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34 places to hang out in Cardiff after 5pm that aren't pubs
34 places to hang out in Cardiff after 5pm that aren't pubs
We're spoiled for choice for late night hangout spots in the Welsh capital
(Image: John Myers)
There are so many reasons to love Cardiff, with endless amounts of things to do, places to eat, drink and new things to try. But what if you just want somewhere to chill out after work where you don't need alcohol to have a good time and simply fancy a catch up with friends, a moment to scroll on your phone, catch up on some life admin or just read a book?
Not every evening in the city needs to revolve around pubs and nightlife, and thankfully Cardiff makes it easy to enjoy yourself without drinking alcohol, or even having to head to restaurant and pay for an expensive meal if all you want to do is relax or see some of your friends in a setting outside of the house.
Whether you're looking for a cosy spot to sink into with a hot drink, a late-night dessert place to satisfy a sweet tooth, or a café that happily lets you sit for hours with your laptop, there are plenty of options to suit different moods, so we've made a list of our favourite spots. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
Late-night hangouts
The Cardiff Townhouse located on The Hayes
(Image: Jillian MacMath)
If you're looking for somewhere to chill after dinner or extend your evening without heading somewhere where people will be drinking alcohol, these spots stay open the latest:
Tim Hortons: Open until midnight
The Cardiff Townhouse: Open until 11pm
Cosy Club: Open until 11pm
Creams Café: Open until 11pm
Heavenly Desserts: Open until 11pm
Chance & Counters: Open until 11pm
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Evening-friendly cafés
Scaredy Cats is set to open on May 19 on Working Street, Cardiff
(Image: John Myers)
These spots are great if you want to squeeze in a coffee catch-up or get some laptop time in a chilled out setting before heading home:
Bru: Closes at 10pm on both David Street and Queen Street
Knoops: Closes at 10pm
Shake Shack: Closes at 9pm
Scaredy Cats Café Bar: Closes at 9pm
Starbucks: Most close at 8:30pm (St Mary Street closes 8pm, Queen Street 7pm)
KIN+ILK St David's: Closes at 8pm
Mrs Potts Chocolate House: Closes at 8pm
Black Sheep Coffee: St Mary's Street closes at 8pm and Wood Street 6pm
Costa Coffee: Queen Street closes at 7pm and St David's Centre at 7:30pm
Caffè Nero: St Mary's Street closes at 6pm, St David's Centre 7:30pm
Pret A Manger: St David's Centre closes at 6:30pm and Central Square at 7pm
Top picks for straight after work
Coffee #1 has been named coffee bar chain of the year
These ones are perfect for earlier catch-ups straight after you've finished work, uni or a day of shopping in the centre:
Lea's Tea: Closes at 7pm
Coffee Planet: Closes at 7pm
200 Degrees: Closes at 6pm
Whocult Coffee + Donuts: Closes at 6pm
Palette: Closes at 6pm
Mcsims Pastizzeria Coffee & Pastry: Closes at 6pm
Coffee #1: Closes at 5:30pm
Waterstones Café: Closes at 5:30pm
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If you're looking for somewhere with more to do
If you prefer to socialise up on your feet, and do something fun while still being indoors- and based in the city centre, Cardiff has also got you covered with a huge range of spaces which have all kinds of activities which open late. Most of them do have bars, but all of them serve soft drinks, and a lot even hot drinks available so if you're still wanting a wholesome evening during a week night, there's nothing to stop you:
Boombox Karaoke: Closes at 4am
NQ64: Closes at 2am
Boom Battle Bar: Closes at 2am
Flight Club: Closes at midnight
Par59: Closes at midnight
Roxy Lanes: Closes at midnight
Kongs: Closes at midnight
Golf Fang: Closes at 11pm
Rileys Sports Bar, Snooker and Pool Club: Closes at 11pm
