MANASSAS — Imagine sitting at the dinner table munching on a dragon burger and sipping on a health potion while playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons.
That fantasy will soon be a reality when The Crossroads Tabletop Tavern opens in Downtown Manassas. It has long been a dream of owner John Hornberger to operate a gaming restaurant where patrons can dine on game themed food while playing the tabletop game of their choice.
A booming interest in board games has spawned cafes and bars focused on gaming. Most are cafes rather than full-service restaurants as this one will be when it opens in July.
Hornberger, an avid collector of board games, is sure that his restaurant will attract plenty of patrons. “There is a very active board game community in Northern Virginia and D. C.,” said Hornberger.
Downtown Manassas is ready for a place like this due to its changing character. Hornberger said that City investments have created a “more wholesome atmosphere that appeals to more people,” and that will help his business to thrive.
The board game-boom is led by millennials, however, people of all ages are becoming more attracted to non-electronic gaming. The two-floor restaurant has four large spaces that have been divided into smaller semi-private areas.
Hornberger plans that the facility will be able to “accommodate any kind of group: families, groups of friends, young adults or older adults and seniors.” The smaller areas will allow a family group to be seated away from a noisier group engaging in a not-so-friendly game.
In addition to the restaurant and bar, there is a retail space specializing in, what else? Board games.
Once inside, on the left patrons will see a wall of over 1,000 games that they can choose from to play. These will range from classics such as “Jenga” and “Sorry” to modern choices such as Too “Many Bones” and “Spaceteam.” For those who are interested in sampling the offerings, but aren’t sure what game to play, the wait staff will be well versed and able to offer recommendations.
For Hornberger, the mission of The Crossroads Tabletop Tavern is twofold: “To provide a home for gamers and to provide a comfortable fun place for people who don’t consider themselves gamers to have a great time together.”
The Crossroads Tabletop Tavern is located at 9412 Main Street in Manassas. The restaurant will be open for lunch and will stay open late, probably until midnight.
Prices for food will be mid-range in order to provide quality food at reasonable prices. There will be no fee to play, but there will be a minimum food order.
Keep track of the renovations, unexpected finds, and take part in the current riddles by following The Crossroads Tabletop Tavern on Facebook.
The Crossroads Tabletop Tavern is located where in the former location of Tapps N Apps, which closed earlier this year after less than a year in business.
