Tgerritsen  | 20 Jul 2026 1:35 p.m. PST |
I have a question that is probably too broad but will ask it anyway. I like to travel and like to check out games shops as I do. In your opinion what is the best, or among the best gaming shops in the USA for historical miniatures enthusiasts? If it is your local shop, name it and say why. I would have nominated The Last Square in years past when it was still open publicly (and yes I know it still exists as a mail order site). However, for purposes of this, stick to current open brick and mortar shops. I know Games Plus in Mt. Prospect, Illinois is high on people's list and have been there. Also l know Hobby Bunker in Malden, MA was great when I lived out there (is it still around)? What are current greats to visit? |
| myxemail | 20 Jul 2026 1:42 p.m. PST |
Yes, Hobby Bunker is still around. I try to get there one or two times a year. |
| cavcrazy | 20 Jul 2026 3:51 p.m. PST |
The Emperor's Headquarters was a great shop, but my go to is definitely the Hobby Bunker. It used to be in Malden, but they are now in Wakefield MA. The Bunker has everything you could want, plenty of Perry and Victrix, as well as Warlord games figures, every period you could think of gaming, they have it. Plenty of fantasy figures and games, toy soldiers both new and vintage. Paints, basing supplies, magazines, gaming upstairs, and the staff is knowledgeable and always there to help. |
| 79thPA | 20 Jul 2026 3:53 p.m. PST |
The Hobby Bunker is a regular at the Chicago Toy Soldier Show. I believe Brookhurst Hobbies takes walk-in customers. |
| Col Durnford | 20 Jul 2026 4:13 p.m. PST |
It's been years since I was last in Brookhurst. At that time I was allowed to go upstairs to view their old stock. I was focusing on 20mm WWII. Talk about Aladdin's cave. I could have spent hours there. |
 John the OFM | 20 Jul 2026 6:09 p.m. PST |
I am a 110% historical gamer. Don't pay any attention to those Ogres!
Anyway…
If I "need" foolish stuff like "28mm SYW Austrian Grenzers", I Google that exact phrase, and lo! And Behold! It takes me directly to Noble Knight Games!
So, I put in order, and 3 days later they're showing up on my doorstep. Painted, nude lead, blisters, obscure uniform books, obscure rules… Etc. NKG is perhaps the world's largest … flea market? 🤷 I don't think they're typical "stockists", but they're my first stop.
And they do have a brick and mortar shop. Wisconsin. |
| PaulRPetri | 20 Jul 2026 6:15 p.m. PST |
I would second Noble Knight Games to see in person but you have to get the tour of the warehouse which resembles the one at the end of the first Raiders of the Lost Ark movie. Quite a site to behold. |
| Grattan54 | 20 Jul 2026 6:35 p.m. PST |
Noble Knight would be right up there.
There is also a new one in Milwaukee called Old Guard that has half the store as historical. Pretty good selection. I hit Games Plus a couple of times a year. Getting ready to go again soon. |
| jsmcc91 | 20 Jul 2026 6:44 p.m. PST |
I love Toy Soldier Gallery in Ligonier, PA. |
 Flashman14 | 20 Jul 2026 7:20 p.m. PST |
Brookburst has an upstairs?? Games Plus in Chicago has to be high on the list I'd think. I went before Covid though: |
| Tgerritsen | 20 Jul 2026 8:03 p.m. PST |
I live in Madison and am a frequent in person visitor to Noble Knight. 😀 |
 Wolfshanza | 20 Jul 2026 10:48 p.m. PST |
I use Hobby Bunker at times. They have a pretty good selection. They also sponsor the West Coast Toy Soldier show which i always attend :)
Used to hang at the Last Grenadier from it's opening. Shame it's long gone :/ |
