There's only a few places I'd call a third place properly. This is one of them. We wanted to spend our evening with a cozy game, knowing it's fall time and Halloween is around the corner. This spot IS THE SPOT. A plethora of games available for purchase, rent, and play. Everything reasonably priced, and even a whole wall of snacks and drinks to fuel our gaming experience. An open table setup makes the space feel communal, homely, and warm. Service was incredible; self-service, but kind and welcoming. I will find myself here everytime I'm in SD. read more

This place is really cool! We visited for the painting station for our dnd figures, we were a group of 4 and there was room for all of us. We paid for the day pass and we able to utilize the entire space while we were there. They have tons and tons of games you can sits and play , a calendar of activities and stuff they have going on and like I mentioned the painting station. There is even a little retail section where they sell stuff for gaming and games themselves. A day pass was only $8 per person which we thought was a great value , and the staff were helpful and knowledgeable. It's located in a big shopping center with more parking than it could ever need which is nice also read more

Off The Shelf Games - Painting station - Tabletop Games Near Me - El Cajon, California

Visited twice in two days on our couples get-a-way. We first came to look at their selection of games, but really noticed their library selection! We returned the next day and played 4 (shorts) games. Great library of old and new games. Great selection of deep complex strategy, medium, and light games, including some great rare fans out of print. $8 all day is a better price than the $10 I am used to playing in Sacramento (a game shop running a similar concept). read more

This is the best game store ever. Seriously. The staff are friendly and helpful, the selection is excellent, the prices are great and it has an extremely welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. I can't say enough good things about Off the Shelf and highly suggest you check it out, you'll be glad you did! read more

Amazing store where you can try out board games with friends for a night. Cheap pricing and great value. The employees are amazing and big nerds who help in anyway possible. read more

I came here two weeks ago as a new Dungeons & Dragons player. It has been a while since I played RPG's and board games. As soon as I came here I felt welcomed and honestly with a big smile of positivity and enthusiasm as a new player. One of the employees Mike was wonderful very welcoming very warm and very comforting the other dungeon masters in this game and other employees of this facility have been nothing short of delightful. If you're coming here as a new player, I highly recommend coming here. I did not feel unwelcome, but instead, I felt like I was part of a family. Highly recommended to come here if you're new into board games or if you want to learn how to play any kind of game, I will definitely be coming here every week to play board games into socialize with new people. The prices are also extremely fair!!! read more

Jerry has created an awesome environment for the gaming community. Although I live farther out in San Diego, I make the drive to OTSG for Dice Throne tournaments and just to hang out with the community. read more

Workers are an absolute delight and were willing to help us learn any game we were interested in. Steven asked what board games we liked and recommended games that were spot on! We even ended up buying the game he recommended. New favorite spot!!! read more

Off The Shelf Games - Tabletop Games Near Me - El Cajon, California

Upon entering this place, it was like being a kid walking into a candy store, with hundreds to over a thousand games to wrap your mind around! I wanted to find a place where I can feel welcome and perhaps buy and play tabletop games at my leisure, and meeting Fred at the front desk was a breath of fresh air! Fred welcomed me as if I've spiritually been here before. He explained how memberships worked, renting out games, and even what games he recommended for purchase or play! I enjoy Solo games or games that do well incorporating Solo modes, so I found a cute tabletop worker placement game with dragons called "Flamecraft" that I'm excited to try out! This place is awesome and price-wise, everything is very affordable which I appreciate. I recommend you come here if you love tabletop/board games, and enjoying the vibe! Will be coming back very soon to grab my membership. Thank you Fred! read more

This was quaint shop very welcoming. I've gone in for their dice throne events and met some cool people in the community. If it was only closer to my home I would frequent more. read more

Fricken love this store, workers are amazing, I can spend all day here, makes life worth living

Unbelievably excellent staff. Very friendly and INCREDIBLY knowledgeable about games. They can make great recommendations if you don't know tabletop games but the store is also perfect for experienced gamers. I can't recommend this store highly enough! The all day gaming service provides a ton of value for a day with your buddies. read more

Seriously the best LGS I've ever been to. We were recommended this place by a friend who boasted about their incredibly massive selection of games and generous amount of space. We were only in SD for a short 3 day trip, and ended up spending nearly half our time here. I'm no board game aficionado by any means, but the atmosphere, staff, and community were all so kind, we had a blast during all the time we spent here! Steven helped us get settled the first time we were there, and was really helpful in getting our group (who was very overwhelmed at our options and standing at varying board game skill levels) started. He helped us the second time we were there as well, thank you Steven!! You're the best! He truly made our time there great and was super helpful and made us comfortable in a new environment. Bradford also helped us when he saw our group struggling on a more difficult game we picked out. Bradford gave us tips and even recommended an easier kinda similar version of the game we picked. It turned out to be really really fun and enjoyable for our group! Don't be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations or help! It really elevated the experience for us. This place is truly a third place for those looking for one. I really wish there was somewhere like this where I lived! Their entry price is fair and their membership can really be worth it if you plan on visiting a few times a month. They really serve their board/tabletop community and are doing a superb service for their patrons. They have snacks, water, and soft drinks available and will even allow you to bring outside food or get food delivered to the store for you to eat while there. And if you are the owner/manager/staff of Off the Shelf Games- thank you! Seriously. Thank you for what you do :) we will definitely be back the next time we are in town!! read more

This is a great tabletop gaming shop and play venue. Tons of games to play, nice separate section with big tables for playing TTRPGs. Good prices on books and miniatures supplies! And the staff is super nice and friendly. There's snacks and drinks to purchase as well. read more

Super friendly workers there even took time to help my friends and I out with not only recommending a game for us but also took the time to help explain the game and had a blast playing it. I can't wait to go back and try a new game there. read more

Wow! I'm excited to find this place. They have 2000 games. Everybody is friendly. Mike is super helpful...

Not Warhammer Friendly. This location charges a table fee for use of their space. They prefer all of their tables be rented to as many people as possible per table, and Warhammer takes up too much space for their business model. You will be harassed to finish your game early, and the staff are mostly hostile toward Warhammer players. They have double-booked our group more than once, and cancelled our reservations last-minute because another group with more people wanted the space. Warhammer players avoid this location. read more

I have normal board ( monopoly etc ) games so I was looking for something different and they had a huge variety of board games of which I was recommend! I had questions but was just gunna loop up on google but the worker helped me out and helped me pick great board games of my liking, friendly and amazing service. Very excited to play them with my friends! Recommend off the shelf games to everyone best prices and best choices. Will be stopping by again when I'm in town. read more

Love this place!! An awesome venue to go and try out new board games. They have a really quality library of diverse games including hot new ones. They continue to add to their collection and even host an event on Tuesdays to try out new games. Sunday afternoons are a great time to go and meet up with new people and join in a game. There is an event via Meetup in the East County Tabletop group from 1-8pm I believe every Sunday. Also, they have gone all in on providing a positive experience for their players. The tables have quality surfaces, the chairs are very comfortable, and there are plenty of little bowls available for game pieces. The whole place is very clean and the games are organized alphabetically. Very friendly staff. Snacks and drinks available to buy, and you can simply open a tab and pay at the end. $5 entrance fee or they offer a $25 per month membership option. Definitely check it out! read more

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Welcoming board game store not only for browsing and recommendations, but also for community hang outs. I'm so glad this place exists! read more

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OMG. It's great place for playing Board Games! The number of games available is cray! Coming again and again! read more

Off The Shelf Games - Game - Tabletop Games Near Me - El Cajon, California

On a random search for new board game stores in the area I happened to find Off The Shelf Games and I am so happy that we stopped in to check it out! A lovely little game store in the front of the space and a huge selection of new and varied board games to try in the back for the low entrance fee for day use (or membership). The tables were a perfect size and there was even a selection of little bowls to use for components, etc!! I loved this detail. The staff was super kind and helpful and gave us a tour on our first stop in which prompted us to come back later in the day to actually game. They had great safety protocols in place, only a few tables set up well over 6 ft away from each other, all employees masked, hand sanitizer and a game quarantine of 72 hours for any game played there. They also had a game rental program which is something you can't find often around here. We played for several hours and afterwards chatted about new games coming to the store in the upcoming weeks. Such a delight and the other people gaming were very respectful and it felt great to hear the voices of other gamers again. So glad to have this and hope to come back again soon. read more

Off The Shelf Games - Gaming space with huge tables and new hot games! - Tabletop Games Near Me - El Cajon, California

Great game store that obviously caters to its local community. I was greeted when I came in and asked if I needed help after browsing around a bit. The store was packed with people gaming from Magic to board games to tabletop rpgs. Everyone looked like they were having a great time. I've been here a few times, and they always have an interesting selection of role-playing games, card games, board games, and dice. If you're into miniature painting, they have a small section, but it is obvious RPG's and board games are their emphasis. I even spotted some Kickstarter items on the shelves. Though it is not my personal LGS, I'll keep on stopping by, if only to see what they've added to their collection. I definitely recommend this place. read more

We've visited off the shelf games a few times during our return visit to San Diego. It's a great space, the game selection is wildly impressive. The store is clean and the staff and other patrons are super friendly. When visiting you have the option to pay to play for the day, or you can drop in to pick up the game you've been missing! The fee is small for all day play and the selection is practically unlimited. You can reserve tables, and they offer a small selection of snacks and drinks for purchase, you're even able to bring in outside food or drinks (no alcohol) but I believe they serve beer! The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating. If you're looking for a fun date night, family night, or friends getting together off the shelf games should be in your rotation. read more

A preliminary report on this new but oh-so-needed place to buy and play games in East County. I did not have time to play today but found a game to take home with Jerry's advice. He showed me the spacious and comfortable playing space and the retail section. There are shelves and shelves of games to play. You can play all day for $7. There is a new meetup group for the store. It is just a couple of minutes off I-8 at Main in El Cajon. Turn left at Magnolia and then right. I am excited. read more

My gaming group always has trouble finding a good place to meet. No one's house is ideal, this place doesn't have big tables, that one doesn't have good lighting, this one closes too early, and that one doesn't like us hanging out for long periods of time. Off the Shelf Games is exactly what we've been looking for. They have good hours, great lighting, lots of comfortable chairs, and tables big enough to really spread out all your pieces. If you don't have your own games, there are plenty here to choose from. They have an extensive game library with lots of the modern classics along with plenty I've never heard of before. There's a good selection for both kids and adults, with a wide variety of types. They skew more toward light and mid-weight complexity, but there are some brain burners in there too like Through the Ages. No outside food is allowed, but they sell reasonably priced snacks and drinks, along with a small selection of games and accessories to take home. There is a use fee, but they're positioning themselves (legitimately) as a cheaper, more interesting alternative to a night at the movies. Unfortunately, the location doesn't work for me, but if I were more local, I would definitely buy a membership! read more

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Just started coming here! I was invited by a friend "Ruben". I'm new to board gaming. Learning new games here is perfect!! So many games for every level! Nice friendly people, good atmosphere. Snacks are available too! Invite your friends and come here! read more

Off The Shelf Games - Hmm what game should we play next so so so many options! - Tabletop Games Near Me - El Cajon, California

Just visited for the first time as part of a special invitational event. They've only been open 3 weeks and everything is so new, clean and organized! It's a kids dream come true, no matter what age. They have several huge tables and 2 private game rooms for every type of table top game you can imagine. They've got walls stacked with more than 500 games in their library of rent-to-play. I love that the store footprint is so vast! There aren't tightly crammed aisles like a certain competitor further north. The store layout is so open and welcoming. The checkout/info desk is easy to spot in the middle of the store, and Jerrold and Logan answered every question about every game I inquired about. Sunday gaming is $5, monthly passes are $25 and annual memberships are available. The calendar of events is chock full for 2 months! The owner, Jerrold and his son are incredibly kind and welcoming. I learned to play Captain Sonar from Logan, and I had more fun than I thought possible! The store opened my eyes to a vast world of non-electronic, strategic gaming, that I only had the vaguest inkling even existed. It's not only role playing games like DnD. I also played Settlers of Catan for the first time ever, which I know is very late because people have been telling me about it for years. I couldn't believe how fun it was! They were sold out or I would have definitely taken one home. The retail section is very impressive- it's immaculately organized alphabetically. Also, they've got cool accessories like liquid-filled glitter dice, among dozens of other colorful sets, and gobs of action figures. Of course if you get hungry, they sell snacks to satisfy your gaming munchies, from sodas and water to burritos and candy. The bathroom is pristinely clean and spacious and parking is easy in the vast, shared lot. I have to admit when I first drove out this far east into El Cajon and saw the otherwise-decrepit-looking mall, I had my doubts. But the kind people- owners and players alike, calmed my fears and the whole experience blew me away. I am definitely hooked. read more

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Looking to support a local BG retailer that was not Am*z*n, I called here for the first time a few months ago looking for an expansion to Wingspan, and not only did they have it, but the employee offered to put it on hold for me! (Probably unnecessary given that I would be there in 30 minutes but really good customer service all the same). I was really impressed by the cleanliness and organization of the space and the massive play area with multiple large wooden play tables. There's also a small snack shopping shelf and fridge for a quick bite if you need it. The retail section is decently filled up but not the main focus of the store. The main attraction is the huge library of playable games that you can access with a $5 day pass or monthly/annual membership. They also have a rental option for members for $4-8 per game. As COVID has let up a bit, I started attending the weekly Sunday open gaming meetups. Everyone including staff is quite friendly and it's usually pretty packed. People don't usually mind letting you join their table as long as there's room. Looking forward to learning more new games in the future! read more

What an amazing place for families and game enthusiasts for all ages and interests. We went today as a family and all 4 of us had a great time including my 11 year old twins. The ability for a family to easily choose from an amazing variety of all kinds of games, that are rated for age and difficulty. Poeple may not realize that this place is so much more than just a game store. It is a game center with lots of space and tables for all kinds of games. They have an amazing array of games that can be pulled off the shelf and played. The staff members are very friendly knowledgeable and helpful. This is a space for families, hobbyist and communities. I am a long time player of table top games and this place is the apex of places to experience the hobby. read more

The staff is super friendly and helpful. They have a HUGE selection of games to play! It's only $5 a person to sit and play at one of their tables! read more

Me and my girlfriend went in just to check this place out and we were instantly greeted by a very warm and welcoming employee offering to give us a tour of the place. It's incredibly neat clean and well organized with plenty of tables and space to play on, a paint station, extra room in the back and a small section of new items for sale up front. We were incredibly impressed by everything we saw and we will definitely be coming back soon in the future! read more

This place is amazing! Every game you can imagine, and plenty of help learning them if you have no clue what you are doing! From the friendly staff, to the welcoming regulars this is one of the least gate kept establishments I have ever gone too. Not only do they have a wide variety of games to play, they have a large rpg crowd, a painting station for minis, and snacks! The ever important snacks! Over all as an avid player, I would recommend this place to anyone!!! Please, come give this small business some love and keep the fun going! read more

Off The Shelf Games - lol laying a game of Tokaido on a Friday night with some friends! - Tabletop Games Near Me - El Cajon, California

This place is our groups go-to to play weekly board games! They have a ginormous selection of games to play and tables to rent! They also sell sweet and salty snacks along with a variety of drinks! A lot of patrons also Uber eats food to eat while playing games as well. Outside food is welcome!! Definitely a big fan of this place!! read more

I like games. Card games, board games, trivia games, role playing games (RPGs). Games allow people to gather together and have fun grinding each other into the dirt (except Monopoly, people get mean playing Monopoly). But how do you now a game is good before you plunk down money? The back of the box? YouTube? Having a friend with that game is a good way. All I can say is "Welcome friend". Not only does this shop sell games, but they have areas to play them as well. And if you are looking to try a new game, they have a very large selection of games to try, and they are coded with colored dots to help you choose games based on how complex they are. Additionally, they host games, so if you are looking to join a RPG, or find someone who wants to play, Pokémon, Munchkin, Yahtzee, or even Checkers, they give you a place to meet -- without having to tell the waitress that your table of 6 is only ordering soda (with separate checks) read more

To be honest I had been wanting to stop here for months. Today I finally found the time. It surpassed my expectations!! The owner was nice and super friendly. The store clean. I love the smell and feel when something is well cared for. They have a great variety of games with nice tables. I look forward to becoming a regular ! read more

Great new friendly neighborhood game store. Only a few bucks gets you all day admission to unlimited board game play. Hundreds of unique games, for all ages, from all over the world. Come learn how to play something new! read more

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Amazing amazing selection of games! All the shop employees are pleasant and cheery folks, who will gladly give you game recommendations or even sit down and play with you if they have time. I visited San Diego for 2 weeks and I came to this every night I could! read more

I've been here a few times and the staff is always super cool (and nerdy, my peeps.) I love that everyone is greeted as they enter, and everyone is made to feel at home. read more

It's a nice store for almost any game under the sun. That is unless you are trying to start Star Wars Legion and want to play in their league. Hearing about the legion league two weeks ago I was ecstatic. They claimed their league was going to be good for beginners. In their words, "We want players who just bought their starter kits to be able to play." This made me even happier seeing as this is an excellent way to grow the community. However, when I went to their first meeting on August 31st, they then stated that all minis must be painted according to tournament standards. The employee who runs the league said it's all about good looking tournamentesque tables, even though the tables they have can't legally have an 800 point games. This employee/legion player is not interested in having new players joined unless they have already committed to a particular paint scheme as soon as they picked up their stuff. He's also got a disgusting short fuse and is quick to go to yelling. And the fact another employee bolstered his attitude was the last straw. I was planning on making this my main store for Legion and was enticed at the offers of discounts with a membership and the promise of an expanded legion section, but the meeting was enough for me to understand that this place definitely wasn't for me. I'll gladly take my business elsewhere. read more