In an unassuming building off East Winner Road, there's a hidden gem tucked into the winding street. Enter and you've found a place of Zen – a lounge that caters to nearly every geeky hobby under the sun.
But it didn't start that way. The Nirvana of today was first envisioned in February 2024 by tabletop gamers Michael Pinkston and Mason Brandt.
"One day I got a call from the previous owner's wife," said Brandt, "[She] asked if I would be interested in taking it over."
The owners approached him since he'd been an enthusiastic regular.
"They really didn't want to see it go under. They liked the role that it occupied in the community," he said.
After some discussion, Brandt brought Pinkston in and they decided to give it a shot.
"We can't make any promises about being able to save it, but we'll do our best," Brandt told her.
The duo has since breathed new life into their favorite hangout hub. Nirvana was converted from a pool hall/video game arcade, into a hobbyist lounge, offering coffee, alcohol, and tabletop games alike.
Relax, co-work, snack, find new friends, or borrow a board game. 📸 Charmed Geek
It also now features a robust event calendar full of everything from bingo to live music.
"There's different kinds of events to draw every community. We don't care where you're from. Just come and enjoy, drink, fellowship." said Pinkston.
That's definitely the vibe you get when you enter the space.
Home is where the 12-sided dice are. 🎲 If you're a geek in Kansas City looking for an HQ for your tabletop games, allow me to add @nirvanacoffeeandgamesto your menu. This spot is really for any alternative hobby enthusiast. Here there be knitters, figurine painters and wfh workers looking for a vibe-y place where they can also enjoy a coffee (or beer). Yes, it has adult beverages too. Nirvana recently got new owners who have been working hard to create a safe, peaceful place for all of the KC metro's geeky community -- complete with an extensive monthly calendar of events. I recently sat down with the owners to interview them all about it. The article will be dropping on CharmedGeek.com soon so make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it. #charmedgeek#KansasCityGeek#KCGeekOuts#KCGeek#GameLounge#Geek#Nerd#coffeeshop
During my visit, I chatted with mature fans watching a Chiefs game, witnessed college-aged kids painting mini figurines, and enjoyed peeking into a wargame in progress. All were happy to welcome me in.
This was their safe place, and they were excited to embrace more travelers.
From D&D to Deals: How Hobbies Built This Unlikely Duo
I personally believe honing in on our interests (being geeks) is how we'll bring the world together. This pair is my case and point.
Mason Brandt (L) & Michael Pinkston (R) - an unlikely pair that makes cents. 📸Charmed Geek
Michael Pinkston, a Gen X-er, fell into tabletop by way of cinema.
"I watched Conan the Barbarian when it first came out – the original one with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Then, I happened to be in a store when I was about 14, 15 years old and I saw a red box Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) set," said KC-native Pinkston.
"I picked it up and I said, 'This is just like Conan. I like that movie. I wanna play this.' And, ever since, it's just been that."
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Gen Z-er Mason Brandt played video games his entire life, leveling up his PlayStation along the way. Ironically, he was also around 14 years old when he first fell into tabletop gaming.
"When I was 13, 14, my friend at the time introduced me to a trading card game called Magic The Gathering and I was pretty interested in it. And, obviously, the company that makes that also makes Dungeons & Dragons," said Brandt.
Brandt started searching for more tabletop games, which lead him to working at Game Cafe in Independence, MO. That's where the two friends met and eventually started playing in each other's D&D campaigns.
Nirvana's lounge features rooms & tables of all sizes. 📸Charmed Geek
A Gen X-er and a Gen Z-er – two generations the internet will make you believe is at war with each other – became friends through their mutual love of D&D.
That hobby lead them to change their courses in life to build something together, even when it wasn't at the most opportune time.
"I was actually going to go to law school in Fall 2024, but, obviously, we decided to buy this, so that's on hiatus," Blue Springs native Mason Brandt said.
Now, after nearly two years of ownership, Michael and Mason have taken the raw diamond they'd found and polished it into the gaming haven they craved.
If you'd like to keep up to date with the adventures of Nirvana: Coffee and Games, follow its profiles on Instagram and Facebook.
