There are a number of cafes and other spots around San Diego where chess players regularly congregate for some casual play. This is a list of the ones we’ve found so far. Please add a comment if you know of others.
Twiggs Coffeehouse in University Heights
4590 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 296-0616
http://www.twiggs.org
Kadan Club in University Heights
4696 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 640-2500
http://www.kadanclub.com/
Lestat’s in University Heights
3343 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 282-0437
http://www.lestats.com/
Pannikan Coffee and Tea in La Jolla
7467 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-5453
http://pannikincoffeeandtea.com/
Starbucks Mira Mesa
8250 Mira Mesa Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 586-6361
Vinaka Cafe in Carlsbad
300 Carlsbad Village Dr Ste 211
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 720-7890
Rebecca’s Coffee House in South Park
3015 Juniper Street
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 284-3663
The Churchill Cigar Lounge in Old Town
2415 San Diego Avenue Suite 102
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 546-7758
Dussini’s Loft Bar in Downtown SD
275 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-4323
www.dussini.com
Darband Fifth Avenue Grill in Downtown SD
1556 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 230-1001
Giant chess sets at Horton Plaza
Westfield Horton Plaza Shopping Center in Downtown SD
324 Horton Plaza
San Diego CA 92101-5481
(619) 239-8180
Chess.com
ICC
ChessHouse
Chess Sets Empire
There’s usually a giant chess board outside of Geppetto’s Toy Shop at Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar. (Off the 5 at Via De La Valle)
Former coffee house, “Cream”, on Park Ave. was sold to Le Stats. So now there are 2 Lestat’s Coffee houses to play chess!
Westfield Mission Valley Shopping Center(near Target)
1640 Camino Del Rio North
San Diego, CA. 92108-1506
(619)296-6375
Westfield Mission Valley Shopping Center
The giant chess set near Macy’s is more popular than the one near Target.
Each Tuesday at 2:30 PM, chess players can meet at the Point Loma Library 3701 Voltaire St. @ Poinsettia Dr. It is very informal. If people show up, they play. Bring a set and board, if you can. Players meet on the lower level. Check in with the children’s librarian. All ages and levels of play are welcome. I usually show up. It can be hit or miss as to whether other players come. I hope over time, a regular group of players show up. The librarian can make an announcement that may bring some players. Keith Wetterer
Keith, could you email me please regarding Kate Buss Willis. mikegunnillATmacDOTcom From Kent in England. Need your help please!
The Point Loma Library Chess Club has been changed. It is now every THURSDAY AT 2 PM. Chess players meet at the Point Loma Library, 3701 Voltaire St. Again, it is very informal. Simply show up and play. Bring a set and board if you can. It meets downstairs near the “surfboard tables.” All ages and levels of play are welcome. I usually show up. It can be hit or miss depending on how many show up. Keith Wetterer
Hi Keith,
I wanted to learn a bit more about your Chess Club…is there an email or number i can contact you at?
Thank you,
Nicola
Looking for a patient person to help me learn Chess by playing. In or near Encinitas.
Still lookin ;)?
Looking for chess enthusiasts. Enjoy playing casually while hanging out at the Elks Lodge in Vista, or Encinitas.
I’m not a real advanced player, but I do think its a great game while enjoying a beer or two. Seems like its hard to find folks who like to play the game.
If you’re interested you can text me at 760-310-2646 or shoot me an E-mail at the address above.
Thanks,
Wayne
There is also a chess club at Bonita Library. Give them a call.
Neil Thomas
Hey Guys, I know a place called Sunrise Chess & Games, it has really cool chess sets. The store is in Poland but they send via FedEx to the US or UPS the Europe
http://www.polishchess.com
Looking for someone to play chess with in Del Mar, Ca …. Will be in the area for 2 weeks
I just relocated to Chula Vista and looking for a club to get some casual practice games in. I haven’t played tournaments since mid-90s, then mid-80s. Would love to get back into it. Email gaedel1(at)Yahoo(dot)(com) or text 760-694-1201.
Looking for a competitive chess opponent. It’s been about a year since I have played but I am willing to go at the more advanced players. I’ve been wanting to get back into playing chess regularly. Love the game.