Memphis Chess Club

If you are a chess connoisseur, this is your place. However, if you are not, still it’s your place. The place is informal, laid back, and pretty cool. I visited during the weekend in lunch hours. The hall was packed, all the tables have in built chess board on it. They have a basement and a first floor too. There were people working, chatting, or, chilling. There is a piano, anybody can
Play. The food menu is not elaborate. I ordered a sandwich, which was decent . It was not served with any sides. Do I added fries as a side. Well, I was disappointed. The fries were cold, hard and dry. Surely, the fries were not made fresh. I could not finish eating. I got myself a cup of coffee, which was good. A lot of people were eating pizza there. it seems pizza was good. Next time I going to try pizza!

I stopped in late this morning after a recommended from a friend who lives less than 100 yards away. I went in for the chocolate chip cookie and came away impressed with much more. They have GREAT coffees, eclectic and expansive space, a broad food menu and what sure looked to me like a full bar! It’s also a chess player’s wet dream. I can’t wait to go back.

Best place to relax and enjoy their coffees or amazing pizza - I always get the Carlsen. I do not play chess but I love the atmosphere. If you’re lucky a customer may play the piano which is always a treat! People do play chess there and the lower level has a MASSIVE room just for chess competitions. There are also other board games available for fun. We played Connect Four.

A great place for a morning coffee and a pastry. Also a handy place for remote working as the wifi and power is great. We had the stuffed croissant and the Açai bowl. Delicious! A great setting with lots of books and games to rent.

This gem of a place just happened to be a few steps away from the AirBnB where we stayed. I cannot express how glad I am that my son was insistent we pop in there. Everyone was so nice, from the staff to some of the regular customers and chess players who sat down to play a friendly game with us.
Clean and open environment, fun decor, awesome menu!

Good environment, good chess community, one star for service… be careful about which coffee you order because if you happen to not like the coffee you order or if the staff happens to make a mistake making your coffee, that’s too bad. the Memphis chess club seem to have a strict policy to refuse remaking any coffee beverages that turn out incorrectly. there are also no refunds allowed on the coffee drinks at this establishment. however, the staff suggestion seems to be that you can happily try your luck again and purchase a brand new coffee drink in hopes that it’s better the second time around.

Excellent coffee. Unique, cozy vibe with lots of historic artifacts about the history of Chess in Memphis dating back to the early 1900s. Food menu was larger than I expected, offering a choice of several hot breakfast/ brunch items as well as traditional coffeehouse pastries (scones, iced rolls, croissants). Great experience. Lots of seating that ranges from open space near large windows to a small nook upstairs almost hidden away. Great place just to have coffee or brunch even if you're not into chess. The bulletin board lists opportunities to learn the game or to meet up with more experienced players. There's also a large collection of chess-related books and magazines.

Great stop for a cafe and breakfast sandwich. Love the atmosphere. If I were a local, I'd certainly consider joining as a member of this club. Service was great and the decor was awesome.

We decided to stop in here for a quick drink while we were waiting for an event close by. It was such a unique atmosphere. We just ordered a couple of iced teas. They brewed the tea fresh. It was very good. Also had several cookies to choose from.
Anyone can come in and dine or get a coffee.. but they also offer memberships for a chess club. If you aren’t a member, there is a sign saying you can pay $5 to rent game pieces for playing chess or use the many various games that are on the shelf. Several people there working on laptops as well as a good group of people just sitting around playing chess. The tea and cookies were good. The vibe was very cool.

I cannot recommend this place enough! From the food, to the fun, to the membership deals, you cannot go wrong here! Oh, and did I mention the library?? Yeah, this place has a library. Not only can you sip coffee, nibble a pastry or cookie, eat pizza and play chess but you can also read!