Cardiff’s bar and club scene is amongst the most lively in the UK, but did you know there’s also a collection of super-secret drinking dens hidden away somewhere in the city? We won’t lie - tracking down some of these bars is a job in itself, but manage to do so and you’ll soon be enjoying drinks in some of the coolest, most sought-after spots around. Read on for our complete guide to the best secret bars in Cardiff.
Hiding away somewhere down Barrack Lane, The Dead Canary brings some of the most exceptional cocktails to the city. It's no easy find, but we'd absolutely recommend having a crack. With some of the most talented mixologists in Wales shaking up a cocktail storm in seriously slick and elusive surroundings it's well worth the hunt.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cardiff on Various dates from Thursday 18th June 2026
Looking for a secret bar? Head to Alcotaz: Cell Block Nine-One, an immersive speakeasy prison inspired by Hollywood movies and TV. With the crooked guards on your side, smuggle liquor past the warden to the 'serving' inmates in exchange for bespoke cocktails.
Don't be fooled by the fairly non-descript and unassuming exteriors; one of the best secret bars in Cardiff lies just next to the Big Sleep Hotel. Come if you're fed up of the same old vibes in the same old places - Porter's has everything from comedy and cabaret to live gigs and film screenings until late throughout the week, and there's even a mini golf course in the courtyard.
