Melbourne's best cafes that open late

Looming deadlines, long day or just need a little pre-commute boost? Try these Melbourne cafes that stay open after 5pm.

Heartattack and Vine

Friendly neighbourhood spot Heartattack and Vine is one of Carlton’s quiet achievers. The vibe is relaxed European, reflected in their very late night hours. We're talking an 11pm close Wednesday to Saturday! Swing by for a Spanish hot chocolate, or perk up before kickons at one of Melbourne's best after-dark music venues with an iced almond latte.

Queensmith Baretto

Checkerboard floors, marble tables and coffee until 10pm. Find all this and more at Queensmith Baretto, brand new to the espresso wine bar scene. Sit by the window and sip your brew with a snack, or grab a takeaway before you jump on the train home at Flagstaff Station. Coffee not doing the trick? Hang around for $12 spritzes and $15 negronis during aperitivo hour (3 to 7pm).

Brunetti

An oldie but a goodie, Brunetti Oro on Flinders Lane slings espresso until 8pm every night. Roasted right here in Melbourne, a cappuccino and flaky pastry will make any last-minute deadline achievable. Get it to-go or stay a while in the Campari Bar.

Puzzle Coffee

Puzzle is perched on a busy city corner, ready whenever you need them. Open until 6pm Monday to Thursday, and 7pm Friday to Sunday, it's the perfect spot to refuel post-work (or pre-party). Craving an after dinner treat? Try the dirty iced matcha, a caffeine-loaded refresher topped with foamy cream. They even sell an edible coffee cup! Find it on the corner of Swanston Street and Little Collins.

Pellegrini's

Does it get more Melbourne than late-night coffee and cake under the neon lights of Pellegrini's? Take a seat at the bar and order an espresso to go with your tiramisu (or iconic apple strudel). The cafe stays open for night owls until 11.30pm most nights and 10pm on Sundays.

Cathedral Coffee

Wednesday to Friday, teeny Cathedral Coffee morphs into a convivial late-opener. Grab the last of their daily baked goods (caneles, lemon curd pastries, flaky chocolate buns) to go with a no-fuss long black or bougie brulee cappuccino. Check out more of the CC crew's late night offerings in our guide to Melbourne's best wine bars.

Palette at Night

By day it's a light and airy Korean cafe slinging aesthetic brunches. By night Palette becomes an intimate, mood-lit cafe and dessert bar. There's treats like strawberry cocktails, cinnamon croffles and honey-drizzled brioche. And don't worry, they do decaf too. Palette at Night is open from 7pm to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Butchers Diner

If no-fuss is your middle name, then the Butchers Diner filter coffee needs to be your after-work java game. Open from midday to midnight Tuesday to Saturday, a pit stop for a $2.50 cup is a no-brainer. Get a little extra caffeine in your veins with the classic tiramisu, or see which alt-milk varietals are stocked in the vegan vending machine out the front.