A city that's proud of its boozers, it's no wonder that the Welsh capital is chock-full of 'em. It's a haven of craft brews, gastro-gorging and beer gardens galore, but if you don't know where to start? Check out our list of the best Cardiff pubs. So, whether you're looking for a cosy glass of vino by the roaring fire or piling on the pints alfresco-style, it's time to wet your whistle and then some.
Last edited by Jasmine Lee Kennedy
Last updated on 30th October 2025
Sometimes in life, you come across a boozer that's pretty much an all-rounder. And you know what? The Eli Jenkins fits that bracket. As it's home to a stellar beer garden, lots of sports screens and a cracking menu, you can see why it's one of the best Cardiff Bay pubs.
Situated in Pontcanna, Beverley Hotel is a fabulous watering hole. Fronting ambient light fixtures, leather seating and a quaint beer garden, the venue slings out a wide range of drinks, alongside juicy burgers and BBQ pork bao buns.
A haven for boozer-style food enthusiasts, Bonnie Rogues pairs its vibrant bar scene with a menu that's all about hearty eats.
Expect plates designed for sharing like loaded nachos, indulgent bites such as sticky toffee pudding for dessert and pub classics fish and chips. Head on down to this lively spot seven days a week and you'll have a memorable night out.
Mackintosh Hotel is one of the best pubs in Cathays, boasting a traditional feel with its leather booth seating, patterned wallpaper and dark wooden furniture. Head here for affordable food and drinks, not to mention sports screenings, pool tables and jukebox rhythms.
Our list of pubs in Cardiff wouldn't be complete without mention of Owain Glyndwr. While located in an old 18th-century ale house, with ample drinks options, the boozer also slings out scrumptious food - think messy nachos, chicken katsu burgers and BBQ pork meatballs.
One of the best pubs in Cardiff for food, Brewhouse & Kitchen hosts sporting events, serves sloshing pints of your favourite beer and totes a charming garden. Make your way over to this much-loved haunt for home comforts, such as hearty roasts and mac 'n' cheese.
It's no secret that The Stable is one of the best pubs in Cardiff town centre. It sports an industrial-chic aesthetic, with light wooden benches and exposed piping, plus slings out pizzas paired with craft beers. And if you fancy getting boozy, its bottomless brunches are quite the treat.
In the heart of Penarth, The Bear's Head is a top choice for anyone after great food, proper pints, and wall-to-wall live sport. This much-loved local serves up crowd-pleasing pub classics made with Welsh produce, alongside unbeatable daily deals like Steak Wednesdays and Fish Fridays.
With bottomless coffee, a wide range of draught beers (including their exclusive Bear's Head Ale), and all the major sports channels across multiple screens, it's the kind of no-fuss, full-flavour pub experience that keeps the locals coming back.
Flaunting a huge space, The Pontcanna is the perfect place to drink real ales, craft lagers and much more. Settle into its beer garden for a few pints or, when the winter comes, huddle up inside with a warming roast dinner. Fancy staying the night? It has rooms upstairs too.
The third oldest pub in the whole city, Blue Bell has got a lot of history to it. This cosy spot can be found close to Cardiff Castle, dating back more than two centuries. The unique interiors feature quirky tiles and traditional wooden furnishings, as well as a spacious outdoor terrace that's perfect for soaking up the sun. They show all kinds of live sport here too, alongside a classic Welsh menu of juicy beef, chicken or veggie burgers, jacket potatoes, hearty pies and more.
Renowned for rustling up some of the best pub food in Cardiff city centre, O'Neill's Mary Street is the place to go for top-notch scran. But that's not all it's good for; just check out the fantastic menu of drinks, as well as the lineup of live music and sports screenings. Find its sister site on Trinity Street too.
Pen & Wig is one of the loveliest old pubs in Cardiff city centre, fronting a mix of traditional and contemporary stylings (plus a lush beer garden). It boasts brunches, afternoon teas, roast dinners and a selection of elevated classics, with signature cocktails and pints to wash it all down.
Sitting right next to Principality Stadium, The Head of Steam is a prime spot for a pre-gig dinner and drinks. Think triple-stacked burgers, pizzas and gyros, plus tonnes of vegan options and lots of tipples to wash down your meal with.
Porter's isn't your average drinking den. Not only can you catch a whole host of exciting live music, comedy and cabaret, but also play board games and test your knowledge at weekly quiz nights. Even better? There are all kinds of luscious liquid libations up for grabs.
This is one for those of you who like your craft pints. The Cambrian Tap has a selection of beers courtesy of local breweries alongside other high-quality choices from around the world. Its bar snacks game is also on point, with top-notch pork pies and scotch eggs that go down all too well.
A firm favourite of students and those boozing on a budget, The Vulcan Lounge is a seriously quirky pub over on Wyvern Road. Head in for hearty breakfasts and giant pizzas that won't break the bank, as well as regular live music nights that'll blow your socks off.
