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Just Awesome! The Board Game Store - CLOSED
Categories: Shopping Toy Stores Shopping Hobby Shops Toy Stores, Hobby Shops [Edit]
320 W Portal AveSan Francisco, CA 94127
Neighborhood: West Portal
(415) 681-4263
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Courtney S. said: "There are really not enough nice things I can say about Atelier Yarns. I came in looking to learn how to knit about two weeks ago and since then have learned so much about the world of knitting. I unfortunately couldn't take the…" read more »
112 reviews for Just Awesome! The Board Game Store
Review Highlights
"Eric and Shane were super friendly and showed us a bunch of..."
(in 5 reviews)
"You can go in and try out games before you buy them."
(in 12 reviews)
"6 - Erik and Shane, the owners."
(in 13 reviews)
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112 reviews in English
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Review from Alicia S.
Mountain View, CA
9/16/2011
I miss this store very much! I wish they could have converted to a web-only store so we could still support a local e-business.
Just Awesome guys, I hope you are able to re-open shop in another area of San Francisco! (the Sunset has a lot of empty storefronts, FYI) -
Review from Foodbag B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/19/2011
Very sorry to hear this place is closing down in April. It's been a lot of fun and is a unique addition to San Francisco's retail market.
I guess it's just not possible to keep a board game shop open in a place with such high overhead costs as SF. I would think this might thrive in a smaller college town in the Midwest someplace.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/18/2009
This place lives up to its name. Frequent game nights, an open box policy (I think they'll let you… Read more »
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Review from Karen S.
12/3/2010 13 Check-ins Here
Do you like to play games???
It's time like this I wish YELP would allow 10 STARS!!! This shop is a gem, tucked away in West Portal! The owners (Shane and Eric) are 2 really cool people...clearly love what they are doing and have created a marvelous store and bend over backwards to make everyone who crosses the threshold to feel welcome and part of the fun!!
How many shops that sell board games allow you...no...ENCOURAGE you, to open up the boxes and PLAY the games at the store before you decide whether you want to buy it and take it home? Before this place, I could think of no such establishment!!
It's a well lit shop with vintage board games on the walls, table and chairs galore for you to come in, browse, pick up a game and play! You see lots of families here, but as the word gets out you 'll see people of all ages stopping by!! Just Awesome hosts themed game nights (Thursday is BYOB game night for the adults) they offer incentives (buy 2, get 1 free on the games...hello, holiday shopping anyone?) They even have a party room in the back...and its almost always booked with parties where the celebrant could be 4 or 40!!!
Shane and Eric will answer questions or just set right down with you and teach you how to play these games (and if necessary, step in as a referee during heated games of Forbidden Island and Kill Dr Lucky!)
True, you may be able to find lower priced board games at Target or Toys r Us, etc...but there is NO way you will get even a scintilla of the customer service, good vibes and F U N as you would if you visited Just Awesome!!!
Run, don't sashay, over to Just Awesome...the most aptly named shop in town! -
Review from Alia D.
12/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
Just like the name of the store implies, this store is Just awesome! And so are the employees! I would also like to note that this store has been the first location where I utilized the "Yelp Check-in Deals" that some businesses offer upon check in. The deal was a one time use only and it was for 20% off a game.
I had been obsessed with buying Trivial Pursuit Masters Edition for my Mom. I called here and while they did not carry TP they did offer to help me find a trivia game from their inventory. I figured, It's Christmas Eve, I gotta find SOMETHING for my Mom and fast. I went in and the salespeople explained every trivia game to me. And not like read the back of the box to me explain. It's like they have actually played all of the games. If they haven't they do a really good job faking it. I must say, I would have never found this store without Yelp. It's definitely a SF gem that needs to be shared!. They gift wrapped my purchase of Wits & Wagers for free (which is super fun!) and I also bought another little tin can matching game (I forget the name right now) for myself.
Love, love, luffff this store. The staff was really friendly and knowledgable and a very relaxed no pressure atmosphere! -
Review from Fannie S.
12/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Me: Is this game essentially Risk but more advanced?
Clerk: Yes, it's just like the original but with...*excited*
Me: Okay, I'll take it. It's for my husband...lol
Clerk: Anything else you need help with?
Me: Well, I'm looking for a card game, and it's played with red chips (coins) and it's pretty much a betting game...I know it's German, and I played it about 3 years ago now.
Clerk: Hmm...*points to the wall* Is this it? "No Thanks" card game.
O.o
o.O'''''
O_O!
Me: OMG. Yes, I think so *reading the back of the box* Holy crap, such an EASY name and this whole time I couldn't remember it!
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Location = small but somehow very roomy, and there is space to play board games in the back room.
Service = friendly, helpful, and just nice!
Prices = reasonable. It's typical BOARDGAME prices. (However, I looked on Amazon and price checked and they're actually better than Amazon, and that's hard to beat.)
Currently, they're offering free gift wrapping for the season, so take advantage. :)
Yes, I'll be back. -
Review from Kristin M.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2011
Is it too cheesy to admit that Just Awesome is just awesome?
I happened upon Just Awesome by accident. The first time I wandered in, I didn't end up leaving for almost an hour. A woman came in and asked for a recommendation for a game she could play with her teenage grandkids. The owner, Erik, asked if I wanted to try out a few possibilities with this other customer. I walked out of the store with my new favorite ice breaker game (Spot It). And thus began my love affair with Just Awesome.
I love board games, but I don't consider myself a serious "gamer." I enjoy party games, strategy games, trivia games, and those based on pure luck. The store has a broad variety for all levels that I interact with.
The games are grouped by category/level, making it easy to explore new games if you see one you already know on the shelf. There are tables where you can demo many of the games to see if you like them or if you're just looking for a fun afternoon. And of course, Erik always has a recommendation and a speedy explanation of the rules. He will also order a game that he doesn't have in stock, if you're looking for something specific.
Beyond the friendly staff and great range of games, Just Awesome really encourages the community to interact with the store. I've attended several of the Thursday/Friday Game Nights for the 21 and over crowd. It's a fun way to spend an evening - learning new games, meeting new people. Plus, I usually walk out with a new game - smart business.
Although you can find many of the games cheaper on Amazon (my husband continues to note), I feel good paying a little more to support such a wonderful local store that provides great service and fun activities and truly wants to be a part of the community. -
Review from Michael T.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2011
This place is just awesome! I've never been in a board game store, and I absolutely love board games. When they told me I could open up the game and test it out I nearly died. I could have stayed in there all day.
Not much to say. You have to experience it yourself. And anyone who complains about the prices, needs to re-think that statement. They are so nice and friendly that the experience should be worth the few extra dollars you may spend (compared to Target or such). -
Review from Audrey N.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2010
This store is FANTASTIC! No where else can you find such a great selection and super friendly and knowledgable staff!
Shane and Eric know all the games. Tell them what you like and they will recommend 2-5 new similar games you are going to love... and then teach you how to play them in the store. Everything is available to demo complete with a personal run down on the rules by one of the owners!
Yes, it is not the cheapest place to purchase games but these guys are providing a service no one else does. Support them! -
Review from Kate D.
San Francisco, CA
11/14/2010
Just Awesome! could be my favorite place in the city. It is fantastic! You can go in and try out games before you buy them. Also, there are lots of themed game nights where you can connect and make friends easily over board games. Who doesn't love that? The owners, Shane and Erik, are so knowledgeable and helpful; they make going into the store so much more like a fun experience and less like a trip to a retail store.
I hosted my birthday party in the backroom, and it was such a treat for me and my group of 15 friends. We were able to bring in some food and drinks and play board games. Staff members came back and played with us, which was such a treat! -
Review from Sarah D.
San Jose, CA
9/20/2010
Think of all the fun you use to have when you would play board games when you were younger. You can still enjoy that today with the whole family!
If you are looking for a fun evening for the whole family to enjoy then I highly recommend the Family Game Nights. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a good time and this gives you the chance to try out the game before you buy it.
Family fun night is always a very great time and we have met a lot of interesting people. The kids even made some friends who now get together for playdates. You don't even have to worry about feeding everyone either, they have pizza available to all that attend.
Game nights are fun for all ages. I have 2 younger children ranging in ages from 6-11 and 2 older kids ages 18-23 that enjoy the events.
I think this is a great place to bring to the community and I am adding them to my Sara D's Family Approved list.Listed in: Sara D's Rainy Day Approved, Sara D's Family Approved
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Review from Scrumptious S.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2010
I've always loved games. But growing up I was seriously intimidated by my local game store. The staff were all young guys in their teens and twenties who acted too cool for school and yet never knew anything about the games I was interested in. There was usually no one in the store who had even played the game I was thinking about buying. I would joke about how I wished there were a "games library" somewhere, but the idea of being able to try a game out before buying it was inconceivable, so I'd just have to drop a ton of cash and hope for the best. In the back of the store, there were always groups of guys playing games, but they seemed like the special in-crowd, and it was unthinkable that I would ever join them.
Just Awesome! is the antithesis to all of that. Just Awesome! is the balm on my childhood game-store trauma. Just Awesome! is the best game store I've ever set foot in - they're doing something no one else does, and it really, really works.
Reasons why Just Awesome is awesome:
#1 - You can play the game before you buy it. If you like, usually one of the staff can help you learn the rules or even play with you.
Aren't they worried people will be less likely to buy games if they aren't forced into just buying things blind? Nope, because
#2 - They are seriously excellent at matching the game to the player. From European strategy games to party games to family games, they have games for everyone from the tiniest kid to the geekiest grown-up. And because they are knowledgable about all of their games, they'll help you find the perfect match.
#3 - Best game nights in town. How could they not be, with all those open copies of games to play? BYOB adult game night on Thursdays is a total party and a highlight of my week. Everyone is so friendly, and the owners are excellent hosts - you can arrive alone and you will have no trouble finding people to play with. Plus the store's calendar is always stuffed with other community events, parties, game-designer signings...
#4 - Specials, discounts, coupons, deals, prize-packs, and savings galore! Sometimes I wonder if these guys have a full-time employee who does nothing but think up fun new ways to offer discounts and contests to win free games.
#5 - It's beautiful in there. The game stores of my youth were dark places with towering shelving and mysterious bins of figurines in the back. Just Awesome has gorgeous light, charming vintage games on the walls, and a bright, pleasant room in the back for customers to try out games.
#6 - Erik and Shane, the owners. The reason Just Awesome is head and shoulders above any other game store is because the owners work really, really hard to make it that way. They want JA to be a community hub, not just a store but a genuine place where people who love games can gather and meet up. They are knowledgeable and easy to talk to, and as I said above excellent at helping you find the games of your dreams. They are gracious hosts for every game night, making sure everyone feels included and is trying out the games they're interested in. They just generally work their asses off to ensure a quality experience for anyone who comes in.
Yeah, it's often cheaper to buy games online than at a real store. But an online place isn't contributing to my community, putting all of their energy and resources into creating a space that is welcoming, easeful, and fun, where I can try games and learn about games and feel totally comfortable no matter what kind of games I like and what kind of gamer I am. Just the sheer value of the entertainment I get from game night - which is waaaay more fun than a $10 movie - has already more than made up any price difference for the games I buy. When I shop at Just Awesome I get to be part of something that I believe in and want to support, something that gives way more to me than I give to it. -
Review from Chris S.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2010
The name of the store pretty much sums up how I feel about this place. They have so many board games here that I want to buy and play that I have to restrain myself mentally from not buying up the entire store.
Probably one of the biggest deterrence from people buying board games is trying to learn how to play and not really understanding what the hell is going on. That's not a problem here, because they have an Open Box policy. If there's a demo available, you're more then welcome to open up the box, learn and play the game, and decide from there whether you want it. If the rules are too complicated, Erik and Shane will go over it with you. Their explanations of the game really teach you a lot in the short time you're playing.
Board game nights are really fun here as you get to meet like-minded people who want to play the same games as you. I'm naturally VERY shy but Erik and Shane, and quite a few regulars, are pretty open to play with everyone and make you feel welcome.
All of that combined with the location of the place makes me a loyal customer. Forget Amazon, I'm shopping here from now on.
And if all that didn't convince me, one thing did. They actually had Bang! The Card Game in their inventory, and that game was hard to come by. I got lucky when I found my copy of the game online, but they had it. It sold out quickly, of course, but they had it. This store is pretty damn awesome, indeed. -
Review from V e.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2011
Really friendly and helpful staff that show you how to play different games without pushing for sales. They genuinely are interested in the products and want to make you interested too.
Perfect sized store, has a lot of different things but not so many as to be overwhelming. It's nice, open, and bright...practically unheard of in a gaming store. I've been there about half a dozen times in the last 18 mos and they already know me when I go in. -
Review from Ellen S.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2011
Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. The best place around to buy games.
You can get some games cheaper online, but the extra money pays for the great staff, free gameplay nights, open examination copies, etc. -
Review from Rudy D.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2011
I wanted to love these guys. Really, I tried. But in the end I got treated very poorly for the high prices I paid. I won't be going back.
Their much-celebrated "open box policy" doesn't do any good when they don't have an open copy of the game that you want to play. I was surprised they didn't offer to open a copy so I could try before I bought, but I decided to trust them and purchased something anyway. Unfortunately, when I got the game home I hated it. I immediately packaged it back up nicely and returned to the store, receipt in hand. I wasn't even asking for a refund... all I wanted was store credit.
Instead, I got a bucket of cold water in the face. The kid behind the counter (I'm pretty sure it was one of the owners) spent about five seconds with me before denying my request. Barely making eye contact, he said "You've opened it? Well, SURELY you understand that we can't sell a game that's been opened."
I was in shock... I expected so much more from these guys. I was NOT there to get a lesson from them about business. I was there to exchange a purchase that I was unhappy with. And even if they weren't going to take my exchange, at the very least they owed me some courtesy for even being in their shop. I got no questions about why I didn't like the game, no questions about whether I wanted a refund or an exchange, and no apology. Just a five-second, terribly rude dismissal.
FYI: The sticker price of the game at Just Awesome was $29.99. The exact same game sells on Amazon for $9.99, with free shipping, no sales tax, and a 100% no-questions-asked money back return policy.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to pay up in order to support a local business. But I'm not going to pay up for rude service and a terrible return policy. I'm all for local, but I'll be happy when Amazon puts Just Awesome under. -
Review from Luke M.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2011
I became acquainted with Just Awesome through friends via their frequent game nights. They have general game nights, Magic nights, and test nights for aspiring game creators. Plus, there is a cute and press worthy story of how this pop & pop shop came to be. Google it. It's a wonderful addition to San Francisco one of only two reasons I ever go to West Portal. The second is hair cuts, fyi.
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Review from lynn c.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/12/2011
my friend and i were just cruising around in the car talking about board games today and decided on the whim to revisit this place but when we got there we found it was closed forever!!!!! noooooo. need less to say we left very sad. this was a great store. i got my Ticket to Ride board game and Pit card game here. i didnt mind paying the higher prices to support a local rare store like this. but i suppose places like amazon took the busy right out of these types of stores. so sad.
just awesome, you will be sorely missed! when so eagerly want to come back to a store only to find its closed and leaving me real emo/sad, that means the store deserved a full 5 stars.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/12/2010
great store! came in here after i searched on google for a board game store in the city. this place… Read more »
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Review from Kristina R.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/19/2009
The game room in the back is now available for game nights! WOO!
Also, they are offering a contest to teachers right now...a big box o' games goes to the winner of the drawing!
That would be me, natch.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/27/2008
This tiny Noe Valley game store is hidden away amongst the baby strollers and pregnant women. You… Read more »
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Review from gwynnie p.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2009
Just Awesome! is run by 2 young fellas who have infectious enthusiasm for board games old and new.
On a recent grey Sunday afternoon, the back room was full of families trying out board games, and a fresh pot o'coffee was being brewed. The kids were engaged and having fun. How cool is it that the owners have created a community center within a retail space?
Their "open box" policy means that you can test drive any game they sell. If you walk out of Just Awesome! without a smile on your face you are a grumpy mcgrumpypants who probably never spent hours playing Monopoly or Candyland. -
Review from Tadashi Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2009
Just Awesome! The Board Game Store is a welcome addition to the nigh-extinct non-video game stores in the Bay Area. Just Awesome! totally embodies what customer service & sensitivity should be.
While the store opened on December 21st of last year, owners Erik Mantsch & Shane Allen held a barbeque on April 1st of this year for their grand opening to welcome their neighbours & future customers.
Besides working at the shop, Shane works as a behavioral specialist for people w/ disabilities at a local non-profit while Erik served as a senior airman in the Air Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom & has a background in sales. Both seem to exude a passion for thier products & business, which helped them recently secure a $7,500 micro loan from San Francisco based http://Kiva.org.
The store boasts San Francisco's largest selection of board games & a game room where all are welcomed to play w/ them or amongst/against each other. The store also has an "open box" policy wherein most games have open copies for customers to see & try. I'm sure if you asked nicely, they'd open a game that doesn't have an open copy.
Additional notable aspects of the store include free gift wrap & free shipping to any APO-FPO address.
The store & owners are well... Just Awesome!
Santa's Yelper sez: "Games, games everywhere! Lemme at 'em!" -
Review from Liz S.
2/3/2010
Sorry, Noe Valley! We have your Just Awesome! Board Game store, and we're not giving it back!
This place is like the anti-Game Stop. Or the Auntie Game Stop, reminiscent of a time when you didn't need batteries or a WIFI connection to play a game.
The store is roomy and well-laid out, easy to navigate by both adults and wee ones. They have a great selection of games for all ages and interests, and some fun memorabilia on the walls.
But the best BEST part is that their "open box" environment. You can sit down at a table and play any game before you buy it - how great is that? I'll tell you how great. It's JUST AWESOME!
I'm proud to support local businesses like this who offer advantages over chain stores and websites who, despite all of their bells, whistles and low prices, can't even come close to the experience of the real thing. Plus, a friendly smile goes a long, long way. -
Review from Samantha W.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2010
This is an absolutely fabulous store. My boyfriend and I wandered in 30 minutes before closing, but you wouldn't have known that from the level of service we received. Kind, courteous, knowledgeable, and super helpful, they not only let you look through an open box, they let you play the game before you buy it. They helped us find a fun and exciting game for 2 that could scale up easily for more players. Then another... and another...
They also have game nights for adults and birthday parties for kids. Oh, and they wrap your game if it is a gift! Oh so awesome, Just Awesome. -
Review from Courtney Y.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2009
I recently took a couple friends from the suburbs to this local game store in Noe Valley and we had a really great time catching up with each other over learning some new games in the back room. They have a huge selection to try and I felt like a little kid, I couldn't wait to open up all the boxes to check them out.
The owners are personable and friendly and took the time to introduce us to some fun games to try while we browsed. I was excited to find out about their after hours adults gaming nights and that they were open to having folks stay to geek out over games in the back room and patio. It's definitely a nice alternative to hanging out in bars.
Then, suddenly only a couple weeks later and without warning... the shop disappeared.
I felt sad. Confused. Bewildered.
Apparently, a month later they have resurfaced. However, not in my neighborhood but in West Portal. Once again, sad. Confused. Bewildered.
Great news for the folks in West Portal, disappointing news for those of us in Noe Valley who enjoyed their shop in our midst. Good luck to them and I hope they continue to be a success. Although not so secretly, I hope they decide life is better on this side of the hill and they come back to 24th street! -
Review from Stretchmark S.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2010
This place is a GEM. From the minute I walked into the well stocked, well lit, CLEAN, organized game store I knew I'd be spending a lot of time in Just Awesome! I took my kids for Family Game Night, and we had such a blast. On every shelf there was an opened game box sealed with a rubber band, free for anyone to play with. How wonderful to sit down and try a game we'd always wondered about, but didn't want to invest in, in case it was a dud. (none that we played were. Khet, Apples to Apples, Fish Sticks were all wonderful and worth purchasing.) There was a great variety for any age group, and it was an excellent way to spend an evening.
The staff could not have been nicer, more knowledgeable, or more accommodating. When my kids were looking at a game they felt was too "babyish" someone had a similar but more challenging game to show us. When I voiced that a game was out of our budget, they immediately had two similar but less expensive options for me to take a look at. It is INCREDIBLY refreshing to be in a store where the staff actually knows the merchandise backward and forward, are friendly, and not pushy in any way. We felt like welcome guests the entire time. I can't wait to go back.
And for you moms looking for an original birthday party idea? They do that! Woo hoo! -
Review from Bob R.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2010
This place is a great game store. The owners are very nice and give great recommendations. They also have taken the time to teach me games on several occasions (most of which have turned into sales).
I've also heard great things about their game nights, but I've never been.
They charge full MSRP for their games though, so it's a bit pricey. -
Review from Sharon T.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2009
Aww, I'm sorry, maybe I'm just not cynical enough for San Francisco, but this is the most earnest store I've ever been in, and I have to give it an earnest 5 stars. Here are a couple of guys, who probably spent all of their savings, in a downturn economy, to open up a specialty store devoted to their passion: board games.
How can you not love that???
They have an "open box" policy allowing you to sample any of their games and were extremely keen on helping me and my husband find the perfect game for us. (I love trivia; he loves strategy - what a crazy pair!) We walked out, game in hand, and excited for an enthralling night. -
Review from Emily C.
4/1/2011
I'm sad that Just Awesome is closing. It made me happy a place like this existed in the world and I'm glad I got a couple board games there while I still could.
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Review from Bruce R.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2009
Okay fine, another 5 stars for a great SF Establishment. Well, maybe it is just because I am usually only motivated by either really BAD service or really GOOD service.
JUST AWESOME GETS A STAR EACH FOR
- Enthusiasm
- Knowledge
- Welcome
- Selection
- Vibe
So yes . . . Just Awesome is, well, AWESOME.
Not really located it the most high-traffic part of Noe Valley, my family and I have stumbled into this place a few time since it opened in April.
My eldest daughter and I finally went in with intent to buy and tested out a few games in the back game area. The guys were really helpful and you can tell they LOVE gaming of the board variety. They gave us enough tips to get us started and enough room to play on our own.
I would highly recommend taking the kids - actual or the kid within - to this place and remember the fun times that can be had via a board game. You can bet we'll be coming back to buy birthday gifts and play an occasional game.
Just FYI, this is not a D&D type place, but more of Settlers of Cataan, Ninja vs. Ninja, and Sets kind of place. -
Review from Eugene A.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2010
This store is absolutely stellar!
Knowledgeable and fun staff, and game nights are incredible!
The most singular thing about this store, though, is that they let you play games before you buy them! Most games have an open copy, there are tables all 'round the place, and you can go in and actually PLAY the game (or at least get your grubby paws all over it and the instructions) before you cough up.
How do you beat THAT? -
Review from Jan C.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2010
Finally, a game store right in my neighborhood! These guys *are* awesome - every time I'm in here, they remember me and they're happy to help me browse (at my leisure) through the available game selection and provide recommendations and suggestions based on what sort of game I'm looking for. They've always been willing to bust open a copy of the game and walk me through the rules, just to make sure it fits with with what I have in mind.
The staff is extremely knowledgeable, which is perfect when I'm shopping for my board game geek friends. And I love the casual, friendly vibe of the store - every time I've been in, staffers have been patiently teaching a young family or a group of kids how to play some insanely complicated game at the community table. -
Review from Teresa N.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2009
Caveat - This review will reveal how much of a geek I am. I really try to contain it, but this game store brought out my inner geek a hundred fold.
As my mom and I were walking back home from lunch today, I noticed that someone finally rented out the space where I had previously shopped at (Little Fish Boutique). Now, Little Fish was one of my favorite boutiques in San Francisco, so anyone who wanted to take that space would be subject to intense scrutiny. To my surprise, Just Awesome! recently moved into the neighborhood from Noe Valley. I was SOOOO ecstatic that I finally didn't have to travel so far to pick up some of my favorite board games. FINALLY!!! WOOHOO!!!
I dragged my mom around the store, geeking out at every board game that I desired. I think we probably spent more than an hour reading through the backs of the boxes and instructions in the opened samples. I taught her how to play Settlers, gabbed about the Original Munchkin, and learned with her how to play the expansion of Carcassonne (Wheel of Fate).
Today was the last day of Just Awesome's "buy four games, get your fifth game free" deal. I ended up happily walking out with five boxes. I don't think my mom sees me the same anymore... Will DEFINITELY be back for Thursday night game nights. Anyone care to join me? -
Review from Jennifer P.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2010 12 Check-ins Here
Not gonna lie, I was a Facebook fan for months before I ever stepped foot in this store. I live not to far away from West Portal. Somehow I managed to go to Ambassador Toys (more aimed at kids) but never went the extra block to find Just Awesome. Lemme get y'all straight here, it really is "just awesome!"
Store comes complete with knowledgeable and helpful staff, a few tables, plenty of board games, family game night (Saturdays) and BYOB adult game night (Thursdays).
That's right folks -- BYOB adult game night. Life can't get better than this! -
Review from Martin E.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great selection of independent games for such a small store.
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Review from Jake Z.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2009
+5 stars for....(sorry, I have to say it) being JUST AWESOME!
I love this shop. I dropped in once with my girlfriend while walking in the area. Eric and Shane were super friendly and showed us a bunch of games. The shop has a huge selection of games (which are ALL playable. And if you don't know how to play one, they will show you).
I kind of forgot about the shop after that. The other week though I was searching for board game groups on meetup and found the one hosted by Just Awesome. I now have a new monday night activity: Monopoly night!
I love this shop. And the staff rocks. -
Review from Boris C.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2009
What better thing to do on a rainy day weekend than some board games? Just Awesome! has a decent selection of games. At least enough to make some cool discoveries. There's a selection of pricey to economical and simple games. I like to find some under-10-dollar games you can learn in a few minutes.
There's a game room in back, where you can try some games out, and get a little tutorial. They also use the room for game nights. In some stores that have game nights, usually it's just some folding tables and chairs in a section of the store. No. Not here. This is a REALLY NICE game room. Plenty of space, and light.
The selection isn't as good as say Gamescape, but they just opened. I expect that'll improve over time.
Parking isn't terribly bad, and walking distance from the muni train. Great to get a game with some friends, and hang out at a nearby cafe with your new discovery. Now if they converted the back room into a cafe, they'd have something really special. -
Review from Dallas S.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2011
Visited this shop for the first time today and will definitely be back. They had a great selection of games, a few demos set up to try, and were quick to ask if I needed help and answer questions. I also noticed that they have free gift wrapping and a policy to let you test out any game at the store before buying. There is a http://meetup.com group for the store where they hold lots of gaming events. I look forward to attending one of those events soon.
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Review from Abby W.
New York, NY
4/11/2009
What a nice addition to Noe Valley!
You can test drive games before you buy and they apparently have game nights (for example Set).
If they are out of a game they can order for you and have within a week. Nice to be able to support a local store when you can.
Friendly service and if you join their free "frequent buyer" program you can spin the top for a discount!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from clinton l.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2010
This. Place. Is. The. Bomb.
No seriously, this place gets major cool points for not being trendy, ironic, or what-have-you. This is a legit board game store that fulfills your inner child's need to play board games. Most importantly, you'll be graced with the knowledge of individuals who play the games they sell.
As of right now, game I've learned:
Fluxx
Munchkin
Killer Bunnies
Battlestar Galactica
Incan Gold
Small World
Forbidden Island
Kill Doctor Lucky
Bananagrams
Pandemic
Zombie Dice
Cthulu Dice
- And really.. I've only started coming here since the end of June.
Really like the atmosphere, and coming to Game Nights allows like-minded adults to come in and play. Thursday nights... the fun starts at 8pm, and ends around midnight. They have deals every now and then, and also have a frequent buyer's club as well.
Games are full retail price, but for the knowledge, ability to play before you pay, and gaming events, I'd gladly pay it. I know I'm contributing what really is a gem in the city. 5 stars, even 6 stars if I could give it.
The only board games left for me to learn now is: Settlers of Catan, Descent, HeroQuest, and Twilight Imperium. -
Review from Twist' D.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2010
They have an great assortment of boardgames, many we've never seen before, but also many from my childhood. They told us we could sit and play some of the games. We walked around and looked and touched. Their OPEN BOX policy lets you sample the games to help decide if you want to buy it.
We ended with with Bananagrams.
They guys are friendly and not pushy at all. They even sat down and started playing one of the board games together. They invited us back for family game night on Friday. Its nice to go to a store that offers customer service and a friendly smile and no pressure to buy and allowed to touch everything without having someone watch you ever second. -
Review from Denise Q.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2010
They were super helpful in explaining all the games to me to help me find the perfect gifts for my friends and even gift wrapped them for me!!
I think there is every grown up game you could possibly imagine in there...........for women, men, couples, groups, nerdy types, drinkers, computer people, everyone!!!
I certainly found something in here for everyone on my list, and yes even for people I didn't know I was going to buy a present for!
