The Boarding Home Creates a New Gathering Space in Carlsbad Village

Please help us welcome one of the Carlsbad Village Association’s newest Partner Members, The Boarding Home, now open inside the Village Faire Shops at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103.

Owned by Matthew Young, Evelyn Avanesian, and Anthony Boyajian, The Boarding Home is a board game café and friendly local game store created to bring people together through tabletop gaming, specialty drinks, and community. Designed for all ages and experience levels, the space offers a welcoming environment where guests can relax, connect with friends, discover new games, or revisit old favorites.

The idea for The Boarding Home grew from years of hosted game nights by the co-founders, including a thoughtfully curated bachelor party centered around tabletop gaming. That experience inspired the team to create a place where others could experience the same feeling of connection, fun, and “magic and mirth” that games naturally create.

Inside, guests will find a library of more than 200 board games alongside a menu of signature iced drinks featuring local products, including kombucha, local sodas, and nitro cold brew on tap. The café also offers pastries from local bakers, hot menu items, and house-made dips served with San Diego-style tortilla chips.

One of the most unique parts of the experience is the immersive board game lounge, a thoughtfully designed space meant to spark curiosity, imagination, and adventure. While it may feel like a hidden club, the lounge is open to anyone with admission and welcomes both longtime gamers and first-time players alike.

The Boarding Home also plans to host teaching nights, curated game experiences, competitive play, and community events focused on growing the tabletop gaming community in Carlsbad.

When asked how they hope guests feel after visiting, the owners shared that they want customers to leave feeling “welcomed, curious, adventurous, and joyous.”

The Boarding Home officially celebrates its official Grand Opening on Saturday, May 23, and invites the community to stop in, try a new game, and experience this unique new gathering space in Carlsbad Village. Be sure to follow The Boarding Home on Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest developments.