Hands down my favorite game store in the area. Bright, open, and welcoming, with a massive selection of board and card games, role-playing games, miniatures, comics, and collectibles. The staff is friendly and passionate about games, and there's always something fun going on in the spacious open gaming area. They've got draft beer and lots of drinks and snacks, too. read more

We walked in just wanting to check out the store, after eyeing it every time we get Chinese groceries from Li Ming's. We walked out with FOUR new games... The board game and card game selection is impressive, to say the least! All the classic strategy games are there, along with a wide variety of games we had only heard of through the grapevine or seen on board game review sites. Most impressive to me were the prices -- maybe we were lucky, but all of the prices were comparable to those on Amazon, which is where we usually find the lowest prices. So yay for supporting a local business & getting instant game gratification! Definitely a good place to find gifts for board game lovers. This ginormous shop also has large areas dedicated to figurines and comic books, as well as gamer tables and community events in the back half. read more

My 8-year-old asked, "What is this, some kind of nerd-fest?" (Takes one to know one, bud.) They have a really impressive variety of board games and other dork materials. But what is really cool is the back - there's tables set up for gamers (the aforementioned nerd-fest) as well as a FULL BAR with what looked like a half-dozen draft lines. I see some beers and board games on a rainy day in my future. read more

Came here Saturday night with some friends for the first time to play some games and have a couple beers. After visiting a board-game cafe back home in Berkeley I was determined to find something similar back in NC and found this place! From the front you'd never guess how big it is inside, they have tons of room to play games and hang out! We headed to the gaming area in the back where there's a bar selling snacks and beers (bottled and on tap), along with a large library of board games to play. They have a great selection of beers on tap and they're also super well priced! The store is super clean and though the ambiance left something to be desired, this is obviously a gaming space first and a cafe second so as long as you know what you're getting into you'll be fine. My friends and I all had a fantastic time and we'll definitely be back! read more

I have always been a big comic fan, but I have only recently started to read comic books. I was looking around Durham for a place to go that I could not only find newer copies of series in print but also some older series that are no longer being printed. Atomic Empire was my first stop and I am pretty sure it is going to be my last stop. I have only been in a few comic book stores in my time and most of them are the same. Small, cramped, not really much room to move around, and usually filled with stuff I don't care about, but Atomic is the exact opposite. I walked in and was floored with the sheer size of the store, it is huge. I was only there for comics so I really did not get time to look around at everything they had, as that would have taken some time. With a store this large you can bet they have a ton of comics, both new and old, and I was right. The new comics are split up by publisher, which is good for a Marvel guy like me, but the older comics are in boxes that are filed alphabetical, which makes it super easy to find. I ended up finding a couple of old Captain America comics that I was looking for and they were all very reasonably priced. I quickly paid for them and was on my way. I will certainly be going back again very soon. read more

Good news! You rolled a 20! This place has all the cool game stuff, like D&D, Warhammer, and all of your other gaming needs. They also have a variety of boxed games, and are willing to order a game for you if what you want isn't there. For example: I wanted Drinking Quest. They didn't have it, but were willing to order it for me and get it in, and I paid prices comparable to Amazon. SCORE! Also you can buy Dogecoins here. read more

I love this place. They just happened to have their grand opening a couple of weeks after I relocated back to this area. While I go through phases of reading various comics, the part I'm really excited about is the board games section. They have in-stock most things that are on my list of games I'll be buying as funds allow, and when I wanted something that wasn't in stock, it was cheaper and shipped faster than anyone else could provide. I'm really glad to have this within a 20 minute drive. As for the staff, it never occurred to me to stand around, waiting for someone to notice me, so I can't speak to the issue others have mentioned. I can say that whenever I couldn't find what I wanted by looking in the likely places, everyone I've walked up to has been friendly and helpful, even when the place was really busy. read more

Not a great company when buying online. I paid for an order nearly two weeks before and it sat in processing for the longest time - well after the expected shipping date. Finally got fed up and sent them an email asking what the hell the problem was. Replied the same day, oh it's a miracle we found your order and it's being shipped tomorrow..Jerks. Two stars because the prices were better than everywhere else. But if I'd known they were just going to sit on my $60 order until being complained to, I would've gone to amazon. read more

The best game store I've ever visited. Helpful, friendly staff, lots of open table space, great selection, and discounted pricing vs. MSRP. Will be back whenever I'm in NC. read more

I had a horrible experience yesterday when I went to atomic empire because of a manager on duty. He screamed from behind the counter at me for smoking a vape cig and told me that he was going to throw me out when a simple "you can't vape in here" was all that was needed. I went to see a manager only to find out he was the manager. it was my third time in there and I felt so disrespected I didn't even finish shopping for my cards. me and my friends that I was going to recommend to the store will never come back. when I asked the gentleman why he acted the way he did he said it was natural reaction. read more

I've only been to this place once and I can't believe I haven't heard of it before! The place is huge! My boyfriend and I came here for their boardgames and well, it definitely didn't disappoint. The selection of boardgames is intense. If you're looking for something, they'll probably have it and at a fair price. Most things we found at the store were cheaper than on Amazon or other retailers. However, not everything they have is out there on their racks (might be in their warehouse/back) so you might have to ask one of the employees to help you find what you're looking for. Fortunately, they seem pretty eager to help - during my time their I was asked at least 3 times if I needed anything (not in a pushy way though). I didn't buy any drinks from their bar but I noticed they had signs for $2 PBRs and $4 drafts as well as a calendar on a whiteboard of their events. The second back half of their store is where I assume their events take place. A bunch of tables set out and people playing games. And not that anyone is really expecting this, but the store really does nothing for aesthetics. It's all set up to be functional and efficient, with a layout that's easy to navigate. The shelves are just gray wire racks, plain white bookshelves. No real art in the displays. It could be a lot prettier...but I don't know if anyone really cares about this? I'll be back for sure! Glad we have a place like this in the area! read more

I ordered some board games via mail order from Atomic Empire. They explained exactly how long it was going to take them to ship them to me and the items arrived when promised. I ended up returning the items, and the process was easy and the person I talked to was very professional. There were no problems at all in the transaction so this is a business that has earned my respect. They issued me a refund exactly as promised. read more

Neat shop but same problem as a lot of comic shops with the unfriendly staff. You can spend hundreds of dollars a month at their business but if you need to use the restroom they'll tell you to go elsewhere. Policies like that are fine but it's not a place of business I will support. I don't have that luxury to tell my customers to go leave my facility if that happens nor would I want to. read more

It's exactly what you want in a geeky store: great inventory, knowledgeable and friendly, non-judgy staff, even beer!

I had been looking for a specific and very new board game for a while and had no luck back at the Raleigh game shops. I like to support local hobby shops and this place had it in stock. Upon entering in was surprised at just how much they have! The staff was friendly and super helpful even during an event. The only negative I can think of is sometimes items are in odd locations. For instance the game I was looking for was in a random location within the board game section but the staff found it pretty quickly. read more

I love Atomic. They have a super friendly staff, huge selection of board games, and an open game night on Monday nights to 11. My friends and I regularly attend these game nights and always have a good time. The snack bar is nice, though I wish it had more variety. The game nights are free, so this is where they're making their money Monday nights. I'd buy more if they had more options! Still, the board and card games are fairly priced. They tend to be slightly higher than Amazon, but I'd rather pay a little more to support a local business. And it's a nice bonus not to have to deal with the post office. Big fan! read more

A safe haven for dorks and nerds alike. I dropped in to continue my path down The Walking Dead series and to see if they had good deals on some Marvel throwbacks. I ended up staying close to 2 hours pulling comics and checking out the new releases/ series. You can easily spend all day loitering there. I finally looked at my watch and decided to ring out. The clerk checked me out and ask if I'd been reading a particular series for long. I mentioned I was just starting it, so he reached behind the counter and dropped a freebie issue in the bag. Aside from the comics, Atomic has a large range of toys, Warhammer/ 40k products and plenty of room to game. read more

Atomic Empire since its rebranding has really impressed me with its growth while retaining its accessible atmosphere which really shines in its stellar staff and owners who always have time for others and often do the ridiculous to accommodate the customer. To this day, my daughter still considers Lisa a rockstar and my wife thinks that I am insane for referring to Atomic Empire as "the store". I always look forward to miniatures night with my friends. read more

Atomic Empire is easily one of the best game/comic stores I've ever had the pleasure to visit. Whether it's tabletop role-playing games, board games, trading card games, collectibles or comics, Atomic Empire has you covered with a vast selection, friendly and helpful staff, and incredible community. While many of the other reviews have covered how excellent the business side of Atomic Empire is, it's the sense of community and events the store and its staff run that really set it apart from others. After attending a few board game nights or Magic: The Gathering events, you'll really feel like you belong there with friends who share your enthusiasm for any number of games, comics or novels. Whether you're new to Chapel Hill or a longtime dweller looking to pick up some fun board games, Atomic Empire is the perfect place to go. A helpful staff, great selection and incredible sense of community set this apart from any other game/comics store in the Triangle area. read more

Only been in here once, but I was highly impressed. I visit a lot of comic shops, but if never been in one with a bar inside before. Good selection of newer comics other items. Not a huge selection of back issues though. Friendly staff, and good location. read more

Interesting concept. I was expecting more comic books, organized somehow. My takeaway is that Atomic is tailored to an experienced clientele, as my sons and I had a tough time in the comic books area. Tons and tons of role playing games, figurines, etc. The gaming area in the back is clearly the biggest draw - there were about 50 people there on a Saturday at 1pm. read more

i had a mail order subscription service and i will tell you why it was cancelled. i joined the service in 2/21 and immediately had a delayed issue that did not come in for another 3 weeks. March saw constant weekly delays in shipping time and book shipped. recently had an order of 4 books and 3 were damaged, not in transit but shipped that way. i called on a Saturday and was told customer service was closed but they would make it right and he would expedite my problem to customer service and they would get back to me Monday morning. they did not. i called and spoke to customer service who wanted pictures so they could review and get back to me. the tone of the conversation was it wasn't their fault. i cancelled my subscription. read more

Craft beers on tap make this a great place to play a game with friends or watch some kind of tournament or even just relax. A bunch of nerds doing what they love! What could be better!?! read more

Atomic Empire - Beer and Magic - Hobby Shops Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I've been back to the Empire, sporadically, since my last review, and I must say, that most of my previous review still stands, but the employee-customer dynamic has gotten much better. The employees generally greeted me and asked if I needed anything within 15 feet, or so, of the door, and didn't hover when I said I knew what I was looking for. Any questions I had, later, were answered quickly, and courteously. Great job guys, you've got a solid 5 stars from me, now!! read more

I've only been to this store twice and both times I've loved it. The staff is friendly and will help you with anything. They aren't as open to talk to you as other stores employees but they will help you to find anything. One employee searched for 15 minutes in the back of the store to find me bags and boards. This store has more of a figure selection then any other comic store In the area. They always have the new issues every week from every publisher, as well as a gigantic selection of back issues. My only complaint with this store is that the figures and toys are so disorganized you could search for half an hour to find something you knew was there. Other than an all around amazing store. read more

Really cool place with very nice people. They really helped me find the board game or signed me up for updates. Wished they had traditional board games as well. read more

I've gone in a few times, they have a lot of cool stuff. I'm into modern board games but I know they have infinity and mtg nights here. They have decent prices, a lot of stuff is 20% off retail, which is good and definitely makes it easier to support a local business over the internet. read more

Quite easily has the worst customer service I have ever had the displeasure to deal with. Had questions about my order and sent emails and called and got nothing in reply. My product is still supposedly not paid for even though the money has been taken out of my account. And as such, I cant even get what I paid for. And no one has helped me with it. This place isnt worth the time. Other hobby stores have done better than this waste of time. read more

Wow this is a "Superstore". Talk about a great selection of games, comics and supplies. Very knowledgeable staff.

The prices are actually cheaper than Amazon, at least I saw the statues and toys were. The option of beer and snacks in the gaming area makes this place a 10/10. Typically I see more options for comics at other shops, and this place doesn't have practically any manga. The guy at the counter said you can order on their site and get free shipping to store, so that was a bonus. I gave 5 stars because let's face it, cheaper or the same price as Amazon with a gaming area which includes beer? Yea, 10/10. read more

Package not delivered, returned to sender! Then they told me the tracking was wrong and it had not reached them to reship it after nearly 3 weeks! Really, the tracking that has to be scanned? Seems unlikely at best. So I attempted to order a simple box of cards for my daughters birthday and what I got instead was a refund which will take 2-5 business days (if I'm lucky based on past experience)! Don't even bother, if you're lucky it'll get to you faster than shipping from China. Just order it from amazon this business is laughable. read more

Atomic Empire probably has the biggest board game selection in the Triangle and the store itself is huge as well. It's conveniently located on 15-501 in the shopping center adjacent to the Target (and directly next to Li-Ming's Global Market). They host a number of free weekly gaming events and other board game related events. Aside from board games, they also have a large selection of comics as well as other gaming / comic related merchandise. There's also a snack bar available, but note that there's a minimum for credit card purchases. read more

Huge selection in a giant store. Tons of board games, collectibles, cards, figures, etc. They also hold tournaments and you come come there and demo games with friends. Really recommend checking it out. read more

Huge store with friendly staff. Great selection of board games, which is what I was looking for.

Absolutely one of the best places to go for Comics and gaming needs. I order online and never have an issue. The staff is amazing and always willing to help with whatever I need. I have done business with other online distributers who have unscrupulous business practices( such as taking issues from my subscription and selling them for higher prices if it's a key issue that is in high demand) I have been a customer since 2015 and they have never let me down. I will be traveling north to visit family (I live in Sunrise, FL) and I will definitely be dropping by to say hello. Highly recommended! read more

Recently I had the misfortune of ordering from a less than honest online retailer. I was upset given that one item I ordered was "limited" and was afraid I would be unable to get it now unless I paid a fortune. That's where Atomic Empire comes in, found them after a quick google search and they had what I was looking for. I proceeded in checking on any reviews of the store and found a phone # so I could verify the stock of what I was ordering. The woman I spoke with was super friendly and helpful. Right after I got off the phone I placed my order and it arrived today within the 5-7 business days they quoted. If I am ever anywhere near Durham I intend to visit and check out your store. Thanks ever so much for the great service and look forward to my next order read more

Went into this store to get a comic that I was missing. Worst customer service. They treated me like I was stupid. Talked down to me and made me regret going in there. I will not be back. I guess I didn't fit the mold. read more

An excellent inventory and great space overall. Service was a little slow, and not especially friendly.

I don't understand this place. I know they are not busy and I call to ask questions but nobody ever answers. Once I was told my item was in so I drove 40 minutes to get it just to be told that he mistakenly told me to come but didn't have the decency to pick up the phone and tell me not to come in.....did I mention the item I wanted was behind the counter but being held for almost 2 weeks already for someone else. Then today was the last straw... Called nearly a dozen time to no answering and when I walked in it was completely deserted. Employees were sitting around talking. I traded in cards for an item at a quoted price, then when I go to make my purchase it's $20 more than quoted by someone who had already sold "a bunch" this morning?? I will never be returning awful customer service. read more

Don't bother ordering online. I called before I placed an order to verify that they had the items I wanted in stock. The girl on the phone assured me the items where in stock. Needless to say it was a lie. Atomic empire did not hesitate to take the $353 out of my account but failed to notify me that my items where not available. I paid for expedited shipping and I was told I have to wait until they can replenish their inventory. Yet they still wanted the shipping money even though it is not expedited. Horrible customer service. This is not how you do business. I will be contacting the better business bureau and I suggest you do the same if they are holding your money. If you are ordering online I suggest lonestar. Never had an issue with lonestar. read more