Dylan’s Café

Tucked away in the mist-laden hills of Meghalaya, Dylan’s Café has quietly become a pilgrimage site for coffee lovers across India. Part bohemian living room, part vinyl shrine, this Shillong haunt distills the Northeast’s cool drizzle, Khasi warmth and 1960s rock nostalgia into every cup. Locals trade hand-roasted beans over chessboards while travellers scribble lyrics on the brick walls, turning a simple café into a living archive of stories. Here, espresso shots echo the rhythm of rain on corrugated roofs, proving that India’s café culture can be as wild and melodic as its mountains.

Address

Tripura Castle Rd, Dhankheti, Malki, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003, India

Phone

None

Location of Dylan's Café

Opinions

4/5 (Read the Reviews)

MORE INFORMATION

Tucked into the pine-scented slope of Tripura Castle Rd, Dylan’s Café channels Shillong’s relaxed hill-station vibe with dark-wood panels, mellow jazz and a menu that balances robust Indian filter coffee, all-day English breakfasts and locally sourced strawberry pastries; service is unhurried but friendly, the balcony seats overlook Dhankheti’s morning mist, and while prices edge above the Mall crowd, the consistent brews, reliable Wi-Fi and 4-star cleanliness make it a dependable refuge for travellers and Meghalaya University regulars alike.

More information

Where exactly is Dylan’s Café located in Shillong?

Dylan’s Café sits on Tripura Castle Road in the quiet Dhankheti–Malki neighbourhood, a five-minute downhill walk from the main Police Bazaar ridge and inside the same leafy compound as Hotel Polo Towers, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003, India.

Does the café stay open every day and what are its operating hours?

We keep the doors open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., last kitchen orders at 8:45 p.m., so you can drop in for a late breakfast, an afternoon espresso or an early dinner without worrying about off-days.

Is the menu purely coffee or can vegetarians and non-coffee drinkers find good options too?

While single-estate Meghalaya coffee is the star, the menu is deliberately mixed: vegetarian English breakfast, locally baked croissants, Tungrymbai sandwiches, vegan smoothie bowls, single-origin pour-overs, Khasi honey lemon tea and artisanal hot chocolate ensure every palate is covered.

Do I need a hotel key card to enter, or can outside guests reserve a table?

No key card is required—Dylan’s Café has its own street-side entrance; outside guests are welcome and can reserve a table through the online form on hotelpolotowers.com/dylans-cafe.html or by calling the café directly at +91 364 250 6666.

Priya Sharma, Creator of Ucompa.one

I created ucompa.one to help people across India discover the best cafés near them — cozy spots for great coffee, homemade treats, and warm atmospheres. Although I am not a professional food critic, my passion is to build a complete, easy-to-use directory covering cities and towns all over India. Feel free to contact me if you need any help through our contact page!