Introducing the newest addition to Cardiff, NQ64. The arcade bar is in the city centre, inviting gamers to relive their childhood. Hearing about the neon signs, glow in the dark paint and quality cocktails from others, I knew I had to try it out. Here’s my NQ64 Cardiff review.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
NQ64 Review | Gaming Bar Cardiff
Ad | Walking through the door is like stepping back in time. Think Back to the Future and Stranger Things vibes. Children of the 80s and 90s would definitely get a sense of déjà vu. The NQ64 venue is all UV lighting, neon paint and, of course, retro arcade games.
Ready, Player One
Now, I’m not much of a gamer, but there were definitely arcade machines that caught my eye. Which should I play first? The classic consoles, Nintendo, X-Box, PlayStation, Sega, etc, with games such as Tekken 2, Streets of Rage and Mario Kart, are free to play. However, the machines require tokens. Most require two per person, but some only need one. Tokens can be purchased at the bar; £7 for 15. You can even keep them and bring them back next time if you want to.
From racing to pinball and shoot them up to dancing, there are so many games to choose from. Initially, my boyfriend dragged me over to Time Crisis; he was particularly thrilled to see it there. Apparently, it’s his “favourite game ever”. There’s also The Simpsons, Point Blank, Dancing Stage, Asteroids and Bad Taxi. There’s even a Guitar Hero room to rock out in.
Time to quench my thirst
Alongside local beers by Tiny Rebel, there’s Camden and Beavertown, a selection of soft drinks, spirits, ciders, and Hooch – even the pink lemonade one. The highlight of the bar is arcade-themed cocktails, including The Kirby, Princess Peach, and the Bubble Bobble with rum, gin and Prosecco served in an ice blast cup.
I loved the finer details on the bar, which is decorated with the tokens and the custom-made Pacman drip tray.
If you’re hungry, you can grab some snacks like Space Raiders, Monster Munch and Nik Naks, but there isn’t any hot food. However, there are plenty of places offering food and drink in Cardiff nearby.
Get 50% off food in Cardiff
So, did you know you can get 2 for 1 on meals or 50% off food with a Tastecard? There are independent and chain restaurants to choose from and a variety of cuisines. Get a 2-month free trial here:
Normal bars just aren’t enough anymore
I love that anyone can go to the NQ64 arcade bar, not just for students or hardcore gamers – who will be in their element here. The newest addition to bars in Cardiff has quickly jumped up my recommendations list. In fact, if you’re looking for an alternative events venue or a first date location, this is definitely something different and fun. It’s worth a visit just for the nostalgia value.
Have I missed anything in my NQ64 Cardiff review?
Get on the train
NQ64 bar in Cardiff is a 5-minute walk from Cardiff Central train station. Getting to the city centre has never been easier. With stops in The Valleys, Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays. Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money to spend on video games?
Frequently asked questions about NQ64 Cardiff Review
NQ64 Address
Cardiff bars St Mary Street: 60-61 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FE. It’s next door to Le Monde Restaurant and Mill Lane, opposite Walkabout and Dirty Martini.
NQ64 Cardiff Opening Times
Monday to Thursday, the bar is open from 4pm and Friday to Sunday from 12pm.
NQ64 Closing Times
Monday to Thursday, the bar closes at 2am, and Friday to Sunday at 3am.
NQ64 Entry Fee
There’s no entry fee.
NQ64 Booking
You do not need to book.
Dress Code
Smart, casual. Shorts are allowed but not sporty ones. You cannot wear tracksuits or jogging bottoms.
Can children go to NQ64?
The venue is strictly over 18s at all times.
NQ64 Games
I’m sure there are more, but there’s Pinball, Street Fighter, Rambo, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, The Simpsons, Guitar Hero with its own booth, Dance Stage, Point Blank 2, Terminator, Pac Mam, The House of The Dead, Time Crisis 2, Golden Axe, Out Run, Out Run 2, Rave Racer, Bad Taxi, Mario Kart and Bubble Bobble.
NQ64 Game Prices
NQ64 prices in Cardiff are £7 for 15 tokens. Machines take one or two tokens.
NQ64 Drinks Menu
The NQ64 menu includes draughts from Camden, Beavertown, Tiny Rebel and Orchard Thieves. You can get Hawkes, Hartwells, Shindigger, Heineken, Hooch and Wild Beer in bottles and cans.
The cocktail menu is arcade-themed. They are called Blanka, Calagz, Kirby, Mad Max, The Grape Escape, Hyper Spritz, Bubble Bobble, Princess Peach, Pacs A Punch and Donkey Kong.
NQ64 Cardiff Prices
The NQ64 drink prices are around £4.50 a pint and £7 for a cocktail.
Christmas
You can sort out your tokens and drinks in advance if you want to have a Christmas party at NQ64. Just email hello@nq64.co.uk stating Cardiff. Get your present admin done and purchase gift cards from £7, which can be emailed or posted.
NQ64 Parking
There’s no on-street parking. There are plenty of nearby car parks in the city centre, the closest being at John Lewis, St David’s 2 or the NCP on Westgate Street.
NQ64 Number
The NQ64 phone number hasn’t been published.
Follow them on Social Media
NQ64 Facebook and NQ64 Instagram
At the moment, these are not available NQ64 Twitter and NQ64 TripAdvisor
Other places you can visit NQ64
NQ64 Birmingham, NQ64 Edinburgh, NQ64 Liverpool, NQ64 Manchester Northern Quarter, NQ64 Manchester Peter Street
Restaurants in Cardiff
Cardiff is a foodie’s delight. From the quality of the produce to the level of cooking, at both the casual and cheap eats, Cardiff is staking a serious claim to being one of the most exciting places to eat in the UK.
- Afternoon tea in Cardiff
- Bottomless brunch in Cardiff
- Steak restaurants in Cardiff
- Vegan restaurants in Cardiff
- Thai restaurants in Cardiff
- Japanese restaurants in Cardiff
- Caribbean restaurants in Cardiff
- Chinese restaurants in Cardiff
- Burger restaurants in Cardiff
- Street food in Cardiff
- Welsh food in Cardiff
Get 50% off food in Cardiff
We all need to refuel and rehydrate. If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 90-day free trial here:
Cardiff Bars
Whether looking for an after-work drink with colleagues, a boy’s or girls’ night out surrounded by cocktails, or a date night spot, you’re always close to the best bars in Cardiff City Centre and the neighbourhoods.
- Rooftop Bars in Cardiff
- Cocktail Bars in Cardiff
- Wetherspoons in Cardiff
- Flight Club Cardiff
- Tonight Josephine Cardiff
- Quiz Nights in Cardiff
- Dog friendly pubs in Cardiff
Stay the night
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Radisson Cardiff
The Radisson Blue Hotel Cardiff is in the city centre. The 4-star hotel has smart TVs in the bedrooms, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, laptop-compatible safes, and limited onsite parking.
Radisson Hotel Discount Code
Get 15% off 3 or 4-night stays, 20% off 5 or 6-night stays, or 25% off for 7 or more nights in luxury rooms and suites. When you use the Radisson Hotel Promo Code LONGER, you’ll also receive complimentary high-speed WiFi on unlimited devices. More information
Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong was I? The dog friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
The Copthorne
The Copthorne, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. Ideal for business travellers, couples or families, it is a perfect base. You can expect free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save up to 20% off:
The surrounding areas
Don’t be afraid of staying out of central Cardiff either. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Disclaimer: I was invited by River and Bear and received 15 tokens and a few drinks. I had no obligation to write about my experience. My feedback is my honest, unbiased review.
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
Get your FREE Visting Cardiff Checklist and Guide with over 25 pages full of travel tips, how to get around, places to visit, food and drink, shopping, parks and green spaces, some Welsh phrases and a travel itinerary.
Do you want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed my NQ64 Cardiff review, you can stay updated with my other news, best of Cardiff, South Wales and travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Related Articles
Best places for a dinner date in Cardiff
it looks like so much fun! it’s great that there are a lot of different games for people to play 🙂
Hope that your week is going well! Another rainy spring one here!
It’s great fun, I 100% recommend checking it out!
Great week so far, thank you. We’ve got lots of winter sun, even if the temperature has dropped.
“It seems like a lot of fun! It’s wonderful that there are so many diverse games for people to enjoy. I hope your week is going smoothly! We’re having another rainy spring day here!”