No Land Beyond, Baltimore’s first board game bar, is relocating from its current home in Old Goucher to Station North at 108 W. North Ave., known as The Parlor.
Central Baltimore Partnership and John Renner of Timshel Development are lending support for the move, as No Land Beyond plans to unveil an expanded, versatile space that elevates the arts and entertainment district. Opened in 2018, No Land Beyond began as a tiny storefront and grew into an inclusive, eclectic community gathering place for gamers and non-gamers alike.
The original location boasts cocktails, craft beers, and pizza from local shops to take care of cravings while friends play everything from “Monopoly” to “Magic: The Gathering.” No Land Beyond also has event programming, social nights, live performances, creator showcases, makers’ markets, and more to bring the entire community in.
The store describes the move as a milestone and a “bold leap forward.” The new space will be larger, more comfortable, and designed to enhance the patron experience. There will also be a full kitchen, and a menu designed by “King Glizzy” himself, Casey Jarvis of Glizzy’s Wagyu Dogs.
“We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in our journey,” said Michael Cohn, co-owner of No Land Beyond, in a statement. “As soon as we started this ‘little-shop-that-could’ six years ago, we knew we had something special. Now we will continue to innovate, and continue to grow creatively, all while staying true to our roots of community engagement, activation, and inclusivity. With the support of Central Baltimore Partnership and Timshel Development, we’re poised to create not only Baltimore’s premiere gaming destination, but also one of Baltimore’s finest bars and event spaces.”
The money raised for the move and upgrades has been secured from a variety of sources, including financing, grants, self-funding, and a Kickstarter campaign in which contributors could choose from an array of locally designed products.
“We’ve always been DIY,” said Mark Brown, founder and co-owner, in a statement. “The first two locations were built on a shoestring budget. We combined our resources and got it done. Community support has always been a foundation of our business. We have friends helping us design the art for the shirts and stickers, and we’re going to have friends pitching in to support the move.”
The Parlor was originally constructed in 1887 and located between Motor House and North Avenue Market. It is a former residence and funeral parlor that is being converted into art studios, private offices, and now a bar/restaurant space for No Land Beyond.
No Land Beyond has a game library of over 400 popular board games that patrons can rent and play at any of their tables. A library pass costs $5 per person and lasts for the day. It’s good for any number of games they’d like to play. When finished, patrons bring the games back and the employees put them away. There are also membership options, which allows members to play for free and the establishment to have consistent income on which it can plan for maintaining and improving their customers’ experience.
Kids under 18 are allowed if accompanied by an adult, though beginning at 9 p.m. No Land Beyond is for people 18 years and older only.
Cohn told Baltimore Fishbowl that if all goes smoothly, they hope to open at the new location by the winter holidays, and gamers and non-gamers alike will have a fun new place to celebrate in Station North at the brand-new No Land Beyond.
