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CaféDocklandsWork-friendlyWifi
3fe Grand Canal in Dublin 2, the flagship of Colin Harmon's roastery, the city's most polished filter coffee on the south side of Pearse Street's tech.
OrderA V60 filter with the rotating Ethiopian single-origin and a sourdough cardamom bun.
DrinkFilter coffee
TipEight 3fe cafes across Dublin; the Grand Canal flagship has the most seating and serves food until 15:00.
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CaféRanelagh BallsbridgeWifi
3fe on Sussex Terrace in Dublin 4, the small Forest Avenue neighbour, four-seat counter, the morning 3fe espresso for the southside before work commute.
OrderDouble espresso with a cardamom bun, on the move.
DrinkEspresso
TipCounter only; arrive 09:00-10:00 weekdays. The bun pastry case empties by 11:00 on Saturdays.
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CaféNorth Inner CityWork-friendlyWifi
Brother Hubbard North on Capel Street in Dublin 1, Garrett FitzGerald and James Boland's original Middle Eastern brunch room, the Capel Street weekend anchor.
OrderShakshuka with house bread; a cardamom French toast and a flat white to follow.
DrinkFlat white
TipWalk-in only Saturday and Sunday from 09:30; the queue starts before doors. Wednesday breakfast is the calm window.
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CaféThe LibertiesWork-friendly
Two Pups Coffee on Francis Street in Dublin 8, a Liberties counter and brunch room, the southside's strongest cortado and one of the city's brunch references.
OrderCortado on the house roast; the eggs Florentine with house hollandaise at brunch.
DrinkCortado
TipWalk-in only; arrive 09:30 Saturday before the queue. Two long tables share with strangers; the window stools turn fast.
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CaféNorth Inner City
Vice Coffee Inc on Middle Abbey Street in Dublin 1, inside the Wigwam bar and venue, the small-batch specialty roaster pouring espresso and filter.
OrderEspresso tonic in summer, the seasonal filter in winter.
DrinkEspresso tonic
TipCounter inside Wigwam; the bar's coffee bar runs daytime hours. Closes 17:00 weekdays.
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CaféSouth City CentreWork-friendlyWifi
The Bald Barista on Aungier Street in Dublin 2, a two-floor specialty espresso bar with sweet treats and upstairs seating, the south-city centre's reliable.
OrderFlat white on the house espresso blend; a slice from the bakery counter.
DrinkFlat white
TipCounter on the ground floor; the seating and toilet are upstairs. Outdoor tables at the front. Closed on Saturday and Sunday in most weeks.
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CaféSouth City CentreWifi
Bewley's Cafe on Grafton Street in Dublin, the Ernest Bewley grand cafe since 1927, restored across three floors, the city's heritage tea-room and lunch room.
OrderThe Bewley's house blend coffee and a sticky bun; an afternoon cream tea upstairs.
DrinkBewley's coffee blend
TipThree floors; the first floor is the historic Harry Clarke window room. The basement Theatre cafe runs lunchtime plays.
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CaféThe LibertiesWork-friendly
The Fumbally cafe on Fumbally Lane in Dublin 8, Aisling Rogerson's open-plan day cafe inside a fermentation hub, the kitchen the Liberties learned.
OrderThe Fumbally toast with cultured butter and house ferment; a filter coffee from the roastery board.
DrinkSingle-origin filter
TipCommunal tables; walk-in only and bag check at the door. Open 08:00 Tuesday to Saturday; Sunday 10:00-15:00.
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CaféSouth City Centre
Kaph on Drury Street in Dublin 2, an upstairs flat-white room over a Drury Street boutique, the southside's regular specialty espresso bar with quiet booths.
OrderFlat white on the seasonal espresso blend; a Bewley's-style toasted-cheese sandwich.
DrinkFlat white
TipTwo floors of stools; the upstairs window seat has the best Drury Street people-watching. Closes 17:30 weekdays.
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CaféTemple Bar
Twist Bakery on Bedford Row in Temple Bar is a Dublin 2 artisan bakery and cafe with slow-fermented sourdough, croissants and morning specialty coffee.
OrderAlmond croissant or a slice of sourdough with a flat white; afternoon a hand-decorated seasonal cake.
DrinkSpecialty espresso with a buttery croissant
TipCounter is busy from 07:00 weekdays; weekends open at 08:00. Walk-in only and limited seating, so plan for takeaway.