Chance & Counters, nestled on Christmas Steps in Bristol, is a vibrant café that marries the joy of board gaming with delightful food and beverages. Customers rave about the extensive selection of games available, catering notably to duos and groups alike. With playful atmospheres and an energetic buzz, it’s recommended to pre-book to secure your spot.
Reviewers have been particularly taken with the friendly and accommodating staff, who are always on hand to assist, whether you’re grappling with complex game rules or looking for menu recommendations. Delightful offerings such as refreshing milkshakes, scrumptious dirty fries, and inventive cocktails like the nostalgic cola float have all received high praise. Many guests have highlighted the inviting ambiance, which, while occasionally bustling, remains cozy enough to encourage social interaction.
Notably, kids under 14 enjoy free access to the games, making it a family-friendly venue that encourages bonding through fun. Visitors leave Chance & Counters with smiles and plans to return, branding it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. If you're in Bristol and crave a unique combination of gaming and culinary delights, Chance & Counters awaits your presence!
Amenities and More
Service options
On-site services
Dine-in
Delivery
Takeaway
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Late-night food
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
University students
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For Chance & Counters
Kate Seymour
Jun 18,2025
We went as a couple and had a great time :) I'd recommend pre-booking. There are loads of games and a really good selection for 2 players. The staff were friendly and helped us out when we got stuck on a rule. I enjoyed the milkshake. It is quite loud as it's a popular place but we still managed to hear each other well enough. Take a jumper incase you end up on the table under the air-conditioning it wasn't a massive issue but may be a bit much if you're in summer clothes. It is absolutely necessary though to stop the whole place being too hot so not a complaint, just an observation. Would absolutely come again.
Chris Prettejohn
Jun 16,2025
Great service and fun afternoon of boardgames Loved the cola float although they used to be called Brown Cows when I was a youngster. Very good range of games. We played Galaxy Trucker and Firestorm. Kids under 14 play games for Free!
Gabs Dancer
May 16,2025
The cocktails were amazing and the staff were so friendly and helpful. The range and variety of board games was astounding! Loads that I’d never heard of. A great place, highly recommend, we spent 3 hours there and loved it.
Helen
Apr 17,2025
Visited with a couple of friends on Saturday and have already booked again. We had a fab time, there’s lots of games to chose from and we loved the recommendations suggested by the staff. Orders are taken at the table, staff are friendly and helpful. The dirty fries were delicious as is the passion fruit smoothie. Highly recommend coming with friends and family.
David Sherratt
Apr 17,2025
My friend and I stopped by Chance & Counters during our trip to Bristol, and we loved it! Despite not having a booking, the staff kindly managed to find us a spot and explained how everything worked. For 2 per person per hour, we got to play a great selection of board games and ordered some refreshing mocktails , which were absolutely delicious! The atmosphere was cozy and inviting , making it easy to settle in and enjoy the games. The staff were fantastic—super friendly and attentive, even checking in on us while we figured out the game rules. If you're into board games, this is a must-visit while in Bristol!
Sim Kooner
Apr 3,2025
Absolutely loved this place! Will be going again and trying out the Birmingham location & have just purchased one of the games we tried out because it was so good! Recommend: Panthers Hot Chocolate Going for a different date night or social! Booking in advance advised as we did 2 hours which enough time to play 3 games & decide we were going to be doing it again! 3 for food as only had sweets but they were great! 5 for service as the staff were quite busy but thats not their fault and still were able to get our order!
Kulyawat Chotipunt
Mar 31,2025
Lovely board game cafe with varieties of game and friendly staff. The lemon drizzle cake is also nice while enjoying the board game with friends. Definitely check this place out xx!
neal agar
Mar 25,2025
We love it here! Amazing selection of games, superbly helpful staff, great beer selection from local breweries and delicious food. We are already planning our next trip. If you're not sure it's your thing, just book 1-2 hours and ask for recommendations...
Reviews For Chance & Counters