‘Caife’ [KAF-uh] is the Irish for ‘coffee’
Coffee and Cafés are two of my favourite things in life. Thankfully, they compliment each other quite well! The so-called ‘café culture’ has taken over Dublin in recent years as the city becomes more multicultural and Continental in style, and I for one am a definite fan. With that, I’ve compiled a list of my top ten Dublin cafés!
10: Carluccio’s, Dawson Street
Although it’s not a huge favorite of mine, British restaurant chain Carluccio’s opened their doors to Dublin in 2008 and has been a popular place to be seen among Dubliners. The coffee is fantastic, but don’t forget your wallet!
9: Fixx Coffee House, Dawson Street
Fixx is the newest café on my list, but it’s quickly becoming known throughout the capital as a place to try out. To date, I’ve only been here once, but the coffee I got was fantastic and the staff are as friendly and relaxed as the café itself. This is definitely a great place to relax with a book and your cup of Java. (They’re also on Twitter!)
8: Metro Café, South William Street
While Fixx is the place to read a book, Metro Café is the place to go people watching! Metro Café definitely has a Continental atmosphere to it, and as it’s located on the ever-busy South William Street, you’re certainly experience the European side of Dublin living. The coffee, admittedly, can sometimes be a bit hit-and-miss, but their food is great. A nice place to stop off to check out some of Dublin’s scenery as they walk by, or sit down beside you!
7: Third Floor Espresso, Middle Abbey Street
Third Floor Espresso - also known as 3FE - is a gem in Dublin’s café crown. Run by Colin, a two-time Irish Barista Champion, the guys at 3FE know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to coffee. Located in the front part of the Twisted Pepper bar & venue, the décor of this café is a bohemian’s paradise, reminiscent of the cafés of Amsterdam. This, without a doubt, is Heaven for the serious coffee addict!
6: Queen of Tarts, Cow’s Lane
I was introduced to the Queen of Tarts by a friend some years ago, and I’ve never regretted it. Located in the recently-developed ‘Old City’ of Temple Bar, this café has quite a reputation for itself for all the right reasons. Few tourists would know about this place, yet in fact it’s located perfectly between two places of interest; Dublin Castle and Christchurch Cathedral. With great food, great coffee and surprisingly reasonable prices, make sure you say hello to the Queen when you’re in Dublin.
5: Herbstreet, Hanover Quay, Grand Canal Dock
As someone who loves design, I cannot but be impressed with Herbstreet, one of the relatively new cafés of the stylish Docklands district of Dublin. As they say themselves, the guys at Herbstreet are into four things; homemade food using locally sourced ingredients where possible; keeping an eye on their carbon footprint, playing some good tunes and having a happy work force. They certainly achieve those aims without breaking a sweat.
4: Wall & Keogh Teas, Portobello
Before I say any more, I have to admit that I haven’t been to this place yet. Still, when a friend suggested it to me earlier today on Twitter, I fell in love with what I say! Wall & Keogh Teas, as you could imagine, specialise in - you guessed it - tea, rather than coffee. That being said, however, I think even the most loyal of coffee drinkers will try a ‘cupán tae’ as we Irish say once they see the interior of this beautiful venue - despite it being slightly outside the city centre. I cannot wait to take my friend up on her offer and catch up with her soon at Wall & Keogh.
3: Stage Door Café, Essex Street
Stage Door Café is located in Temple Bar, and as such, artistic type flock from the four corners of Temple Bar Square to descend upon this beautiful Parisian-styled café. A word of warning, though: the waiters have a tendency of being breathtakingly beautiful. You may find yourself sipping your immaculately made coffee for hours!
2: Brick Alley Café, Essex Street
Brick Alley Café is a fantastic little café that offers a lot more than you’d first expect. The coffee is consistently beautiful, the music takes you to another world and for iPhone owners and technology lovers alike, there is free WiFi for all customers (just ask for the password at the counter). I must say that if there was ever a specifically Modern Irish style of café, Brick Alley Café would fall into such a category, as it seems to mix traditional Irish décor (use of wood, etc.) with a South American vibe. This place has quickly become one of my favourite places to be in the city.
1: LemonJelly, Millenium Walkway
I will say that I’m slightly biased when I put LemonJelly at Number One of my favourite Dublin cafés. Why? Because I once worked there!
Regardless of the fact that I’m on first-name terms with most of the staff, LemonJelly really has something special that few cafés possess. Located in the heart of Dublin’s so-called Italian Quarter, this café is a designer’s heaven. Latino and lounge music will be heard over the speakers, the aroma of crêpes filling your nostrils and you will always be greeted by a friendly waiter. During the summer, don’t be surprised to see the Latino community take this place over with a samba night or a resident DJ! LemonJelly is, without any doubt, one of the best cafés in Dublin.
