Snakes & Lattes

Snakes & Lattes, located on Bloor Street West close to Bathurst Station, opened in August 2010 as North America’s first board game café. Since that time, this pioneering Toronto business has expanded to become a 5000-square-foot haven for people wishing to relax and socialize over a board game and enjoy quality food and drink.

President Ben Castanie noticed that prior to opening Snakes & Lattes, Toronto was bereft of the delights of a board game. Perhaps opening the unusual business was a roll of the dice but it has certainly paid off. Ben, along with business partners Aaron Slade and Aaron Zack, has promoted tabletop culture in Toronto and inspired similar businesses across the world. They have also opened Snakes & Lagers in the heart of Little Italy.

“We want to connect Torontonians,” says Aaron Zack, on the social benefits of Snakes & Lattes. “Board games help people interact. We want to combat social isolation and provide a sense of fun.” The business also connects potential soulmates as board games can also reduce the tension of a first date. “Put a board game in front of people and they don’t feel so awkward,” Aaron says.

Local brands such as Propeller coffee, Herbal Infusions tea, and Circle & Squares baked goods feature on the menu along with sandwiches, soup, quiche and desserts. Many customers, if only for a short while, even forget their phones because they’re so engrossed in the multitude of games, the conversation, the food and the drink.