One of my favorite things to do is go to a nice bar or cafe with a small group of friends and simply chat. Years ago it was something done almost weekly, now it has become something of a rare occasion. When one of my good friends said he was visiting Japan, I knew I had to make time to see him. He would be in Tokyo, where I had been to before, but did not know many good hang out spots. Doing a bit of research, I found a place that looked interesting and could provide a suitable atmosphere to catch up.

8-bit Cafe, located in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo, is an unassuming establishment. There are no eye-catching signs or banners to draw attention. Instead, a small chalk board placed outside a staircase amid other colorful signs advertising different shops in the same building is the only outside indicator of it’s existence.

Despite the conservative signage, the journey up to the fifth floor yields a view of a retro gamer’s hideaway.

Packed with retro games, consoles, figures, and other memorabilia, this place hits the retro theme quite well. Some of the consoles are even set up so you can play them with a buddy! Game soundtracks and other retro style music can be heard all around, but it’s never too loud so people can converse easily.

The menu, of course, is another thing the place gets right. A majority of the food selection is typical bar food (mostly snacks, not full-on meals), but the drinks are the main draw. All of them are aptly named after videogame characters or items, a charming touch that makes selecting a beverage more enjoyable.

My first drink of the night was a ‘Megaman’ (blue coloring, cinzano dry, soda water, tonic). The flavor is a bit like an energy drink, but not overpowering. A good first drink.

My next selection was a ‘Jet Black on Fallen Angel” (rum, coke, cassis). As a fan of the classic ‘rum & coke’, this was a winner for me. The berry flavoring of the cassis added a nice variation.

When we decided to order one last drink, my friend and I both opted for a ‘Triforce’ (lychee, cointreau, pineapple juice). A nice tropical drink that would work well being sipped by the pool or on the beach.

Overall, a nice little cafe with the perfect amount of charm for those with an appreciation for retro games. I would definitely visit again, especially if more friends want to come visit to sit down and have a chat.