Back in January, we visited a board game cafe called Ludo. This would be the third of its kind that I've visited so far, the other ones being Kings & Pawns and Burgers & Board Games.

Our trip to Ludo was mostly unplanned. We happened to be in the area so we decided to drop by. Unfortunately we were already stuffed from the lunch we just ate so we didn't have room for much else when we got there. To play to your heart's content in this place, you have to buy at least one drink or food item for each person in your group. Since we were all too full to really try to eat anything, we didn't get to try much of what they had to offer.

The first thing I noticed when we went in was the wall decoration. Anyone who has played Dixit before would instantly recognize the giant versions of the cards on the cafe's walls. They have one wall of shelves stacked with games from which you can take whatever you wanted to play. And as if they're just constantly running out of space, there are also shelves at the top of the walls all around the cafe, also filled with more board games. Many of these are actually multiples of the same ones, also in different versions. Still, it's the biggest collection and widest varieties of games I've seen in a board game cafe so far. I was quite in awe.

The place is very small and the archway things make it feel even smaller, unlike in Burgers & Board Games where the place is open and the ceiling is high, so you feel that there's a lot more space than there really is. Ludo is quite popular though, as it was quickly filled up not long after we got in. Understandably, it gets pretty noisy in there.

Service was really nice and friendly. If there is a game you want to play but you don't know how to play it, no worries! The people who work in Ludo are happy to teach you and help you and your friends with it. I thought that was cool. You don't have to stick to just what you know, you get to learn to play new games too, and maybe end up finding new favourites!

Ludo is a popular place so it's no surprise that many of their games get... a lot of love, if you will. The copy of Ticket to Ride that we played had cards that were kind of falling apart. Perhaps it's a popular game? Or maybe my brother just picked an old, battered copy off the shelf. I'm guessing they have newer copies of the game somewhere. The other games we played were not as worn out, though some did show signs of wear.

Overall it was a good experience. I wish I had been able to try some of their food... My brother did try their brownie ala mode, if I'm not mistaken. I don't think that counts!

Will I go back? Perhaps if it were closer, but Manila is always a hassle to move around in. Ludo seems to have another location, although it's also quite a way from where we stay. I do, however, recommend visiting it if you can! Take some friends with you! I suppose if you're more adventurous you can go alone and try to find a group that would willingly let you join them... Is that a thing people do? That seems like it would make you very suspicious. But, hey, that's why I don't have friends. I have no idea how anyone meets new people outside school or work!

Ludo is open for reservations. Since it does get crowded quickly, you should probably call ahead to reserve a spot for you and your friends. Their address, telephone numbers, and operating hours can be found at their website. Happy gaming!