There’s a specific kind of soul in the best cafes in Dublin that goes way beyond a standard caffeine fix. It’s a real mix—you’ve got these cramped, cozy neighborhood spots tucked away in the suburbs sitting alongside high-end roasteries that take their beans very seriously. Honestly, whether you’re just ducking in to hide from the rain or settling in for a long afternoon with a book, the best coffees in Dublin are the best way to get a feel for the city’s actual rhythm.
10 Best Cafes in Dublin
1. 3fe IFSC
If you’re around the Docklands and actually care about your best cafes in Dublin, 3fe IFSC is a no-brainer. It’s got that clean, minimalist aesthetic—lots of light and simple wood—but it still feels warm, especially with the morning buzz of locals and office crowds. The coffee is obviously the main event (the flat whites are arguably the most consistent in Dublin), but the brunch and pastries are just as good. It’s easily one of the most reliable spots in the area.
Address: Mayor Square, North Wall, Dublin, D01 X0H7, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30-15:30 Sat-Sun: 9:00-16:00
2. Vice Coffee Inc
Vice Coffee Inc is one of the best coffee shops in Dublin city centre that just sticks with you. It’s tucked away near Abbey Street—tiny, loud with color, and covered in local art, and it completely avoids that sterile, corporate chain vibe. They’ve got the coffee basics down to a science, but the real reason to go is the specials board. Whether it’s some experimental latte or a bake that actually tastes homemade, it all feels super intentional. The most popular coffee, such as Signature Irish Coffees and Iced and Cold Brew Options, without any of the ego.
Address: 54 Middle Abbey St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 E2X4, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Wed: 11:00-16:00 Thur-Sun: 11:00-18:00
3. Brother Hubbard
The weekend queue outside Brother Hubbard tells you everything you need to know. It’s a bit of a Dublin institution—leafy, a little chaotic, and has that warm, exposed-brick feel that’s cozy even when it’s absolutely mental inside. The coffee is solid, but you’re really there for the Middle Eastern-ish brunch. The shakshuka and eggs with zhoug actually live up to the reputation, which is rare. It basically feels like the neighborhood’s unofficial living room.
Address: 29A Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 HC59, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:15-16:00 Sat-Sun: 10:00-16:30
4. Two Pups Coffee
Two Pups Coffee is a chilled neighbourhood favourite in The Liberties. It’s small, zero-pretension, and has that lived-in feel with the plants and simple wooden tables. The coffee is obviously great, with the recommended smooth flat white and well-crafted lattes. It’s the sourdough toasties and those random seasonal specials that keep the locals glued to the place. It’s the kind of spot where the staff actually seem happy to see you in Dublin.
Address: 74 Francis St, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 KA43, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30-15:30, Sat-Sun: 9:00-15:30
5. Kaph
Kaph as one of the best coffee shops in Dublin city centre is a total Drury Street staple. It’s spread over two floors and has this great, artsy energy that feels a world away from the busy city centre outside. The ground floor is usually buzzing, but the real move is grabbing a perch upstairs where it’s a bit more chilled. The staff at this best cafe is serious about their specialty coffee, their oat lattes are actually legit, and the pastries like almond croissants, sponge cakes, and brownies are dangerous if you’re trying to be good.
Address: 31 Drury St, Dublin 2, D02 Y684, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Sat: 8:00-18:00 Sun: 10:00-18:00
6. Proper Order Coffee Company
There’s a specific kind of energy at Proper Order Coffee Co—it’s bright, sharp, and always feels like the heart of Smithfield. While the sleek, urban décor is great for hanging out, the coffee is what keeps everyone coming back. But the real pro move is grabbing one of their croissants or cardamom buns to go with it. It stands out as one of the best cafes in Dublin, the kind of spot where the baristas are genuinely dialed into their espresso and will happily geek out with you over the tasting notes of a specific Ethiopian pour-over. uhomes.com offers many student accommodations in Smithfield that are within short walking distance to the coffee shop and convenient for students to enjoy city life.
Address: Unit 1, The Distillery Building, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 WDX9, Ireland
Business Hours: 8:00-16:00 Every day
7. Wall & Keogh Superior Teas
Looking for best coffee in Dublin? Wall & Keogh Superior Teas is a cosy Portobello café-tea shop that feels like a quiet hideout from the city streets. What’s great about this spot is that they actually give a damn about their tea—it’s not just an afterthought to the coffee. They’ve got a massive loose-leaf selection that’s just as good as their brews. There’s a ton of space to park up, inside or out, and the whole vibe is totally low-stakes. You’ll see people properly losing track of time here, getting stuck into a fresh sandwich or a slice of cake.
Address: 45 Richmond St S, Portobello, Dublin, D02 XD93, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:00 Sat: 09:00-17:00 Sun: 09:30-17:00
8. Brew Lab Specialty Coffee
Brew Lab Specialty Coffee is a beloved specialty coffee spot on Redmond’s Hill that feels both modern and warm, with a compact but carefully designed interior where locals linger over drinks rather than rush out. The vibe of this best cafes in dublin city centre is calm and focused on great coffee — you’ll find espresso drinks, rotating filter brews, cold brew and nitro options that change with the season, plus plenty of chat from baristas who really know their beans. People often grab flaky pastries, cakes, or savoury bites like sausage rolls, Lemon Cube, Coffee Walnut Cake, making it a perfect stop for a relaxed morning or mid-day break in the city.
Address: 17 Redmond’s Hill, Dublin, D02 E034, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30-16:30 Sat: 08:00-17:00 Sun: 9:00-16:00
9. Copper + Straw Speciality Coffee
Copper + Straw is one of those rare spots right by O’Connell Bridge that actually feels like a local hangout. It’s perched on Aston Quay, and the big windows make it arguably the best place in the city to just sit and people-watch. They don’t mess around when it comes to the coffee—they’ve got the whole specialty thing down to a science, and the almond croissants are the real talk of the neighborhood. It’s got that sharp, modern look without feeling sterile or “too cool” for you. It’s basically just a reliable hideout for whenever the absolute madness of the city centre gets to be a bit much.
Address: 14 – 18 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 FV38, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:00-16:00 Sat-Sun: 09:00-16:00
10. Shoe Lane Coffee
Just a few minutes’ walk from the water, Shoe Lane isn’t your average modern coffee shop. Shoe Lane is basically the definition of a Dublin 2 neighborhood local. Tucked away by Tara Street, it’s got this great, lived-in feel—think reclaimed timber and old-school sewing machines everywhere—that makes it easy to actually relax. They don’t mess around when it comes to the technical side of coffee, so the flat whites are always spot on, but they’ve also got the best oat lattes and sourdough toasties in the area. It’s the kind of place where you walk in for a quick caffeine fix after your classes at Trinity College Dublin.
Address: 7 Tara St, Dublin 2, D02 Y662, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 06:30-18:30 Sat-Sun: 08:00-18:30
Best Coffee Shops in Dublin for Brunch Lovers
1. Social Fabric Cafe
If you want a proper, slow brunch in Stoneybatter, Social Fabric Café is the one of the best coffee shops in Dublin. It used to be an old post office, it has a warm, inviting feel that makes it incredibly easy to spend the whole morning there. The Cappuccino or latte never misses, and you have to try the recommendations includes the Turkish eggs and the avocado toast are next level. It’s just a genuinely welcoming neighborhood joint, whether you’re grabbing a quick flat white or killing a few hours on a Saturday.
Address: 34 Stoneybatter, Arbour Hill, Dublin, D07 HP99, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:00-16:00 Sat-Sun: 09:00-16:00
2. The Pepper Pot
Hidden inside the Powerscourt Centre, The Pepper Pot is a brilliant spot for a slow morning. What really makes it stand out is the sought-after Roast Pear Bacon Sandwich and Fresh Scones & Bagels. The food is simple but incredibly well done, especially the Victoria Sponge, and is widely considered one of the best taste in the city. As one of the best coffee shops in Dublin city centre, the cafeteria allows you to sit out on the first-floor balcony with a cappuccino, check out the blackboard specials, and just watch the world go by.
Address: 59 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 CH28, Ireland
Business Hours: Mon-Thur: 10:00-17:00 Fri-Sat: 09:00-17:00 Sun: 10:00-16:00
3. Fumbally
The Fumbally is a total Dublin institution for brunch lovers. This massive, airy spot in the Liberties is basically half-café and half-community hub. People always enjoy the mismatched furniture and the high ceilings—it’s the kind of place where you can actually just hang out for ages without feeling rushed. The single-origin coffee or cold brew is top-tier, but the food, such as Fumbally Eggs, Avocado on Rustic Toast, and Homemade Granola, is the real winner. Everything is organic and made from scratch, from the sourdough to the cakes.
Address: Fumbally Ln, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 HFF2, Ireland
Business Hours: Tues-Fri: 08:00-17:00 Sat: 09:00-17:00 Sun: 10:00-15:00 Monday Closed
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Conclusion
The best cafes in Dublin are the city’s real social heartbeat. It’s a mix of tucked-away neighborhood spots and buzzing city-center hubs. One morning you’re after a precision-brewed flat white at 3FE, the next you’re trying whatever weird and wonderful special Vice is pouring, or settling into The Fumbally for a proper brunch. With plenty of the best coffee shops in Dublin, the best way to soak up the local vibe is one caffeine fix and a cinnamon bun at a time.
FAQ
If you’re chasing a really good flat white in Dublin, Copper + Straw and Coffeeangel are hard to beat. Both spots are known for smooth, well-balanced espresso and perfectly textured milk, making them reliable choices whether it’s your first coffee of the day or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Tropical Popical has a few spots around the city and has quietly become a favourite hangout for remote workers. The Smithfield branch stands out in particular, with loads of plug sockets and a setup that actually works for laptops. The coffee is consistently good, and the vibe is easygoing — no one’s rushing you out the door if you’re settling in for a long work session.
For standout coffee and seriously good pastries, it’s worth stopping by Bread 41, The Pepper Pot, or Shoe Lane Coffee — all three are known for great bakes and a cup that doesn’t disappoint.
Despite what some visitors expect, Irish coffee isn’t something you’ll usually find on the menu in most Dublin cafés. The whiskey-laced classic is more common in restaurants and certain bars, though a few spots like Vice Coffee Inc or The Stage Door Café are known to serve their own take on it.
Coffee is hugely popular in Dublin, and the city has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most coffee-mad capitals, with a specialty scene that keeps getting stronger every year. Tea may still hold its place in Irish tradition, but around 62% of people in Ireland now drink coffee regularly, and independent cafés play a big role in that everyday culture.
In Dublin, you’ll usually pay somewhere between €3.50 and €4.50 for a regular takeaway coffee. A simple cup can average around €3.20, but drinks like lattes or flat whites often edge closer to the €4–€5 mark. Expect to pay a bit more in city-centre cafés, while spots outside the core tend to be slightly cheaper.
You’ll find some of the best specialty coffee shops in Dublin scattered around the city centre and neighbourhoods like Smithfield, The Liberties, and Stoneybatter. Spots like 3FE, Brew Lab, Proper Order, and Vice Coffee Inc are all solid choices if you’re after carefully sourced beans and expertly made espresso drinks.
If you’re after a proper Irish coffee in Dublin, you’re more likely to find a good one in traditional pubs or hotel bars rather than standard cafés. Places like The Buena Vista, The Stage Door Café, or certain city-centre bars are known for serving a well-made version with smooth whiskey, strong coffee, and thick cream on top.
