Mystery Box Games, a board game cafe located in Easton, Pennsylvania, has reopened under a new name and location within Northampton County. The business, previously known as Punch Out Games, officially opened its doors at 1458 Northampton St. in Easton’s West Ward on August 11. Partners Barbara Vasconez and Mik Matiss transitioned the business from its original downtown Easton location at 161 Northampton St., citing building maintenance issues and disputes with the previous landlord as reasons for the move. The new venue is situated on the ground floor of The Packard Apartments building at the intersection of 15th and Northampton streets, operating near the Plants + Coffee cafe and plant shop.
The establishment functions as a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) cafe, allowing patrons to bring beer, wine, and other beverages to enjoy while playing games. While the cafe plans to carry packaged goods and sodas, they have teased the future availability of food items, specifically mentioning a wait for "the best chili in town." The business model focuses on providing a welcoming space for the community to engage in tabletop gaming, offering access to approximately 300 board games.
Business History and Concept
The idea for Mystery Box Games originated from a game night experience in late 2021. Co-owner Mik Matiss, formerly in the lighting event industry, decided to pivot careers during a "quarter-life crisis." After living off savings for a month, a specific game night playing Mario Party with partner Barb Vasconez sparked the idea to bring a board game cafe to Easton. The partners conducted research by visiting board game cafes in Philadelphia and New York City before launching a mobile operation in December 2021. This mobile phase involved bringing games to local breweries, restaurants, public markets, and other venues. The mobile operation also facilitated private bookings for birthday parties and other events.
The physical location originally opened in December as Punch Out Games. However, after concluding operations at the downtown Easton site in May due to maintenance disputes, the business hosted various pop-up events while securing the new location. On June 1, the partners officially announced the rebranding to Mystery Box Games, a name suggested by drag queen entertainer Estee Lauderdale. Despite the name change, the partners emphasized that "Punch Out Games never say die."
Offerings and Atmosphere
Mystery Box Games aims to be an accessible entry point into the board game hobby. The owners explicitly state that they want to avoid the intimidation factor sometimes associated with game shops populated by "hardcore hobbyists." Instead, the focus is on fun and accessibility, noting that "most of the games aren't hard to learn" and that "everyone's welcome here." The goal is to provide a space for "laughs, joy, and freedom from every day stresses."
Operating hours are structured to accommodate evening and weekend visitors: * Tuesday through Friday: 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. * Saturday: Noon to 10:00 p.m. * Sunday: Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
The cafe is actively engaging with the local community through various scheduled events. An online announcement indicates a partnership with "fantastic organizations to offer after school programs and more." Specific upcoming events listed include: * Oct. 7: Pumpkin carving contest * Oct. 14: Halloween party * Oct. 15: Halloween All Ages Drag Bingo
Context of Northampton County and Local Neighborhoods
While the specific location of Mystery Box Games is in Easton, the Northampton County area includes various neighborhoods that contribute to the local customer base. For instance, the Florence neighborhood of Northampton, Massachusetts (often referred to as Florence Rd), is described as a peaceful, residential area with tree-lined streets and well-kept homes. It is noted for being close to downtown but maintaining a quiet, suburban feel.
Residents of the Florence neighborhood rate their top interests as gardening, walking, home improvement, hiking, dogs, local issues, books, live music, biking, and notably, cards & board games. The neighborhood is characterized as clean, diverse, dog-friendly, family-friendly, safe, and welcoming. With a population of approximately 240 residents according to US Census Data, it represents a demographic that values community and recreational activities like those offered by Mystery Box Games.
Customer Experience and Local Sentiment
The atmosphere at the new location is described as lively and fun, distinct from the somber nature of a roadside memorial restaurant discussed in a separate local anecdote. In that anecdote, a restaurant owner described how the passing of a regular patron (Chad) initially created tension but eventually became a source of levity and remembrance, with staff engaging in playful antics. This highlights a local appreciation for venues that foster community and personality.
Mystery Box Games has cultivated a similar "fam" mentality, as evidenced by their social media posts expressing gratitude for community support during the transition. They look forward to "community giving and fun games" in their "bigger and better" location.
Conclusion
Mystery Box Games represents a revitalized business effort in Easton's West Ward, offering a dedicated space for board gaming enthusiasts and newcomers alike. By transitioning from a mobile operation to a fixed BYOB cafe location, the owners have addressed previous logistical challenges while maintaining their core mission of accessible fun. The venue provides a diverse library of games, hosts community-focused events, and operates with a philosophy of inclusivity. For residents of Northampton County seeking a recreational activity that combines social interaction with gaming, Mystery Box Games offers a specific local option.