Image of Snakes & Lattes College Street from blogTO
Amanda Naccarato | Culture
Boardgame café Snakes & Lattes opened up their third location in Toronto and is showing no sign of slowing down.
Nearly all of us have finished our last final exams, and are breathing a sigh of relief that we’ve survived another school year.
This year was anything but easy given that untimely five-week Ontario college strike that never seemed to have an end in sight.
But it’s safe to say we made it, and now’s the time to repair our slipping social lives.
So, if you’re searching for a unique place downtown to catch up with those friends you haven’t seen a while, look no further. Your answer lies in a little café that’s been catching buzz for years.
Nestled on Bloor Street West, Snakes and Lattes is a café that appeals to both the foodie and inner child in you.
Image of Lattes from blogTO
While the concept of combing food with games is certainly not a new innovation, Snakes & Lattes is interestingly enough the first board game café in North America.
The café first opened in Autumn of 2010 after owners revamped the former coffee shop and transformed it into this innovative place that attracts hundreds.
Along with being a coffee shop, Snakes & Lattes has its own online and in-shop store where it sells rare and collectible board games.
The café became so popular that Snakes & Lattes was expanded to two more locations, one on College Street, and the newly opened café on Eglinton.
The Games
As soon as you step foot into this café, it is easy to see why Snakes & Lattes is so prevalent.  Immediately you’re greeted by the smell of coffee grinds and noise all around from the packed tables.
It becomes apparent within seconds that each table is in their own little world completely absorbed in the games in front of them.
Next, your eye catches the array of board games lined against the back walls. It seems like any game you can think of is hidden somewhere in the midst of their collection waiting to be played.
Image of Board Games (Amanda Naccarato)
These games range from traditional children’s board games like Monopoly and Trouble to adult party games like Cards Against Humanity and everything in between.
The Food
Snakes & Lattes offers a wide arrange of sandwiches, snacks, milkshakes, desserts, and of course coffee. Upon entrance, there is a fee of $8 to play any game for as long as you want, which is why this café operates on a first come first serve basis.
Everything on the menu falls into the realm of comfort food, which further establishes the cozy environment.
They also offer both vegetarian and vegan options, which is a definite plus!
Image of Quesadillas (Amanda Naccarato)
A must try at this café is their milkshakes. They come in a variety of flavors ranging from Oreo to Peppermint to Crème Brûlée. However, it was the classic chocolate and vanilla shakes that take the win and leave you craving another glass.
For the more mature guests, Snakes & Lattes serves alcoholic beverages including beers, cocktails, spirits, and wine to liven up the playing experience.
Overall, Snakes & Lattes creates a truly unique atmosphere like no other. The friendly environment makes you feel completely at home whether if it’s your first time visiting or your tenth.
Our rating:
5 out of 5!
Make Snakes & Lattes your next go-to place when downtown and be sure to check out their website here!