Cool And Quirky Bars In Cardiff

For quirky place to have a drink or two, head to prison, or more specifically: Alcotraz: Cell Block Nine-One, an immersive, theatrical speakeasy inspired by Hollywood movies and TV. Smuggle liquor past the eagle-eyed warden to hand to the 'serving' inmates who will make you a range of bespoke cocktails.

The Cocktail Club Cardiff is shaking things up on St Mary Street with sexy cocktails, lively tunes, and three floors of fun. Sip on delicious tipples like the Jam Jar Daiquiri or Southside Royal while the bartenders keep you entertained with their flashy moves, and the music keeps the party vibes going strong until the crack of dawn.

Located in the city centre The Underdog is a cool cocktail bar inspired by all things 1980s. The trendy spot is decked out in dark green walls and plush red sofas, with quirky artwork and pretty plants decorating the space.

There's pool, foosball and pinball for some added entertainment, as well as a dancefloor where you can groove to 80s, 90s, hip hop and disco tunes. Feeling peckish? They also serve juicy steaks and smash burgers.

Pop along to Brewhouse, an entertainment hub, party hotspot and unique bar in Cardiff's city centre. Adorned with artwork celebrating iconic musicians, the venue sets the stage for its lively live music lineup. The focus here is on showcasing exceptional local artists, offering a diverse array of live performances that promise to make every evening memorable. Sports enthusiasts are also well catered to, with major sporting events broadcasted on large screens, ensuring you're always in on the action. And let's not forget about the happy hour—famously long and delightfully affordable. When it comes to drinks, this St Mary Street joint has it all: an extensive wine list, creative cocktails, and, for those who dare, a steady supply of Jäger bombs.

If you're hunting for a bar in Cardiff that nails style, flavour, and atmosphere, Bonnie Rogues should be at the top of your list. 

Tucked away in the heart of the city, this hotspot combines trendy interiors with a wild vibe seven nights a week, making it the perfect place to turn up the energy. Check out its scrumptious pub food too, like Hunter's chicken, loaded nachos and fish and chips. 

Get ready for the ultimate night of nostalgia at Retro. Here, no one will blink an eye at your double denim, plus there will be three floors of fantastic throwback tunes, from Spice Girls to the Backstreet Boys, complete with top-notch cocktails.

Looking for a venue that has that little extra pizzazz? Say hello to Flight Club Cardiff. Nestled in the city centre, this unique watering hole showcases retro fairground interiors and a revolutionised version of darts. As for refreshments, expect yummy pizzas and tasty tipples galore at this activity bar in Cardiff.

One of the quirkiest choices for a night out in the city centre, The Piano Works is a live music hotspot on St Mary Street. This vibrant destination promises a weekly lineup of entertainment, as well as bottomless brunches every Saturday.

Expect to see professional pianists and their famous singing waiters to begin the evening, followed by a performance from their house band. Plus, there are DJs to keep the party going on weekends.

Fronting cocktails such as strawberry cucumber breezes and bay leaf pear martinis, The Botanist is a brilliant boozer. You'll get to enjoy quirky tipples in a stylish and sleek setting. Hungry? Nab some calamari or a sharing board.

Gear up for a howlin' good time at Cardiff's wildest watering hole – Coyote Ugly Saloon. Renowned as a raucous party palace, this quirky bar in the city centre is bringing you BBQ feasts, table dancing and banging drinks every night of the week. This isn't just a bar; it's a full-blown, table-dancing, shot-slinging extravaganza where the ordinary turns extraordinary. Hen party on the horizon? Congratulations, you've just found your paradise. This crazy joint is one for those who are keen for something a little different on their big night out; it's got the fun factor alright.

If you're looking for a unique bar in Cardiff city centre that offers that little extra edge, you've found it over at NQ64. The brilliant drinking den is home to a range of retro arcade games, from Street Fighter to Guitar Hero, with themed cocktails to match.

Sassing up the scene in Cardiff, Josephine's the name, and legendary parties are her game. From the brilliantly bold decor to the absolutely cracking drinks list, Tonight Josephine is the cocktail bar in Cardiff that's coming in hot, hot hot. Famous for throwing the wildest late-night fiestas, unbeatable happy hours, and the most talked-about boozy brunches, she's the embodiment of mischief and is about to cause a sensation in her latest venture. Get ready to be dazzled by dreamy décor, iconic neon splashes, and more Instagrammable moments than you could possibly capture. Whether you fancy a casual tipple with the gang or a full-blown fiesta, this sassy girl is welcoming you with open arms. We'd recommend sipping on the stunning Razzle Dazzle, a glittery mix of Eristoff vodka, Giffard Peche de Vigne, pineapple and vegan egg whites.

The Dock Feeder brings art deco glam and golden finishes to Cardiff's New Canal Quarter. Designed to take you back to the roaring 20s, it brings you table service as standard and a long list of old school cocktails and tipples with a twist.

Whether you're stopping by for an afterwork pint or making a night of it, you'll be glad you made the trip down Churchill Way. 

Nothing is cooler than a bar inspired by the end of Prohibition, where the live music is turned up loud and the cocktails are flowing. Head to The Bootlegger Cardiff and you can expect one helluva party, alongside quirky decor like graffiti murals or deer heads on mounts.

Indulge your senses at one of the city's most unique bars, where illicit cocktails lie at the heart of the menu. Found off the beaten track, The Dead Canary slings out only the finest handcrafted mixes in cosy surroundings, with regular live music sessions to soundtrack your evening.  

When it comes to the best bars in Cardiff city centre for cool vibes, Be At One has to be right up there. Step right in to a spot where cocktail dreams come to life, served with a side of stellar service and an atmosphere that's simply unbeatable. Nestled on St Mary Street, this cocktail haven boasts an endless array of concoctions that have swiftly crowned it a jewel in the city's nightlife. Watch in awe as the bartenders, armed with all the makings of mixology magic, concoct a huge list of libations that span everything from frozen numbers to kooky mixes served in disco balls, while weekends see late-night opening too.  

Up on our list of quirky bars in The Old Brewery Quarter, Boom Battle Bar has a boatload to get stuck into. On top of the lip-smacking drinks and tasty American food, there are plenty of games, including golf, darts, shuffleboard and karaoke.

For an authentic apres ski vibe right in the heart of the city, look no further than Heidi's Bier Bar on Mill Lane. Complete with beer towers, premium craft ales and all the best German, Scandinavian and international hits from live DJs, it's always a great night out here.

Open until 3am every single day, this is a great choice for hen and stag parties, birthdays and more. Plus they also offer everything from quiz nights to cocktail masterclasses and themed bottomless brunches.

If you've yet to have a night out at The Philharmonic, this is your sign to make a visit. Spilling over three floors, with a cylindrical bar, club room and rooftop terrace, this has something for everyone. And to wet your whistle, choose from a vast array of terrific tipples.

City Centre cocktail bar and hotspot Play at Pins is your go-to joint for an unbeatable mix of games and the best vibes in town. A dimly-lit neon paradise, here you can dive into boutique ten-pin bowling with a high-tech AR twist, outsmart the challenges in one of four immersive escape rooms, hit the bullseye on interactive darts boards, score some hoops, rule the pool tables, dominate in air hockey, and belt out your favorite tunes in karaoke. Plus, don't miss taking a trip down the nostalgia lane with the super cool retro arcade games on offer and sipping on delish cocktails like cherry brandy filled Blood & Sand and Choccy Martini.

The Potted Pig is a city centre watering hole that boasts bare-brick walls, Chesterfield sofas and ambient lighting. But when it comes to gin? The bar staff are experts on the stuff, with over 30 different types to choose from, as well as cocktails, beers and wines.

This secret bar in Cardiff requires ringing a bell next to a sign that reads 'spirits and remedies' to enter. Once inside, you'll be amazed by the flickering candlelight, cool hip hop soundtrack and stunning selection of drinks created by master mixologists. 

Chance & Counters is perfect for quirky cocktails in Cardiff, sporting a fantastic range of board games to entertain you while you sip. Stocking over 500 classic options to choose from, this joint lets you while away the hours with mates, dates and the like.

Part contemporary bar, part science laboratory, Caroline Street's Lab 22 is all about experimentation. Using smoke, interesting mixtures and scientific beakers to create some spectacular mixes, all the city's cocktail pilgrims make this low-lit mecca a must-visit.

They've often featured in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, and they've earned a stellar reputation in the city. Plus, there's always a buzzing atmosphere here.