“This essential part of my routine makes my mornings brighter and connects me to my community, no matter where in the world I am.”
Some (needed) context
When I first moved to Dublin last year, my first order of business was to find a coffee shop. This essential part of my routine makes my mornings brighter and connects me to my community, no matter where in the world I am. While I am still a newbie to Dublin in many ways, I feel confident enough to share my findings with a year of overpriced oat milk lattes under my belt. This list is a result of lots of Google Maps stalking, my lovely Irish friends’ recommendations, and many hot girl walks. I hope you find as much joy in these places as I do.
Two Pups Coffee – 74 Francis St, The Liberties, Dublin 8
When I first stumbled upon this hidden Francis St gem, I was in desperate need of a friendly face and good coffee. It was around my 24th hour in Dublin, my first 24 hours being in a different country than my home for that matter. I lay awake at 7 in the morning scouring Google Maps while my mom continued to sleep. I was extremely jet lagged and could no longer stand the silence of the Maldron Hotel. So I donned my classic red scarf and slipped into the rainy morning. I was greeted with so much warmth by the lovely employees, and after ordering my coffee and chatting about how I was about to start at Trinity I traded Instagrams with half the staff. It must’ve seemed like a normal morning to them, but to me, it made all the difference. I felt such relief to be able to connect with someone in such a new place. Ever since that morning, Two Pups has held a special place in my heart (and my stomach).
The highlight of Two Pups is their amazing coffee and constantly changing brunch menu. By sourcing local and ethically sourced ingredients, you can taste the care that goes into everything they make. This spot is the perfect place to catch up with a friend, bring your family when they visit, or journal on your own.
What to order: Vietnamese iced coffee and the granola bowl.
Coffee Angel – 15 Leinster St S, Dublin 2
Coffee Angel is by far my most visited cafe in Dublin. When I had a particularly grueling law paper to write, and could not stand the terrorizing vibes of the Ussher any longer, this cafe was my safe haven, and probably the only reason I passed my first year. By the end of my first semester, I was on a first-name basis with almost every employee. Not only is it perfect for a study date, but if you’re on your way to a 9am lecture and it’s 8:50, they can get you in and out with time to spare. I swear the people who work here are coffee magicians or possess super speed when I’m not looking. They have two locations that I frequent, one on Leinster St S and the other on Anne St. They are both excellent, both in quality of the coffee and customer service, which one I end up at is usually determined by whether or not the law students have been banished to the Hamilton or not.
What to order: Iced oat milk latte with some simple syrup
Kaph – 31 Drury St, Dublin 2
Have you ever felt the urge to be surrounded by arts block students but don’t want to trek to campus? Do you like amazing coffee with a side of hipster boys too busy reading to notice you? Then I have the perfect spot for you. All jokes aside, Kaph is a great spot well-known for its amazing coffee. After I was dragged here by one of my much cooler friends, I can’t seem to stay away. Their upstairs seating boasts a beautiful view of Drury St. and is a perfect place to catch up with friends in between classes. Their delicious matcha and amazing coffee beans have led me to source many moka pot grinds here and I will continue returning to this adorable little cafe so close to campus.
What to order: Matcha, baby!
The Cake Cafe – The Daintree Building, 8 Pleasants Pl, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8
This hidden gem is located behind “The Last Bookstore” on Camden Street. Advertised as “Dublin’s best kept secret,” I guarantee that it will fulfill all your Sally Rooney main character dreams. To get to the cafe, you enter through the bookstore and go straight to the back door, where after navigating a forest of potted plants and creatively decorated fences, you can wait to be seated. This cafe boasts a large menu of little treats perfect for any day when studying has you burned out. Per its namesake, this cafe has a rotating menu of amazing cakes that you can order by the slice with your drink of choice. They also have an extensive breakfast menu, containing French toast that can only be described as heavenly. This cafe feels like a warm hug, with its adorable interior and friendly staff. They pride themselves on their freshly prepared food and focus on sustainability, with Irish produce highlighted throughout their menu.
What to order: The “peanut butter cup” (a rich hot chocolate blended with salted peanut butter & topped with whipped cream & nuts) and the famous French toast.
Clement and Pekoe – 50 William St S, Dublin 2
Clement and Pekoe is another Dublin staple for me, as its calming energy in the center of the city stabilizes me. Although they arguably have the most ridiculous chairs in the greater Dublin area, you still manage to feel at home there. The walls are adorned with coffee beans collected from as far as Berlin. I’ve sourced many moka pot beans from this location, and the workers were happy to guide me through the process. They also have the widest variety of teas I’ve come across so far if coffee isn’t your thing. The star of this cafe for me, however, is their life-changing mocha. Served with an actual stick of chocolate to stir with, this drink is one of my all-time Dublin favorites. This drink is like if Willy Wonka got into coffee (not the Timothee Chalamet version). This drink makes me wish I could swim in a pool full of it like one of those insane YouTubers. I hope my enthusiasm is coming across. Try their mocha.
What to order: Mocha
Some (very) honorable mentions:
Bread 41 – 41 Pearse St, Dublin 2
Technically not a coffee shop but oh my god I would die for their chocolate almond croissant and cappuccino.
Beanhive – 26 Dawson St, Dublin 2
Such cute latte art but only if you drink milk! Why can’t oat milk foam like that? Why is the universe so cruel?
Brewbakers Cafe – 13 Leinster St S, Dublin 2
SUCH good vibes but I always get dirty looks for studying there. (I am sorry I am just a girl)
WORDS: Sophie Eastwood
