Gather your crew – it’s time to have some fun. Whether you want to stay out of the rain, chill out with your friends or try something new, you’ll have a jolly old time playing board games around Melbourne. Sip on coffee and relax at a cosy café, or loosen up with cocktails and social events at bars. Here are some fantastic board game cafés and bars around Melbourne.
1. Marche Board Game Café
For board games, karaoke and delicious food, you can’t go wrong with Marche Board Game Café. This comfy haven in Melbourne CBD is perfect for hanging out with your friends. There’s heaps of fun and popular board games for you to try, including Catan, Scrabble and Werewolf. Board game sessions cost $25 per person, and includes one drink, and three hours of play time.
While you’re there, indulge in some delicious Taiwanese cuisine, like dumplings, baos and rice/noodle dishes. Keep the party going with a karaoke session.
Board game sessions are available to book from 3pm each day, ending at 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, click here.
📍63 A’Beckett St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Fortress Melbourne
This 2,500 square metre venue in the CBD is a paradise for gamers. At Fortress Melbourne, you’ll find arcades, gaming consoles, streamer pods and of course, board games. They have an extensive board game library with over 100 items to choose from. Board game hire is $15 an hour, or free if you visit on Board Game Wednesday. On Wednesdays, you can also take part in their weekly social night, which costs $15 a ticket and includes a free drink. After playing, be sure to pop into The Tavern for snacks, hearty meals, desserts and cocktails. Find out more here.
📍Shop 25/23 Caledonian Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Pause Menu
Head to Fitzroy for this fun board games and tabletop roleplay bar and café. At Pause Menu, you’ll find over 200 games on offer, as well as a selection of beer, wine and cocktails to help you unwind. Sip on coffee, smoothies, milkshakes and more for something non-alcoholic. As for food, enjoy tasty snacks like chips, garlic bread, toasties, wraps and more. There’s plenty of space for you to chill out and play, and private rooms for functions. Pause Menu hosts cool events every week, including a beginner’s guide to Dungeons & Dragons and an introduction to Call of Cthulhu. See what’s happening and find more details here.
📍74 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
4. Boardies Bar
Wander along Smith Street and take a break at Boardies Bar. Have fun with your mates and play a selection of over 100 board games for free. Upstairs, you’ll also find a dedicated room for console gaming. While you’re there, munch on burgers, chips, fajitas, hot dogs, buffalo chicken and more. Wash it down with plenty of beer, wine and cocktails. For an extra dose of frivolity, come along to their regular events like trivia nights, Werewolf sessions and video game contests. Find out more here.
📍189 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
5. Temple Arden
This café in North Melbourne has plenty of free board games for you to try. Chill out with quality coffee and dreamy teas, as well as cocktails and beers on Friday nights. Make new friends over a board game or two, then have fun with a rotating selection of video games like Mario Kart and Street Fighter. Temple Arden also hosts tabletop gaming events. Stay tuned to their social media for updates, or see the events calendar here.
📍135 Arden St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
6. Pixel Bar & Café
At Pixel Bar & Café, you’ll find a friendly space filled with board games, card games, consoles and PCs. Sip on coffee while you’re there, or try their range of beer, spirits and cocktails. Located across the road from Huntingdale Station, you’re welcome to BYO food from any of the wonderful local eateries nearby. Do keep an eye on their social media for fun events like trivia nights. Find out more here.
📍1279 North Rd, Huntingdale VIC 3166