If you’ve ever driven past the local Winn-Dixie market, you may have glanced but not given a second thought to the quiet courtyard next door. This peaceful courtyard with a bubbling fountain, now contains one of Tallahassee’s newest locally owned hidden gems the Courtyard Cafe & Games .
This business has moved in right next to the well-loved “Little Italy” restaurant. Both very befittingly embody the title of hidden gem as they are well-hidden within this charming, serene courtyard, secluded from the busyness outside the gateway.
Opened in early 2025 by owner James Chapman, the cafe is both quaint and inviting — sunlight streams through large windows, casting a warm, calming glow over cozy seating areas and walls lined with shelves brimming with board games. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease, whether you’re stopping in for a quiet cup of tea or gearing up for a lively game night with friends…