When I was growing up, I was fascinated by neighborhood stores that had areas set up for adults to socialize while playing dominoes, cards and other such games. Patricia Gonzalez has done a great job in recreating that feel with a modern twist at the Athena Board Game Café on the far north side of Chicago.

Photo courtesy of Athena Board Game Cafe

While traveling through Europe, Gonzalez was captivated with cafés filled with friends playing games. It was her dream to bring one to Chicago. Unfortunately while in the process of obtaining business licenses, the pandemic derailed her dream. The determined Gonzalez merely shifted gears a bit.

In March 2020 her dream was realized with the opening of Athena. Instead of being a social gathering café, the focus was take-out food and games. It wasn’t the ideal situation, but it was a start.

Photo courtesy of Athena Board Game Cafe

Last week, with the indoor dining ban lifted, Athena had a full opening. With a restocked supply of more than 250 games and a menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and desserts, Athena was quickly filled with the sounds of merriment from folks of all ages.

The game stock features classics like Clue, Uno and Yahtzee, as well as plenty of newer games. Games are categorized by recommended age, number of players, playing time and publisher. While I favor old-school games, I am always up for the challenge of mastering a new one.

Photo courtesy of Athena Board Game Cafe

The games are the stars, but the menu is a draw, too. While not extensive, it features delicious food perfectly suited for eating while playing. The seasoned grilled cheese sandwich, filled with gooey Muenster and Gouda, is outstanding. The grated beet and carrot salad is a delightfully light blend of flavor and textures. The Alicia lime cream parfait is wonderful.

Photo courtesy of Athena Board Game Cafe

Photo courtesy of Athena Board Game Cafe

Athena captures the Old World feel of friends and family coming together. The camaraderie brings me back to that same feeling I had as a kid watching the adults. It fits in perfectly in Rogers Park, the neighborhood Gonzalez chose for its diversity and community feel. Gonzalez brought that same feel into Athena.

As I walk into the Athena Board Game Café, I immediately am brought back to walking into Santucci’s on Chicago’s far south side as a kid. Now, though, I get to join the adults in the togetherness.

— John Wroblewski, online writer