Random Encounter Gaming Cafe & Bar

Random Encounter is amazing. It is like my second home! The atmosphere is really lovely and friendly and I feel totally comfortable there even when I am having a bad mental health day (when I don't usually like leaving the house!)They sell such great things there (Ellen one of the owners is a fantastic illustrator and sells her own comics, merch and pet portraits there amongst other stock.... would definitely recommend looking at her things when you are there!) and run cool events too (I go to the art club and can confirm that is a lovely group to attend, even if you don't know anyone before going).The coffee is amazing and there are lots of great food options (including vegan options which is appreciated when I go out for lunch with pals who are vegan). They also have such an awesome selection of board games and video games that you can play (my partner and I have really enjoyed battling each other at the board games previously!)Wes and Ellen (the owners) are such lovely people and it's always nice to go in and chat to them about their cat (there aren't any other cafes in York where I have gotten to know the owners so well and feel comfortable and safe just chatting to them about anything).Overall it is just such a great little café, with such a unique and safe environment- I would definitely recommend it to anyone (and frequently do!)

I just had my first visit and I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. I saw videos games and consoles that I hadn't played with in years and I just wanted to play with them all. The range of available board games was impressive and I easily found some of my all time favourites. I sat down with my friends, rolled the dice and defeated some monsters - all while enjoying food suited to my dietary needs (they have an inclusive menu for vegans and vegetarians) I loved it so much that my next trip into York will involve spending a whole day there. So, if you love the gaming scene or just want to have some good food this is a place for you.

Lovely cafe! So many board games and a range of consoles with loads of games to play on too!! Rates are quite reasonable especially with the selection the cafe has. Such a good place to meet with friends especially if you like gaming. Will definitely be returning when I next visit York!!

Lovely staff, nice decor. A great place to meet with friends to play board games. You only get charged to use the games they provide, if you take you're own you can sit in as long as you're buying food and drinks instead of taking your own which works for our group. Recommend a visit.

A family friendly or good fun with friends venue. They have many types of games including, retro video games and boards games . The staff are excellent, food and drink can be purchased for a reasonable price as well. If gaming is your thing and your in York, definitely pay a visit.

Marvelous place I wish we found sooner. Could spend all day there playing games new and old! Great selection of video games and board games.The toastie we ordered was so delicious. Had a ham with jalapeno and chipotle and was so pleased. The chipotle really made it.I bought a kawaii corgi for my fiancee from the merchandise section and it's super adorable.The two guys working today we're helpful and friendly, seem like cool guys. Wish we could go again but we leave tomorrow! Thanks for having such a gem in York!

A great cafe! The staff are so friendly, and they have a great selection of games to choose from. They even hosted my brother's 18th birthday party one evening and it was fantastic - everyone loved playing on all the video games, we had great music on and we were eating their delicious food all evening too!

Place has awesome atmosphere, caters to my really weird deitry requirements and the food is really nice (I think I'm addicted to the toasties now). Excellent selection of board games and manga to while away the time. The retro gaming lounge really is a blast from the past, I often get lost watching the attract screens from games I haven't seen since I was a little girl.Owners Wes and Ellen are super friendly too.

We always have a fun time here, loads of games to play, they will custom make your favourite toastie and there are always yummy cakes! The owners are lovely and friendly and we always feel welcome. If only I didn’t have to work so I could spend every day playing Mario Kart and drinking milkshakes at the Random Encounter.