There are no bars in Kuwait -- alcohol is completely illegal. But the cafe culture is thriving, and Kuwaitis take their coffee and tea seriously. Evenings out revolve around cafes, shisha lounges, and late-night dessert spots.
Cafe Royal in the JW Marriott Hotel is a polished spot with good sandwiches, salads, and excellent breakfasts. The atmosphere is relaxed and young.
Hard Rock Cafe in the Marina World glass pyramid in Salmiya offers American food and rock memorabilia in a waterfront setting. Open until midnight and one of the livelier spots in town, even without alcohol.
Cafe Le at the Kuwait Towers offers a panoramic view of the city from 82 metres up. The coffee and light bites are secondary to the spectacle, but it is worth the visit. Open from 8 AM to 11:30 PM.
Edam in the Radisson SAS Hotel lobby near Salmiya is a cosy spot popular with shoppers and hotel guests. The beachfront location is a pleasant bonus. Open from 9 AM to 11 PM.
Traditional Arabic coffee houses can be found throughout the old souk area. The cardamom-scented Arabic coffee is served in tiny cups and refilled repeatedly -- it is the social glue of Kuwaiti culture. Tea houses are equally popular, offering a variety of herbal and black teas.
Most cafes close around midnight, so plan your evenings accordingly. The Salmiya area has the highest concentration of late-night options.