The 7 Best Cocktail Bars in Cardiff

Best cocktails in Cardiff, How do these rankings work?

1. Lab 22

Experts in mixology, the staff at Lab 22 create cocktails with a scientific theme that you just know will look and taste exceptional. The cocktails here are award-winning and the menus are often bespoke and change regularly, giving you a chance to sample unique cocktails often with different themes. An award-winning cocktail bar and one of the best in the UK, you know you’ll experience something truly special here.

2. The Botanist

This bar’s speciality is premium and creative cocktails. Head to the Botanist on Church Street for a range of classic, creative and non-alcoholic cocktails as well as signature food dishes. You can also enjoy a Sunday Roast, kebabs, burgers and many classic dishes to satisfy your hunger as you sip on some of the best cocktails in Wales.

3. The Dead Canary

Here be dragons! Lovers of all things enchanting, weird, wonderful and fantastical, The Dead Canary is a unique cocktail bar with cocktails and drinks that follow a mythical/folklore theme and that often have unconventional garnishes. The bar’s vintage interior is characterised by its decor, lighting and ambience. What’s more, the staff here are praised for their friendliness and professionalism. Much like a speakeasy, this bar has a secret entrance where you must ring a doorbell to enter. One of the quirkiest and unique cocktail bars around, it’s definitely worth visiting.

4. The Alchemist

One of the UK’s best-known and best-reviewed cocktail bars, The Alchemist offers an array of creative cocktails within revamped underground vaults and a dimly lit upper level that exudes comfort and quality. On the menu, you’ll find fruity offerings, coffee-based cocktails and some classic and well-known offerings like Negronis, Mojitos, Margaritas and Spritz, all with a creative twist. If you’re hungry, enjoy the brunch, lunch or dinner menu that will perfectly accompany your cocktails.

5. NQ64

With a retro arcade theme, neon graffitied walls, UV lighting and an eclectic cocktail menu, NQ64 is quite a unique experience. Located across the UK, NQ64 features a large collection of real classic game consoles like PacMan, Mario Kart and Guitar Hero, among many others. Play as you drink and enjoy the immersive gaming atmosphere of this den-style bar. As for drinks, you can find uniquely-presented cocktails with a gaming theme, as well as classic draught beers, wines and spirits.

6. Dirty Martini

One of the best bottomless brunch venues in the city, and the provider of exceptional quality cocktails, you’ll feel extremely welcomed and accommodated here. Plus, Dirty Martini has regular happy hours, so if you aim to have a boozy night out that won’t break the bank, you’re in the right place. You can also expect premium food options, non-alcoholic cocktails and classic alcohol like beers, ciders and wines.

7. Bootlegger

This 1920s-style cocktail bar and live music venue combined is the source of a really good night out in Cardiff. The upper level of this bar is a laid-back cocktail lounge, and the lower floor transforms this venue into a small-scale live music venue playing jazz, swing, rock and blues music. The cocktails here are made with locally sourced fresh ingredients to create the ultimate tasting experience and premium quality drinks. Choose from around 90 cocktails to sweeten your evening, plus some delicious sharing platters that are the perfect accompaniment to your drink.