Chesterfield Hidden Gem: Unplugged Games Cafe


Welcome to our Hidden Gem Series where we highlight businesses throughout the county that you may or may not have heard of. Why are we doing this? Well, it’s simple. We love connecting residents and visitors to our incredible county and we thought, what better way to spread the word than to create a series for all to enjoy. Check back every other week to learn more. We’re excited to share Chesterfield’s Hidden Gems with you! Next up, Unplugged Games Cafe.

Nestled in the heart of Midlothian, Virginia, Unplugged Games Cafe, located at 1300 Sycamore Square, is a hidden gem that combines the thrill of gaming with the warmth of a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or simply looking for a fun spot to unwind with friends and family, this unique board game cafe offers a delightful escape from the everyday hustle.

What makes Unplugged Games Cafe so special? It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, creativity, and community. The game café features a wide array of board games, from classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to modern strategy games and indie favorites. With over 1,300 games to choose from, you’re certain to find the perfect game for everyone in your group. And the best part? The staff are trained to make recommendations and help with game setup and play so if you’re unsure where to start, a trained, enthusiastic staff member will gladly help.

“What really sets us apart is our staff who are all trained on how to teach board games,” said Sean Gulla, owner of Unplugged Games Cafe. “They can recommend games for any party, age, interest or skill level and it’s a privilege and a pleasure to be able to teach games to our guests during their stay.” Another plus: you can enjoy any of these games while sipping on local brews or indulging in tasty items from the food menu.

The welcoming environment makes it an ideal place for people of all ages. Whether you’re interested in a game night with friends, bringing the kids for a family outing, or looking to connect with other local gamers, Unplugged Games Cafe offers a space where everyone can relax, have fun and build community. “Our mission is to empower and cultivate an environment that’s right for gaming for all ages, interests, genders and backgrounds,” Gulla said. “We want to share this love of gaming with as many people as we can.”

Beyond just games, Unplugged Games Cafe is about fostering connections. It’s not just a place to play; it’s a place to unplug from the digital world and engage in meaningful, face-to-face interactions with friends, family, or even strangers who share a love for gaming. It’s the perfect place to put the phone down and engage with company!

“We have a wide variety of people who come in for different reasons and for different experiences,” said Katey Gulla, owner of Unplugged Games Cafe and wife to Sean Gulla. “People are really looking to connect on a personal level with other people and I think that this has become a third place for people; they go home, they go to work, and this is a place where they can not only meet up with their favorite people, but then they can meet new favorite people,” she said.

So, if you’re in the Chesterfield area and looking for something new to try, make sure to check out Unplugged Games Cafe in Midlothian. It’s truly a hidden gem that will quickly become your go-to spot for fun, food, and fantastic games!

Experience Chesterfield promotes and celebrates all the things to see, do and experience within Chesterfield County. The website is not paid to endorse individual businesses or events and any that you may see mentioned are just a sampling of the many wonderful places to visit in Chesterfield. If you operate a hospitality related business in Chesterfield, please be sure to reach out to our partners at Richmond Region Tourism to create a business listing for our website. You can also reach out to Virginia Tourism Corporation to create a business listing on their site for additional exposure.