The Uncommons

- 230 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

In a city that has a cafe on nearly every corner, The Uncommons stands out by offering a truly unique and engaging experience. This isn't just a coffee shop or a bar; it's a board game café that has pioneered a new kind of social space in Manhattan. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, The Uncommons provides a lively and cozy environment where friends, families, and even solo diners can gather to enjoy good food, great drinks, and a vast library of games. It's a place that brings people together, encouraging face-to-face interaction in a way that feels both classic and refreshingly modern.

The concept is simple yet brilliant: pay a small fee and get access to a massive library of games, from timeless classics like CATAN and Sorry to more "uncommon" titles. This is a brilliant escape from the typical New York hustle, offering a space to unwind, be creative, and engage in some friendly competition. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, making it a comfortable spot for everyone, from college students looking for a study break to families seeking a fun, air-conditioned activity. The staff is consistently praised for being "super friendly and accommodating," ready to offer advice and help guests navigate the immense selection of games. This level of service transforms the experience from a simple visit into a truly memorable outing.

What makes The Uncommons truly special is its dual identity. It is, at its core, a cafe with a great selection of coffee and tea, perfect for a quick bite or a caffeine boost. At the same time, it’s a bar with a "great beer selection" and a wine list, making it a perfect spot for a late-night gathering. This flexibility allows it to serve different crowds and different needs throughout the day, solidifying its place as a beloved neighborhood institution. It's a perfect destination for celebrating a birthday, a unique date, or just escaping the summer heat, proving that sometimes, the best entertainment is found on a board.

The Uncommons is conveniently located at 230 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, USA. This address places it directly in the vibrant Greenwich Village, just a block away from Washington Square Park and the campus of New York University. The location is ideal for its target audience of college students and groups, making it an easily accessible meeting point.

The café is well-connected to New York City's public transportation system. The West 4th Street – Washington Square station, a major subway hub serving the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M lines, is just a few minutes' walk away. This makes it a very convenient destination for people coming from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. The area is also well-known for being highly walkable, with a variety of other businesses, restaurants, and attractions nearby. While the provided information does not specify parking, paid street parking is available in the vicinity, though it can be scarce.

The Uncommons provides a wide array of services designed to make your gaming and dining experience as seamless as possible.

• Dine-in & Takeout: The café offers both dine-in services for those who want to stay and play, as well as takeout for their food and drinks.

• Onsite Services: The main service is access to the vast board game library. A fee allows you to play for up to three hours.

• Reservations: The café accepts reservations, which is highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to ensure you get a table.

• Full-Service Cafe & Bar: In addition to a wide range of coffee and tea, the venue offers beer and wine, providing options for both a quick afternoon pick-me-up and a late-night outing.

• Late-night Food: The café serves food until late, making it a great spot for dinner or a quick bite while you play.

• Retail: A retail section allows customers to purchase some of the games they played, a perfect way to bring the fun home.

• Wi-Fi: The café provides Wi-Fi, which is a great amenity for students or remote workers.

• Extensive Board Game Library: With a vast selection of hundreds of games, from classics to unique and uncommon titles, the variety is a major highlight.

• Unique Cafe Concept: As Manhattan's first board game café, it offers a distinct social experience that blends gaming with a cafe and bar environment.

• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: The team is consistently praised for being helpful, making the experience welcoming for both seasoned gamers and newcomers.

• Great Beverage Selection: The café is noted for its "great coffee, great tea selection," and "great beer selection," ensuring high-quality drinks for every taste.

• Cozy & Casual Atmosphere: The vibe is relaxed and inviting, making it a perfect spot for groups, families, and solo diners to feel at ease.

• Good for Kids: The café is rated as "good for kids," with a family-friendly crowd and games suitable for all ages.

Phone: (646) 543-9215
Address: 230 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, USA

When considering a cafe in New York, what makes The Uncommons a truly compelling choice is its innovative concept and commitment to a unique social experience. It goes beyond the typical coffee shop by offering an activity that encourages interaction and fun. For a local, it's a fantastic alternative to the standard bar or coffee shop, providing a structured yet relaxed environment for a night out. The vast game library is a key selling point; you'll never run out of new things to play, and the staff's willingness to help you find a game that suits your group is a huge plus. This is particularly appealing in a city where space and time are at a premium.

The dual nature of The Uncommons as both a café and a bar means it can serve many purposes. Whether you're looking for a quick spot for a coffee and a board game, a place for a light lunch, or a late-night hangout with a beer or wine, it seamlessly accommodates all these needs. The pricing model is straightforward, and the fact that you can reserve a table in advance is a significant convenience in a first-come, first-served city. Ultimately, The Uncommons is a place that fosters community and provides a much-needed escape from the daily grind. Its friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and endless selection of games make it a must-visit spot that offers something genuinely different and enjoyable for people of all ages.

The Uncommons

230 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, USA