Chaotic Good Cafe is Creating a Third Space for Upper West Siders

Chaotic Good Café will be a mix of a traditional board cafe and a classic coffee shop. It is owned by Andrew Panos , a first-time cafe owner. Panos was laid off from his job in data analytics last year but chose to use that experience to pursue a passion project.

What Now NY spoke with owner Andrew Panos over the phone.

“I’ve had a passion for coffee and games all my life, and blending the two of them is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Panos. “I spent many years doing data analytics and building online communities. I am taking that knowledge and bringing it into this in-person setting. I want the space to be reminiscent of being a kid at a summer camp.”

According to West Side Rag , there will be more than 400 board games for guests to play– likely not all in one sitting.

Chaotic Good Café will serve a variety of batch coffees, including Louisiana chicory blended café au laits. Pour over coffees will be sourced from local and minority owned roasting companies. There will be a variety of international coffees for guests to choose from as well like Greek frappés, Israeli café botz, Vietnamese coffees, Algerian mazagran and Japanese flash-brewed iced coffee.

Additionally, the concept will serve authentic Dutch stroopwafels. Panos expressed plans to work with local bakeries to offer baked goods and pastries from near small businesses as well. He is considering having lunchbox-style sandwiches likes PB&J’s available for purchase in addition to hard-to-find candies.

Chaotic Good Café has a temporary license for beer and wine, and plans to serve cans and bottles at this time.

Panos shared that there will be around 45 seats total across the café which will be split into three sections. One section will have two-seater tables ideal for first dates or getting work done on a laptop. Another section will be an elevated space with bench seating below a 5-foot long table to seat group of six. The last section will have medium-sized tables to comfortably seat four to six people around a board game.

When Panos and his team first got the space at 200 West 84th Street, it was a white box. Since then, Chaotic Good Café has essentially been built from scratch. Things like a new HVAC system and hot water heater are on Panos’ list of essential changes, but he is also taking the time to artfully craft the space. He wants to have Portuguese tiles on the counter that looks like they might have come from the board game AZUL.

“I want this to be a space where people of all ages can come by,” said Panos. “In the morning, people can come and get a coffee. Then in the evening, this will be a good spot for families, teens and people in their twenties. I also want to partner with senior centers to do community events like mahjong Mondays.”

Chaotic Good plans to open in late July.

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