From dimer models, as studied in theoretical physics, we can construct a class of Calabi-Yau algebras which are non-commutative crepant resolutions (NCCRs) of Gorenstein 3-fold affine toric singularities. In this talk I will introduce dimers and their corresponding toric varieties. I will then focus on some `consistency' conditions that underlie the proof of the Calai-Yau and NCCR properties.