12 best cafes to work in Belfast for a productive day out
I used to think I could work from home forever. Not until my “office” became a rotating mix of the kitchen table, the couch, and anywhere the kids weren’t screaming.
After one too many distractions, I knew it was time for a change of scenery.
That’s when I asked my friends to come with me. We started exploring Belfast’s cafe scene, laptop in hand, looking for the perfect spot to actually get things done. After our exploration, let me tell you, some places just get it.
If you’re also on the hunt for a solid work-friendly cafe, here are our top picks so far.
1. Established Coffee
Media credits: establishedcoffee
Address: 54 Hill St
Contact details: +44 28 9031 9416
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Price: ££
When we visited Established Coffee, we arrived just after 8 AM, and the place was already filling up fast. There was a bit of a queue, but it moved quickly, and the staff were really on the ball.
A couple of us went for a flat white. One of us thought theirs was a bit too milky, but still smooth and well-made.
We thought it was pretty interesting that they also rotate their single-origin beans regularly, and you can tell they care about the details.
The vibe here is more minimal and industrial, with its concrete floors, wood accents, and a big communal table in the centre. We liked it because it felt clean and uncluttered. The Wi-Fi was strong, and we also found a couple of outlets without any issue.
Pro tip:
Bring a laptop with good battery life or fully charged if you’re planning to sit at the communal table. There are only a few outlets, mostly near the wall seats. If you need a plug, head for the tables on the left-hand side near the windows.
2. The Dock Café
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Address: 2K Queens Rd
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: £
The first thing we noticed about The Dock cafe was how warm and lived-in the space feels. The furniture is all donated, including old armchairs, soft sofas, and long dining tables with plenty of space to spread out your laptop and notes.
The Wi-Fi was steady the whole time too. I personally loved that it’s quiet without being silent, and there’s this underlying energy of people coming and going. It felt like a spot where you could really focus, without it feeling stiff.
We tried the Dock Blend coffee (house ground) and it was rich, smooth, and fresh. One of us isn’t a big coffee drinker and went for the Belfast Brew tea instead. They have a whole shelf of Suki teas, so tea lovers are definitely covered here.
Pro tip:
We suggest bringing your own lunch, especially if you’re staying for a few hours. The cafe doesn’t serve full meals, but their Bring Your Own Food policy is genuinely handy. The deli next door does excellent sandwiches and brunch.
3. TRAIT Coffee
Media credits: traitcoffee
Address: 14 College Square E
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM
Price: ££
The coffee here at TRAIT Coffee was excellent. One of us tried their seasonal filter and said it had this clean, almost tea-like finish. Another went for a flat white, which came at the perfect temperature (they’ll make it hotter if you want, too).
The space is just really warm and put together. Lots of wood, clean lines, and natural light—nothing flashy, but everything feels thoughtful. We liked that the tables were a good size for working, and the music was at a good volume that it wasn’t distracting.
Plus, this might sound like a weird highlight, but they have one of the nicest cafe toilets in the area. When you’re camped out working for a couple of hours, that kind of thing matters more than you’d think.
Pro tip:
Order your coffee with a viennoiserie. The pastries aren’t just an add-on here, but they’re genuinely great. The almond croissant is the standout, but if there’s a seasonal Danish available (like the raspberry cheesecake), go for it.
4. Caffè Nero
Media credits: woollenknots
Address: 379 Ormeau Rd
Contact details: +44 28 9064 7248
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 7 PM
Price: ££
The atmosphere at Caffe Nero is relaxed. There’s nothing fancy or overly hip, just warm lighting, mellow background music, and a steady hum of people coming and going without it ever getting too noisy.
We managed to grab a big enough table near the window. Wi-Fi was okay for most of our visit, but a couple of us had to hotspot when it dropped out for a bit, so maybe don’t plan on uploading large files or joining important Zoom calls unless you’ve got a backup.
The coffee here is actually better than expected. I tried the Honey Oat Latte, which was good. It wasn’t too sweet, and the honeycomb on top was a nice little treat.
We also liked that they were on top of allergy info. One of us has a dairy allergy, and the staff had no problem walking through the milk options.
Pro tip:
Bathrooms aren’t the best, so go before you arrive if you’re settling in for the long haul. They’re usable, but they could use more regular cleaning, especially during busy times.
5. The MAC Cafe
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Address: 10 Exchange St
Contact details: +44 28 9023 5053
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
The Mac Cafe is inside the MAC arts venue, which, for us, already gives it a cool, creative vibe the moment you walk in. We got there just before lunch and tried a few things from the seasonal menu.
The vegan wrap with roasted vegetables and hummus was filling without being heavy, and the sweet potato fritters were surprisingly moreish. We loved how their menu caters to a wide crowd, with veggie and vegan options that don’t feel like an afterthought.
From a working perspective, it wasn’t noisy. Even though there was a steady stream of people, it never felt chaotic. We had no trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi, and while we didn’t check every corner, a couple of power sockets were within reach.
Pro tip:
Bring your own reusable cup and you’ll get 30p off your hot drink. It’s a simple way to spend less and help the cafe stay eco-friendly.
6. Lyric Theatre Belfast Cafe
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Website
Address: 55 Ridgeway St
Contact details: +44 28 9038 1081
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM
Price: ££
Lyric Theatre Belfast Cafe may not be a full-day coworking space, but for a focused few hours, it really hits the mark. The place is really bright and open. We grabbed a table near the big windows that look out over the River Lagan, which was very pretty.
Their coffee is from Bailies, so it’s not your average cup. One of us had a flat white, and it was smooth with a nice depth of flavour, no bitterness, and just the right amount of microfoam.
The pastries are also worth mentioning. The chocolate brownie was soft and not overly sweet.
The Wi-Fi held up fine for our group, even with a couple of us streaming and jumping on video calls. The only downside is the lack of plugs, so make sure your devices are charged if you’re planning to stay a while.
Pro tip:
Grab your food before 1 PM on show days. The cafe does sandwiches, soup, and pastries, but the kitchen stops serving hot food early if there’s a performance.
7. Loaf Catering and Cafe
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Address: 308, 307 Grosvenor Rd
Contact details: +44 28 9031 3123
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: ££
Loaf Catering and Cafe’s coffees are excellent, and we found out that they’re made with beans from local roaster Ristretto. They’re strong, smooth, and just the thing to power through emails or a few hours of deep focus.
One of our team members paired her cappuccino with a warm sausage roll (vegetarian version) and declared it a winning combo for a mid-morning productivity boost.
We just noticed that the background music was a bit loud when some of us joined for a virtual meeting. So if you’re planning video calls, a quieter corner might be better.
Loaf’s social impact is also worth noting. They provide training and employment for people with learning disabilities and autism. For us, supporting a place like this adds another layer of value to the experience.
Pro tip:
If you’re hosting an off-site or studio event, you can use their catering service. It’s easy to book, has a reliable delivery, and is even flexible with dietary needs.
8. Black Sheep Coffee
Media credits: black_sheep_coffee
Address: 1 Donegall Square E
Contact details: +44 28 9691 6205
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7 AM – 7 PM
Price: ££
Black Sheep Coffee uses 100% Robusta beans, which is rare in the speciality coffee scene. This makes their brews stronger, more bitter, and perfect for staying sharp through long stretches of focused work. Go here if you need to stay alert for hours.
We especially liked the signature drinks like the Trail Mix, a rich combo of chocolate, Reese’s peanut butter, and salted caramel, and the Copper Camel with its bold butterscotch-caramel twist.
The space itself is open, bright, and has a bit of personality. It has wall art, upbeat music, and a mix of solo workers and casual chatter. We also appreciated the self-ordering system, which kept things efficient without disrupting our workflow.
Pro tip:
Avoid the early-morning commuter rush and post-school-run chaos. After 10:30 AM, the space opens up, and you’re more likely to get a table with elbow room and a plug socket. After 3 PM, it gets busier again with people grabbing post-lunch coffees.
9. Canteen
Media credits: canteenbelfast
Address: 322 Ormeau Rd, Ormeau
Contact details: +44 28 9621 2326
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Price: ££
At Canteen, you’ll find all the classic coffees, like espresso, cappuccino, and lattes. There are also matcha and mochas for those who don’t want caffeine. One of us even got a turmeric latte just to be weird, but it’s good.
Food-wise, they go beyond the usual croissant-and-go model. They’ve got real meals, like breakfast baps, avocado toast, and hefty cornflake chicken and fries plate. For baked goods, the raspberry and white chocolate scones were our favourites.
The place is small but well put together. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, which are both cosy in their own way.
Pro tip:
The cafe has a nice indoor-outdoor flow, but if you’re seated near the entrance, expect a chill when the door opens. On windy days, bring a cardigan or opt for a seat further inside if you’ll be there for a while.
10. Harlem Cafe
Media credits: harlembelfast
Address: 34 Bedford St
Contact details: +44 28 9024 4860
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 2 PM
Price: ££
Harlem Cafe is a good place to work if you like coffee, comfort, and a bit of character. It’s just close to City Hall, and it’s hard to miss with its bold Art Deco exterior. Inside, it’s a charming mishmash of vintage furniture, colourful art, and plants.
The Wi-Fi holds up, the staff are welcoming, and no one gives you side-eye if you stay past your second coffee. The main space has a soft background buzz that’s great for creative work.
The coffee is strong and smooth here. They also serve sparkling elderflower and raspberry drinks, which are light and refreshing. It’s a nice alternative if you’re trying to avoid caffeine but still want something nice in a glass.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to focus, ask for the Writers Room. It’s quieter, a bit tucked away, and has a relaxed library feel that helps you concentrate.
11. Aleksandar’s Bakery
Media credits: aleksandarsbakery
Address: 20 University Ave
Contact details: +44 28 9031 9055
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
Aleksandar’s Bakery is just close to Queen’s University and the McClay Library. The vibe here is relaxed. It feels like you’ve walked into someone’s cosy kitchen where you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.
They serve Ristretto, which is smooth, bold, and honestly perfect for long work sessions. When we visited, one of us needed an extra caffeine kick and said their extra-strong espresso did the job. Plus, they’ve got non-dairy milks.
Food-wise, it’s a mix of comforting and creative. The bread is their pride and joy. It’s fresh, sometimes sugar-free, often vegan or gluten-free.
There’s free wifi and plenty of plug sockets. We came here twice, and both times it rarely felt crowded, even when the lunch rush picked up.
Pro tip:
Popular pastries, like their croissants and traybakes, go fast, especially by early afternoon. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, grab one when you arrive and save it for later. Don’t wait until after 2 PM or your top pick might be gone.
12. The Pocket
Media credits: thepocketcoffee
Address: 68 Upper Church Ln
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 3 PM
- Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Price: ££
The Pocket is tucked away in the Flat Iron Building, behind Bittles Bar and near Victoria Square. It looks small from the outside, but it’s got the charm and just enough elbow room inside.
We loved its brick walls, warm lights, and old book pages from Alice in Wonderland on one wall. It’s got the personality without being distracting, which worked well.
There’s free wifi and a mix of solo workers, students, and people chatting when we visited. It doesn’t feel weird to open your laptop and stay a while. That said, power outlets are limited, so bring a charged device.
For coffees, their flat white had a slight apple sweetness. It sounds odd, but it works. The filter coffee, made with the Marco Jet machine, was smooth and strong.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to stay through lunchtime, try something unique like the Lavender French Toast or the Asian Pork ‘Wich. They’re known for playful combos and generous portions.