Cafés can be a great place to chill, study and meet up with friends, and Bristol accommodates many wonderful coffee houses to visit and appreciate. The following is a list of some of the top cafés in Bristol.
1. Café Kino
Address: 108 Stokes Croft, Cotham, Bristol BS1 3RU
Café Kino remains a student favourite in Bristol and can be found on Stokes Croft. Most of the dishes on their menu are handmade, local and organic. For anyone who follows a vegan diet, Café Kino provides many menu options that are free from animal products. It is certainly a highlight on Stokes Croft, and it can be enjoyable to relax and have a coffee after a day of exploring the other curious businesses along the road.
2. Playground Coffee House
Address: 45 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1TP
If you loved going to the park as a kid, the Playground Coffee House is the perfect spot for you. Situated on St. Nicholas Street, Playground offers a broad range of teas, as well as a selection of craft beers and cocktails if you are looking to book for an evening out. The establishment also stocks shelves full of board games to play while you take in the café’s unique vibes. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a latte and a game of chess while sitting on a swing?
3. Mrs Potts Chocolate House
Address: 20 Park St, Bristol BS1 5JA
From rich, velvety cakes to fresh cookies, Mrs Potts Chocolate House on Park Street is somewhere you have to visit if you love chocolate. Mrs Potts has been a very popular café spot in central Bristol for quite a while now, and they are particularly known for their slices of cake, which they serve with melted chocolate if desired.
4. No. 12 Easton
Address: 12 High St, Easton, Bristol BS5 6DL
If you’re looking for a café with a selection of delicious pastries and coffees made using high-quality coffee beans, No. 12 Easton may be for you. Currently offering a collection service, you can make your order to No. 12 Easton via their website. As well as their delicacies, you can also order a variety of wines and other alcoholic beverages.
5. Ahh Toots
Address: 17 Christmas St, Bristol BS1 5BT
Ahh Toots isn’t just fun to say, but it is also a great Bristol café-bakery. They are known especially for crafting a range of bespoke cakes for events, though they also serve delicious slices at their cafés. Ahh Toots can be found at the Christmas Steps if you were in the mood for some afternoon tea, and also at St. Nick’s Market if you were perusing the glass arcade.
6. Milk Teeth
Address: 21 Portland Square, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8SJ
Milk Teeth is a small but imaginative café situated around Portland Square which opened in 2017. Their coffees are marvellous, especially their flat whites, and the majority of their beverages are sourced locally. If you are looking to enjoy a local brew in a new, indie café, Milk Teeth would be perfect.
7. Albatross
Address: 60 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1HJ
For any lovers of house plants, and for people who appreciate venues with a minimalist aesthetic, the Albatross Café is ideal. With its seasonal menu and range of fantastic brews, this North Street café provides a relaxing ambience to chill out and relish with friends.
FAQs about Bristol cafés for chilling or working
Study cafés prioritise sockets, stable Wi-Fi and spacious tables. Chill cafés lean into cosy seating, lower lighting and conversation. Many places strike a balance — pick based on whether you’re tackling essays or catching up with mates.
Weekdays before 11am and after 3pm. Weekends are busiest mid-morning. If you need quiet, avoid brunch rush, sit away from the counter and keep calls short and sweet to stay laptop-friendly.
Some set limits at peak times. Buying something regularly and choosing larger tables over two-tops helps. If staff need the space, being flexible keeps the relationship sweet for your next visit.
Yes — teas, chai, iced drinks and hot chocolate are widely available. Alternate with water, and grab a savoury snack to avoid sugar crashes when you still have readings to get through.
Use loyalty stamps, share pastries and aim for midweek specials. Cafés a little off the main streets tend to be better value and less crowded with the same comfy vibe.
Last Updated on August 18, 2025
Published on August 24, 2020
