The capital of Wales, and keen bean when it comes to all thing cavorting, it's no wonder that our city is such a buzz with great bars. Whether you're hankering for hand-made cocktails, looking to hunker down in a glamorous drinking den or hoping to be dazzled by by the sweet scent of champagne, we've compiled a list so that you don't have to. Check out our recommendations for the best bars in Cardiff, and discover the liquid lush of the UK's 10th largest city.
Looking for a wild night out with a European twist? Apres ski-style destination Heidi's Beer Bar is found in the city centre, serving up the finest craft ale while you boogie to a mix of German, Scandinavian and international hits from live DJs.
Not only is this a great place to dance the night away, but they also offer quiz nights, themed bottomless brunches, cocktail masterclasses and more, with private hire available too.
If you're on the hunt for fun-loving bars in Cardiff Bay, The El Jenkins has heard your call. With trendy interiors alongside a tropical plant-doused beer garden, it's ideal whatever the weather. Plus, it boasts HD sports screens, cracking drinks deals and killer scran.
Get your groove on, sip on some creatively designed cocktails, and make memories with all your best mates at Boho Club on St Marys Street. This sleek venue is situated below the Cardiff Market and dishes out sick beats on the regular courtesy of its state-of-the-art sound system—everything from house to R&B to keep you grooving till the wee hours.
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Found at the centre of the action in the heart of the city, Tonight Josephine is the sassy cocktail bar you won't be able to miss. Fronting bold, glamorous decor and wickedly wild cocktails, this is a cracking spot for your girls' night outs, hen parties and so much more.
Famous London haunt The Cocktail Club has landed in Cardiff, with dreamy drinks, infamous masterclasses and some of the best parties in store. Better yet, with bottomless brunch soon on the cards too, this is your one-stop shop for a helluva good time.
Nestled on St. Mary Street over in the city centre, O'Neill's is a fantastic spot to wet your whistle with a delicious tipple or two, with beers, wines and cocktails on offer. In the way of entertainment, you'll find sports screenings, live music and banging DJs.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cardiff on Various dates from Friday 31st July 2026
Who would've thought one of the best bars in Cardiff would be prison? In the heart of the city lies Alcotraz: Cell Block Nine-One, an immersive secret speakeasy dishing out orange jumpsuits and a life being bars. Smuggle liquor past the warden to the 'serving' inmates for a bespoke cocktail delivered to your cell.
🥂 Free Bellini Bumps with Your 1st Round of Drinks 🥂 and 5 other offers
Famed for their happy hours, it's cocktails that make Be At One shine. From their rowdy bar staff and unique cocktails down to their late nights and their roaring parties, this is a gem on the Cardiff bar scene.
An escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, The Underdog is a cool cocktail bar that makes for a brilliant night out. It's inspired by the 80s, with a varied soundtrack and a glitter ball hanging above the dancefloor.
The trendy interiors feature dark green walls, plush red leather sofas and lots of pretty plants. Sip creative cocktails and munch on steaks or smash burgers, or get competitive at pool, pinball an foosball.
It may be a relatively recent addition to Cardiff's bar scene, opening its doors in 2023, but The Dock Feeder's art deco interiors, lounge-style seating and table service as standard brings plenty of old-timey glamour to the New Canal Quarter.
Whether you're looking for a chic spot to bring a date or popping out for an afterwork drink, its long list of draft pints and expertly crafted cocktails have got you covered for an uber-cool night out.
A hot-to-trot, and happening party palace, Peppermint is where the city's young and fun come out to play. Whether they're knocking back Banoffee Pie flavoured cocktails, tucking into a flat iron steak or enjoying the 2-4-1 deals, this den of debauchery is a must.
Inspired by the end of the Prohibition era, The Bootlegger Cardiff is decked out with quirky interiors, including reclaimed wood, beaten metal and local graffiti art. Better yet, DJs and live music add even more of a quirky party vibe to a night out here.
This summer, they've created six limited-edition summer cocktails for just £9.50 each - available until 11pm every day. Think Malibu coconut mojitos, a Honey and Ginger Penicillin and more.
The Botanist is a gorgeous, enchanted restaurant and bar that can be found on Mermaid Quay overlooking the boats. Inside, you'll find hanging ropes, leafy vines and rustic wooden furnishings, whereas outside is home to a tranquil terrace, perfect for a few alfresco sips. Enjoy botanical-themed cocktails for under a tenner, like a Cherry Blossom Martini, made with Roku gin, or a Sicilian Lady Martini, with a hint of peach liqueur.
Situated on Mary Street, Flight Club is one of the coolest bars around, Beloved up and down the country, these guys have reimagined darts - promising electronic boards that add up your scores as you play a range of fun, multiplayer games.
The fairground-themed venue is filled with colourful decor and carousel horses, with a charming rooftop terrace to boot. Book your spot at the oche or just head down for a few cocktails, with a tasty food menu up for grabs too. Plus, they offer boozy brunch socials every weekend.
One of the newest bars in the city, The Piano Works can be found on St Mary Street in the city centre. This lively bar promises non-stop live music, with an exciting weekly lineup and musicians that take requests.
The night begins with pianists, vocalists and their famous singing waiters, before the house band takes over. Afterwards, expect DJs until the end of the night - and they even offer musical bottomless brunches as well.
If you're on the hunt for bars with entertainment, The Live Lounge is a brilliant boozer. The venue comes complete with lip-smacking happy hour cocktails and scrumptious fare - think sandwiches and nachos. Enjoy while watching live music throughout the day.
Add a little extra entertainment to your evening antics over at NQ64 Cardiff. Found in the city centre, this quirky spot boasts neon walls covered in graffiti, not to mention a fabulous range of retro arcade and console games. Topping it off? A menu of themed cocktails.
Located in what was once the iconic David Morgan department store, The Cardiff Townhouse can be found right in the heart of the city. The stylish space spans across two floors, from the relaxed cafe downstairs to the swish bar and lounge above, as well as a sunny outdoor terrace that's perfect for the summer months. Whether you're in the mood for fresh coffee or creative cocktails, you can pair it with a delicious menu of chalk stream trout with rainbow chard, hand-stretched sourdough pizza, slow-cooked beef ragu pappardelle and more.
Boasting 'kickass food and exceptional drinks' The Dead Canary strives to be the best bar in the Welsh capital. Never afraid to push the boundaries, the fine folk working here have one goal each and every night to make your experience one to remember.
One of the best bars in Cardiff city centre, Mowgli is promising a menu of mouthwatering Indian dishes and signature cocktails to match. From the Masala Espresso Martini to Chai Rum Sling, this chilled spot is a must for any occasion.
This cosy, quirky little venue is a great spot for a nibble while you tipple. Expect towering burgers with all kinds of fun ingredients packed in, with chips thrown into the mix between your baps and the tenderest of pulled pork and meat pates.
Expect a glamourous feel to The Pennyroyal when you first walk in. With dimly lit candles and an intimate atmosphere, the bar is great for a date night or a cosy evening with friends. Try their expertly crafted cocktails, all with bespoke names and meanings.
Front runners in Cardiff's cocktail scene, Lab 22 is the destination to visit if you're looking for some of the most creative concoctions in town. From prohibition inspired classics and flambé favourites, to unique mixes and hand-made potions, the level of mixology here is undeniable.
It consistently features in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars, and has won multiple other awards, so you know you're in good hands here.
Taking residency of a former bank vault under Cardiff City you can dig in to a menu of seasonal foods foraged from local Welsh suppliers and prop yourself up at the bar, which doles out quite the bespoke store of Gins with every aromatic tone, infusion and scent covered.
A cutesy independent, sitting pretty on Mill Lane, Pitch is a must-try destination for cocktails and dining alike. With their rustic Scandi-style edge, Pitch makes for a darling evening of seasonably sourced plates, drinking on the patio, lush cocktails and early evening date nights.
