13 under-the-radar L.A. spots to play tabletop games

On Mondays, Iron Teapot Dim Sum & Bar hosts a weekly board game meetup on their patio. While the event technically starts at 5 p.m., it gets crowded closer to 7 p.m. Iron Teapot has over 30 games but also encourages guests to bring their own. The games range from light to medium in complexity (for example, “Jenga,” “Telestrations,” “Azul” and “Catan”). Board game nights are run by a husband-and-wife duo, Brooks Larson and Sally Chan. Chan, CEO of Iron Teapot, opened the space to offer high-quality, vegan-friendly dim sum on the westside. Larson, a television editor and avid tabletop game fan, was the inspiration for the board game meetups at the location. Currently, these meetups are small, with up to 20 people playing in a congenial setting. When Larson is there, you can find him happily explaining games or inviting people to play together. You’ll notice people of all ages, experiences and backgrounds bonding over games. Along with the dim sum, you can see orders of rainbow-colored xiaolongbao as well as Chan’s creative cocktails and tea steeping in iron teapots. You’ll feel comfortable showing up alone or in groups to play.

Hours: Board Game Night is Monday from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

Pricing: Dim Sum & xialongbao: $8 to $15; cocktails: $12 to $15; teapots: $8