With a growing creative scene and a fantastic selection of bars, Cardiff is slowly becoming one of the UK’s hottest cities.
From trendy rooftop bars to intimate speakeasies, it has a wide range of cocktail options to choose from.
So whether you’re off to see the rugby, taking a stroll along the bay, or spending the day shopping, you’re bound to find the perfect cocktail to suit your mood.
And one of the best things about Cardiff is its accessibility – everything is just a short walk away!
(Perfect for a cocktail bar crawl if you ask me!)
So without further ado, here’s the ultimate round-up of the 27 best cocktail bars in Cardiff.
1. Pennyroyal
Address: 22 High St, Cardiff CF10 1PT
Phone number: 029 2132 1441
Pennyroyal is a trendy, award-winning bar situated in the heart of the city centre.
It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a cocktail or two, thanks to its retro ambience and jaw-dropping bar.
With so many cocktails on offer, it’s no surprise they were featured on GQ’s Food and Drink Top 6 2020 and listed No.36 in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars in the UK.
Typically too much choice can mean compromising on quality, but not here!
Looking for something refreshing?
Go for a Restorative cocktail.
Heading for a big night out?
Bring on the Euphoriants!
2. Gin 64
Address: Royal buildings, Victoria Rd, Penarth CF64 3ED
Phone number: 07526 997781
Gin 64 is a family-run business situated in the heart of Penarth.
A short distance from the Cardiff Bay Trail Walk, it’s the perfect spot to reward yourself with a tipple before catching the train back into the centre.
Embracing vintage styles from New York, Paris and London, Gin 64 have brought an antique, blissful, and modern atmosphere to Penarth.
Its beautiful and bright interiors with open windows mean you can sit in comfort while watching the world go by.
And in 2019, they launched Penarth Gin, a solid, elegant and juniper-led Welsh Dry Gin, distilled using only the purest Welsh water and with the blood of Penarth flowing through its veins.
It’s well worth crossing the river for!
3. Lo Lounge
Address: Porth Teigr Way, Cardiff CF10 4GA
Phone number: 02920 090060
Lo Lounge is a vibrant cafe and bar located on the tip of the Bay.
It’s a real Cardiff hotspot and it’s not hard to see why!
With gorgeous waterside views and mouth-watering cocktails, it’s perfect for wasting away the summer days and watching the sunset.
You might be tempted to save your visit for the summer, but this spot can be enjoyed just as much in the winter.
(Those low winter sunsets? Wow!)
However, if you’d prefer to watch the sunset from a distance, fear not because they have plenty of space inside.
This makes it the perfect year-round venue.
With plenty of events and opportunities to enjoy live music from incredible local bands, you’re sure to keep coming back!
Did we also mention dogs are welcome?
Keep an eye out on social media for their Happy Hour Fridays, too, where it’s two cocktails for £12!
4. The Dead Canary
Address: Barrack Ln, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 2FR
Phone number: 02920 231263
The Dead Canary serves cocktails that are perfectly planned, poured, and presented.
Constantly working on an exciting new collection, the menu changes at least once a year.
With careful thought and planning, a new menu means only one thing: attentive, experienced staff creating cocktails that are perfectly balanced and full of flavour.
Their latest menu will take you on a journey through Wales’ best myths and legends.
They even did a cocktail based on the iconic Y Ddraig Goch, an emblem of the Welsh on the National flag!
Top tip: when you arrive, look out for the small bell…
5. Chapel 1877
Address: Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2WF
Phone number: 02920 222020
Conveniently located in the city centre, Chapel 1877 is one of the most vibrant restaurants in Cardiff.
The three-floor Gothic building has been renovated to provide a luxury backdrop for an evening of fine dining (and cocktails!).
Fom the outside Chapel 1877, looks, well, just like a chapel.
And that’s the best part!
Its beautiful arches, bright windows, and exposed brick make it a lovely surrounding to marvel at while sipping on a classic cocktail.
Try and grab yourself a booth as they make a great spot for enjoying the chapel while also providing privacy if you wanted to confess your darkest secrets…
6. The Bootlegger
Address: 5A Womanby St, Cardiff CF10 1BR
Phone number: 02920 373482
The Bootlegger is exactly what you imagine it to be.
This cocktail bar has one goal: to encapsulate the same energy felt on the 5th December 1933, when Prohibition ended.
It has over 90 different cocktails for you to enjoy, all freshly made with locally sourced fruits and botanicals.
As one of the only bars in the UK to sell CBD-infused cocktails, why not grab yourself a Mellow Melon Sour or Tropical Thunder?
It’s worth noting, there’s a limit on how many of these you’re allowed!
But it’s not just the drinks that bring people here, it’s the music.
Swing, Jazz, live DJs, you name it – this bar is all about having a good time!
7. Rum & Fizz
Address: Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10
Phone number: 02920 224575
Rum & Fizz is a fantastic spot for enjoying a cocktail after a long day shopping in the centre.
Indoor or outdoor, whatever your preference, there are no bad seats here!
The outside area offers a great view for admiring shoppers passing by, while the chilled atmosphere and cosy inside interior will tempt you to stay all day.
Why not try the Caribbean 8th Wonder?
It’s a delicious blend of Market Row spiced rum, gin liqueur, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, cranberry, and sugar!
8. Scaredy Cats Cafe Bar
Address: 16 Working St, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 1GN
Scaredy Cats is an independent café/bar in the heart of Cardiff that’s definitely worth a visit.
Across the square from The Botanist, it’s not your typical spot for a cocktail, but a cool spot nonetheless.
While they offer craft beer and cider, their cocktails are not to be missed.
If you prefer your cocktails with a bit of drama, you’re in the wrong place.
However, the staff are friendly, welcoming, and passionate about finding you the perfect drink!
The team regularly collaborates with local breweries and the best local suppliers in the area.
They offer tasting nights and most recently used Barry Island Spirit’s Rum to create their bespoke Apple Crumble cocktail.
Sounds delicious?
That’s because it is!
9. The Botanist
Address: UNIT 5, 10 Church St, Cardiff CF10 1BG
Phone number: 02920 130053
The Botanist is a vibrant and energetic cocktail bar that’s a favourite amongst cocktail lovers in Cardiff.
It has a sleek and modern design but its main appeal is that it’s also one of the best rooftop bars in Cardiff.
Up on the roof, you’ll find heaters and a cosy fire pit to keep you warm on those chilly evenings.
And for the summer… well, need we say more?!
And luckily for you, their cocktails are just as impressive as the decor.
Ever had a herbaceous and aromatic cocktail?
Me neither!
But the options are truly endless.
For those trying to stay sober, they have a great selection of cleverly named mocktails: The Beat the Blues, Zen State, and many others.
All are bound to satisfy your cravings without alcohol!
But this bar is more than just a place to grab a drink – they also have a ton of events to entertain you.
Musical Bingo, monthly musical quizzes, and request night are just a few of the things you can look forward to.
This is one of the best cocktail bars in Cardiff for anyone looking for a stylish and lively atmosphere.
10. Lab 22
Address: 22 Caroline St, Cardiff CF10 1FG
Phone number: 02920 399997
Lab 22 is a cocktail bar that pushes the boundaries of mixology and sets the standard for drinks in Cardiff.
This hotspot is different and daring, constantly striving to create mixed drinks, unlike anything you’ve had before.
And it’s not just talk – Lab 22 is an award-winning bar!
Located above Greggs on Caroline Street, it’s not where you might expect to find such an amazing spot, but that’s what makes it all the more special.
The current menu at Lab 22 is inspired by studying what we don’t yet know – the unexplored ideas and phenomena we’re yet to conquer.
It’s unique, and the drinks themselves are mouth-watering.
Prepare to want to try them all!
11. Pitch Bar & Eatery
Address: 3 Mill Ln, Cardiff CF10 1FL
Phone number: 02920 228882
Pitch Bar & Eatery is the perfect place if you’re looking to try a unique twist on classic cocktails.
This independent spot takes the classics one step further by offering options like the world-famous pornstar martini in a pitcher or a Welsh garden.
It’s not just the drinks that are noteworthy, however; the food here is simple, honest, and modern Welsh.
They use the best ingredients sourced locally from farmers.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the train station, this spot should be one of your first stops if you’re visiting the capital.
With a passion for using Welsh ingredients, it’s the perfect place to get a taste of the local culture.
Don’t miss out!
12. The Cocktail Club
Address: 75 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1FA
Phone number: 02075 801960
The Cocktail Club is one of the best cocktail bars in Cardiff for party people!
If you’re looking to take your cocktails to the club, this is the place to be.
Open seven days a week, with world-class bartenders and electric party vibes, they’ve got everything you need to let loose.
The Cocktail Club is made up of three floors, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Each floor has its own bar, so you’re always just a few steps away from your favourite cocktail.
Top tip: don’t miss out on happy hour where you can grab two cocktails for £12!
13. Fino Lounge
Address: 49 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DB
Phone number: 02920 692616
Fino Lounge is a fun and relaxing spot that feels like home.
With a blend of crowd-pleasing classics like martinis, mojitos, and margaritas, as well as some creative innovations like the mango tiki shake and elderflower rosé cooler, there’s something for everyone here!
The interiors of Fino Lounge are equally impressive, with a cosy and eclectic design that features battered old club chairs, an array of paintings, and retro wallpaper.
If you’re a football fan, you’ll be excited to know that Gareth Bale went to school just down the road from this Lounge location, in the green and leafy Whitchurch area.
It’s a great location for anyone looking for delicious cocktails without the pomp!
They also serve some of the best brunch in Cardiff if you’re looking for a hearty meal to start your day.
14. Society Standard
Address: 79-81 Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff CF14 3JP
Phone number: 02920 611556
If you’re looking for a spot that lives up to the saying “anything but standard”, you’ll love this cocktail bar.
With two cocktails for £10 on Tuesdays through Thursdays, Society Standard provides nothing but great value.
During the summer you can take advantage of the open patio windows at the front, or soak up some sun in the back.
Inside, the atmosphere is cool and stylish, with an elegant and simple pairing of exposed brick and leather seating.
The dim overhead lighting adds to the atmosphere, creating a cosy and sophisticated vibe, that makes Society Standard one of the best date ideas in Cardiff.
So if you’re looking for a unique and memorable cocktail experience outside of the centre, don’t miss out on this spot.
15. Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails
Address: 80 Tudor St, Cardiff CF11 6AL
Phone number: 07871 316018
Neighbourhood is Cardiff’s rotating street food kitchen, and with ever-changing menus and matching drink offerings, no two visits will ever be the same.
You never know what you might find here…
Street food and cocktails?
It might sound unusual, but you won’t know until you try it for yourself!
Past pairings have included tacos and tequila, and lychee boba cocktails and oyster mushroom “scallops”.
Trust me, it’s worth a visit!
Located just a short distance from the well-known Tramshed and Riverside market, this bar is a must-visit for a unique and exciting dining experience.
In order to avoid disappointment, be sure to book in advance!
16. Bar 105
Address: 105 Cathays Terrace, Cardiff CF24 4HU
Phone number: 07951 989877
Bar 105 is the place to be for delicious cocktails without any theatrics or frills.
In addition to a wide range of tasty cocktails, they also have a large selection of shots and shooters to choose from.
And the best part?
Bar 105 is cheaper than other bars in the city!
(Perfect for students who want to save some cash without sacrificing fun or quality.)
Don’t miss out on this laid-back spot with a friendly atmosphere and staff keen to make sure you have a great time!
17. Uisce
Address: 6-10 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9NR
Phone number: 029 2037 3009
A modern and welcoming bar with delicious food and drinks, Uisce is the perfect spot to escape the crowds.
The bar offers a proper mixology show that you’re welcome to get involved with, and the menu includes freshly shucked oysters, snacks, and small plates.
A small, intimate venue, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed evening with friends or a romantic date.
They offer a “Happy Hourish” so keep an eye out on their social media to catch a deal!
18. The Libertine
Address: 28 High St, Cardiff CF10 1PU
Phone number: 02921 303718
At The Libertine, you’ll find the perfect ingredients for a good time: the right mood, music, drinks, place, and people.
The Libertine team is a family of cocktail connoisseurs who love to party.
But don’t you worry, the mixologists here are skilled, and you’ll marvel at their creations!
Here you can let loose while enjoying well-thought-through cocktails.
It’s the perfect bar to indulge in what The Libertine describes as “sensual pleasures without regard to moral principles”.
Sound tempting?
I thought so!
19. Motel Nights
Address: Unit A6, Papermill Business Park, Paper Mill Rd, Cardiff CF11 8DH
Phone number: 07375 503062
Motel Nights is well-known across Cardiff for its hilarious comedy nights and fun events.
And once you’ve found it, you’ve found it!
This hidden space is chaotic, funky, and groovy, and the drinks are all part of the fun.
With decor that’s anything but subtle, it’s a perfect spot for Insta-worthy photos.
Complete with glitter balls, groovy chic writing, and bold-patterned wallpaper, you won’t know where to look!
Located in the artistic area of Canton, Motel Nights fits perfectly in its surroundings.
There’s the Boiler House Graffiti Project in the same building, VW Conversion specialists next door, and the well-known Bone Yard just down the road.
You’ll want to come back again and again!
20. CFeleven Gin Bar & Hotel
Address: 149 – 151 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9PJ
Phone number: 02920 390896
CFeleven is located on a leafy street between Llandaff Fields, Sophia Gardens, and the Cricket Ground.
If you love negronis or gin royales, then you’ll want to check out CFeleven.
While it’s not technically a cocktail bar, they have over 300 different gins to choose from!
Flavours like pudding gin are just as exciting as a manhattan or cosmo in my opinion.
Among the pubs and craft breweries in the area, CFeleven stands out with its huge selection of Welsh gins.
You might be surprised to learn that Wales has so many gins, but it’s true!
Enjoy a sophisticated tipple after a Saturday stroll before heading into the city.
21. The Alchemist
Address: 117 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1DY
Phone number: 029 2130 3755
The Alchemist is one of the best-known cocktail bars in Cardiff.
It’s a nationwide brand, and it’s not hard to see how it’s made such a name for itself.
This creative and exciting cocktail bar is based on the principles of alchemy, and it’s a real treat.
They’ve got unique cocktails served in test tubes as well as dry ice concoctions that will blow your mind.
This is one of the most buzzing cocktail bars in Cardiff, with some equally delicious and unconventional cocktails!
22. Peppermint Bar
Address: 63 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1FE
Phone number: 029 2039 9199
Peppermint Bar is a sophisticated cocktail bar that has a great line-up of award-winning cocktails, wines, and spirits on its menu.
You can enjoy their cocktails either inside the bar or out on their fully-heated and covered outdoor terrace, come rain or shine!
Their impressive cocktail lists include 16 quirky cocktails, including super sweet treats like The Jaffa Cake and Marshmallow Craze.
However, no visit to Peppermint is complete without trying their Mighty Mint cocktail.
Order it and thank me later!
23. Tonight Josephine
Address: 46 Caroline St, Cardiff CF10 1FF
Phone number: 029 2166 1831
Synonymous with its neon-lighted quotes on the wall, Tonight Josephine is one of the most Instagrammable cocktail bars in Cardiff.
Just imagine the photos you could capture here!
From the food and the drinks right through to the live performances and the banging tunes, Tonight Josephine always brings the vibes.
Come here for outrageous interiors, incredible sass, and delicious drinks.
This is the ultimate cocktail bar for a late-night party!
24. Gin & Juice
Address: 6 Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BU
Gin lovers, listen up, because I may have just found one of your new favourite cocktail bars in Cardiff!
Home to over 350 gins, Gin & Juice knows a thing or two about crafting a gorgeous gin cocktail.
If you don’t like drinking your gin straight, then why not try out one of their nine cocktails?
They’ve got all the classics you know and love (hello espresso martini!), alongside modern twists like a pumpkin-spiced white Russian and a toffee apple martini.
Their menus change seasonally, too, so you can visit all year round and try something new each time!
Top tip: visit them the following morning to cure your hangover with one of their delicious healthy dishes or freshly pressed juices.
25. Dirty Martini
Address: Imperial Gate, St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1FA
Phone number: 029 2167 2600
Dirty Martini is the home of martinis across the nation, so if you love a martini, this isn’t one to miss!
It’s a glamorous and fun cocktail bar with an extensive drinks list, so you’ll be sure to find your perfect drink match here.
Whether you’re looking for a bar for a quick drink after work or you’re getting ready to kickstart your weekend, these guys will be waiting to welcome you with open arms.
They’ve also got a cocktail-making class that’s great fun for birthday parties or the like, so check them out if that sounds like a bit of you!
26. Prego Wine Bar
Address: 23 High St, Cardiff CF10 1PT
Phone number: 029 2132 1231
You may be surprised to see somewhere with the word “wine” in its name feature on this list but Prego Wine Bar knows how to create some seriously special cocktails.
This elegant Italian bar has a 20-drink-long cocktail list, including some great 2 for £12 deals.
If you only order one thing, try out the Mango Bango special!
However, if you like to keep things traditional, their pornstar martinis always go down a treat, too.
27. Slug & Lettuce
Address: Multiple locations
Last but by no means least, Slug & Lettuce is somewhere that needs no introduction.
This classic chain is known for its good, reasonably-priced cocktails – you can never go wrong here!
Cocktails are two for one all day, every day which is reason enough to visit.
However, if you need more persuading, there are over 30 cocktails on the menu and table service is available too, so you can say goodbye to long waits at the bar.
The bar is also one of the best places to go for bottomless brunch in Cardiff so if you’re in the mood to drink unlimited cocktails, you know where to head!
So there you have it: a round-up of the 27 best cocktail bars in Cardiff.
And what a selection you have here!
Cardiff is an amazing city and luckily for you, its cocktail bars are just as great.
All that’s left to do is to pick out your favourite cocktail bars in Cardiff and get ready for the bar crawl of a lifetime!