Knights & Knaves Alehouse

In case any of you folks are in the know. I will be in the San Diego area this weekend and beyond (Friday to Tuesday) and was wondering if anybody here had the lowdown on anything cool, gaming/book related? Any decent game stores, or used book stores that strike your fancy?

Thanks.

Game Empire's original location is in SD. I've never been there, but their store in Pasadena is very nice (spacious and clean with a wide selection of new stuff (if that's your thing), a large and well-stocked used/OOP section (where 98% of my purchases have been made), and a big gaming area) so if the SD store is comparable it might be worth a visit.

Thanks Foster, the store looks nice from the website. I'll definitely stop by and let you know. I am in town for a seminar. I tried to pad some extra time there so I could poke around. I have never been to southern California. I have already booked some surfing and sea kayaking for Monday. First time in the Pacific! I was in the Yellow Sea though, does that count?

I went to two cool game stores in SD back in 2006 or 2007 or so, when I was out there for a conference, and I think one probably was Game Empire. While there, I got to meet Col. Hardisson from NG/ENW (who's since moved to Ohio); he'll remember the stores we hit, and the one other cool one we were going to try to visit, but didn't get a chance to; I'll ping him and report back.

Thanks Allan!

From Jeff:

Col. Hardisson wrote: I don't remember going to a game shop with you guys, but I think I strongly recommended Game Empire. The other game store of note was Game Towne, located in Old Towne, which was far more devoted to board games and the like than RPGs. That may have changed since I left. I'd say Game Empire is the best bet, and it's located just a few doors away from Mysterious Galaxy, a great bookstore that focuses on science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mysteries. You can't really lose either way: Game Towne is a bit more eclectic and is located in one of San Diego's more interesting areas, so it may be a nicer draw for someone from out of town who isn't staying long; while Game Empire is remarkable for the amount of floor space devoted to game tables, and is pretty crowded with gamers on Friday and Saturday nights.

You sir, are an information engineer. Thanks for the tip. Game/book store will be my after flight entertainment on the way to Encinitas.

quatzl wrote:You sir, are an information engineer. Thanks for the tip.

Enjoy!

Back from San Diego. I actually made it to all of the above stores on my first day zigzagging up to Encinitas. Game Towne is a nice shop, and be aware that there is parking behind the store. If not for the free parking, I fear I'd still be searching for a space in Old Towne. Game Empire and Mysterious Galaxy are in the same strip mall, as mentioned, and worth a stop. MG is a new book store which focuses exclusively on Sci-fi, Fantasy, Horror, and Mystery. Not only that, there is a signed Frazetta print hanging in the restroom. Score! Game Empire is a sprawling space with a fine selection of boardgames and various mini based wargames. There were a few bookcases of OOP but too recent for my taste. I confirmed with the staff that they did not have any OOP TSR material pre 2nd edition.

Anyway, thanks again for the info, Foster and Allan!

quatzl wrote:Game Empire is a sprawling space with a fine selection of boardgames and various mini based wargames. There were a few bookcases of OOP but too recent for my taste. I confirmed with the staff that they did not have any OOP TSR material pre 2nd edition.

When I was there, I picked up two Hess Games booklets for about $2 each or so, but that was all that really caught my eye. IIRC they had oodles of miniatures (real ones---metal! ) too, but perhaps those are gone now?

quatzl wrote:Anyway, thanks again for the info, Foster and Allan!

You're quite welcome: I'm glad you were able to check them out

I'll be back in SD this weekend for a friend's wedding, and will hopefully be able to squeeze in a visit to one or more of the stores.

Cool, Allan. Let us know if you find anything interesting. Have a great trip!