Phantom of the Attic Games

Oakland's old-school game shop on S Craig St near CMU and Pitt, with Magic: The Gathering sealed deals, Warhammer, RPGs and a deep board game backlist.

Phantom of the Attic Games has been part of Oakland's university district for years, occupying a suite on S Craig St a short walk from Carnegie Mellon, Pitt and the Carnegie museums. Its sister comic shop sits just across the street, and the pair make Craig Street a reliable destination for students and longtime Pittsburgh gamers alike.

This is an old-school hobby store in the best sense. Shelves are packed with tabletop roleplaying games, wargaming product and miniatures, plus an eclectic board game selection that includes out-of-print and oddball titles you will not find at a chain. Magic: The Gathering is the main trading card line, and players regularly gather to try out new sets. The store is also known for clearance pricing on MTG sealed product, so it is worth checking the bargain shelf before ordering boxes online.

Wargamers will find Warhammer and other miniature systems with paints and supplies, and the staff are patient with both newcomers and veterans, offering recommendations rather than a hard sell. The space is small but clean and orderly, which makes browsing quick even when the shop is busy with students between classes.

If you are hunting trading cards in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, plan around a daytime schedule: the store is open 11AM to 5PM on Tuesday, noon to 6PM Wednesday through Friday, and noon to 5PM on Saturday and Sunday. It is closed Monday. Street parking on Craig Street is metered and fills up during the academic year, so the nearby garages or a bus ride on Fifth or Forbes Avenue are often easier. Weekday afternoons are usually the quietest time to browse the miniatures racks and ask for recommendations. Pair a visit with a stop at the comic shop across the street and you can cover most of the hobby in a single Oakland afternoon, from the newest Magic booster to an obscure wargame rulebook.