Kids

Hobby Cafés in NCR+ For Parents Who Are Nerds at Heart

by Kevyn Gohu
June 5, 2023

Sure, hobby cafés are for the kids. But there are some parents who are nerds at heart, too.

There’s no shame in admitting you’re a nerd. Parents often deny being part of fandoms because “they’re too old for that kind of stuff.” But there are a lot of parents who are closet Potterheads, Trekkies (Star Trek), Thrones fans, and many others. Some even play Tabletop RPGs with friends to pass the time! But if you’re looking for ways to indulge the kids’ interests (and maybe some of yours) without spending too much, here are some hobby cafés around Manila and beyond to venture to.

1. Hobby Stadium

Located along Doña Hemady St., Quezon City, Hobby Stadium originally marketed itself as a sports bar. But as it grew, it opened its doors to other franchises such as Pokémon. They have some cute Pokémon-themed burgers for kids who are big fans of its mascot, Pikachu.

Photo Source: The Witches Brew Diners Instagram

2. Witches’ Brew and Diner

Catering to both Potterheads and Thrones fans (Game of Thrones), the Witches’ Brew and Diner prides itself as the first and only hobby café that caters to both fandoms down in the south at BF Homes, Parañaque. The café has many Instagrammable areas to make the perfect nerd DP.

3. Madcafé

Another themed café up in the North in Don Antonio, Quezon City, Madcafé may not have a specific fandom it caters to but the aesthetic is flexible enough to collaborate with different franchises. Recently, they even had an Encanto-themed look. But prior to that, they had some paying tribute to Toy Story and even Harry Potter.

4. Secret Base Gaming Lounge and Board Game Café

Looking for a place to explore and try out new board games? The Secret Base Gaming Lounge and Board Game Café is a favored place among gamer teens and kids to try out tabletop games before investing in the hobby. It’s currently located in Marikina, making it one of the few favorite gaming haunts of the gaming communities in the colleges nearby.

5. 53rd Dragon

Another fantasy café in Marikina, the 53rd Dragon appeals to the adventurers at heart. Like any hobby café, many of their meals are filling enough even as finger food. They also have a variety of board games for people to try with the fantasy aesthetic enhancing the experience.

6. Y Café

Makati is a trendy city and there should be a hobby café somewhere. Y Café offers a warm and homey atmosphere. To add to the youthful atmosphere, they have manga-style ceiling panels telling a slice-of-life story and a statue of a Rubrik’s cube. They’re also known as a favored joint to host Open Mic night.

7. Whistle Toys Café

Located in the East Wing of Estancia, the Whistle Toys Café doesn’t just sell figurines, but offers tables where anyone could play their favorite tabletop games. They also serve a variety of drinks to enjoy while checking out some of the games to play there.

The list of hobby cafés is still growing!

Parties are cool and all but if you or your kids are introverts then, loud music and cheering may not be your cup of tea. Sometimes, it’s better to just book a small nook in a hobby café and let kids play to their heart’s content. Or, if you yourself want to visit your childhood fandoms and interests — these cafés will indulge those who are nerds and kids at heart.