Front Porch
  • News
    • Current News
    • Most Views/Comments
      • Most Comments
      • Most Recent Comments
      • Most Views
    • Editors’ Favorites
    • Resource Guides
    • Central Park Articles
    • PDF Archives
    • Advanced Search
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Ongoing Events
    • Submit an Event
  • Business Directory
    • Please consider these businesses for your goods and services. They make the paper possible.
  • Display Ads
    • Why Advertise in the Front Porch?
    • Ad Rates and Sizes
    • Advertising Q&A
    • Sample Ads
    • Distribution Map
    • How Can We Help You?
    • Place An Ad
  • Web Ads
  • Ask Front Porch
  • More Info
    • Rack Locations
    • Content Submissions
    • About Us
    • Community Resources
  • Home/
  • Board Games, Beer, and Bites

Board Games, Beer, and Bites

March 1, 2019 / Martina Will, Ph.D. / Business, Food / 3 Comments

In the foreground, from left to right: Dylan, Lazarus (1 1/2 years) and Sierra Wilson play Risk with other Game Lounge visitors. Owner Adam Alleman, behind the table, opened Game Lounge to bring people together in a way that video games cannot.

On a Saturday night in February, getting a table at the Game Lounge means you have to arrive early. With a vibe that is a cross between your favorite retro basement hang-out and a family-friendly bar, the place is hopping by 6:30 pm, as people of all ages try to best their companions on board games while enjoying tasty treats and cocktails.

Members of the Homlar family play a variety of games at Game Lounge.:Scott Homlar and his daughter Sophia

Former stay-at-home dad Adam Alleman opened the Game Lounge in September 2018 because he wanted to create a space where families and friends can gather to play rounds of everything from Scrabble to Settlers of Catan. A full bar and diverse array of menu options also mean that everyone can relax and enjoy a good meal without having to worry about cleaning up.

Alleman sees board games as bringing people together in a way that video games cannot. “The whole point is to get away from being connected to technology. The less digital the better. We have WIFI—we’re not total Luddites—but we really want to promote community and family, and we have nights dedicated to both.”

Elizabeth and Louise (5 years) Homlar.

Alleman had worked in restaurants and had opened one with a similar concept with a partner, but finds being a solo business owner has its advantages. He admits, however, that financing was a challenge. He launched a crowdfunding campaign in 2018, but confesses that “it didn’t go as well as I’d hoped.”

Though he didn’t raise the revenue he’d wanted, the effort did suggest Alleman’s values and vision for the Game Lounge. Fully 10% of proceeds from the campaign were designated for the Delores Project, a local shelter for “unaccompanied women and transgender individuals.” In this respect, Alleman’s background (he earned an M.A. in Social Work from Metro State) informs his business practices. The Game Lounge seeks to host “dine and donate” events for area schools and nonprofits every Wednesday evening as part of its commitment to the community.

Olivia (10 years), Joe, Sarah (12 years) and Scott Homlar.

The updated space has a cozy, neighborhood feel, enhanced by music played on vinyl rather than a digital streaming service. He hopes that not only families but also book clubs, scout groups, athletic teams, school groups, and others will use the Game Lounge as a gathering spot for food and fun. The venue can also host private parties, campaign events, team-building activities, and other gatherings, with capacity to seat about 76. Local breweries periodically take over the taps to promote their beverages and give away goodies.

The Game Lounge is located at 1490 Eudora Street, just off of East Colfax. The building has, in the past, been occupied by DJ’s Café, Cork House, Tante Louise and, long ago, the Normandy. Alleman added recycled AstroTurf to the patio area, and plans to install a screen to show outdoor films in the summer. The menu changes seasonally, and includes vegetarian options. Staff wear Game Lounge bowling shirts, and the overall feel is relaxed and fun.

“I’m trying to make the world a better place, one board game at a time,” says Alleman. If your nonprofit or school would like to host a Wednesday night fundraiser, go to: https://www.denvergamelounge.com/contact.php

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

3 comments on “Board Games, Beer, and Bites”

  1. Barbara Miller says:
    March 19, 2019 at 8:31 am

    We drive all the way from Boulder to eat and play at the Game Lounge.
    There is no place like it in the greater Denver metropolitan area.
    Adam has made a very special place for everyone’s fun and good food.

    Reply
  2. DF says:
    March 1, 2019 at 11:42 am

    Literally our favorite place in Aurora!!! Becky and I are regulars here…

    It really is a great place. Awesome atmosphere, food, and staff. Play from a big selection of games they have, or bring your own!

    They even have board games you can buy and they’re very competitive in price.

    Reply
  3. Aaron Stramiello says:
    March 1, 2019 at 8:59 am

    One of our family’s favorite places. Great food, great game selection and the outdoor area and games are awesome on a nice afternoon (can’t wait until summer).

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Advanced Search
Facebook Pagelike Widget
© 2018 Front Porch NE | 303-526-1969 | Denver, CO 80238 | FrontPorch@FrontPorchNE.com | Sitemap