A place to eat, drink and play mahjong plans to open in Ballston later this month.
Montahj Social, a pop-up mahjong social club, will open Friday, Feb. 20, at 4201 Wilson Blvd — coinciding with Lunar New Year.
The business will offer curated food and drink items, as well as on-site instruction and a “welcoming environment centered on connection, rather than competition.”
“We need places where no one has to host, perform, explain or rush,” Montahj founder Dana Moss said in a press release. “We need spaces that hold us long enough for trust to form and relationships to deepen through play.”
Montahj will kick off its stint in Ballston with an open house: a “celebratory event” featuring raffles and food from noon to 5 p.m. That will be free, but pre-registration is required.
After the open house, Montahj will open daily at noon. Closing hours vary by day, though the club will stay open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. More information on the club’s hours is available online.
Moss was inspired to start Montahj based on her memories of playing games with her grandparents as a child.
“Those moments taught me that the best times aren’t rushed or transactional, they’re intentional and human,” she said.
Attendees are also encouraged to purchase a $35 weekly pass, which will allow them to reserve one seat for two hours each day, according to Montahj’s website.
