Wellington And Around Cafes

With the highest number of cafes per capita in the Southern Hemisphere (and thankfully, only three Starbucks), Wellington is certainly doing something right. Courtenay Place is lined with standard cafes, while funkier finds dot the bohemian stretch of Cuba Street. Most cafes serve food and many extend the party with liquor licenses and late hours.

Fidel’s, 234 Cuba St. (☎801 6868). ¡Que vive la revolucion!—in coffee, at least. Easily the hippest spot in town, this temple to the great leader will place you firmly in the trenches with its tight inside passages, patio military netting, and revolutionary memorabilia. A delicious menu and caffeine buzz ($3-4) vie for control with the milkshakes ($5). Open M-F 7:30am-midnight, Sa-Su 9am-midnight.
Chocolate Fish Cafe, 497A Karaka Bay Road (☎388 2808), in Scorching Bay. Once the spot to escape the city, this small cafe now quietly attracts celebrities and movie producers to its sunny beachside seats. A chocolate-covered marzipan fish lands in the bottom of every drink. Breakfast served all day. Open daily 8:30am-5pm.
Parade Cafe, 148 Oriental Parade (☎939 3935). A favorite for its heaping breakfasts and relaxed atmosphere along the popular jogging boardwalk. The pancakes with bananas and bacon ($16) can satiate even the hungriest hardbodied traveler. Open daily 7:30am-10:30pm.
Midnight Espresso, 178 Cuba St. (☎384 7014). With funky beats, alternative art, and a stellar vegan-friendly menu, Midnight makes you dread the clock striking three. Couple your coffee ($4) with a hunk of midnight chocolate cake ($4). Open M-F 8am-3am, Sa-Su 9am-late.
Ed’s Juice Bar, 95 Victoria St. (☎473 1769). Savor an irresistible smoothie ($3-6) or steaming soup ($5). Great selection of vegetarian and vegan food. Open M-F 7am-6pm, Sa-Su 9am-5pm.

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