Introduction
Antrim’s cafe scene brilliantly balances traditional Northern Irish hospitality with modern artisanal coffee culture. Third Day Coffee leads the specialty coffee revolution with their own roastery and Australian-inspired approach, while Alfie’s Cafe maintains Ulster breakfast excellence. The town has weathered recent closures but shows resilience with new openings and strong independent establishments.
Top 10 Cafes in Antrim (Ranked by Popularity, Quality & Local Recommendations)
1. Third Day Coffee
Location: 29 Church Street, Antrim BT41 4BE
Status: Currently open (confirmed December 2024)
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-4:30pm, Sun 9:30am-4pm (kitchen closes 3pm)
Rating: 4.6/5 Google, 4.2/5 TripAdvisor (ranked #8 of 47 restaurants)
What Makes It Special:
- Only artisanal coffee roastery in Antrim - serves their signature “Never Worry Coffee” blend
- Australian coffee culture influence - owner Liam Thompson moved from Sydney to bring quality coffee to Antrim
- Award recognition - Northern Ireland Cafe & Bakery Awards 2024 finalist
- Cozy atmosphere with children’s area, hipster vibe, professional equipment on display
- Exceptional brunch - famous for eggs benedict, French toast, and build-your-own breakfast
Customer Reviews: “Amazing beans… Service with a smile… no other coffee shop in Antrim like it” | “The coffee is on par with any of the specialty coffee places back in Portland, OR, USA”
Unique Features: Walk-ins only, pet-friendly with outdoor water bowls, community-focused with regular customer relationships
2. Alfie’s Cafe
Location: 3 Castle Walk, Antrim
Status: Currently open
Specialty: Traditional Ulster Fry and hearty breakfasts
Rating: 4.5/5+ consistently across platforms
What Makes It Special:
- Award-winning - “Best Small Eatery/Coffee Shop 2019”
- Famous “Mighty Fry” - signature Ulster breakfast served hot with meticulous presentation
- Family-run warmth - owners Martin and Brenda personally interact with customers
- Free large car park - convenient location right outside
- Accommodates dietary requirements - vegetarian options with black pudding available
Customer Reviews: “No.1 for breakfast in Antrim!” | “From the Aussie boys! Each time we come to Antrim, our mainstay of eating is Alfies Cafe”
Atmosphere: Warm, homely feel described as “good vibe” with community-oriented atmosphere
3. The Wee Calf (formerly The Galley Cafe)
Location: 18-24 High Street, Towns Parks, Antrim (in arcade)
Status: Currently open (confirmed 2024)
Rating: 4.4/5 Google, 4.5/5 Restaurant Guru
What Makes It Special:
- Hidden gem location in town center arcade
- Open fireplace in winter creating cozy atmosphere
- Cash only - traditional approach with generous portions
- Family-friendly with helpful, friendly staff
- Northern Ireland Cafe & Bakery Awards 2024 finalist
Customer Reviews: “Hidden gem” | “Helpful friendly staff” | “Yummy very affordable food”
Unique Features: Traditional tea room atmosphere, substantial portions, extremely affordable prices
4. Mann Food Co (Mann’s Cafe Bar)
Location: Market Square, Antrim
Status: Currently open with active social media presence
Social Media: 4,152 Facebook likes, active Instagram (@mannscafe_bar)
What Makes It Special:
- Family-run business with locally sourced ingredients
- Famous “Queenie’s Scones” - signature baked goods
- Multiple locations - established local brand
- Northern Ireland Cafe & Bakery Awards 2024 finalist
- Strong community reputation for homemade quality
Customer Reviews: “Outstanding coffee and sandwich” | “Delicious food” | Strong reputation for homemade quality
Specialty: Locally sourced ingredients, traditional baking methods, community-focused service
5. Caifé Ceoil
Location: Antrim Road, Irish Language Center Áras Mhic Reachtain
Status: Currently open (opened July 2022)
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:00pm
What Makes It Special:
- Cultural focus - Irish language promoted
- Live music sessions weekly
- Renowned chef - handmade food by Ciarán Ó Cruadhlaoic
- ”Best toasties in Ireland” - unique selling point
- Musical atmosphere - combines food with traditional music
Unique Features: Cultural immersion experience, live music venue, artisanal food preparation
6. Tiny House Coffee & Tiny Diner
Location: Between Antrim Town and Randalstown at Chimney Corner FC
Status: Currently open
Concept: Converted shipping container coffee shop
What Makes It Special:
- Innovative container concept - started as COVID caravan, evolved to blue shipping container
- Community living room - described as “the living room of Antrim town”
- Brothers’ business - Declan and Danny Donaghy’s venture
- Large free parking - suitable for cars and lorries
- Weekend hot food - Tiny Diner operates Friday-Sunday 9am-4pm
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm (coffee), Friday-Sunday 9am-4pm (food)
Unique Features: Pottery nights, community activities, regular customers become friends
7. Mann’s at the Lough
Location: Lough Shore Park, Antrim (adjacent to Antrim Marina)
Status: Currently open (reopened under new management after 2023 closure)
Rating: 3.7/5 TripAdvisor (ranked #19 of 47 restaurants)
What Makes It Special:
- Scenic waterfront location with Lough Neagh views
- Marina setting adjacent to Antrim Boat and Caravan Park
- Walking group friendly - accommodates groups of 15-20 people
- Traditional cafe fare - Mini Fry, scones, traybakes, Morelli’s ice cream
- Peaceful setting for pre or post-meal walks
Specialty: Lakeside dining experience, home-cooked food with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
8. Synge & Byrne
Location: Antrim town center
Status: Currently open with excellent recent reviews
What Makes It Special:
- Outstanding service during busy periods
- Consistent quality across all offerings
- Professional atmosphere suitable for business meetings
- Reliable option with strong local reputation
Customer Reviews: Excellent recent reviews highlighting outstanding service and quality consistency
9. Costa Coffee (Junction One)
Location: Unit 71 Junction One International Outlet, Antrim BT41 4LL
Status: Currently open
Rating: 3.5-4/5 mixed but consistently busy
What Makes It Special:
- Convenient shopping location in popular Junction One center
- Full Costa menu including signature blend coffees, seasonal drinks
- Indoor and outdoor seating options
- Reliable chain standards with recent renovations
Unique Features: High foot traffic location, comfortable seating, consistent chain experience
10. Starbucks (Junction One)
Location: Junction One Retail Park, Antrim
Status: Currently open (main location and drive-through)
Rating: 3.5/5 mixed reviews but very busy
What Makes It Special:
- Two locations - main store and drive-through for convenience
- Signature Starbucks experience - familiar menu and comfortable seating
- Modern facilities with recent improvements
- Shopping center convenience - popular despite service inconsistencies
Features: Drive-through option, large airy space, full Starbucks menu
FAQ About Antrim Cafes:
Coffee Quality & Specialty Options:
- “Which coffee shop has the best coffee in Antrim?” (Answer: Third Day Coffee for specialty, several good traditional options)
- “Do any cafes in Antrim roast their own beans?” (Answer: Yes, Third Day Coffee roasts “Never Worry Coffee”)
- “Where can I get proper specialty coffee, not just chain store coffee?” (Answer: Third Day Coffee, independent local cafes)
Pricing & Value:
- “Are there affordable coffee options for families?” (Answer: Most independent cafes offer excellent value)
- “Is the coffee expensive at tourist locations?” (Answer: Some venues near Antrim Castle Gardens can be pricey)
Dietary Requirements:
- “Are there vegetarian-friendly cafes in Antrim?” (Answer: Yes, Alfie’s offers vegetarian Ulster fry, Caifé Ceoil has options)
- “Which cafes have gluten-free options?” (Answer: Most cafes accommodate dietary requirements when asked)
- “Are there vegan options available?” (Answer: Limited but increasing, best to call ahead)
- Kindly use our cafe filter features to find out more dietary options cafes in Antrim Filter Clare Cafes by Dietary Options
Family & Accessibility:
- “Which cafes are good for families with children?” (Answer: Third Day Coffee has children’s area, most local cafes are family-friendly)
- “Are any cafes dog-friendly?” (Answer: Third Day Coffee allows dogs outside with water bowls)
- “Which cafes have good parking?” (Answer: Alfie’s has free large car park, Tiny House Coffee has extensive parking)
Atmosphere & Setting:
- “Which cafes have the best views?” (Answer: Mann’s at the Lough for lakeside views)
- “Where can I find a cozy cafe with fireplace?” (Answer: The Wee Calf has open fireplace in winter)
- “Which cafes are good for meeting friends/groups?” (Answer: Most independent cafes, especially Tiny House Coffee for community feel)
Traditional vs Modern:
- “Where can I get a proper Ulster fry?” (Answer: Alfie’s Cafe is renowned for “The Mighty Fry”)
- “Which cafes represent modern coffee culture?” (Answer: Third Day Coffee leads with Australian-inspired approach)
