Bards and Cards

Bards and Cards is a game store at 936 5th Ave in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, built around tabletop games rather than cards alone. It carries more than 400 board games, a long list of collectible card games, role-playing books and a deep Warhammer 40,000 section. It suits downtown locals, convention and ballpark visitors, and anyone who wants a staff that has played what it recommends.

What's on the shelves

The card side covers Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece Card Game, Disney Lorcana, Star Wars: Unlimited and Weiss Schwarz, along with Altered, UniVersus, Riftbound and Gundam Card Game singles. Magic is sold as both sealed product and singles, and Lorcana and Star Wars: Unlimited singles are stocked as well. Playmats, dice, dice trays and bags sit alongside the cards.

Board games are the largest category, with more than 400 titles across strategy, party, family, cooperative and two-player games. Many have demo copies that can be tried in the store, and the staff can say how long a game runs and how well it plays at two players or six.

Role-playing coverage includes official and third-party Dungeons & Dragons books, Pathfinder 2e, Starfinder and other systems. The miniatures section includes Warhammer 40,000, Kill Team, Age of Sigmar, Horus Heresy, Underworlds, Blood Bowl, BattleTech, Star Wars: Shatterpoint and Malifaux. Warhammer 40,000 stock runs from Combat Patrols and Battleforces to faction kits, Citadel Colour and Army Painter paints, brushes and accessories. Collectibles such as Funko POP, Nendoroid, Marvel Legends and blind-box figures round things out.

Events and play

The store runs weekly Warhammer nights for matched play, narrative missions and casual games, plus paint-and-chat evenings open to painters of any skill level. Regular board game nights are open to anyone, with staff available to teach rules or sit in. Magic events are posted with their format, start time and entry details. The store has also hosted signings and playtests for publishers and indie designers.

Groups who want a reserved spot can book a table by calling the shop.

Store policies

Unused items in original condition can be returned within 30 days of receipt, but sealed collectible card game products cannot be returned. Local pickup at the shop is free, with pickup hours of 10 AM to 6 PM every day. The store does not ship internationally.

Hours and getting there

The shop sits blocks from the San Diego Convention Center and a short walk from Petco Park, and the 5th Avenue trolley station is within easy walking distance.

The local scene

Centre City Sports Collectibles is about 0.1 miles away, and Now Or Never Comics is about 0.3 miles away. Chuy's Toys and Collectibles is about 1.9 miles off, and Abney's Magic Shop and Old Town Magic and Gifts are each about 3 miles away. San Diego TCG Con, also about 0.1 miles from the store, next starts on November 21, 2026.