Looming deadlines, long day or just need a little pre-commute boost? Try these ³Ô¹ÏÍø cafes that stay open after 5pm.

Cathedral Coffee

Wednesday to Saturday, teeny Cathedral Coffee morphs into a convivial late-opener after hours (we're talking hot choc until 10pm).  Grab the last of the daily baked goods (caneles, lemon curd pastries, flaky chocolate buns) to go with a no-fuss long black or bougie brulee cappuccino.

Pellegrini's

Does it get more ³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 9pm most nights and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tori's

If it's a little late in the afternoon for coffee, try one of Tori's alternative drinks. Think premium matcha, hojicha, and tea to complement delectable home-baked goods. Find this cosy spot in Niagara Lane until 6pm.

Puzzle Coffee

 is perched on a busy city corner, ready whenever you need them. Open until 6pm Monday to Friday, and 7pm Saturday 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. Find it on the corner of Swanston Street and Little Collins.

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 11.30am to 1am 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.

Miilk

Like your coffee with sugar and cream? Carb-loaded newcomer Miilk Cake Studio isn't just a sweet spot for baked goods. The inventive iced coffee and milk tea menu is just as delicious. You can get the good stuff until 8pm Sunday to Tuesday and 10pm Wednesday to Saturday. Think pandan iced latte, sweet ube drinks and creamy sea salt caramel lattes.

Brunetti

An oldie but a goodie, Brunetti Oro on Flinders Lane slings espresso until 10pm Sunday to Thursday and midnight Friday to Saturday. Roasted right here in ³Ô¹ÏÍø, a cappuccino and flaky pastry will make any last-minute deadline achievable. Get it to-go or stay a while in the Campari Bar.

Good Measure

Serving iced coffee by day and cocktails by night, Good Measure rolls Sunday brunch and record bar vibes into a very ³Ô¹ÏÍø package. Grab a coffee (or something stronger) until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, and 11pm the rest of the week. The iconic Mont Blanc is a guaranteed winner at any time of day.

Amiri Cafe

The coffee flows all day at Amiri Cafe. Find this sweet dessert-leaning spot in QV Square until 11pm every night. There's classic lattes and Mörk hot chocolate, as well as more out-there choices like the yuzu coffee soda. Pair your caffeine with an elaborately decorated bingsu or San Sebastian cheesecake.

Heartattack and Vine

Friendly neighbourhood spot Heartattack and Vine is one of Carlton’s quiet achievers. The vibe is relaxed European, reflected in the very late night hours. If the going is good, sometimes they stay open until 11pm. Swing by for a Spanish hot chocolate, or perk up before kick-ons with a cocktail.

Sunhands

From the team behind Heartattack and Vine comes a cute cafe and wine bar. Find Sunhands on an iconic sun-soaked Carlton corner and make it your new local. Pop in after work for a coffee, complimented by a range of bar snacks, deli platters and fresh oysters. The cafe is open until 10pm Thursday to Saturday.

Information correct at time of publishing - check with venues before visiting.