The game on bit
Level up your night in Melbourne with a trip to one of the city’s best gaming bars. From classic arcade fun to VR experiences, console gaming or just drinks and nibbles shared over a boardgame or two – these are the spots to let your competitive side go wild.
Battlekart
It’s Mario Kart, but in real life. Combine electric karting with gaming and augmented reality at Battlekart, where the game modes are outright insane and the karts are geared to go full throttle.
Fortress
One venue, five distinct experiences. Fortress is a hive for gaming aficionados and novices alike. Enter the dark, moody space and grab a bite to eat at The Tavern, a fantasy-themed bar and eatery with an eclectic cocktail list.
Ditch the AFK status and settle in for a night of PC gaming using your own accounts or accessing over a hundred popular games using a guest account, enjoy classic arcade games or enter the esports arena during events and tournaments.
Bartronica
Enter Bartronica – the bar to be if you’re after tinnie’s, pinnie’s and classic arcade games. Book a booth for a round of Mario Kart with your mates, try your hand at retro arcade games and take advantage of the super chill food and drink menu.
Ballers Clubhouse
Social club, revolutionary super venue – whatever you want to call it, Ballers Clubhouse has redefined the concept of a one-stop shop. In one 2,500sqm mega space, the venue has 10 function spaces, 15 ping-pong tables, six stand-up shuffleboards, six bars, four shuffleboard courts, 16 interactive darts booths… and it goes on and on. Drink, dine, dance and play all in one high-tech, high-style space.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Transport yourself to the carnivals of childhood with arcade games, bowling, laser tag, dodgem cars and VR experiences at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Docklands. Be sure to try one of their circus themed cocktails while you’re there.
B. Lucky & Sons
Step into a world of fun at B. Lucky & Sons, where you can beat your mates at Mario Kart, defeat waves of aliens in Space Invaders or just try your luck on the broad selection of arcade games on offer. You’ll find the venue sitting pretty under a pawn shop at Melbourne Central, with an even prettier cocktail and drinks list to try.
Pixel Bar & Café
Jump on the train to Huntingdale in Melbourne’s east and cross the road to Pixel Bar & Café, which is described as your nerdy second lounge room with a well-stocked bar. Grab a beer, a surprising cocktail or a really good cup of coffee and chill out with video games or an old-school round of Cluedo.
Boardies Bar
Watch nostalgia come to life at Boardies Bar in Fitzroy. Head upstairs for a sesh on the Super Nintendo or Game Cube, or slip into a cosy booth downstairs to play card or board games with as little as two people.
Marche Board Game Café
Choose an old favourite or learn a new game with a massive selection of board games to choose from at Marche Board Game Café. Enjoy Taiwanese street food and bubble tea and if you’re feeling bold, test your vocal range with a spot of karaoke.
