When Whitney Wolfe first dreamed up Last Place on Earth, she wasn’t planning to run a business. A musician and filmmaker by trade, she simply wanted a place to spend time with friends, play games and feel at home — without the pressure of alcohol-centered nightlife.
“I’m allergic to alcohol, so I was always looking for places where I could hang out and do something fun while my friends could still drink,” Wolfe told Brooklyn Paper. “When I came across board game shops, I realized, ‘This is something I can actively do.’ It’s interactive, personal and a way to make memories.”
That spark led her to open Last Place on Earth in Greenpoint in March 2020 — just one day before COVID-19 lockdowns began. Against the odds, the shop grew into a neighborhood staple, known for its eclectic collection of games, community-focused events and welcoming atmosphere.
Now, Wolfe is rolling the dice again. On Sept. 12, she opens her second location in Dumbo, called 3rd Place from the Sun.
“At its core, these spaces are board game hubs where we form community based on common interests — and honestly, just having a blast,” Wolfe said.
The name Last Place on Earth was inspired by one of her favorite TV shows, Will Forte’s “Last Man on Earth.” Like the show’s protagonist, who gathered everything he could find into one place, Wolfe started her shop with what she already had.
“The fairy lights were from my bedroom. The games were literally ones I had since I was a kid,” she said. “Those retired games are now on the top shelf where no one can reach them — they’re too close to my heart.”
Initially envisioned as an “entertainment café” with trivia nights, open mics and screenings alongside games, the shop evolved through customer feedback.
“You might think you know exactly what people want, but the community tells you,” Wolfe said. “That’s how we became a hub for Dungeons & Dragons.”
Ironically, she had never played D&D before opening Last Place on Earth. “I still consider myself a beginner, but the community has been incredible,” she said.
Today, Last Place on Earth hosts more than 30 D&D campaigns each week. Most nights carry their own themes: Ladies’ Night, Queer Night, BIPOC Night and even Introvert Night for shy players.
“We want to make sure people feel safe and included,” Wolfe said. “The gaming industry is still dominated by cisgender men, so it’s important to carve out spaces where everyone else can feel empowered.”
She described the D&D community as “the most humble folks I’ve ever met,” adding that players often bring food, gifts and endless enthusiasm.
“It’s escapism, but it’s also connection,” she said. “People are reminded they aren’t alone in the world — that they can create other worlds together.”
The new Dumbo location builds on the Greenpoint model with some elevated touches. “I’ve opened over 100 fresh games, so everything feels new, like a library where the games are always complete and in good condition,” Wolfe said.
What excites her most are the private rooms — including one dedicated entirely to Dungeons & Dragons. Outfitted with soundproof glass, themed décor and a high-end Wyrmwood table, the room will be “a true fantasy experience,” she said.
“We’re going to deck it out with lighting effects, sound systems and custom design,” she added. “It’ll feel like stepping into another world.”
For Wolfe, expansion is about more than adding tables. It’s about creating welcoming spaces where anyone — from seasoned gamers to total beginners — can feel at home.
“I always say, this isn’t just about games. It’s about community, imagination and giving people a space to connect.”
