Hungry Hippo Board Game Cafe

Took my little sister here on the eve of her 17^th birthday to remind her that, no matter how old she gets, I can still kick her butt at Monopoly. Well, she absolutely schooled me (damn you, free parking!), but we had a fantastic time!
Background: I love cards and board games. I grew up playing Uno and Scum, and gradually rose through the ranks to tougher card games (I blame Mum’s dinner parties). It always makes me think of family holidays where the weather has sucked so we’ve retreated inside. So yeah, I’m biased.
The décor is really cool, with the walls painted black and characters, symbols and emblems from various games painted in white. There are tables of all sorts of sizes, fitting anywhere between 4 and a dozen, and the chairs are a mix of colours, shapes and sizes. It all looks a bit hipster and op-​shop-​esque, and it really adds to the charm. It was pretty quiet on the Thursday night that we went, so we had our pick of both the tables and the games. First up, Cluedo. We got some milkshakes, some snacks and then got down to business.
The food was good, however a little small for the price. One slider cost around $ 7, and could be eaten in 2 or 3 bites. Furthermore, when there’s three of you, the price does add up pretty quickly. I’d probably recommend snacking here, rather than the full meal we did. I’m also not so sure that paying for both food and games is necessary? Maybe the $ 5 pp charge to play games should be waved if the amount it would cost for everyone to play or more is spent on food or at the bar? I don’t know, maybe that’s just me. One redeeming factor is that the $ 5 pp covers as many or as little games as you can get through, rather than $ 5 pp, per game. Also, you’re allowed to hog a board game for up to 3 hours if there is another table waiting to play, which is a really long time frame, but necessary when playing a board game that can go on for ages!
Basically, Hungry Hippo Board Game Café is a well-​needed addition to Hindley Street, and provides a place to hang out with people of all ages. You can bring anyone here. Like most establishments surrounding it, the café does also serve alcohol, however their beverage special really is their milkshakes (peanut butter milkshake? Sold!). Check this place out, and bring kids! It’s really cute and provides a nice change to most things Hindley Street is associated with *cough Red Square cough*.

The good thing about Hungry Hippo is the wide range of boardgames available (although after arguing over the instructions of some of the more unusual games we ended up just playing the classics) but I have to say that after all the hype I was a little disappointed. Many cafes and bars offer boardgames to play for free and I think it is a bit much to expect people to pay $ 5 on top of buying food and drinks. Also the seats are pretty uncomfortable.

What a great spot! I have walked past and done a double take at the people playing games over dinner… So when I was invited to an event here I was keen to try it out.
I enjoy the classic board games but used the opportunity to try some weird ones which was actually really fun!
The games were fun, food was delicious and staff were perfect! The only down sides: parking is tough and seats are hard… Also, I’m not really a fan of the name :)

What a fun and fabulous choice for a night out! *Yes, I’m a nerd*
For me, the best bit about Hungry Hippo is the chance to play some new games… A bit of a ‘try before you buy’ situation. But I must say, the pressure of reading instructions does make for a bit of a dampener, we have a bit of a rule that if you can’t figure out the rules quick, put the game back and grab another.
The concept of a board game café is perfect for the Renew Adelaide program. I am so glad they got the opportunity to bring this old barbecue joint to life in a new way. It’s this kind of variety in social outings that make Adelaide one of the greatest places to live… Even in the depths of winter.
The shelves of games and the game art on the wall have made the space feel homely and suit the café well. Also, the staff here are super friendly. They are on it!
Overall I’m not sure why I haven’t given the fifth star… Whilst everything should come together for a 5 star experience, there’s something missing that I just can’t put my finger on. But after a few more visits is definitely be open to changing that. Keep up the fun times my Hungry Hippos!

I’ve been to the Hungry Hippo quite a few times now and can safely say that I am yet to be disappointed!
Sitting on the quiet side of Hindley Street, this Renew Adelaide project is a great place to start or finish your night in town. You are greeted with wall-​to-​wall shelves of games. Everything from quick card games to the classics, brand new, strategy, role play and many more games from across the oceans. $ 5 a head will keep the place running as well as provide access to all these fantastic games. The staff are some of the friendliest people you will meet on any Saturday night; if you don’t have time to read the rules of a new games, these guys will come on over and explain it all for you! They’ve obviously done their homework, I’m yet to stump one of them.
The menu features some quality classic and American-​style share-​plates and meals, each with a punny board game name. Share plates at $ 7 – 8 and mains from $ 13 – 16. There’s also a great range of local and craft beers for an good price too.
Hungry Hippo is great for literally anyone of any age; Family or friends, at a private couples table or the huge table which seats about a dozen people. It’s a great space to also meet new people and get social.
Overall, the Hungry Hippo is a great new meeting place in the heart of the West End which grows more and more popular each week. Every time I visit this place, it is always buzzing and you can guarantee that most of them will still be there until closing time! Keep up the good work!

Are you one of those people who talks all their friends into playing monopoly, scrabble or UNO after having a couple of drinks? I know I am! I have a bit of a thing for playing cards or board games after a couple of drinks. Maybe it is the competitive streak in me? I don’t know. The only thing I do know is that I am restricted to what games own at home. But not any longer!
No longer do I have to be bored of playing Simpsons Monopoly for the 50^th time. Hungry Hippo Café has really saved me! They have re-​opened down on the west end of Hindley street.
What is this café about you ask? Well, it is a café that is jam packed full of amazing board and card games! But wait for it, they also have a bar and kitchen. How cool is that? Games, food and drinks is a winning combination.
This café really offers something different to those who want to go out, but not clubbing or pubbing. Their ethos is all about offering you and your mates a space to have a fun time playing some amazing games from around the world.
This café is really exposing Adelaide to so many games that people have never or might never have played. There are so many games to choose from. I was playing some really cool games like Jumanji and a Korean lumberjack game. I really could not wipe the smile from my face.
As for the layout, it is open and there are plenty of tables available to suit different sized groups. The menu offered burgers, nachos, chips, dips, and ice-​cream cakes. I tried the nachos, which were really fresh and served with a homemade sauce and guacamole. This is perfect to share with your friends while playing a game.
Overall, I am looking forward to learn how to play some new games when I return. I think that this café opened at the right time of year as well. As it gets colder, people tend to retreat at home to stay warm. Instead, I think everyone should go out and visit Hungry Hippo! This is a casual environment where you can really feel at home.