When brainstorming ideas for a business, Marshall Geyer and Erich Weidner decided to merge their love of games, beer and coffee.

The business partners and friends opened Emerald Tavern Games & Caf on Sept. 7 as a place where patrons can play a variety of board, hobby or role-playing games, or RPG, while enjoying craft beer or Austin-based Cuvee Coffee.

"We realized the three things that are necessary to have a good time are the place, people and the game," Geyer said. "Most people are missing one or more element. We created a space for people where all the elements of enjoyment can come together."

Geyer and Weidner had always enjoyed playing games as children, and in 1999, they started brewing their own beer. They would meet up during the week to play games and drink beer or coffee and thought other people in Austin would enjoy the same concept, Geyer said.

The tavern—designed with an English Tudor theme—has tables in the back where customers may bring their own games to play or use one from the tavern's game library. Geyer said they have a selection of classic, European, RPG games as well as tabletop miniatures that involve miniature figurines.

The front portion of the tavern is a retail section where customers can purchase a variety of games, including the card game Munchkin, created by Austin-based Steve Jackson Games. Geyer said the focus of Emerald Tavern Games is not on the retail portion but to offer customers the full game gamut.

"We're not advertising games but experience," he said.

As for beer selection, Geyer said they stuck to harder-to-find beers for the tap, such as Fullers ESB, Belhaven Black and Lindermans Framboise. The tavern also sells wine as well as sandwiches from The Green Cart in Austin. The tavern plans to expand its outdoor patio and offer a more European-style caf.

Emerald Tavern Games is located at 9012 Research Blvd., Ste. C. Call 512-994-4649 or visit www.emeraldtaverngames.com for more information.