Opal Grove Games

University District game shop with a board game rental library and a tight, well-curated selection of MTG, Lorcana, and Pokemon next door to Menjo's.

Opal Grove Games sits on West McNichols just south of Palmer Park, a few doors down from Menjo's and a short walk from University of Detroit Mercy. The shop moved to this spot from its original Corktown basement location and the new storefront gave it room to stretch — a long play area in front, retail wall along the side, and a rental library of board games that customers can borrow to try before buying.

For a trading cards Detroit collector, Opal Grove isn't the place for a deep Pokemon singles dig — but it's one of the most consistent stops for Magic: The Gathering sealed product, Disney Lorcana releases, and a careful selection of Pokemon Elite Trainer Boxes. The owner-staff team curates more than they collect, which means the shelf isn't crowded with dead product. What's on the wall tends to be current.

The weekly event calendar leans tabletop and Magic — Friday Night Magic, Commander nights, board game socials that run late on Fridays and Saturdays (the shop stays open until midnight those nights). Tuesdays and Mondays the shop is closed, so plan around it. The atmosphere skews adult, welcoming, and queer-friendly, which sets it apart from the usual LGS vibe.

McNichols parking is easy, and the surrounding University District is one of Detroit's more pleasant evening walks. A solid pick for the kind of Detroit card shop visit that turns into staying for a game.