If you ever wished your board game night came with a side of cinnamon rolls and jazz, then you might perk up for this review of Coffee. I got my hands on it, brewed a cup (or three), and rounded up my caffeine-addled friends to see if it’s more than just latte art in a box. From cozy art to the mechanics that keep you buzzing, I’ll spill the beans on everything— including the stuff that left a little bitter aftertaste.
How It Plays
Setting up
First, shuffle the coffee recipe cards—yes, even the dreaded triple espresso. Give each player a player board (no spills yet, please!) and start them off with some bean tokens and milk cubes. Place the customer deck in the middle and set the sugar jar and spoon nearby. Get ready to get jittery.
Gameplay
Players take turns picking orders from the customer deck. You’ll grab the right beans and add milk or sugar to make the fanciest drinks in town. Don’t hog the soy milk! There’s a bit of planning and just a hint of sabotage, so keep an eye on your friends—especially Dave, who once hoarded all the decaf out of sheer spite. Points come in from happy customers and from finishing tricky orders.
Winning the game
The game ends when the last customer is served or everyone runs out of coffee supplies (and possibly patience). Add up your points from filled orders and bonus tokens. Whoever served the best drinks (and didn’t spill on their board) gets crowned the Coffee King—or Queen. The rest of us just settle for a strong cup and a rematch.
Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Coffee.
The Aroma of Theme and Coffee Shop Atmosphere in the ‘Coffee’ Board Game
I have tried a lot of board games with odd themes, but not many can make me crave a cappuccino while trying to outwit my friends. ‘Coffee’ pulls this off from the first minute. The game plops you right in the heart of a bustling cafe, with the hum of conversation and imaginary espresso machines foaming in the background. Before you know it, someone’s actually gone to make a real pot of coffee! (It was me, I couldn’t help it. The game art made me thirsty.)
Each card and token feels like it belongs in a hipster coffee shop, the kind where the barista sports suspenders and knows twenty ways to make a flat white. There are beans, mugs, fancy pastries—and yes, even grumpy customers who want their coffee yesterday. I brought out my best coffee-scented candle for our games night, and it actually blended with the vibe of the game, making the whole thing almost too real.
The attention to detail is impressive. A lot of games slap on a theme as an afterthought, but here it’s the main event. The designers seem to love coffee as much as I love a good pun. The in-game events, like ‘Customer Rush,’ hit home for anyone who’s ever been stuck in line behind a dozen people ordering overly complicated lattes. It’s immersive without trying too hard, and even my friend who hates coffee (yes, these people exist) still found herself grinning at the charm of the whole thing.
Now, if you’re wondering if the gameplay is as rich as the theme, you’ll want to stick around—because next I’ll spill the beans on the mechanics and how well players connect (or clash) over a cup.
Gameplay Mechanics and Player Interaction: Brewing Up Some Fun
The gameplay in ‘coffee’ pours out smoother than a well-made espresso—most of the time. First off, each player runs their own coffee shop, taking turns picking customer orders from a shared menu. I love that you can choose to snatch a high-tipping customer from under your friend’s nose. It gets competitive, and the table usually erupts into fake outrage. I learned the hard way not to gloat too soon after stealing a triple shot order; payback always comes by way of a decaf disaster card.
You build your cafe tableau by hiring quirky baristas, buying fancy coffee machines, and stocking up on beans. The decisions feel meaningful. Do you spend your hard-earned beans on that shiny espresso machine or risk it all on a mystery event card? Let me tell you: I once gambled and ended up with a “spilled latte” card that made me lose two turns. I was not a happy customer.
Player interaction stays strong. There’s a healthy dose of sabotaging your pals’ plans, but nothing gets too mean-spirited. Swapping ingredient tiles or rushing to claim the last pumpkin spice syrup leads to some hilarious banter. And, oh boy, there’s always that one person who stockpiles milk like the world’s ending.
One thing I must say: the game doesn’t let anyone sit out or get bored—everyone is involved, cheering or groaning each round. It keeps the table buzzing, much like too much coffee. Next up, I’ll spill the beans (pun intended) about how balanced the game feels and whether skill or luck determines who makes the best brew!
Is Coffee Fair or Just Spilling Everywhere? Balance and Luck vs. Skill Examined
Alright, let’s talk about the most heated debate at my table (and I’m not just talking about my friend’s attempt at a French press): is Coffee a fair blend of skill and luck, or is it just pure chaos in a mug?
First, I’ll admit, I love when a board game gives me a fighting chance to win based on clever moves—not just because I pulled the world’s luckiest card. In Coffee, you do get your hands on some choices that let you plan a strategy. For example, choosing which customer to serve first, or when to invest in an espresso machine. There are moments when you can really outsmart your friends, and that feels as satisfying as a perfect pour-over.
But—and this is a big ‘but’—there’s a lot of luck sprinkled in. The card draws sometimes feel like the universe either hands you a golden latte or dumps a cold drip on your dreams. I had one game where my mate Julia pulled all the high-tipping customers, while I got stuck with the folks who order black coffee and leave a dime. It can be frustrating, especially if you’re like me and want to win by skill, not because the coffee gods were smiling on you.
If you’re looking for a game where everyone’s chances feel even and skill is king, Coffee might leave you with a little too much bitterness. For folks who love a bit of chaos (or just want a game to laugh about later), it’s not the worst cup you’ll ever sip.
Now, let’s grind our way to the next bit—the juicy details on component quality and artwork. Spoiler: prepare yourself for a feast for the eyes!
Component Quality & Artwork: Sipping in Style
Let me tell you, the first time I opened up the Coffee board game, I felt like I should’ve had a barista by my side and an espresso shot ready. The components in this box scream ‘caffeine-chic.’ The little wooden coffee cups? Adorable. I’ve caught my friends pretending to clink them for a tiny toast after nabbing a good card. Sorry folks, these aren’t dishwasher safe! The tokens look almost edible—which is dangerous for people who play board games and think snack breaks should happen every ten minutes (guilty as charged).
The card stock is thick enough to survive an accidental coffee spill, not that I’d know anything about that. (Okay, maybe I do. A paper towel, some panic, and we’re all good as new!) The game board delivers a cozy coffee shop feel, with illustrated tables, tiled floors, and a menu that’s way less overpriced than my local café. Everything from the player mats to the cardboard pastries makes you want to open your own tiny imaginary coffee shop.
The artwork deserves a shout-out. It has this warm, inviting look that makes you feel like you’re in an indie café with good music playing. The colors are rich and earthy—lots of browns, creams, and splashes of pastel. I’ve even heard someone at my table say, ‘This is giving me cozy autumn vibes!’
Would I recommend Coffee based on the components and art? Absolutely! Whether you’re a coffee snob or just like pretty things, the look and feel are a treat. Now, if only it came with a real latte…
Conclusion
The ‘coffee’ board game pours out a rich blend of cozy vibes, fun player interaction, and lovely artwork. My friends and I kept coming back for more—though maybe that was just the caffeine talking. The game rewards clever choices more than random luck, which I always appreciate. There were a few moments where the luck of the draw could grind your beans, but overall, it felt fair and engaging. Components look and feel great, and the theme stays strong all game long. If you like a chill game night with friends and a dash of competition, ‘coffee’ serves up exactly that. Thanks for reading my review—now, time to refill my mug!
