Open Play Lounge
Unlimited access to our 900-game library with a dedicated host, bottomless filtered coffee, and a rotating shelf of new releases. Best for casual groups and first-timers.
from A$18 / person · 2 hours
Melbourne CBD · Tabletop Game Studio
Where great games come alive.
Dorevaxim is a light-filled board game lounge and design studio on Somerset Place. Play from a 900-title library, prototype your own game, or host an unforgettable game night beneath our living green walls and timber beams.
- 900+
- Games in library
- 7 days
- Open every week
- 4.9★
- From 480 reviews
How it works
From first roll to final round
Whether you drop in solo or reserve the whole lounge, our floor hosts guide every step so you spend more time playing and less time reading rulebooks.
- 01
Step 01
Reserve your table
Pick a two-hour or four-hour slot online or by phone. Tables seat 2–8, and the private Garden Room fits up to 16 for parties.
- 02
Step 02
Meet your game host
A trained host greets you, learns your mood — cosy co-op, cut-throat strategy, or party chaos — and pulls three perfect picks from the shelves.
- 03
Step 03
Learn in minutes
We teach the rules at the table so nobody reads a manual. Snacks and specialty coffee arrive while you settle in.
- 04
Step 04
Play, then come back
Loved a game? Buy it at member pricing on the way out, or join Club Dorevaxim to bank your unfinished campaigns for next visit.
What we offer
Three ways to play with us
Every session runs from our Somerset Place lounge, staffed by hosts who genuinely love teaching games.
Private Event Hosting
Book the Garden Room for birthdays, team offsites, or hen nights. Includes a dedicated games master, catering options, and a curated tournament bracket for up to 16 guests.
from A$540 · 4 hours, whole room
Game Design Workshops
A six-week Tuesday-evening course where you prototype, playtest, and pitch an original tabletop game with mentorship from our in-house designers. Materials and printing included.
A$390 · 6 weekly sessions
Inside the lounge
A room built for play
Living green walls, reclaimed timber, and warm daylight — designed so every table feels calm even on a packed Friday night.
Player reviews
Loved by Melbourne gamers
Verified reviews from players who booked a table at Dorevaxim over the past year.
4.9/ 5
Based on 480 verified reviews
5
89%
4
8%
3
2%
2
1%
1
0%
“Our host taught us Wingspan in ten minutes and had brilliant follow-up suggestions. We stayed two hours past our booking. Easily the best game night we have had in the CBD.”
“Booked the Garden Room for my partner’s 30th. The tournament bracket they set up was a huge hit and the catering was spot on. Ten friends, zero rulebook arguments.”
“I did the six-week design workshop and actually finished a playable prototype. The mentors are patient and the playtesting nights with other students were invaluable.”
“Gorgeous space — the greenery makes it feel nothing like a stuffy games cafe. Coffee is genuinely good too. Only wish they were open even later on weekends.”
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need before your first visit to Somerset Place.
Visiting & Booking
Do I need to book ahead?
Walk-ins are welcome whenever tables are free, but Friday and Saturday evenings fill fast. We recommend booking online or calling us at least a day ahead for weekend slots and always for groups of six or more.
How long is a typical session?
Open Play is sold in two-hour blocks, which is plenty for two or three shorter games. If you are mid-campaign or learning something meatier, you can extend on the spot for A$8 per person per hour, subject to availability.
Where exactly are you located?
We are at 77 Somerset Place, Melbourne VIC 3000, a quiet laneway just off the top end of the CBD near Melbourne Central. The nearest tram stops are a two-minute walk away.
Games & Groups
What if we don’t know how to play anything?
That is exactly what our hosts are for. Tell them your group size and mood and they will pick three great options and teach the rules at your table. No prior board game experience is needed.
Can you cater for kids or family groups?
Absolutely. We keep a dedicated family shelf of age-appropriate titles and offer quieter afternoon slots on weekends. Under-12s play at a reduced rate of A$10 when accompanied by an adult.
Food, Drink & Payments
Do you serve food and drinks?
We serve specialty coffee, loose-leaf tea, soft drinks, and a snack menu of toasties, share boards, and pastries. Filtered coffee is bottomless with every Open Play booking.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major cards and contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Club Dorevaxim members can also pay from their loaded account balance. We are a cashless venue.
Get in touch
Book your table or ask us anything
Send us a message and our floor team will reply within one business day. For same-day bookings, please give us a call.
Visit the lounge
Phone
+61 3 9654 3382Address
77 Somerset Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
Email
[email protected]Opening hours
- Mon – Thu: 11am – 10pm
- Fri – Sat: 10am – 1am
- Sunday: 10am – 9pm