If you fancy yourself a bit of a night-time caffeine drinker or just want to head somewhere for an alcohol-free fun time, there’s a handful of late night cafes in Dublin to visit and switch up your evenings out. Whether you’re just after a caffeine fix, want some evening desserts after dinner or you’re in the mood for some Shisha, head to one of these spots and you’ll be sure to have a good time.

Mind The Step

Coffee and dancing – an unexpected combo, but it brings us one of the few late night cafes in Dublin, so how could we ever complain? Also, a hit of caffeine will keep us dancing until all hours, so really, it makes sense. Mind The Step has been around for quite some time and is one of the only cafes in Dublin that has managed to keep their late opening hours over the years. With a location in the heart of the city centre, it’s a no-brainer for those who still want to enjoy a night out sans the alcohol, especially when there’s a dance class on the cards! They close at 11pm from Tuesday to Saturday, 9pm on Mondays and 8pm on Sundays.

Smooch Café & Dessert Bar

A new dessert spot has been added to the scene – Smooch recently opened in Dundrum and has been extremely popular not only for their delicious desserts, açai bowls and (free!) mini ice cream cones with their coffees, but for the fact that they stay open till 10pm (soon to be 11pm!). Certainly a perk for those finishing up a long day of shopping in Dundrum, especially since the centre closes at 9pm on weekdays, so shoppers can head to Smooch for a post-browsing sweet treat and drink.

Shaku Maku

Yes, this is a restaurant, but no, adding Shaku Maku to the list is not cheating! If you head to their covered outdoor area, you can enjoy a delicious coffee or mint tea with some Shisha – a molasses-based tobacco product that is smoked through a hookah. A very popular activity in the Middle East and in Eastern Europe, especially for the evenings, you can enjoy your meal or dessert at Shaku Maku until 11pm all week! Make sure to order their Knafeh (pictured above) for an indulgent dessert to pair with your coffee.

Clockwork Door

A unique location on this list, the Clockwork Door is everything you want it to be – a social space, an event venue, an escape room, a living room… the possibilities are endless. The escape room part is not a threat – they have 2 escape rooms to choose from, if you’re up for a bit of an adventure! Not only can you enjoy a fun time with your friends late into the evening (10pm), but the Clockwork Door have a range of games for you to play, whether it’s board games or video games. Hosting the occasional event at their venue, you’ll find everything from Mario Kart Fridays to Mocktail masterclasses. You pay by the minute, and it gets cheaper the longer you stay, starting at 10 cent per minute, then dropping to 8 cent after the first 2 hours etc.

Tea Garden

Tea enthusiasts, we’ve found your heaven. If you’re after a quiet night sipping on some fragrant teas and possibly a Shisha, the Tea Garden is the spot to visit. Choose from over 40 teas (and a selection of non-tea drinks too!), and pick one of their 6 unique rooms to enjoy a tranquil evening with your friends or an intimate date night. Kick off your shoes, sit back, and delight in a couple of decadent desserts until 11pm every day!

Coffee Co at Cloud Nine

Head to the heart of Temple Bar for a sweet treat and a coffee until the late hours of the evening all week. Cloud Nine certainly cannot be missed whenever you take a stroll through Temple Bar – it’s colourful, pink, and stays open all night! They serve coffee from Coffee Co inside, so if you’re after a scoop or two of ice cream and an evening caffeine fix, they’ll sort you right out with a friendly smile until 11pm.

Amir’s Delights

Baklawa, Shisha and some Turkish coffee – it’s like we’re in the Middle East! Nestled in the Italian quarter on Ormond Quay, Amir’s Delights stays open until midnight (or 1am on weekends), and is the perfect spot to head to when you’re in the mood to catch up with some friends and cosy up with a cup of Moroccan tea and some Shisha.

The Music Cafe

A charming and cosy spot overlooking the Liffey, the Music Café is one to frequent when you’re after some really good tunes and an evening caffeine kick. You must give this spot a visit especially if you’re a jazz lover – nothing sounds better than some funky live jazz and a warm drink whilst escaping the inevitable rainy evenings of Dublin! If you’re more of a tea drinker, their extensive selection is sure to impress, paired with a slice of cake or a tasty snack.