
It’s a hub for gaming, a coffee shop, and a retail store all in one! At Hexagon, we aim to deliver coffee, games, and community. Alongside the usual food and drink services of a cafe, you can take advantage of the gaming-related services that we offer. These include receiving game recommendations, game instruction, and special events such as Dungeons & Dragons, group meetups, and the occasional board game tournament.
So how does it work?
There is a gaming fee of $4.50 per hour with a food or beverage purchase per person. When you arrive, check-in at the front counter and we will set you up with a table. We’ll take your food and drink orders and then you can choose a game! We have 1000+ games in our library so if you get overwhelmed, Hexperts are on hand to recommend and teach games.
Do we take reservations?
Unfortunately, we do not accept reservations. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Feel free to call ahead and ask about table availability, or for information about our peak hours and capacity.
What is the maximum group size?
Due to cafe layout and table size, we generally have a limit of 8 people per table. Please note, parties of 8 or more are subject to an automatic gratuity of 18%.
Can I hold a table as I wait for the rest of my party?
During peak hours, the majority of your party must be present in order to be seated. This helps us use our space effectively and ensures the experience at Hexagon is fun and fair for everybody!
How long might I have to wait for a table?
In the event that we are running at capacity, you may have to wait for a table. If you wish to be added to our waitlist, one member of your group can register in person. As there is no time limit on the duration of your stay, we are unable to provide wait time estimates. Feel free to phone us before you arrive to check how busy we are!
Do I need to pay the gaming fee if I’m not gaming?
Nope! Hexagon can be a great place to grab a bite to eat, study, or have a work meeting. Generally, if you are not playing games, we will not charge you the gaming fee. However, during peak hours, we do prioritize our gaming customers so the gaming fee may be applied when we are near or at full capacity.
Are we licensed?
Yes! We have a wide range of alcoholic drinks, from beer and wine to cocktails, to spice up your board game night. Please ensure you bring your I.D in order to be served!
Is there an age restriction?
No. Board games are for all ages, and so is Hexagon! Our board game library contains options for all age ranges, so kids and adults alike can enjoy themselves.
Can I bring my own games?
Absolutely! We know that sometimes the best games are ones you already own, so if you wish to bring it to the cafe to play, go right ahead. We do ask that you give staff a heads up to avoid any confusion. The gaming fee applies to all gamers, whether you bring your own games or play from the cafe’s library.
How many games can I play?
There is no limit on the number of board games you can play during your visit. So whether you want to spend all your time playing one game, or try as many as possible, the game library is yours to explore. To ensure the best gaming experience for everybody, we ask that you only take 1 game at a time from the library.
Are animals allowed in the cafe?
Unfortunately, no. As per Alberta Health Services public health regulations, the only animals allowed in the cafe are service animals.
Do we sell games?
Yes! Games are available for purchase in-store and online, so if you loved the game you played, you can take it home!
Do we rent games?
Yes! Read about our rental program here.