Welcome to Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe
Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe, located at 5008 Commercial St SE in Salem, OR, is a vibrant hub for board game enthusiasts. With a modest $5 entry fee, patrons can access an impressive collection of games for all ages and skill levels, from quick card games to intricate strategy board games. The laid-back atmosphere fosters a sense of community, making it a perfect spot for friends and families to bond over fun. Culinary fans will appreciate the delicious menu, featuring standout items like hearty sandwiches and flavorful soups crafted by dedicated owners. It's a haven for both gamers and food lovers alike.
- 5008 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97306, United States Hotline: +1 503-990-6469
Welcome to Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe, a hidden gem located in the heart of Salem, Oregon at 5008 Commercial St SE. This delightful café is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a vibrant community hub where friends, family, and tabletop enthusiasts gather to indulge in their love for games and good food.
The café boasts an impressive collection of board games, offering everything from classic card games to intricate strategy titles, catering to all ages and skill levels. As highlighted by customer Serena Miller, the extensive selection ensures that whether you’re in a small group or a larger crowd, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
But let’s not forget the food! Reviews from patrons like Renee Clough and Laura Gwyn rave about the mouthwatering menu. Signature dishes like the turkey club sandwich and the Greek wrap are crowd favorites, while the Cuban sandwich offers a bit of a surprise with its subtle flavors. And the homemade soups, especially the chicken curry, have garnered much praise for their comforting warmth and delicious taste—an essential pairing for your gaming adventures.
What sets Ticket to Play apart is not just the games or the food, but the authentic community feeling. As Crystal Stepp mentions, it feels like family, and that welcoming atmosphere encourages you to linger and explore new games. The $5 table fee, with no time limit, allows you to dive deep into an afternoon filled with laughter, strategy, and perhaps a close competition with friends or family. Joan Richardson sums up the experience perfectly: it’s a fun, laid-back environment where you can catch up and enjoy your time without feeling rushed.
In addition to the game selection and delicious fare, the café hosts regularly scheduled events, allowing newcomers to learn from seasoned gamers in a supportive setting. Customers appreciate the dedication of owners Nathan and Robin, who have created an inviting space that continues to thrive over the years. This commitment to quality is echoed in glowing testimonials, including one from local entrepreneur Jim Gannaway, who was pleasantly surprised to find that the café is as much about gourmet food as it is about gaming.
For a memorable outing filled with engaging games and delightful dishes, Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe is a must-visit destination in Salem. Bring your friends, family, or even meet new ones as you delve into a world of fun and flavor. Don't miss the chance to make lasting memories here—your ticket to play is just a visit away!

It was so much fun! There were so many board games to choose from from small groups to large. The food was tasty and the owners were so friendly!

My mom enjoys games so we brought her here for a birthday present. The turkey club sandwich and the Greek wrap were really enjoyed. The Cuban sandwich was a bit bland compared to others. The number of games available was very impressive and they were our reason for going. There were so many choices, from kids games to complicated adult games, from fast games to multi-hour games, from card games to board games. It was a lot of fun to try new games without having to pay a bunch to buy them.

I wish more people knew about this place. It was great fun to meet friends here to play canasta. Their food was awesome. I’m sorry I didn’t take photos of my soup and Reuben sandwich. It was really good. Pretty long list of menu items, alcoholic as well as large variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Lots of loose leaf tea choices. No coffee.

Ridiculously good deal for access to dozens of fun games (especially if you stay all afternoon like our group usually does.) The food is also great, and I'll be thinking about the latte I had until I can get another one!

Got some soup and a wrap to go from Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe. We loving the chicken curry soup today and it goes really well with the CBR wrap. Thank you Nathan and Robin! I like the curry so much that I stole some of Andrews too! Update: We've been coming here for years and it's stayed our favorite spot, we even invited the owners to our wedding, you truly feel like family here.

This place was SO much fun! Really laid back atmosphere, and so many games to play! All for only 5/head!!! We met our niece and spent the afternoon playing games and catching up. We never once felt rushed or unwelcome. I definitely reccomend this place to anyone who likes to play tabletop games! I will definitely be back! 3

This is my favorite place in Salem! Great food, friendly people and a huge selection of games. The 5 table fee is affordable especially when there's no time limit. They have regularly scheduled events at the cafe too so you can learn from more experienced and patient community of gamers gamers. The food is delicious (especially fond of the soups Nathan makes) and reasonably priced. I bring people here all the time!!!

My son has been telling me about your place for years. I always thought it was about the games. My wife and I were passing through town (we live on the North Coast) and he invited us to join him for lunch at Ticket to Play. It was out of this world good. I'm not much for board games, but as a fellow entrepreneur (we have a jewelry store in Warrenton), I admire the creativity in combining board games and gourmet food. Only in America! God bless and keep up the good work. Jim Gannaway Owner - GB Jewelers