Top 5 US Cities For Bar Chess
In this post-Queens Gambit, post-Pandemic world, two things are true. Chess is cool now, and people want third spaces. Stuffy chess clubs will not do anymore. Luckily, there is a revolution of unstuffy chess sweeping the nation. These are the top five cities where you can play chess and get rowdy at the same time.
5. Portland
Portland’s bar chess scene is upheld by OTB Knights, a chess club that hosts regular bar chess meetups in various breweries around the city. They host casual nights at Lazy Day Brewery every Thursday from 6-9 and at Living Haus Beer Co every Tuesday from 5-9.
Instagram: @super_secret_chess_club
4. Houston
In Houston, the casual bar chess scene comes with an underground flair. Where by day the on-site coffee shop serves up specialty lattes, by night, Room 808 speakeasy and vinyl lounge comes to life. Located at 201 Roberts St in Houston, We the List offers Vinyl and Chess nights every Thursday.
Instagram: @wethelist_
3. Brooklyn
Prospect Park Chess Club meets every Thursday after 6 PM at Franklin Park Beer Garden in Brooklyn. The vibe is eclectic and lively, and beers are $5. What more could you ask for?
Instagram: @prospectparkchess
2. Atlanta
Atlanta takes the cake for having the biggest celebrity guests at their bar chess clubs. Atlanta Checkmate Club hosts chess meetups at multiple spots throughout the city each week. This year, they hosted the Faye Webster Chess Invitational, which featured Tyler, the Creator in attendance.
You can find casual chess knights hosted by Atlanta Checkmate Club at Smith’s Olde Bar on Monday nights, The Family Dog on Tuesday nights, and Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall on Wednesday nights. You can also find the club hosting park chess on Friday nights at Piedmont Park.
Instagram: @atlantacheckmateclub
1. Denver
Denver’s Oprah’s Rook Club is the best bar chess pick in the nation for a chess club that doesn’t take itself too seriously. After all, their motto is “Fuck chess!” Every Wednesday night from 6:30-10, you can find chess lovers gathered for the love of the game in Denver’s Uptown. Featuring themed tournaments, award-winning brews from Woods Boss Brewing, and a true sense of community, this club takes the cake.
Instagram: @oprahsrookclub2.0
Coffee Chess Top Pick: Chicago
Instagram: @chessclubcoffee
Chess is Hard 