Looking for some new spots in Boise to feed your tabletop obsessions? Whether you’re a hardcore strategy gamer or just looking to spice up family game night, there’s some great local shops. Here’s our roundup of your best bets –
1. All About Games
This local gem has been Boise’s board game headquarters for years, and for good reason. With two locations (downtown and in Overland Park), All About Games feels like your cool gamer friend’s basement – if that basement had thousands of games and super knowledgeable staff. They’ve got everything from classic Monopoly to those obscure European strategy games nobody can pronounce.
Tip: They host regular game nights where you can test-drive games before buying. Smart move if you ain’t sure about dropping $60 on something new.
2. Boise Game Shelf
Tucked away in the North End, this cozy shop is Boise’s best-kept gaming secret. The owner, Mark, is basically a walking board game encyclopedia who can recommend the perfect game based on your mood, player count, or how much wine you plan to drink while playing. The space is small but mighty, packed with treasures you won’t find at big box stores.
Tip: Check out their used game section. You can score some amazin’ deals on gently played games that some other local gamer has moved on from.
3. Phoenix Fire Games
While they’re known more for Magic: The Gathering and other collectible card games, Phoenix Fire’s board game selection is lowkey impressive. The staff won’t judge if you’re just a casual gamer looking for something simple. Their prices are competitive, and the vibe is super welcoming even if you don’t know your meeples from your dice towers.
Tip: They run a “game of the week” special where you can get 15% off whatever title they’re featuring, which is perfect for building your collection without breaking the bank.
4. Redhawk Toy Store
While they do have toys, Redhawk’s board game section is legit. They focus on family-friendly games that won’t make your brain explode, but still offer plenty of fun for adults. This is your go-to spot if you’re looking for games that work well across generations or with younger players.
Tip: The staff actually plays what they sell, so they can tell you if that cute game with the adorable artwork is actually fun or just pretty shelf decor.
5. Infinite Games
A newer addition to the Boise scene, Infinite Games has quickly built a reputation for carrying those hard-to-find indie titles that bigger stores often skip. The store is organized by game type instead of just alphabetically, making it way easier to browse for what you’re actually in the mood to play.
Tip: Join their text club for flash sales cause sometimes they’ll randomly offer 20% off for like two hours on a Tuesday afternoon. Sneaky good deals!
6. Re-POP Gifts
While not exclusively a game store, this downtown shop has a surprisingly stellar collection of quirky, unique games you might not find elsewhere. They specialize in party games that’ll have your friends laughing till 2am and indie titles with gorgeous artwork that double as conversation pieces.
Tip: They gift wrap for free, making this your one-stop shop when you need a last-minute birthday present that doesn’t scream “I bought this on the way over.”
7. Barnes & Noble (The Village at Meridian)
Yeah, I know, a chain store. But the B&N at The Village has significantly upped their board game game in recent years. If you’re looking for the hot new releases that everyone’s talking about on TikTok, they’re likely to have them in stock. Plus, they’re open later than most local shops.
Tip: Join their membership program if you buy games regularly cause that 10% discount adds up when you’re dropping cash on the latest Kickstarter success story.
8. Boise Vintage
This quirky thrift store occasionally has some amazing board game finds. While selection is hit-or-miss, the prices are unbeatable. You might stumble upon a perfectly preserved 70s edition of Clue or some werid obscure game from your childhood that you forgot existed.
Tip: Check the box contents before purchasing – sometimes pieces might be missing, but the staff is usually pretty good about noting that.
9. The Game Lounge
Part cafe, part game store, The Game Lounge lets you try before you buy by paying a small table fee to play from their library. If you fall in love with something, they’ll typically apply your table fee toward purchase.
Tip: Their weekday afternoon rates are cheaper, making this a perfect lunch break escape from work when you need a mental health hour.
10. Local Game Swaps
Boise has a thriving board game community that organizes regular swap meets through Facebook groups and Reddit. These informal exchanges are gold mines for finding games at steep discounts or trading games you’ve grown tired of for fresh experiences.
Tip: The “Boise Board Gamers” Facebook group announces these events, usually held quarterly at local breweries or parks.
11. Comic Book Shops
Both Captain Comics and Comic Shop Plus carry select board games, often focused on those with superhero or fantasy themes. If you’re into games that connect with other nerdy interests, these spots are worth checking out.
Tip: These shops sometimes get limited edition versions of popular games that tie in with comics or sci-fi properties.
12. Target (State Street location)
I ain’t saying this should be your first stop, but the Target on State Street has seriously improved their board game section beyond just Monopoly and Sorry. When you need something mainstream at 9pm the night before game night, they’ve got you covered.
Tip: Their end-of-season clearance sales can lead to some ridiculous deals. I once scored Ticket to Ride for $19!
