Boba, Games, and Good Vibes at Sip & Play
Sip & Play is creating a nostalgic hangout where great flavors and good company come together in Park Slope.
What started as a high school dream to become a chef has grown into Brooklyn’s go-to board game café, where handcrafted sandwiches, fruit-forward boba, and communal gaming bring neighbors together.
From Culinary Dreams to Community Hub
Back in high school, Jonathan had one goal—he wanted to be a chef. He pursued that passion through culinary school, then spent years working in food before he spotted an opportunity in his own neighborhood in Park Slope. There wasn’t a café nearby, and he knew the area had the heart for a place that paired good food and fellowship. So he opened Sip & Play in 2020, combining his kitchen skills with his love for community into a cozy board game café that feels both familiar and unexpected.
Nostalgic Bites and Drinks That Stick
The menu at Sip & Play is all about old-school comfort with a twist. Their spicy chicken cheese sandwich gives a classic combo with a kick, while fruit tea options like passion fruit and brown sugar boba bring bright, sweet flavors. There’s a nostalgic feel to everything: syrups, powders, and summer vibes are front and center.
Each season brings something new to the menu, like what-the-fig jam toast, cherry blossom green tea, white grape refresher, and a cool watermelon drink. You can tell people love it from the smiles and reactions at first sip. With summer just around the corner, there’s more to look forward to.
Play, Sip, and Smile
Just walking into Sip & Play, you can feel the buzz. With more than 500 board games and a cozy set-up, Jonathan’s created a space where both dedicated players and casual coffee sippers feel welcome. Behind the scenes, he coordinates up to five night events a week, handles advertising, and maintains personal connections with customers—part ad man, part event planner, and part café host.
Viral Word of Mouth and Streamlined Growth
During the pandemic, a video of a game night at Sip & Play went viral, and suddenly it felt like everyone in Brooklyn had to check it out. That grassroots buzz turned into steady foot traffic as word spread that this was more than just a café—it was a community builder. Jonathan took that moment to simplify the menu, keeping only what worked and what brought smiles. He says the secret is in keeping it tight enough to manage, but flexible enough to stay fun.