Our favourite watering holes.
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!
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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 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 (with a separate canapé menu), 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 Thursday – Saturday from 8pm. Book via Quicket.
Opening times Monday – Wednesday, 12pm – 11pm
Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 2am
Contact 084 087 5566, info@theathletic.co.za
Where to find it 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
The Drinkery
Like all good speakeasies, you’ll find this one hidden away – on the mezzanine above the courtyard of Heritage Square. Picture old brick walls, loungey seating and seductive lighting to set the mood. The focus here is on premium cocktails – a dozen signature tipples, a handful of highballs, and a host of contemporary twists on classics, infused with spirits and liqueurs from around the world and special house-made ingredients. There’s also dedicated martini menu and a small winelist that draws connoisseurs. Top-notch bar snacks, a separate outdoor terrace bar and a fittingly jazzy soundtrack tie it all together.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 4pm – late
Contact 082 464 4866, info@thedrinkery.co.za
Where to find it 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 also upstairs – just the spot to unwind over a glass or two – cosy, atmospheric, without the wine snobbery.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm – late
Shows: 7pm – 10.30pm; dinner: 6pm – 9pm; happy hour: 4pm – 6pm
Contact 087 153 5244, info@mattmanningchef.com
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar
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 from 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. Momiji restaurant serves a fantastic omakase set menu on Saturday nights only.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm – late (kitchen closes 10pm)
Contact 021 422 4374, info@tjingtjing.co.za
Where to find it 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
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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 “medicinal remedies” (cocktails) 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
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Asoka
This vibrant bar-lounge-restaurant has that special X-factor (or Feng Shui blessing) that can’t be recreated anywhere else, which is why it remains one of Kloof Street’s most long-lived haunts. Open seven days a week, Asoka has become known for its decadent cocktails: shaken, stirred and served with a seductive soundtrack of progressive house on weekends (or live jazz on Tuesdays and Sundays). The Asian-flecked menu of sharing plates is themed around the five elements of earth, fire, air, water and nirvana (aka desserts) – and the kitchen closes late, 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 atmosphere of possibility… Where will the night take you?
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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The House of Machines
Walking a fine line between “underground” and welcoming community, THoM (as it’s also known) is a coffee shop and retail store by day, and a damn cool bar by night – serving barrel-aged spirits, craft beer, unfussy cocktails and sweet musical tones. With weathered beams, exposed bricks, subway tiles and a touch of motorcycle life 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 every night makes it one of the Mother City’s finest music venues. Plus: bar snacks and the daily menu is supported by Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 2am
Saturday, 9am – 2am
Contact 021 422 0946, cpt@thehouseofmachines.com
Where to find it 84 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Aperitif
At this chic, understated bar in a heritage cottage on Bree Street, the focus is on stylish and 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 summer streetside sipping. There’s also a wine list of small-scale producers and prosecco (of course) – served by the glass or bottle – a small selection of craft beers, and a snack menu (bruschetta, spanish olives, charcuterie). The house signature is a cocoa-nib negroni served with caramelised orange dipped in chocolate; the golden turmeric margarita is also a tempting choice.
Good to know The downstairs bar is open for sandwiches during the day.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – late
Sandwiches: Monday – Sunday, 12pm until sold out
Contact 076 249 6328, info@aperitif.co.za
Where to find it 227 Bree Street, CBD, Cape Town
Bascule Bar
There’s a secret speakeasy glamour to the marina-side Bascule Bar. Hidden away below Cape Grace at the V&A Waterfront, the intimate whisky and cocktail bar spills out onto a breezy terrace right on the yacht marina looking towards Table Mountain. A Cape Town icon since the early days, with a tradition of late-night discussions over 20-year old Scotch, well-loved local DJs and live music on weekends, a recent top-to-toe renovation by 1508 London has added another layer of sophistication to the ambience. There are cosy alcoves, velvet textures and a long bar, plus an art collection of established and emerging local artists worth visiting for alone. Trailblazing bartender AJ Durow has injected her fearless creativity into a menu of superb signature cocktails and classic pours to complement one of the largest whisky collections in the Southern Hemisphere, while for the food menu, chef Asher Abramowitz (of Heirloom, the signature restaurant at Cape Grace) has devised a casually sophisticated menu of small plates to align with the luxurious ambience.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – midnight
Contact 021 410 7100, capegrace.bascule@fairmont.com
Where to find it Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Rita’s Cocktail Club
Stumble into this oasis of a tequila bar – up the stairs, above a famous burger joint on Kloof Street – and you’ll feel like you’ve landed on a glam 50s film set, all moss-green and dusky-pink walls, Midcentury furniture, gold detailing and the odd cactus. The interior is both moody and spacious – hinting at a dancefloor takeover later (DJs from Thursday to Sunday) – while out on the terrace is a wide-angle view of Table Mountain. Besides the various margaritas and premium tequilas, the drinks menu has diverse and creative choices (a vodka Granadilla Lolly, a Caiparita, a Smoked Piña) – and there are brilliant blue-corn taco canapés to match.
Good to know Half-price margaritas every day from 5pm – 7pm, and a “Two for One” tacos special every Tuesday.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 4.30pm – 2am
Friday – Sunday, 3pm – 2am
Contact 021 300 6695, info@ritascocktailclub.co.za
Where to find it Above Hudsons, 22 Kloof Street, Gardens, 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 winter). As befits a five-star establishment, the “bar snacks” menu is excellent – from the Nellie club sandwich, oysters and crab on a potato rösti to steamed edamame, mushroom empanadas and fish and chips.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 1am
Contact 021 483 1000, restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com
Where to find it 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Café Caprice + Victoria
Caprice has been a Camps Bay landmark for two decades, drawing the crowds and setting the standard for hottest beach bar on the strip (it’s the place to wind down on Sundays in summer). The terrace, main bar-lounge and dining area are always glam and pumping – with DJs providing the deep-house soundtrack on the dancefloor from Thursday to Sunday, Caprice also transitions seamlessly into party central. But for something a little swankier, head upstairs to Victoria – a bar totally devoted to South African cap classique (not to be confused with the Veuve Clicquot bar downstairs). There are more than 30 labels to choose from, to be enjoyed in style with sushi, oysters, even caviar… There are also a few cocktails and wines on the menu.
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 only via a password (and address clues) when you book online. Furnished in 1920s style, a decadent, and indulgent adventure awaits, showcasing cocktails that are boundary-pushing and exciting, concocted by barkeeps with a love of rare spirits, experimentation and molecular gastronomy. It’s not only the ingredients that will raise eyebrows but the playful presentation, too. The bar also hosts live jazz and blues bands, occasional blackjack evenings and vintage-movie nights.
Good to know There is a food-pairing menu as eccentric as the liquid one.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – midnight
Contact theartofduplicity@170120.co.za
Where to find it Now, that would be telling.
Book through DinePlan
Hugo Social Club
Join the Sea Point highlife at this ninth-floor restaurant and bar – 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… Hugo has a sparkling rooftop pool and sundeck – if a day spent lounging and sipping cocktails is your desire. The drinks on offer are cocktails (classics and specials, such as pho-spiced tequila with ginger and lime) and wine. There’s a small-plates menu in the lounge, and the restaurant indoors serves a concise but delicious menu of crowd-pleasers (steak frites, burgers, seafood, salads). On Sundays from 2pm (when the weather allows), a DJ on the terrace delivers cool beats.
Good to know The same owners run a speakeasy nearby called Nightcap. It’s moody, glamorous, sexy and very grown-up, with a variety of clever cocktails made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 7pm.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Breakfast/brunch: 7.30am – 11.30am (no bookings)
Contact 021 286 9332, book@hugosocialclub.com
Nightcap: 076 710 7386 (WhatsApp)
Where to find it Latitude Aparthotel, 2 Kings Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Nightcap: 90 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Grand Africa Café & Beach
It’s the location that lures people here – to discover a beachside idyll unlike any other in Cape Town. There are stunning sea views, yes, but its private beach is what sets it apart, where you can eat, drink (and play) – Ibiza-style – with your toes in the sand. Housed in a restored boathouse, the interiors smack of old-world romanticism and laidback glamour. The menu offers all the classics (pizza, steak, pasta), while five bars ensure a wide choice of cocktails, bubbly and excellent Cape wines – plus jugs of summery drinks like sangria and buckets of beers. Add the occasional star-studded DJ lineup, and it’s no wonder the crowds flock here for sundowners, dinner and after-dark beats under the swaying palms. We recommend reserving a table.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – midnight; 2am on event nights
Contact 021 425 0551, beach@grandafrica.com
Where to find it Haul Road, off Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Anthm
The Big Apple meets Tokyo in Cape Town! This cocktail bar is the new home of ace mixologist (and fine artist) Tetsuo Hasegawa, who has brought an historic innercity building back to life with the energy and pizzazz of his former hometown of NYC. Mixing cultures and cocktails is what he does – with new inspiration he’s found at the southern tip of Africa. These are “classic” cocktails with a big twist, using shrubs and washes made in-house; your drink might be infused with Japanese cherry-wood smoke or mphepho or Durban masala. A fan of 50s and 60s jazz, soul and rock ’n roll, his vinyl collection inspired the cocktails’ names – and serves as the soundtrack to a night out. From the umami-rich Japanese bar snacks to the vintage glassware and exquisite candlelit decor (inspired by timber kominka houses), this is a special immersive experience.
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
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 (think aperol spritz, negroni, margarita, martini, cosmo), plus wine, bubbly and beer. Add delicious Med-style bar snacks and occasional DJ beats, and you’re sorted. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 7pm; dinner is also available next door.
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
Dust and Dynamite
Stepping through the swing-doors into this candlelit saloon, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto the set of a Tarantino movie. Decorated from head to toe in Wild West paraphernalia – an old honky-tonk piano against a wall, red velvet theatre curtains and wood panelling everywhere – the bar has been described as the perfect place to sip a cold beer, relax and let your hair down after a long week. With a rocking alternative playlist (and occasional live bands) to match the interior, and cowboy hats for guests to get into character, we recommend you push open those doors – not just for a beer but for an entire experience.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday + Saturday, 6pm – 2am
Friday, 3pm – 2am
Contact 066 214 7400, vickyaf@outlook.com
Where to find it 27 Caledon Street, East City, 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). Chef MG Mzoneli’s delicious tapas complement the tipples perfectly – plus his kitchen stays open until 1am (a rare find). As owner Nicholas Crouse says: “I’ve met all the best people in my life in a bar.”
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 6pm – late
Contact 078 324 2450, info@talkingtostrangersbar.com
Where to find it 61 Loop Street, Cape Town
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