An amazing, unique gem of a place. Not only is it tons of fun to play board games from every era imaginable, their food is outstanding. I honestly can't pick a favorite, but the Phoenix Down sandwich is a big one. I'm the biggest fan of their sweeter fair - the butterscotch cookies are ridiculously good, and their drinks are awesome. I recommend the Greyskull for a unique flavor - I'd have never thought I'd want cinnamon in my coffee! I come here not nearly as often as I should. Food's great, staff is always kind despite their heavy workloads and these wacky times we live in. They make awesome cakes too and really made my birthday last year ultra special :) I can't recommend Bard & Baker enough, and I can't wait until my next visit!
Went there to work because we've visited another Bard and Baker we like, but we were disappointed. It was nearly full when we went (maybe Thursday evening) and there was only one table near an extension cord.Everybody there looked to be having loads of fun, but we went ill-prepared. As for the drink I got, I was not impressed, but then again, I was trying it for the first time.The ceilings and the lights suffer from lots of dust, which I suggest they take immediate action to keep the dust from falling on the food in the kitchen.Also, they may or may not have working espresso machines, so call in advance if you need steamed milk or anything else related to the machine.
Unfortunately our first visit was not great. There was about 6 of us meeting up there wanting to play games and grab a bite to eat. We looked on the website prior and there was no outright mention of calling to reserve a table. When we got there we sat down only to be told we couldn't sit at certain tables because they were reserved (but only 2 tables had reserved signs on them). When we asked if we could move tables together and chairs around we were told, kind of rudely, that they would do it for us but would prefer they didn't have to. The big table that was reserved was empty 30 minutes after the time it was allegedly reserved for. When we asked if there was a certain amount of time it was held, we were told we would not be able to use it at all. Our party ended up leaving only after a ordering a single drink and we moved on to another business that accommodated us. It's unfortunate that we had this experience because we've heard so many people enjoy it there. I don't know if we'll give it another try any time soon?
I left my mask in my car and was yelled at immediately to put one on. The mask they provide was super tight and uncomfortable. I always get treated very rude by the same overweight, older, white female manager. No matter my calm & quiet temperament. Very expensive for very little value. Paid $5 for a Bundt cake and it was a mini Bundt cake. It was tiny. I would’ve loved to get the portion size I paid for.
Don't listen to the Karen from out of state that doesn't understand what a pandemic is and how it affects small businesses. This place is unique and serves the best cocktails/mixed drinks in the capital region and one of a kind dishes. The staff is super friendly and wonderful and I always have a 5 star experience when I go.
My absolute favorite place in Troy. Amazing food, great drinks (both with and without alcohol) and honestly some of the best staff I have ever met. The owners can routinely be found behind the counter themselves, working just as hard as the incredible people they employ. Everyone has great suggestions when you don’t know what to eat, drink or play, and it’s always a welcoming environment. Not to mention their awesome events and how queer inclusive the space is. I take everyone I can there as often as I can. They value the safety of their customers and their staff, and did a killer job during quarantine to deliver smiles and great food and drinks all the while. I’d give them 13 stars if I could
I'm from well out of NY state. Walked into the Cafe, my first board game cafe, pretty excited. Immediately got told to put a mask on. Put on customer supplied N95. Walked up to counter to order food. Was then told we needed a reservation to dine inside. There were 10 open tables apparently all reserved 5 minutes from when we got there. Checked the Google page out. They're only seating 50% capacity. Would've easily spent 50$ in there to get drinks and eat some food and probably return after that the next time i took a ski trip to NY. Instead I left with 2 N95s that probably cost 10$, and no desire to return. All in all my experience was terrible and they got a net loss of at least 60$ and a bad review.
Can’t say enough good about this place!! A wonderful, unique idea that is beautifully executed. Food is always above and beyond, staff are extremely kind and I’m always excited to go back. Importantly, you can feel safe patronizing both locations knowing that they take public health and safety seriously. My personal favorites are the breakfast and bubble tea options that you can’t get anywhere else locally, and I can’t wait for the Albany location to expand!!
I am from well out of NY state (midwest to be more exact) and have fallen in love with this cafe, between the folks working there, the delicious drinks (i recommend the greyskull) and cookies that I always make sure to bring back home for the family, Bard and Baker has always provided a warm atmosphere. Well worth the lengthy drive, and even worth the gifted delivery to close friends lucky enough to live nearby.
This place is super cool. They offer all kinds of board and card games while you have snack foods and delicious and unique coffee drinks.