For the Love of Oddities: A Cozy Guide to the City’s Quirkiest Hangouts

Game On at Gamagora Geekhouse

Step inside Gamagora Geekhouse, the largest purveyor of used games, and you’re apt to find shelves brimming with board games both classic and obscure. From cooperative adventures to competitive strategy, it’s a place where beginners and seasoned gamers are sure to find something that tickles their fancy. The cozy, colorful atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to meet up with friends or like-minded gamers, debating the merits of worker placement versus deck-building, sprinkled with playful humor.

(Photo: Gamagora Geekhouse, Corvallis, by Stacey Newman Weldon.)

Guardian Games: Where Quests Begin

If you’re hunting for rare card packs, tabletop treasures, or the latest board game expansions, Guardian Games has you covered. Beyond shopping, their calendar is packed with in-store events, from high-stakes Magic: The Gathering tournaments and themed trivia nights to casual gaming meetups where newcomers are welcomed with open arms. Step inside - the walls are lined with overfilled shelves of dice, miniatures, and strategy guides, creating a vibrant and otherworldly atmosphere. Whether you’re there to expand your collection, discover a hidden gem, or simply geek out over the newest releases, the shop feels like a secret portal to another place where imaginations run wild.

(Photo: Guardian Games, Corvallis, by Stacey Newman Weldon.)

Family-Friendly Playtime at Common Fields

At Common Fields, you’ll find a lively outdoor hub where games and good company collide. Games take place in the courtyard, which includes a kid-friendly play space, and the venue hosts trivia nights and other entertainment that draw adults and families alike. The food trucks are a standout feature, each custom-built to look like a tiny house. Pair that with local craft beverages, and you have a welcoming, communal hangout where you can settle in, roll the dice, and let the laughter spill into the courtyard.

(Photo: Common Fields, Corvallis, OR, by Maggie Kirkland.)

Head "Back to the Nineties"

Right in the heart of downtown, Back to the Nineties Retro Arcade delivers a full-bodied blast from the ’90s with arcade games and pinball machines, all available for unlimited free play after the entry fee. It’s a neon-lit throwback where adults revisit beloved button-mashers and kids discover classics for the first time. The vibe is cheerful, unpretentious, and unapologetically fun. Whether you’re perfecting your flipper technique or chasing a new high score, it’s easy to lose track of time in this retro playground.

(Photo: Back to the Nineties Retro Arcade, Corvallis, OR, courtesy Back to the Nineties.)

Best Barcades in Town

Over at 2 Towns Ciderhouse Tap Room, you can sip on locally crafted cider and challenge friends to a board game or two in a casual atmosphere. The Bière Library offers authentic Belgian cuisine and an extensive beer selection, complemented by a lively gaming scene featuring regular tabletop nights where specialty brews meet spirited rivalry. While Treebeerd’s Taphouse focuses more on trivia nights than games-on-demand, it’s still a lively spot to unwind in town. Together, these venues offer a fun mix of gaming and drinks for both casual players and enthusiasts alike.

(Photos: 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, courtesy 2 Towns; the Biere Library, Corvallis; Treebeerd's Taphouse, Corvallis, by Avery Hadley.)

Campus Clubs and Trivia Trails

Even within the heart of campus, the nerdy charm thrives. Oregon State University (OSU) offers a vibrant array of clubs and events that welcome curious visitors. The OSU Gaming Club is a central hub for all game-related activities on campus. They host weekly events, including tabletop play and Dungeons & Dragons sessions. The easiest way to join is through their Discord server, where members coordinate play nights and discussions.

The Astronomy Club at OSU organizes events and programs to spread the love of astronomy through the campus and the Corvallis community. They host fun night observations for members to learn how to use telescopes to navigate the night sky and organize a variety of field trips and astronomy-based talks. The University also hosts various trivia events, including a popular trivia night during Welcome Week. These events are designed for friendly competition and are open to all students, offering a fun way to meet new people and test your knowledge. 

(Photo: Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.)