Byron Binkley
3 months ago
Howdy folks. Get this: my son had a school assignment to write about someone he admires most past or present... He didn't pick a historical figure or a family member, instead he wrote about Curtis of Board Bard Games.
About a year ago, my son got into D&D, but as a no-nothing supportive parent, I started looking for places where he might learn and grow and cultivate this interest. I walked in to Board Bard and asked Curtis if there were any resources he knew about in Portland for kids just getting started. He could have pointed me to a shelf or Google and called it a day, but instead he invited me and my son to join his beginner D&D game, which is usually for teens and adults.
Since then, my son has looked forward to Tuesday nights and attended rain or shine. First D&D with Curtis, then other campaigns, now he's there Mondays for Magic the Gathering... He asks for Board Bard gift cards for every birthday and holiday. It's truly his favorite place in the world.
As a parent, this is beyond touching. I'm always looking for ways to support my kids interests and find opportunities where they can grow, build confidence, lean into their interests, and engage with peers and adults. Board Bard isn't just a game store, it's a community of good humans.
Can't recommend it highly enough. Yes the selection, yes the prices and space for game play, but especially for the people.
I went in for some D&D minis and some paints. Decent selection of both, with multiple brands to choose from. Staff was awesome and answered all of my questions. Shop has lots of room for gaming.
I had a great experience with them and am happy that a good gaming store opened up near my neighborhood. Worth giving them a shot if you are in the area!
Brandon Fifield
4 months ago
This place is truly great. There is a wide variety of patronage and everyone respects everyone. Friendly and very well informed staff who are quick to make you feel at home. Lots of games and events plus they are supportive of there neighbors and allow outside food and drinks. Lots of RPG games to join and Magic nights. My kids love this place and so do I. Its a happy safe place that brings joy to the community.
Camille Dewaratanawanich
5 months ago
Absolutely bewildered by how many board games this shop has!!! I could spend hours here, honestly. Pokemon cards, magic the gathering, Warhammer, DND, etc. The staff here are SO welcoming and informed. I had so much fun coming here and leaving with new games to try with family and friends. A great place to hang out and have some fun.
Dustin Blottenberger
8 months ago
Board Bard Games is a great spot, perched on a cheery corner in the Montavilla neighborhood in Portland. As a former Montavilla resident, I couldn't be happier to see the shop pop up on a recent visit. My group walked out with an indie TTRPG, a book of maps for TTRPGs or miniatures, and a few packs of Magic: the Gathering.
Vibes. Full marks here. The store is bright, clean, and the people are super friendly. It's a family-owned operation and you can tell that they have a true love of games, the gaming community, and doing what they do. I hope they stick around for a long time.
Prices. I was surprised, when I asked how much packs of MtG cards were (and they vary *wildly* from place-to-place) that BBG had them priced quite low. Like "no markup at all" kind of low. A++. You love to see it.
Selection. Tons of board games. Easy to find things. Well-organized. Not overwhelming. An impressively large section of the store was devoted to indie TTRPGs. Great selection of minis for multiple games without taking over the store. A smorgasbord of dice (warning: not literal, please do not eat).
Space. There's tables set up for wargaming and a rack full of terrain to use, which is great. I heard tell of Necromunda and Mordheim being played there. It's not set up for HUGE tournaments, I don't think, but I bet it's great for casual gaming and seems like it could accommodate pre-releases and drafts for TCGs as well as sizeable TTRPG groups. I enjoyed hanging out in there.
Staff. Curtis was knowledgeable and friendly. He was attentive and answered all my questions, helped me find things I would like without being pushy. Felt no sales pressure at all. Very chill. On my last visit, the person who helped us out was also great.
Location. Right on the Montavilla strip. Parking is no problem at all, plenty on Stark or side streets, so you don't have to dodge traffic or carry your card/army box for a mile or anything. Easily bikeable with lots of bike rails out front. Next to Tinker Tavern and close to multiple places to eat or drink. Go out, play a game, get your character a new set of dice, and then grab a sip at Arbor Hall or Roscoe's or Tinker.
Best kind of game store there is. Support your local LGS!
