Sick of the same microwaved grub or tins of beans generously bought for you by your parents when their home-cooked lovelies ran out? Perhaps your friends have been nagging you to go out for weeks but you haven’t quite been able to justify it? Here is the definitive guide of where to eat, drink, dance and hang out around Cardiff without reaching that overdraft limit.

Location:

1-5 Woodville Road, Cathays, Cardiff CF24 4DW

Opening Hours:

Mon – Wed: 11:30am – 11.30pm   
Thurs: 11:30am – 12am

Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 12.30am   
Sun: 11:30am – 11pm

Do they serve food?

Yes

Value for money:

8/10

Verdict: Best to avoid Wednesday nights or football/rugby matches if you want seating because it can get pretty busy

The Woodville is the favourite student haunt for those pesky society meetings, a cheeky mid-essay pint and the fantastic 5 Jägers for a tenner deal. It may seem like the obvious choice, but if you strategically choose one of the quieter evenings to avoid the Wednesday sport socials, there is a great atmosphere. Surrounded by piles of board games and a great basement seating area this is the perfect place when you don’t want to venture into town. There are some quirky touches, such as handwritten notes by the tip jar that reads “for every £1 donated, a Justin Bieber fan will die”. Need I say more?

Location:

Retro, 7 Mill Lane, Cardiff, CF10 1FL

Opening Hours:

Wednesdays WTF?! – 8pm – 4am (Student night only)

Thursdays Karaoke – 8pm – 2am

Fridays – 5pm – 4am

Saturdays – 6pm – 4am   [Live football: 12pm – 6pm]

Do they serve food?

No

Value for money:

9/10

Verdict:  A night out when you are particularly strapped for cash

Retro is a 90’s themed club ideal for those nights when, despite your bank balance, you are keen to hit the town. Expect plenty of B*Witched and you will be well prepared. However, beware of the 99p JägarBombs and the £5 deal on 2 suck-and-blow shots or it will end up being THAT kind of night. The karaoke on every Thursday from 8pm will make this club a firm fixture in every student’s life.

Location:

106-110 Woodville Road,
Cardiff, CF24 4DX

Opening Times:

Monday – Sunday: 
11:30am – 11:30pm

Do they serve food?

Yes

Value for money: 9/10

Verdict: Food for champagne taste BUT beer money

Kama Lounge is ideal for those days when you want good food but know you do not have the available budget. From only £4.95, you can choose food from a choice of steps to build your own Oriental feast. Begin with noodles or rice and add vegetables, meats and a range of sauces. Despite the step-by-step process, do not think school dinners. Although you order at the bar, Kama Lounge has table service to deliver your freshly cooked meal. In the evenings, they place a candle on every table, making for an ambient experience.

Location:

37 Salisbury Rd,  Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF24 4AA

Opening Times:

Monday : 9am – 5pm

Tue – Sat : 8am – 9pm

Sunday : 9am – 4pm

Do they serve food?

Yes

Value for money:

9/10

Verdict: Anytime, particularly favourable after a night out in Retros

Café 37 is an American themed diner and café located just a stone’s throw from the union. The freshly cooked pancakes are second to none and with its 1960s soundtrack and décor, you will feel transported to the U.S. The best part is that they will adapt any of the all-day breakfast foods to suit any taste or allergy, and there is no excuse not to be finishing those assignments, as they have free Wi-Fi.

Location:

40 Crwys Rd, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF24 4NN

Opening Times:

Mon – Sat : 9:00am – 5:00pm

Sunday: Closed

Do they serve food?

Yes

Value for money:

8/10

Verdict: Anytime during the day for a relaxing cuppa

For health junkies, vegetarians and vegans, or just those who fancy a relaxing detox from the strains of student life, Café Atma has a soothing atmosphere. Its friendly staff and the unique healthy menu make it a great place to visit when in need of a break. The menu has recently been improved to include hot and cold options including an all-you-can-eat choice. You can also book into the café’s meditation and yoga evenings with meals included in the price. If relaxation could be jarred and sold, this would be it.

Location:

11A-12 Church St, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF10 1BG

Opening Times:

Open daily: 3am/4am

[Food served: 12-9pm daily]

Do they serve food?

Yes

Value for money:

9/10

Verdict: Special occasions and for cocktails

Ten Feet Tall serve the best cocktails in Cardiff. The staff are able to adapt it to taste, and classic cocktails which feature a star on the menu are 2-for-1. Ten Feet Tall is a great place to go for those special occasions or when your need for a decent Cosmo goes beyond your desire to save those pennies. It may be on the pricier end of the student spectrum, but for true quality, it is definitely worth it.