Boardies Bar
189 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Bar
•Why you'll love Boardies Bar
- Over 300 board and card games in our massive library for you to peruse and choose
- Retro & current gaming consoles
- Inclusive & diverse menu
Boardies bar breathes millennial nostalgia into the hearts and minds of Melbourne's populous, with banging playlists from the best numetal, emo & dad rock tunes from days of old in a grungy, alternative space. Pull up a chair by our nintendo 64 and play a few rounds of mario kart or goldeneye, or grab your favourite board game from our library of over 300+ boards and cards. If you're thirsty, grab one of our many themed cocktails, or enjoy one of our rotating tap beers. If you're hungry, order something from our kitchen! We've got burgers, Schnitzels, parma's (or parmi's if you'd prefer), and a variety of items perfect for sharing with your pals.
Boardies Bar Function Rooms
Main Bar
Main bar, usually a shared space unless booked out for a private function. Space is alternative, grungy, hosts the actual bar portion of our venue and is where you can find our entire games library.
Boardies Upstairs
Large room with hardwood floors, stage, speakers, microphones, TV's (Retro & modern). Small tables can be moved, 5 longer tables on either side of the walls are bolted to walls and cannot be moved.
Reviews for Boardies Bar
Ryan H
Boardies Bar is a great spot to hang out with friends playing board/card games while having drinks and foods. Friendly staff and a great variety of collections fir everyone. The quantities of foods were quite generous, while the quality had a room to improve. That said, the kitchen seemed small and there was only one cook at the time of our visit so it was understandable.
Ashlee Jayde
I visited Boardies Bar in April 2024 for a friend’s birthday party. He booked out the upstairs space, which was perfect for the occasion, cosy, fun, and fit for a night of games, drinks, and karaoke. We drove in and managed to find free street parking nearby, though it was a bit scarce on the main strip. During the day, parking is paid, but it’s free in the evenings. The venue’s easy to spot along the street and well connected by public transport, with nearby tram stops and train stations. Downstairs, the bar is small but packed with personality, there are booths, tables, and a great selection of board and video games, which many groups were enjoying. Upstairs, the space opened up into a larger lounge with tables, couches, a few TVs, and even an open space we used as a karaoke stage. We loved the nostalgic touch of old school PlayStation games like Mario Kart, and the vibrant mood lighting added to the atmosphere. The drinks were a standout, they’ve got a strong cocktail menu with adorable themed names like Yoshi’s Brew, Daiquiri Kong, and Bloody Morty. We shared a bowl of chips which were perfectly seasoned, and other meals like parmas, nachos, and burgers were making their way out of the kitchen looking absolutely delicious. I didn’t try a full meal this time, but I’d love to come back for dinner. The staff were warm, attentive, and did a great job looking after everyone, even as the space filled up. While it did get a little cramped with our large group, it added to the buzz and fun of the night. Boardies also hosts regular events like trivia nights, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, board game evenings, and other themed activities, many of which were advertised on the walls with fun posters. Some of the games cost a small fee to play, but it’s easily split between friends, and for our party package, it was included. I really enjoyed the chill, welcoming vibe and spent most of my night relaxing on one of the lounge couches, chatting and soaking in the atmosphere. Boardies is a great local gaming bar with a strong sense of community. It’s an ideal place to start or end a night out in the city, with late weekend hours and lots happening nearby. If you’re planning to visit, I’d recommend booking ahead on weekends as it gets busy, though they do accept walk ins. It’s the perfect spot for a fun night with friends over drinks, games, and a bit of nostalgia.
Sionainne Costello
Awesome bar with upstairs and downstairs area for gaming! Decent size selection of boardgames to play and a PS2, SNES and a 64 to play also. Table service for drinks also so you don't have to get up to order!
Z H C Kong
We had a jug of hard lemonade (8.1% ABV), & as recommended too. The Big Kahuna - Beef patties (x2), bacon, egg, pineapple, greens, tomato on a toasted bun with house-made sauce. Cheeseburger - Beef patty, onion, pickles, cheese, mustard, & ketchup on a lightly toasted bun. We enjoyed the vibes here, & it’s conveniently located close to everywhere. The 2 burgers were great, & the chips had been more than magnificent.
Hailey Appel
We had a fantastic time playing games at boardies! Reservations are a must as this place fills up fast. Food is 3/5 - good but not exceptional. I’d go for snacks and not a full on meal here. Service is 4/5, mostly because you order via the website/your phone so there’s not much service taking place. Games and atmosphere are great for a night out with friends! Will be coming back for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amenities & Extras
Food & Beverage
Audio Visual Equipment (AV)
Other Amenities & Extras
Need help finding a venue?
Browse the VenueNow Marketplace or connect with one of our event experts to help you find the perfect venue free of charge.
Let's Get Started