Each time I return home to Dunedin for my dose of family, friends and familiarity, I’m reminded how much I love this city… and how surprisingly tricky that 3 - 5pm coffee window can be, says Celeste Wong AKA The Girl in the Cafe.
"So I’ve pulled together a short, reliable list of cafés dotted around the city that are still pouring decent coffee into the late afternoon.
"Whether you’re finishing up the workday, in need of a post-school pick-up reset, or a visitor caught in a rainy lull, consider this your guide to the twilight coffee hour. Hours can vary (especially outside peak season), so it’s always worth a quick check before you wander.
"You can explore my full Dunedin food and coffee guide here."
Central City
Black Dog
Open until 8.30pm Tuesday to Sunday: Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, Black Dog is conveniently located within the central city close to key attractions and accommodation.
Commons
Open evenings Wednesday to Saturday: Situated next to the public Art Gallery in Dunedin, a hybrid restaurant & cafe, serving Allpress Coffee. A lunch menu by day and by night, Commons transforms into a moody, elegant and playful dining and drinking space that celebrates a sharing menu.
Ironic
Open late Thursday to Saturday: Situated next to the ornate Dunedin Railway Station, Ironic Cafe is a Dunedin institution.
Maggies
Open late Thursday to Saturday: Quirky and comfy, Maggies is known for great coffee and it's incredible daily-baked scrolls and pinwheels.
noble.
Open until 3.30pm on weekdays: Serving Supreme Coffee and known for their specialty coffees and matchas, order from the extensive drinks menu for your afternoon pick-me-up.
The Swan
Open late all week: The Swan provides a cosy place to enjoy an afternoon coffee in between cafe hours and the beginning of their evening dinner service, great for quick coffee catchups that turn into an evening enjoying tapas and drinks.
George Street
Buster Greens
Open until 3.30pm on weekdays: Good coffee, fresh flavours and high vibes are brought to the fore at Buster Greens.
Kiki Beware
Open until 5pm all week: Quality refreshments are key at Kiki, where art, coffee and flavourful snacks are on offer until the end of the workday.
RdC Espresso
Open until 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays: Tucked away down an alleyway off the main street is one of Dunedin's best-kept hidden cafes. RdC crafts quality espresso until late in the afternoon.
Tertiary Precinct
Fluid Espresso
Open until 4pm Monday to Thursday: Student favourite Fluid offers delicious coffee at their bright corner spot right on campus.
The Good Earth
Open until 4pm all week: A popular spot with university students, this café makes everything from scratch every day.
Strictly Coffee Company
Open until 3.30pm weekdays: Part roastery, part cafe, part sandwich bar, Strictly offer it all in one place alongside their own specialty blends.
St Clair
Esplanade
Open until late all week: Known for its Italian fare and beachside location, Esplanade is also a great place for an afternoon coffee before or after a stroll along the sandy shore.
Fugue
Open until 4pm Saturday to Thursday, late Friday: For lovers of the classic Kiwi cafe and decor of yesteryear, Fugue is the best spot in town to get a hot drink and feel the nostalgia.
Hill Suburbs
Alto Cafe
Open until 4pm Saturday to Wednesday, late Thu-Fri: Located right in the heart of Mornington, Alto's floor to ceiling windows create the perfect sunny spot to enjoy a delicious afternoon Atomic coffee.
No7 Balmac
Open until late Tuesday to Saturday: A beloved neighbourhood bistro and pioneer of wood-fired cuisine in Māori Hill, their coffee and drinks menu runs throughout the day.
Tasse
Open until 4pm Monday to Saturday: This small and delicate cafe and tearoom offers high tea and stacked milkshakes tucked away in the suburb of Mornington.