Atmosphere, service and, of course, great beer; that's what you expect from a quality pub and Cardiff is blessed with plenty of them - and everyone has their favourite that they'll no doubt defend to anyone who's said a bad word about it. From quiet watering holes with well-stocked cellars to busy boozers with bustling bars, there's something for all tastes in the Welsh capital. You'll find the best pubs in Wales here.
So, here are the best pubs in Cardiff, in no particular order. And whether you want to drink somewhere full of hipsters with beards, somewhere with a gorgeous beer garden, or at a good old-fashioned boozer, you're bound to find somewhere you like.
Read more: The best Brains pubs in Cardiff according to TripAdvisor
1. The Heathcock
With a range of great drinks on offer, including a variety of draught ales and beers, and homemade flavoured gins, The Heathcock is a great pub with a wonderful atmosphere. The adjoining room serves as the restaurant area, where you can get some top notch food - their sous chef Rhodri was recently on MasterChef: The Professionals. There's even an oyster and champagne bar upstairs.
Where: 58-60 Bridge St, Cardiff CF5 2EN
Details: Heathcock
2. Cathays Beer House
This micropub in the heart of Cathays is featured in the Campaign for Real Ale’s Good Beer Guide 2022 (along with many of the pubs on this list). Opening in a former post office on Crwys Road in 2018, it specialises in selling beer from local brewers and more unusual craft ales from across the country. The tiny pub is dog friendly and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere alongside their colourful bottles and cans.
Where: 109 Crwys Road, Cathays, Cardiff CF24 4NF
Details: Cathays Beer House
3. Head of Steam
Also featured in the CAMRA guide is Head of Steam on Church Street. The craft ale bar took over the old Harvester, and offers up a range of different ales and beers - both locally sourced and from further afield - as well as cocktails. The dog-friendly venue also hosts a weekly quiz and regularly shows sporting events.
Where: 18-19 Church St, Cardiff CF10 1BG
Details: Head of Steam
4. Flute and Tankard
This Windsor Place pub is known for its live music and comedy nights, including jazz and folk nights as well as poetry nights. With a good selection of real ales, ciders, whiskeys, gins, and wines, the pub has a lively atmosphere with something for everyone.
Where: 4 Windsor Pl, Cardiff CF10 3BX
Details: The Flute and Tankard
5. The Lansdowne
An award-winning pub in Canton, The Lansdowne offers real ales and craft beers, a welcoming atmosphere and proper pub grub - they're renowned for their katsu curry. It's very popular with families, who often fill the tables in the afternoons and into the early evenings. But when they fade away, it's the perfect place to talk things over with your mates over a few beers.
Where: 71 Beda Road, CF5 1LX
Details: The Lansdowne
6. Radyr Tap
Radyr was long without a pub - 15 years in fact - until this little micropub opened - and it became an instant hit. The owner also runs VOG Brewery, and while the two are separate ventures, there's still a good selection of the beer found on site. They have also opened the Rhiwbina Tap & Cellar on Heol-Y-Deri.
Where: 1 Station Road, Radyr, Cardiff, CF15 8AA
Details: Radyr Tap
7. Pipes Brewery
Located in King's Yard in Pontcanna, this small artisan brewery's bar is open Thursday to Sunday. While you'll have to grab a seat outside, most are based undercover within the buzzing atmosphere of King's Yard, and it's the perfect spot for a sunny summer pint.
Where: 183A Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9DF
Details: Pipes
8. The Plough
The Plough in the heart of Whitchurch is a favourite with locals and has a community feel. With a monthly themed quiz and live music nights, The Plough also serves up some classic pub grub and a good range of beers, ales, and ciders. There's even a coffee club for those over 50 to come for a cuppa and a chat on a Monday.
Where: 1 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DA
Details: The Plough
9. The Robin Hood
This Pontcanna Boozer is set along one of the suburb's leafy streets and serves a range of ales, wines, and spirits as well as some good pub grub, including a Sunday lunch. With seating out of the front of the pub, as well as a large beer garden complete with a pizza oven out the back, the pub is a great option for all weathers. It also hosts live music nights and a pub quiz.
Where: 16 Severn Grove, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9EN
Details: The Robin Hood
10. St Canna's Ale House
Another micropub on the list, St Canna's Ale House focuses on serving quality beers from Welsh breweries. So if you're looking to try the latest trend in Welsh beer, this is as good a place as any.
Being a micropub, it's also pretty small and can create a wonderful buzz of an atmosphere while you enjoy a decent Welsh brew. If you're lucky you'll find a singalong going on around the piano. And you can even play bagatelle - and who doesn't want to do that?
Where: 42 Llandaff Road, Cardiff
Details: St Canna's
11. Tiny Rebel
Tiny Rebel has a brewery just down the road in Newport, and along with stocking their own fresh beers they have regular guests on from other popular UK breweries.
This was the first of Tiny Rebel's pubs to open, followed by the Newport city centre and Rogerstone bars, and all three of its venues are always busy - so you know the Cardiff one has got something special. It's particularly lively after work on Fridays and on Saturdays. They also serve tasty food too.
Where: 25 Westgate Street, CF10 1DD
Details: Tiny Rebel
12. The City Arms
A staple of city centre beer lovers, this 1800s pub is owned by Brains but serves a hell of lot more than just a pint of SA. With a wide selections of real ales and craft beers, as well as an impressive cider stock, this pub will have something for everyone in your group - from the fussy craft connoisseurs to the "I'll have a lager" friend.
A great shout on a sunny day when crowds gather in the sun trap outside, as well as on a cold winter's night when you can snuggle up in the bar or, better, in the cosy bit in the back. It's also right opposite the Principality Stadium so is an easy match-day choice.
Where: 10 - 12 Quay Street, CF10 1EA
Details: City Arms
13. Cambrian Tap
This a Brains pub, but it specialises in Brains craft beer, as well as good bar snacks to go with it. Found on the former Kitty Flynn's site, this pub is the perfect city centre spot for a pint and a pork pie.
Where: 51 St Mary Street, CF10 1AD
Details: Cambrian Tap
14. The Butchers Arms
Despite being in the Welsh capital, this popular pub has the atmosphere of a country boozer. They have a decent range of beers (you'll usually find Wye Valley HPA) and there's loads of old sporting memorabilia on the wall. There's a decent chance you'll spot a 1970s Welsh sporting legend in there having a drink, actually. If you've had a stroll through Llandaff's village green and climbed the steps from the cathedral, it's a good place to quench your thirst.
Where: 16 High Street, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2DZ
Details: Butchers
15. The Grange
Found in Grangetown, this archetypal community pub features a cosy atmosphere with a wide range of guest ales. Inside, there are plenty of older features that have been retained, giving this place the balance of a modern bar with great ales and the rustic feel of a proper boozer - they even have a darts team that plays on Monday nights.
Where: 134 Penarth Road, CF11 6NJ
Details: The Grange
16. Pen and Wig
This refurbished traditional pub is ready for all seasons. Its large courtyard garden is perfect for drinking outside on a summer evening, while its roast dinners will warm you up during the winter. Just a short walk from the city centre, the pub serves food until 10pm and has an 'ever changing' selection of real ale sourced both locally and from further afield.
Where: 1 Park Grove, CF10 3BJ
Details: Pen and Wig
17. The Ty Mawr
What more could you want than to be sat in a picturesque beer garden on sunny day? The Ty Mawr in Lisvane has exactly that, along with a compost corner and little allotment that's used to grow vegetables for some of their dishes. And, you know, it just looks pretty while you're sipping a pint.
Where: Graig Road, Lisvane, CF14 0UF
Details: Ty Mawr
18. The Flora
Vibrant wall art, quality ales, cocktails and good food, this Cathays pub is a favourite among students. The Victorian boozer has a lively atmosphere with themed quizzes, karaoke nights, sports, and live music.
Where: 136 Cathays Terrace, CF24 4HY
Details: The Flora
19. The Packet
A pub with stacks of history, The Packet first opened in 1864. And while it may be surrounded by new-build flats and the shops and bars of Mermaid Quay, it's retained that Cardiff Docks vibe. The pub was even a favourite of the late John Hurt during his stint of filming on Doctor Who.
Where: 95 Bute Street, CF10 5AB
Details: The Packet
20. Crafty Devil Cellar
From the outside looking in, it could easily be mistaken for a shop, but once you're inside you'll receive a warm welcome. You'll be greeted by stools at a wooden bar at the front, and a smaller, darker bar out the back. There's also a garden area for the warmer months to enjoy a pint outside. And they don't just sell Crafty Devil, but offer a whole host of great tasting craft beers.
Where: 16 Llandaff Road, Canton, CF11 9NJ
Details: Crafty Devil
21. The Old Arcade
This historic city centre pub is a sports fans' haven. Complete with a beer garden, plenty of screens for various sports and a pool table, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your pint. It also has an incredible atmosphere on international rugby days, so if that's your thing it's worth popping in. Even without a big match, it's very busy all day Saturday, just like a good city centre pub should be.
Where: 14 Church St, CF10 1BG
Details: Old Arcade
22. The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms in Pentyrch is a 16th century Welsh longhouse with loads of character. You'll find exposed lime-washed stone walls, beams, an open fireplace, wood burners and original flagstone floor. With cask ales and modern British food it's the perfect place to enjoy a drink after walking up and down the nearby Garth.
Where: Church Road, Pentyrch, CF15 9QF
Details: Kings Arms
23. The Cottage
This iconic Cardiff boozer is a proper pub and it's been around for a long time. The present building dates back to the 1800s, but the plot dates back to medieval times.
Inside, this traditional looking pub offers a warm welcome and range of guest ales to supplement its Brains selection. There's no more satisfying feeling than stepping through its old doors after a cold day traipsing round the shops.
Where: 25 St Mary's Street, CF10 1AA
Details: The Cottage
24. The Pantmawr
If you're looking for a family friendly beer garden, you'll be hard pressed to beat the Pantmawr's. This Rhiwbina pub, that has the look and feel of a traditional coach house, boasts a large open bar as well as a snug, for the cosier nights.
Where: Tyla Teg, Rhiwbina, CF14 7TL
Details: Pantmawr
25. The Golden Cross
This city centre haunt is a historic spot that still retains plenty of its original features. Just looking at it next to the modern shops is enough to see that this listed watering hole goes back a long way. Today, it's a gay-friendly pub and you can expect entertainment including karaoke, live music, comedy and cabaret.
Where: 283 Hayes Bridge Road, CF10 1GH
Details: Golden Cross
26. The Albany
This traditional pub is a favourite with many drinkers in the city. This Brains pub in the heart of Roath has screens on every wall, along with a beautifully leafy hidden beer garden.
Where: Donald Street, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 4TL
Details: The Albany
27. The Queen's Vaults
Everyone's got a story about a great night at the Queen's Vaults. Inside, you'll find pool tables, pub games, a jukebox and TV screens, along with a range of beers and ciders that'll keep everyone content. So if you've been planning a night of blasting AC/DC in a proper boozer, slamming the air guitar and drinking beer, this is the pub for you.
Where: 29 Westgate Street, CF10 1EH
Details: Queen's Vaults
28. The Pontcanna Inn
Formerly the Cayo, this pub has already become a firm favourite in its own right. Its major selling point is its big back beer garden, where wooden benches and tables are under cover and there's even a TV for watching sport outdoors in the sun. The food's good and inside there's a range of craft ales, craft spirits and independent coffee brands.
Where: 36 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, CF11 9LL
Details: Pontcanna Inn
29. The Romilly
This Canton pub has a Cask Marque for the quality of its beers, they welcome families and there is a large beer garden for the warmer weather. They also serve food, catering for veggies and kids.
Where: Romilly Crescent, Cardiff CF11 9NQ
Details: The Romilly
30. The Claude
A stone-built Victorian pub, which is loved by locals for its food and sports. This Greene King boozer also has a beer garden and welcomes families.
Where: 140 Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RW
Details: The Claude
31. The Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn
Set at the bottom of the Garth, this traditional pub makes a great stop for a well-earned pint after a long walk. With a great selection of ales, the pub has won its fair share of CAMRA awards. You can also get some hearty food to re-fuel in the restaurant upstairs.
Where: Main Rd, Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff CF15 9HH
Details: The Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn
32. The Conway
This gastropub nestled in the heart of Pontcanna serves up some classic pub favourites alongside a variety of guest ales - and if wine is more your thing, they've got a great wine list which is available by the bottle or the glass. With a cosy living room feel and outdoor seating, this pub is a great option for all seasons.
Where: Conway Hotel, 58 Conway Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9NW
Details: The Conway
33. The Blue Bell
This city centre pub has undergone a name change. One of Cardiff's best known pubs, it recently became the Blue Bell, reverting back to the name it was given in 1873. Having been around since 1813, it's one of the oldest and best-loved pubs in the city. The pub has a traditional feel and offers up some great pub-grub, from brunch to burgers, as well as a good range of draught ales and beers.
Where: 33 High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PU
Details: The Blue Bell
