The newest cafe on the block in Hudson isn’t just your average eatery – it’s a board game cafe, a playful new trend that’s reaching our region. House Rules Cafe will feature elevated cafe fare, an extensive stocked shelf of games both old and new, and a staff who can help match patrons with the perfect game. Owner Kathleen Miller likens her ability to curate a great game to being a “board game sommelier” and says her background in wine helps her understand the nuances of different games.
Miller’s goal is for the space to feel a bit like a diner or family restaurant with a cozy lounge vibe, and she plans on opening the cafe in late April to coincide with Geek & Sundry International Tabletop Day. She has already held a well-received panel discussion on diversity in gaming and is planning a series of events around the theme of community and inclusion.
Before entering the lounge, patrons will review a waiver and Catiquette, which outlines important information on keeping everyone safe and happy. For example, no running or jumping is allowed – both can be scary to cats. Additionally, people should be courteous of other guests and refrain from yelling or screaming, pulling on a cat’s tail, or stomping on the lounge floor.
Other tips include bringing a laptop, a power cord and possibly headphones, and avoiding spreading your stuff all over the place. It’s also a good idea to travel light, which means leaving behind the pens, paper and books you might normally carry in your bag. And, if you decide to stay awhile, it’s a good idea to make sure your preferred shop has plenty of seating and has an acceptable noise level for working. For more details please visit https://houserulescafe.com/
Most importantly, if a shop fills up with too many tables that are occupied for an extended period of time, it’s best to take that as your cue to leave and free up the space. Few things are more disruptive than occupying a table for hours and hours at a time while draining the establishment’s internet and electricity. Unless you’re paying for a private room, the maximum amount of time a person should spend in any cafe working is four hours.