Amazing! Found an event for New Years, Labyrinth, and haven't looked back since. We met great friends there and we all hang out now. My boyfriend and I recently went to the other Potions event. Trivia is on the list when all our schedules meet up. So happy we found this, and told more friends about it. Always heard great feedback after they went. Such a great place and so happy whenever we go there. Thank you Forge Tavern Family for always making it a great memorable time.
If you recall the Orc's Forge at Tuttle Mall that closed a few years ago, it's owned by the same people. However, this is not a game store nor a community gaming center. It's a bar & grill with board games for its patrons to use, which also allows tabletop gaming when they aren't busy. (tl;dr at the bottom) There is a decent selection of board games for public use, and a small store at the front that sells RPG supplies (including D&D books, minis, and dice).Of the multiple times I've played there before, my complaints (at the tavern) were always limited to getting my drink or food order wrong, or the kitchen closing early because they couldn't keep up with the orders. Annoying, but understandable in a moderately sized, busy establishment.The good: standard pub fare with a few, specialty items. Full service bar with moderately priced drinks. A decent selection of board games and a small, TTRPG store at the front (opposite the dining area, on the other side of the bar).The bad: short hours, small parking lot, bad "camping" policy (will ask you to leave in two or three hours when they are busy, which is not conducive to long games like D&D).The ugly: Out of the 8 times I've been a patron there, the last one was so negative that I won't be back.I showed up about 4:45 to secure a table for the evening. There were two, small tables of patrons, and the place was otherwise empty. I was asked if I had a reservation, and I replied, "No. That's why I came early."I was told that the tables were mostly reserved, but she still had a table suitable for D&D near the window. After we were seated and had started setting up for our campaign, I was told that we would probably be asked to leave in two or three hours, when business picked up. I immediately replied, "We'll probably go someplace else, then, because we're playing D&D, and will probably need four hours." The manager shrugged, said that if she had people waiting to get in, the first to arrive will be the first asked to leave, and she walked away.I went over and asked if I could just pay to rent the table for four hours, and was told, "That's not our business model." Having played at about 4 dozen game stores across the country, most places will allow you to pay to reserve a spot if you're paying (nevermind that food and drinks for a full table of D&D players averages about $350). As I was packing my stuff back up, I stated this, and mentioned this. At this time (while I was still packing up my things and trying to get in contact with our other two players, to tell them we'd go somewhere else) the second owner came over and began telling me that I was wrong about game stores (that game stores don't generally allow table rental), but also stated, "We're a restaurant, not a game store."My reply was, "Then you shouldn't bill yourself as a community gaming center, you should make it clear that you are a restaurant, first, and that you will treat your customers as such." (they stated that they will ask people "camping out, playing games," to leave, starting with those who were first to arrive, regardless of whether they are still spending money).Both owners proceeded to tell me that I don't know what I'm talking about, and the second owner asked me to leave. I stated that I was in the process of packing my things, and would gladly do so. I have no intention of going back.It's a decent restaurant/bar, but this is not a gaming center, it is a restaurant with tabletop gaming, and if they feel they'll make more money off of someone else, they will ask you to cut your game short and leave.I called up another bar & grill instead and asked for a table for D&D. They gladly obliged, gave us the use of their back room, and we had a great time (and 4.5 hours of gameplay).tl;dr Forge Tavern is great for small groups who want to drink and play a board game, but, per the words from the owner'
The kitchen was a little slow, but it was clear why. Same with the parking situation being a tad difficult- this place was PACKED in a Saturday night! For good reason. The atmosphere is amazing, the drinks are great, and service is friendly.If you're a geek, nerd, etc. you WILL enjoy your visit
I was here for a trivia night, and once ages ago to play some board games. Nice atmosphere. Nice big heavy tables that can sit 8 or so. Good selection of beer, but some really cheap staples would be nice. Not everyone wants a craft beer.
This is a great experience for tabletop gaming. The tables are spacious and the staff are friendly. The food is good, but not amazing. That's okay, though. It's a bar, not a restaurant. The drinks, however, are fantastic. They have a rather large mead selection and a bunch of themed drinks. There is also a craft beer selection. I played D&D with some friends there and it was every bit the experience I was hoping for.
I love the Forge, the drink options are fantastic and I love the variety of games. We've found every game we've wanted to play when visiting and trivia night is super fun! I'd give five stars but the food needs some improvement (some more vegetarian options, and more sharables). Overall a wonderful place to hang out with a creative atmosphere :D
This is one of my favorite new places. I am currently obsessed with board game bars and given that this one actually has a nerdy ambiance about it, I was bound to enjoy it but I didn't think I would as much as I do. The food is really decent and the drinks are insanely good. They offer a newer selection of board games than some of the places we've visited before. You can really tell they know their board games and what is new and popular right now. They have the option to buy some of the board games they have available to play and you can even grab a t-shirt or some forge tavern soap! This really is a hit! It's beautiful inside, and really well thought out. They offer a custom menu with lots of nerdy potions as drinks and it is one of my favorite geek/nerd locations in Columbus!
Staff is so friendly!! They know their food and drinks, and are happy to learn your name. The place has lots of games available. First time I went was on Pirate Night! It was packed! The next time it was emptier, which made it a bit easier to play a game since we didn't have to raise our voices.
This place is amazing! Awesome staff, yummy drinks (a lot of non-alcoholic options as well), and a vast selection of board games to play. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to have a low-key night with friends and play some boardgames
amazing service, wonderful atmosphere, and delicious food and drinks. I go there all the time with friends and the staff always treats us well. they have a diverse assortment of tabletop or card games to choose from and there is definitely something for everyone. plus they're open late, so Saturday nights after work are a blast. I always look forward to going here again!