Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe Critical Grind is a comfortable and welcoming board game cafe & events company. https://linktr.ee/criticalgrind

With over 1300 board games, delicious menu items, and a variety of events... there's something for everyone at Critical Grind.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Nick, The Bucko! For those who don't know, most of the drinks on our Specialty Menu have a st...
09/18/2026

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Nick, The Bucko!

For those who don't know, most of the drinks on our Specialty Menu have a story or inspiration.
The Bucko was inspired by my nephew, Nick. He absolutely loved the chocolate covered cherry cordials you could get around Christmas time. He was very specific, he liked the liquid ones, not the cream filled ones.

Nick passed away, age 26, in 2018, the same year Critical Grind started. That year I learned about trying to find any positive things that happened in a day, despite how hard that day may have been. You can always find 3 good things, even if it's as simple as "I brushed my teeth. I left the house. I got out of bed."

So, The Bucko is dedicated to Nick. If you haven't tried it yet, stop in and try one this weekend in his honor.

For the next 5 weeks, we have meeting space available during the weekdays. Reach out if you need a room for your group t...
09/17/2026

For the next 5 weeks, we have meeting space available during the weekdays.
Reach out if you need a room for your group to meet.

Do you remember those balancing birds from when you were a kid? Did you know there's a whole game with them? The Bird is...
09/16/2026

Do you remember those balancing birds from when you were a kid? Did you know there's a whole game with them? The Bird is a cooperative dexterity game where you play as people in a bird sanctuary. One of you is the "handler" and the others take turns placing birds on your hands based on the hand positions the cards say.

One of the many games you can play and rent at Critical Grind!

Stop in Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday between 9am & 4pm and spend $15+ on anything for 2 BONUS Victory Points!

Retail Game section is updated and the Used Games are starting to get filled. More to come in the upcoming days. Stop by...
09/15/2026

Retail Game section is updated and the Used Games are starting to get filled. More to come in the upcoming days. Stop by before the ones you want are gone!

‼️ALL HEROSCAPE IS 30% OFF

09/14/2026

Pumpkin + hazelnut latte with marshmallow cold foam! Pair it with Vine: pumpkin and beetle

Its BACK! Pumpkin spice 🫶🫶🫶 Try some Curator favorites such as the Pumpkin Pie Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin C...
09/12/2026

Its BACK! Pumpkin spice 🫶🫶🫶
Try some Curator favorites such as the Pumpkin Pie Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Caramel Chai Latte, Pumpkin Hazelnut Macchiato, and MORE!

We're not closed yet! Stop in for a sip or play some games! Open until 11pm tonight!Stop by tomorrow, Sunday, between 11...
09/12/2026

We're not closed yet! Stop in for a sip or play some games! Open until 11pm tonight!

Stop by tomorrow, Sunday, between 11am & 3pm to support our pop-up bakery: Cookie's Kitchen. They'll be bringing goodies made with 100% Gluten free ingredients.

09/11/2026

This is one of the hardest announcements I've had to make.

Critical Grind Cafe's location will be closing October 26th.

It has been an amazing 4 years. I am so grateful to my staff, my gamers, my community that we have built together.

While the physical location may be going away, we'll still be doing pop-ups at other local businesses and organizations until we are ready to get settled somewhere new.

Until then, join us on the Discord to stay connected and keep playing.

In October we'll be offering free play foe the last month. We'll still be hosting Grant Lyon's Board Game Comedy Tour on the 7th. We're having a BIG "Last Roll" on the 25th. And we'll still be at Lodge Con in November.

Keep an eye out for sales, use your gift cards, and bring back the game rentals.

I appreciate every one of you. I love the community we've built together and look forward to continuing to grow into our next season.

09/09/2026

Gencon Reel! Its been just over a month since the Away Team returned home from the biggest 4 days in gaming, but that doesnt mean we cant keep showing off pictures from the trip !

Address

852 Sharp Drive Unit L
Shorewood, IL
60404

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 11pm
Saturday 9am - 11pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

(815) 274-4003

Website

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