G.A.S. Cafe Penang: A Perfect Blend of Games and Grub!

G.A.S. Cafe is a cozy little spot that I have heard a lot about, nestled in the heart of the streets. It is a central Penang hotspot that has gained a lot of popularity recently due to the exciting board game selection, tasteful food, and relaxed sitting.

I am a game enthusiast and always went to plenty of cafes that can play board games. Unfortunately, I have never encountered a cafe with a good environment and a variety of board games. Nevertheless, I luckily saw an advertisement for G.A.S. Cafe on Instagram, and the content was very fascinating to me. Eventually, I went to G.A.S. Cafe with my classmates, and it really lived up to our expectations! It’s like being on cloud nine, and we very much enjoy it at the moment. G.A.S. Cafe is located in the energetic Georgetown district. G.A.S. Cafe attracts numerous people with its unique blend of casual meals and participatory entertainment. G.A.S. Cafe has garnered a 5-star rating from numerous evaluations, it is evident that it has a strong consumer base. There are many excellent assortment of board games at G.A.S. Cafe that make it so interesting and abstract. To accommodate players of all tastes, the cafe provides an array of selection of games, ranging from widely-known classics to the latest releases.

 

When I first arrived at the café, I was struck by its futuristic design. The window beside the door left a lasting impression, it was filled with intricate polygons that looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. As I stepped into G.A.S. Cafe, I noticed the interior was minimalistic, with most of the furniture in gold, white, and black. The aesthetic was eye-catching, but unfortunately, the lack of maintenance was apparent. Despite its sophisticated appearance, the furniture seems to have been through the wars.

We played many board and card games, and before each game, the cafe owner would explain the rules. Though the explanations weren't always crystal clear, we usually got the hang of it after a few rounds. This cafe is a haven for dog lovers too, as the owner has a very clingy dog that became our constant companion. Apart from the games, we spent a lot of time playing with the dog.

After playing for a while, I started to feel hungry—it was like my stomach was growling louder than a chainsaw! The board games were so immersive that time flew by, and it felt like centuries had passed in the blink of an eye. I decided to order the Spaghetti Carbonara. The taste was great, but the portion was rather small, and the price was a bit steep for the size.

Whether you are a die-hard board game fan or just seeking a pleasant way to spend time with friends and family, this vast assortment guarantees that every visit offers a fresh and interesting experience. G.A.S. cafe is suitable for everyone, whether you are teenagers hanging out after school, young adults on a date, or even parents with their kids. 

G.A.S. cafe provides both easy-to-learn party games for beginners or more complex strategy games for the hardcore players, which is friendly for everyone as you don’t need to worry that you can’t find a game that is not suitable for you. Additionally, they provide Halal and vegan food which is suitable for Muslim and vegetarian customers. 

During the peak period of school holidays, the cafe can get quite busy. But even then, the staff do an excellent job of managing the crowd. They’re always friendly and attentive, making sure everyone finds a game to play and a table to sit at. The cafe also stays current with the latest trends in the board game world. For instance, if there’s a new game that’s gained popularity on platforms like TikTok or Instagram, you can expect to find it on their shelves. This is particularly appealing to younger customers or those who follow social media trends closely. By keeping up with what’s trending, G.A.S. Cafe ensure that there’s always something new and exciting for their patrons to try, which keeps them coming back for more.

G.A.S. Cafe stands out as a top option for most board game lovers when it comes to deciding a place for a board game hangout. However, it's always helpful to weigh your choices, so let's compare it with another popular venue—BODO Board Game Cafe. While both places cater to board game lovers, they have many differences in other aspects, such as the pricing, location convenience, and unique features, making each better suited for different types of visits.

G.A.S. Cafe provides a more affordable price, charging RM18 for the first two hours and an additional RM6 for unlimited play throughout the day. They also offer the scripted games other than board games. By wearing the costumes prepared by the cafe, you are able to have a more immersive experience throughout the scripted game. The prices of each of the scripted games range from RM70 to RM120, depending on the genres. You can also pay an additional RM6 to play board games all day after the scripted game. On the other hand, BODO Boardgame Cafe charges RM18.90 for the first two hours and RM8 for each subsequent hour, making it more expensive for longer stays but more preferable for those planning for shorter visits. Furthermore, BODO customers can rent a Nintendo Switch for RM18.90 per hour, which also gives them the complete access of the board games and provides other options for those who prefer both video games and board games.

Besides that, in terms of location, both cafe(s) face a similar problem. G.A.S. Cafe, located on Abu Siti Lane, has limited parking for guests. If the parking lots are crowded during the peak hours, you may have difficulty to park your own vehicle. On the other side, BODO Boardgame Cafe, located on Bangkok Lane, is a little more difficult to find since it is quite hidden among the other cafe(s), making it trickier for the first-time visitors. Furthermore, BODO does not have any allocated parking lots for the guests, so they are forced to park along the roadside, which can be troublesome during peak hours, especially since that specific location is fairly congested during the daytime.

In short, we had an awesome experience during our visit to G.A.S. Cafe. G.A.S. Cafe skillfully mingles quality and innovation with its mouthwatering board game selection and lively atmosphere with music. We can't wait to visit again soon! G.A.S. Cafe has definitely made a home for itself in Georgetown, Penang, providing a cool respite for board game enthusiasts looking for joy in a cup. Personally speaking, we would definitely return to G.A.S. Cafe for another visit since it is worth one’s salt.