NQ64 Arcade Bar Edinburgh

4.5 (753)

A neon-lit arcade bar in Edinburgh blending retro gaming classics with creative cocktails and a lively, nostalgic atmosphere.

Home
United Kingdom
Midlothian
NQ64 Edinburgh

NQ64 Arcade Bar in Edinburgh is a vibrant, neon-lit venue blending retro arcade gaming with expertly crafted cocktails. Located on Lothian Road near the old town, it features 27 arcade machines, 2 pinball tables, and 5 retro consoles, alongside a menu of themed cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits. Open late every day, it offers a lively atmosphere perfect for gaming enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike, with food served by Pizza Geeks until 9pm.

A brief summary to NQ64 Edinburgh

25 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ, GB
Click to display
Click to display
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 4 pm-3 am
Tuesday 4 pm-3 am
Wednesday 4 pm-3 am
Thursday 4 pm-3 am
Friday 4 pm-3 am
Saturday 12 pm-3 am
Sunday 12 pm-3 am

Local tips

Purchase gaming tokens at the bar; most arcade games require 1-2 tokens per play.
Try the game-themed cocktails for a unique taste experience inspired by classic video games.
Visit on Shorty Sundays (last Sunday of each month) for under-18s to enjoy retro gaming with adult supervision.
Book in advance for group packages or private hire to secure tables and gaming combos.
Enjoy delicious pizzas from Pizza Geeks available until 9pm to complement your gaming night.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

BrewDog Edinburgh Lothian Road

BrewDog Edinburgh Lothian Road: Craft Beer Haven in the Heart of the City

All Bar One Exchange Plaza

All Bar One Exchange Plaza, Edinburgh

The Caley Bar

The Caley Bar at The Caledonian Edinburgh

Getting There

Bus

Take Lothian Buses routes 3, 25, or 35 from Edinburgh city center; journey times range from 10 to 15 minutes. Buses stop near Lothian Road, close to the venue. Tickets cost around £1.80 single. Service frequency is every 10-15 minutes during the day.
Tram

Use the Edinburgh Tram from the airport or city center to the West End stop, approximately a 10-minute walk from NQ64. Trams run every 7-10 minutes, with tickets priced around £1.80-£4 depending on zones. The walk from the tram stop is along well-lit urban streets.
Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available in Edinburgh city center. Travel time from central locations is typically 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £5 and £10.
Walking

If staying nearby in Edinburgh city center, walking to NQ64 takes about 15-20 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible and safe during daylight and early evening hours.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas
Trash Bins
Information Boards

NQ64 Edinburgh location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about NQ64 Edinburgh

A Neon Playground for Retro Gaming Enthusiasts

Step into NQ64 Arcade Bar Edinburgh and immerse yourself in a world where nostalgia meets nightlife. This neon-splattered bar on Lothian Road, just skirting Edinburgh’s historic old town, is a haven for fans of classic arcade and console games. With 27 arcade machines, including iconic titles like Dance Dance Revolution, Time Crisis 3, and Guitar Hero, plus 2 pinball tables and 5 retro consoles such as PlayStation and Super Nintendo, the venue offers a comprehensive gaming experience. Tokens purchased at the bar unlock the games, encouraging friendly competition and playful challenges.

Craft Cocktails with a Gaming Twist

NQ64 is renowned for its creative, game-themed cocktails that combine quality ingredients with nostalgic flair. Signature drinks like The Shire, The Chorizard, and The Johnny Blaze reference beloved video game characters and worlds, enhancing the immersive vibe. Alongside cocktails, the bar serves a curated selection of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. The cocktail menu is crafted by skilled bartenders who balance top-shelf quality with fun presentation, making each drink an experience in itself.

Atmosphere and Design: A Retro-Futuristic Escape

The interior design of NQ64 is a feast for the senses, featuring dark, ultraviolet lighting and vibrant neon artwork that evokes the golden age of arcade gaming. The ambiance pulses with energetic hip-hop and R&B beats, creating a lively backdrop that complements the gaming action. Walls adorned with retro game art and the glow of arcade screens create an Instagrammable setting, perfect for social gatherings, date nights, or solo gaming sessions.

Food and Social Vibes

To satisfy hunger, NQ64 partners with Pizza Geeks, serving up delicious pizzas with playful names like The Pineapple Express and The Johnny Blaze until 9pm. The bar’s social scene is welcoming and inclusive, attracting a diverse crowd of gamers, cocktail aficionados, and casual visitors. Whether you’re here for a wild night out or a relaxed evening with friends, the friendly staff and upbeat atmosphere ensure a memorable visit.

Special Events and Accessibility

NQ64 offers special packages for groups and private hires, accommodating up to 200 standing guests, making it ideal for celebrations and parties. It also hosts Shorty Sundays, allowing under-18s to enjoy retro gaming during designated hours with adult supervision. The bar opens daily, with extended hours on weekends, ensuring ample opportunity to enjoy the games and drinks.

Legacy and Expansion

Originating from Manchester’s Northern Quarter, NQ64 has expanded across the UK, with locations in cities like Leeds, Bristol, and Cardiff. The Edinburgh venue maintains the brand’s commitment to blending retro gaming culture with quality nightlife, continuing to attract both locals and visitors seeking a unique entertainment experience.