Something A Little Different

One of the most celebrated places for drinking and dining in the UK, Cardiff comes blessed with alternative and quirky venues to check out when your standard routine just won’t cut it. Featuring everything from opulent bars with talented mixologists to buzzing cultural hubs for live entertainment, there’s plenty to consider when you’re looking for something a little different in Cardiff. Here’s just a few cool venues to try next time you’re out on the town.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 22nd October 2024




YO!

Discounts available on certain events

If quirky things to do in Cardiff are your jam, then you must put YO! Sushi School on the list. You'll enjoy gyozas and a drink on arrival, followed by the chance to learn some knife skills, enjoy a bit of history and whip up four delicious items.

Alcotraz Cardiff: Cell Block Nine-One

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cardiff on Various dates from Tuesday 24th December 2024

Spice up your night with an evening behind bars at Alcotraz: Cell Block Nine-One. The secret speakeasy offers an immersive, theatrical experience based on real life inmate stories. Smuggle-in liquor past the warden and enjoy bespoke cocktails made with your successful contraband. 

The Dead Canary

After something completely out of the ordinary? The Dead Canary is a sleek, decadent spot on call for special occasions or whenever you fancy some beautiful cocktails in Cardiff. Housed in a Grade II-listed building, there's live jazz and folk music at the weekends and drinks are made by the highly skilled mixologists in a low-lit, ridiculously stylish setting. Booking in advance is always a good idea, which you can do - for free - on our website.

Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch Cardiff

@ District Cardiff on Saturday 1st February 2025 and 9 other Saturdays

Get ready to lip-sync for your life with tickets to Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch, taking place at Walkabout in Cardiff. Marvel as some of the hottest queens around take to the stage (past performers have seen Honey Foxx and Tamara Thomas strut their stuff), and present a host of games, gags and more. Sip on 90 minutes of free-flowing tipples with your pals and devour the likes of chicken, beef or veggie burgers alongside fries to keep your stamina up.

Dirty Martini Cardiff

Christmas Happy Hour

The impressive Dirty Martini collective has chosen Cardiff as its first city to expand to outside of London. Opening up in October of this year, expect an atmosphere oozing with glamour and sophistication, with bespoke martinis on the menu and happy hour deals running throughout the week. A must-try for those looking to get all dressed up for drinks at one the coolest bars in Cardiff.

Tonight Josephine Cardiff

On the hunt for a bottomless brunch in Cardiff's city centre? Tonight Josephine is the pink party palace that's coming in hot for your weekend antics. Gobble up delicious eats, wash it down with free-flowing drinks and enjoy all kinds of live entertainment.

Fabulous Brunch Events Cardiff

When it comes to having a unique time in this city, Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events Cardiff has to be right up there. Not only will you get to see a stellar themed show, drag hosts and waiters in the buff, but also sip bottomless booze.

Coyote Ugly Cardiff

Let loose at Coyote Ugly - the Nashville-inspired bar found in the city centre. You can enjoy all kinds of wild parties here, as well as some fun daytime events.

You can enjoy an hour-long dance lesson every Saturday, complete with a mimosa reception. Plus their bottomless brunches run every single day, including 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, prosecco and beer.

The Potted Pig

Situated in a former bank vault below the High Street, leave the bustle of the city centre behind in favour of this glorious restaurant and bar. The Potted Pig champions independent, high-quality producers and it shows, with a few French and NYC influences sprinkled over a menu of Modern British food. Gin fan? Good, because there's an outstanding list of bespoke gins running to over 30, as well as a good solid choice of wine and beer. One of our top picks when it comes to quirky restaurants in Cardiff.

Porter's

Bored of the usual pub scene and craving something quirkier? Porter's be the pub for you. Gathering up a crowd of fun-seekers who head in for the eclectic line-up of comedy nights, live gigs, ping-pong, board games and film screenings, it's time you checked out this smashing bolthole for yourself. Pizzas are on the menu and there's a good solid range of affordable drinks; a must-try alternative night out in Cardiff.

Chapter's Café Bar

Caffi is the destination of choice for lovers of art and theatre inside the city's vibrant Chapter complex. Setting up a cosy environment largely thanks to the huge paintings and otherwise minimalist interior design, it's a stress-free hangout that provides a much-needed break from your typical bustling bar in the city. Relax in this quirky Cardiff bar with craft beer, real ales and a seasonal food menu to cater for all tastes.