The 20 Best Bars in Cape Town

Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer, a glass of celebratory bubbly or a dazzlingly complex cocktail, these hotspots will shake and stir you. We’ve rounded up the coolest bars in the city for all tastes and occasions, from moody speakeasies and swanky hotels to beat-filled music bars and rooftop sundowner spots. Cape Town is ready and waiting!

The Athletic Club & Social

One of the city’s best spots for live music, The Athletic is also much more than that. Entering this grand old three-storey building on Buitengracht Street, your curiosity leads you upstairs and downstairs, through a moody labyrinth of spaces each more sumptuous and “extra” than the last – a whimsical design fantasy of colonial-meets-modern and plush gentleman’s club. There’s the Trapezaria (a dining room serving fantastic Greek and fire-roasted fare), three glorious bars, a balcony with views of Signal Hill, and a speakeasy-like basement, The Trophy Room, where live jazz creates sexy magic. This is a place with a story… get to know it and you’ll understand the name.
Good to know Live jazz happens Wednesday – Saturday from 8pm. Wine & Social, with guest winemakers, happens every second Friday. Bookings for both via Quicket.
Opening times Monday – Tuesday, 4pm – 11pm
Wednesday, 4pm – 12am
Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 2am
Contact 084 087 5566, info@theathletic.co.za
Where to find it 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Anthm

Where the Big Apple meets Tokyo in Cape Town! This bar is the home of ex-NYC mixologist (and fine artist) Tetsuo Hasegawa, who’s brought a historic building on Loop Street back to life in the style of a timber kominka house. Mixing cultures and cocktails is what he does; his latest muse: the southern tip of Africa. These are “classics” with a big twist, using shrubs and washes made in-house, so your drink might be infused with Japanese cherry-wood smoke, mphepho or Durban masala. His vinyl collection inspired the cocktails’ names – and is the soundtrack to your night out. From the umami-rich sharing plates/bar snacks to vintage glassware and candlelit decor, this is one for your diary.
Opening times Tuesday, Wednesday + Saturday, 5.30pm – late
Thursday + Friday, 4.30pm – late
Contact anthmcpt@gmail.com
Where to find it 63 Loop Street, Cape Town

The Gin Bar

Every good gin joint has a good story. This innercity gem is hidden behind a chocolate shop, and housed in a heritage building that used to be a mortuary! Take a seat in the Chapel Room or charming courtyard, and order one of the five signature “medicinal remedies” (herb-forward G&Ts) for head, heart, soul, hope or ambition. If you’d rather go for a straight-up G&T, there are over 100 gins to choose from (80 of which are local). Try the dry gin martini garnished with pickled kelp, a negroni with kapokbos (wild rosemary), and the cocktail with Honest chocolate. There’s wine and beer, too, plus the Bubbly Bar – around the side, in what used to be the Embalming Room – which showcases the best of local cap classiques, including small lesser-known producers.
Opening times Thursday – Saturday, 3pm – 1am
Monday – Wednesday, 5pm – 1am
Contact 071 241 2277, hello@theginbar.co.za
Where to find it Behind Honest Chocolate, 64A Wale Street, Cape Town

Asoka

This vibey bar-lounge-restaurant has that special X-factor (or feng shui) that can’t be recreated, which is why it remains one of Kloof Street’s most enduring haunts. It’s known for its decadent cocktails: shaken, stirred and served up with a seductive soundtrack of progressive house (DJs on Thursdays and weekends) and live jazz (Tuesdays and Sundays). The kitchen doles out lip-smacking Asian-flecked sharing plates – themed around earth (vegetarian), fire (meat), air (poultry), water (seafood) and nirvana (aka desserts) – and only closes at midnight. At the heart of the venue is a 150-year-old, fairy-lit olive tree; glowing candles and lanterns add to the magical ambience… Where will the night take you?
Good to know Every Monday, there’s a three-course dinner special (R295) from 6pm.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6pm – late
Contact 021 422 0909, info@asoka.za.com
Where to find it 68 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Akra

When you climb the stairs inside Ouzeri (a restaurant renowned for its modern Cypriot-Greek dining), a delightful new discovery awaits: a cocktail and wine bar – an intimate space and ambience to start or round off an evening. The perfectly crafted cocktails, from classic aperitivi to digestifs, reflect the season (and classic Mediterranean flavours) in the glass; there are spritzers and alcohol-free options too, and a curated list of vintage local and natural wines. It’s approachable and unpretentious, pared back but chic and convivial. Akra (its name in Greek refers to a “pinnacle”) is about those in-between moments, a spontaneous and welcoming space for walk-ins just dropping in for a drink as well as diners at Ouzeri, and a relaxed space to continue the conversation when the meal is done.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – midnight
Contact 061 533 9071, seeyou@ouzeri.co.za
Where to find it 58 Wale Street, Cape Town

The House of Machines

Walking a fine line between “underground” and “welcoming”, THoM (as it’s also known) is a coffee shop and apparel store by day, and a damn fine bar by night – serving barrel-aged spirits, craft beer, unfussy cocktails (no swirly umbrellas here) and rocking tunes. With weathered beams, exposed bricks, subway tiles and a touch of motorbike paraphernalia sprinkled throughout, the mash-up pays homage to a bygone era while being decidedly of the moment. The service is lively and friendly, the vibe laidback and the eclectic soundtrack of (free) live bands most nights makes it one of the Mother City’s coolest music venues. Plus: bar snacks and burgers come courtesy of Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 2am
Saturday, 9am – 2am
Contact 021 422 0946, house@thehouseofmachines.com
Where to find it 84 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town

Aperitif

This understated bar in a heritage cottage on Bree Street is utterly devoted to relaxed cocktails and classic aperitivo spritzers and negronis. With its marble-topped tables, leather seats and crystal decanters, it’s a Cape Town incarnation of la dolce vita that spills out onto the wide pavement for stylish streetside sipping. The classics-with-a-twist cocktail menu also includes martinis, margaritas, old fashioneds and sours; what’s more, teetotallers can raise a glass with a selection of elegant, non-alcoholic spritzers. Plus there’s a winelist of small-scale producers, and a snack menu of bruschetta, Spanish olives, charcuterie and Aperitif’s now-famous sandos.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 10pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 12am; Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 076 249 6328, info@aperitif.co.za
Where to find it 227 Bree Street, Cape Town

Bascule Bar

There’s a secret speakeasy glamour to this iconic marina-side watering hole, hidden below the Cape Grace hotel. A recent refurb has added another layer of sophistication to the ambience – as has the creative mixology team, whose superb signature cocktails and classics complement one of the largest whisky collections in the southern hemisphere (tastings are available). There’s also a cellar full of great wines. The casual-chic small plates also go down a treat, especially with live jazz on weekends. For sundowners, take a seat on the terrace for views over bobbing yachts to Table Mountain; then head inside where cosy alcoves, velvety banquettes and a long bar beckon. The art collection is worth its own visit!
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 12am
Contact 021 410 7100, capegrace.info@fairmont.com
Where to find it Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

The Planet Bar

Swan (and, yes, that’s what you do) into this chic, glam, unfailingly luxe bar at the Mount Nelson hotel, and order a pink drink to match the exterior – or any of the dozen signature cocktails, local and international wines, spirits and beers. The Planet Bar is just as suitable for spontaneous after-work drinks as it is for special celebrations. People-watch (or celeb-stalk) from the terrace with a glass of bubbly in summer, soaking up views of the beautiful gardens or starry night sky (or curl up by the fire in one of the plush alcoves in colder weather). As befits a five-star establishment, the “bar snacks” menu is excellent – from the Nellie club sandwich, Saldanha oysters and crab on potato rösti to chimichurri steak and classic fish and chips.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 1am
Contact 021 483 1000, restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com
Where to find it 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town

The Drinkery

Like all good speakeasies, you’ll find this one hidden away – on the mezzanine above the Heritage Square courtyard. Old brick walls, loungey seating and seductive lighting set the sophisticated mood, with top-notch bar snacks, a separate outdoor terrace bar and a suitably jazzy soundtrack tying it all together. It may be inspired by a nostalgic concept but it’s very clued up on the latest in mixology. The focus is on premium seasonal cocktails – a dozen signature tipples and contemporary twists on classics, infused with spirits and liqueurs and a host of special house-made ingredients. There’s also a small winelist that draws connoisseurs.
Opening times Monday – Wednesday, 4pm – 12.30am
Thursday – Saturday, 4pm – 1am
Contact 082 464 4866, info@thedrinkery.co.za
Where to find it Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
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The Blue Room

This cocktail and live music lounge is a magnet for a “grown-up” night out that ticks all the boxes: top-notch drinks, fantastic food and the kind of vibe that only happens with live music. Expect sets by some of the country’s best musicians in a speakeasy-style space – think candlelight, mirrors, leather seating and a curvy wooden ceiling. Patrons can settle in early for cocktails and small sharing plates, or enjoy a proper dinner (here or upstairs at chef Matt Manning’s Grub & Vine bistro), then disappear behind the blue curtains to enjoy the show.
Good to know Culture Wine Bar is upstairs – cosy, atmospheric, without the wine snobbery. Just the spot to unwind over a glass or two.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 3.30pm – 11pm; Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 11pm
Live Music: 7pm – 10.30pm
Happy Hour: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Dinner: 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 087 153 5246, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Tjing Tjing Rooftop

Part of Tjing Tjing’s three-storey Japanese emporium of delights on Longmarket Street, the Rooftop is the spot to kick off (or end) a special night out. The 200-year-old attic is decked out with a red shrine-inspired bar and indigo fabric-wallpaper embroidered with bathing macaque monkeys, and spills out onto a view-drenched terrace. Enjoy some of the most interesting cocktails in the city – classics with an Asian twist, each inspired by a fictional character; snack on finger-licking Japanese streetfood (courtesy of the downstairs kitchen at Torii), and enjoy the cutting-edge indie-electronica playlist.
Good to know For a quieter drink or private-group gathering (by reservation), head to the dark and moody Momiji Lounge on the second floor.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm – late
Contact 021 422 4374, info@tjingtjing.co.za
Where to find it 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town

Café Caprice

Caprice has been a Camps Bay landmark for two decades, drawing the crowds and setting the standard for the hottest beach bar on the strip (it’s the place to wind down on Sundays in summer). Artisan cocktails (like the iconic vodka-laced Granadilla Lolly) and a casual, café-style menu prove to be a winning formula. The terrace, main bar-lounge and dining area are always glam and pumping, with DJs providing the deep-house soundtrack from Thursday to Sunday. But for something a little swankier, head upstairs to Victoria for a dinner experience, where glasses are refilled, secrets are exchanged and nights don’t end when dessert does (Friday and Saturday, during summer).
Opening times Monday – Thursday, until midnight
Friday – Sunday, until 1am
Contact 021 438 8315, reservations@cafecaprice.co.za
Where to find it 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
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The Art of Duplicity

Housed in a secret-location 19th-century warehouse, this is a proper speakeasy with access via a password (and address clues) when you book online. Furnished in 1920s style, a decadent, indulgent and theatrical adventure awaits, showcasing exciting boundary-pushing cocktails, concocted by barkeeps with a love of rare spirits, experimentation and molecular gastronomy. It’s not just the ingredients that will raise eyebrows but the playful presentation, too – using every kind of vessel imaginable and unexpected decorative props. The bar food follows suit. The venue also hosts live jazz and blues bands, blackjack evenings and vintage-movie nights. Plus there’s a dress code, so be prepared to get fancy.
Good to know There is a VIP Coffee Experience next door featuring caffeine-soaked cocktails from 2pm.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – midnight
Contact mae@170120.co.za
Where to find it Somewhere in the East City…
Book through DinePlan

Hugo Social Club

Join the Sea Point highlife at this ninth-floor bar and restaurant – with views of Lion’s Head in one direction and the ocean in the other from its wraparound balcony. It goes without saying it’s a fabulous spot to enjoy one of the city’s Technicolor sunsets, toasted with light-catching cocktails, or bubbly, wine, beer or spirits. There’s also a sparkling rooftop pool and sundeck – if a day spent lounging and sipping cocktails is your desire. The menu (including a small-plates selection) in both the lounge and restaurant area includes delicious crowd-pleasers like steak frites, burgers, seafood, salads, plus a braai menu on weekends.
Opening times Daily, 7.30am – 10pm
Contact 021 286 9332, hello@hugosocialclub.com
Where to find it Latitude Aparthotel, 2 Kings Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Our Local Bar

Already a popular daytime spot for breakfasts, lunches and coffee breaks, this converted mechanic’s workshop has quietly become just as sought-after for drinks and mingling. The new bar alongside it is a petite space with speakeasy vibes, continuing the eclectic vintage style of the main restaurant – and with a serving hatch window opening onto the street. Order your tipple of choice from a selection of bottles arranged on mirrored glass shelves at “The Ol’ Bar”. Classic and signature cocktails are served (with dashes of chipotle, chai, elderflower, paprika and mushroom), plus an in-house spritz crafted from layered blends. The menu showcases modern techniques like clarification, butter-washing and maceration, adding depth and character to each creation. Wine, bubbly and beer round out the offering. Add delicious Med-style bar snacks and occasional DJ beats, and you’re sorted. Weekday happy hour runs from 4pm to 7pm; dinner is just a few steps away.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm – late
Contact 064 642 5004, eat@ourlocal.co.za
Where to find it 117 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

The Dark Horse

Once you’ve taken your first sip of a tongue-wagging cocktail and had a look around, you’ll realise this watering hole offers an eclectic cornucopia of delights. Electric-blue walls lined with vintage art, a large sumptuous velvet couch, backlit bar, mirrored ceiling and a scattering of small tables create a plush yet whimsical atmosphere. The streetside patio is ideal for people-watching, while the rooftop deck has stunning views of Table Mountain. The drinks list also features craft beers, wine and a good supply of tequila. Plus there’s no need to leave this lovely spot to have dinner elsewhere – as the sibling of nearby Black Sheep restaurant, the menu features scrumptious (sustainably sourced) global small plates.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 4pm – late
Friday + Saturday, 1pm – late
Contact 021 422 0825, info@darkhorsebar.co.za
Where to find it 145 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Talking to Strangers

Celebrating the art of conversation – albeit cocktail-lubricated – along with global streetfood and upbeat DJ vibes, this hip-hop-centric innercity bar is sure to intrigue (and the “strangers” are sure to be good-looking). In a heritage building on Loop Street, it’s cosy and moodily lit, with sofas for private chats and high tables for the more sociable – and occasional DJ sets to bring the party. But the bar counter is the headline act, where a high-energy team of mixologists concocts inventive creations (the drinks menu is seasonal; new special cocktails drop every Tuesday night, available for one week only). Delicious tapas complements the tipples perfectly – plus the kitchen stays open until 1am (a rare find). As the owners say: “We’ve met all the best people in our lives in a bar.”
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 6pm – 2am
Contact 078 324 2450, info@talkingtostrangersbar.com
Where to find it 61 Loop Street, Cape Town

Fable

With its imaginative approach to lighting up the night, this storied bar pulls in a crowd not only because its cocktails push the envelope in terms of flavours (and the pizzazz with which they’re crafted and served), but because the entire place – like your night out – is a story waiting to unfold… layered, multidimensional and full of surprises. A world-class bar infused with distinctly South African elements, it showcases local folklore through its signature cocktails (look around and you’ll spot the characters in bold murals by tattoo artist Raoul Goetze). You don’t come here only to drink, though. You come for the vibe; when the DJs ramp up the beats on weekends, it goes into hyperdrive. If you need to fuel your night, there’s a selection of enticing dishes – think flatbreads (with beef, prawns or chicken) and pork belly with rooibos kombucha glaze.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 5pm – late
Friday – Sunday, 4pm – late
Happy Hour: Tuesday – Thursday, 5pm – 7pm; Friday + Saturday, 4.30pm – 7pm; Sunday all night
Contact 066 009 7786, info@fablecocktailbar.capetown
Where to find it Corner Bree + Wale Streets, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Story Horse Bar

Picking up from where Hank’s Olde Irish left off, this cosy and super-atmospheric space under St Stephen’s Church has had a little spruce-up in the style of an old British racing club – think hunter-green velvet, oxblood leather, brass and dark wood accents, monotone photo prints of racehorses on exposed-brick walls… Whiskies are still the focus, with a wide range (also used by the master mixologists in superb cocktails) alongside cap classique and Champagne – plus Guinness, of course. It’s a space to experience the bonhomie and irreverent humour of a traditional pub with some contemporary nightlife buzz stirred in. There are board games, darts, cards, stylish bar snacks, tasting evenings and curated music “listening” nights. If these walls could talk, indeed, they’d surprise you – to start with, their origin (part of the first custom-built theatre in SA, opened in 1800; later taken over by St Stephen’s as a place of worship for freed slaves). The story is sure to continue…
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 5pm – 2am
Contact 083 871 2047, hello@storyhorse.co.za
Where to find it 104 Bree Street, Cape Town

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