Whether you’re after a cold beer, some sparkling champagne or a cocktail that’s nothing short of mixology art, Cape Town’s got a bar scene that’s bursting with life.
We’ve put together a go-to list of the city’s coolest spots, perfect for any mood or occasion. From cosy speakeasies and swanky hotel bars to lively music spots and rooftop lounges with stunning views, there’s a drinking spot for every thirst.
Cape Town is calling for an evening tailored just to your liking. These are our editor’s picks of some of the best bars in Cape Town – the spots guaranteed to make your night one to remember.
Check out our list of 10 bars in Cape Town
1. The Gin Bar
In 2014, The Gin Bar sprang to life from the shared vision of four close friends, becoming a hidden treasure nestled within a quaint Mediterranean courtyard, accessible only through the Honest Chocolate Cafe. Initially, gaining entry required a secret password, adding to its allure as an exclusive speakeasy. This unique spot quickly captured the hearts of locals, establishing itself as a cherished watering hole in the inner city.
Adding to its charm is the building’s intriguing history as a former mortuary, which playfully influenced their cocktail menu designed to offer remedies for a variety of ‘ailments’. Initially, the bar occupied a modest space that has since been transformed into the Bubbly Bar, located in what used to be the Embalming Room, blending a rich history with a vibrant present.
Location: 64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre
Times: Monday – Wednesday, 5pm – 1am | Thursday – Saturday, 3pm – 1am | Sunday, Closed
Contact: 071 241 2277
2. Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen
Tucked away in Cape Town’s bustling centre, this bar is shaking up the cocktail world with its bold and creative flair. Here, the atmosphere melds comfort with sophistication, with dark hues, weathered wood, and touches of green creating a welcoming space to relax and socialise. But it’s the adventurous drink menu that truly makes this spot stand out, offering a collection of innovative cocktails that dare to defy the usual.
The bartenders, donning lab coats, look like they’ve stepped out of a mixology lab, mixing up concoctions with precision and flair. This isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s a destination where every visit is an immersive and memorable journey into the art of the cocktail.
Location: The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Rd
Times: Monday – Thursday, 10am – 1am | Friday, 10am – 1am | Saturday – Sunday, 9am – 1am
Contact: 021 422 0266
3. Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar
Hidden within the walls of a historic 200-year-old edifice in the city’s pulsating heart, Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar unveils itself as a hidden sanctuary, rich with enchanting surprises and beautifully curated spaces. Venture up to the attic on the third floor and step into an exclusive rooftop oasis, where the ambiance is ripe for socialising against a backdrop of laid-back electro-indie tunes. The compact and cosy terrace further captivates, creating the sensation of stumbling upon a clandestine gathering spot.
At Tjing Tjing, the spotlight falls on the ingeniously concocted cocktails, where traditional mixes are reimagined with an inventive Japanese flair. Ingredients such as yuzu, shiso, sansho pepper, wasabi, miso, and togarashi elevate each cocktail beyond the ordinary, making for an unparalleled drinking experience, all presented at an eye-catching red shrine-inspired bar.
Location: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
Times: Monday – Tuesday, Closed | Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 1am | Sunday, Closed
Contact: 021 422 4374
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4. Fable
Fable isn’t merely a place to grab a drink; it’s an immersive journey into the art of storytelling, with each cocktail serving as a chapter in a larger narrative. Drawing inspiration from the rich folklore of the area, from tales of doomed romances to ghostly ships haunting Cape Point, Fable crafts each drink to tell a story. And for those who favour the classics, there’s no shortage of traditional cocktails, artisanal beers, and wines from the region to satisfy every palate.
The atmosphere at Fable buzzes with excitement, fuelled by regular DJ sets that ensure a lively and energetic night out. The menu complements this vibrant scene, offering dishes that are as rich in flavour as the drinks are in story. Step into the enchanting world of Fable and explore ‘Chapter Two’ of these storied cocktails, where each creation is a testament to the enchanting tales that shape our local heritage, meticulously mixed to enchant and delight.
Location: Corner Bree & Wale St, Cape Town City Centre
Times: Monday, Closed; Tuesday – Wednesday, 5pm – 2am | Thursday, 5pm – 2am | Friday – Sunday, 4pm – 2am
Contact: 066 009 7786
5. The House of Machines
At the core of the city’s pulsating life, The House of Machines (THoM) emerges as a dynamic fusion of distinct worlds: a motorbike workshop, a sanctuary for coffee lovers, a menswear shop, a platform for live music, a welcoming eatery, and a haven for craft beer and cocktail aficionados. This venue masterfully weaves the spirit of motorbike heritage with the multifaceted aspects of city living, offering a singular spot for both aficionados and newcomers to converge.
The entrance welcomes patrons with a playful ‘Don’t Be A D**K’ sign, introducing the establishment’s whimsical and welcoming ethos. Inside, a blend of rustic elegance and modern sophistication prevails, with exposed brick and sturdy wooden beams crafting a cosy vibe. THoM distinguishes itself through a dedication to excellence and innovation, from its exclusive coffee blend to its unique menswear collection.
As a cocktail bar, THoM truly excels, presenting a menu that mirrors the venue’s fashionable setting with creative twists on timeless cocktails and simple yet refined spirit combinations. Whether you’re captivated by the romance of motorbikes or seeking an extraordinary evening, THoM delivers a genuinely unparalleled experience. The prohibition-era atmosphere, enriched with thoughtful design elements like subway tiles and soft lighting, positions The House of Machines as more than just a venue – it’s an exploration into the vibrant heart of urban culture.
Location: 84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
Times: Monday – Wednesday, 7am – 2am; | Thursday – Friday, 7am – 2am | Saturday, 9am – 2am | Sunday, Closed
6. The Athletic Club & Social
The Athletic Club & Social stands as a multifaceted establishment, incorporating three distinct bars and a restaurant, all dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the building’s previous proprietor – a chemist with a passion for sports who clandestinely operated a speakeasy in the basement.
Adorned with a rich collection of sports memorabilia, the venue invites patrons to embark on a journey through South Africa’s illustrious sporting past, with tales and triumphs adorning every wall.
Visitors to The Athletic Club & Social have the opportunity to indulge in an array of experiences, from enjoying meticulously crafted cocktails on the terrace to dining by the soft glow of candlelight or immersing themselves in the rhythmic beats of music within the concealed confines of the basement bar. Each space within the establishment offers a unique ambiance, ensuring that every visit is a memorable foray into a world where sports and socialising intertwine.
Location: 35 Buitengracht Street, CBD, Cape Town
Times: Monday – Wednesday, 12pm – 11pm | Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 2am
Contact: 084 087 5566 | [email protected]
7. Up Yours at Yours Truly
Perched atop Kloof Street’s bustling energy, Up Yours serves as the lively rooftop counterpart to Yours Truly café and bar, enveloping guests in an atmosphere akin to an urban jungle. Here, the focus is on the lively beats and dynamic social scene, with the added bonus of stunning sunset views that add a touch of magic to the setting.
Right next to Once Backpackers, Up Yours has quickly become a favourite haunt for both the local crowd and international visitors, particularly appealing to the younger demographic. The rooftop bar boasts a carefully selected menu of fine wines, top-shelf spirits, and craft beers, while the café below offers a tempting array of pizzas and gourmet sandwiches. Up Yours stands out as an essential destination for those eager to dive into Cape Town’s pulsating nightlife and social scene.
8. The Drinkery
Nestled in Cape Town’s bustling city centre, The Drinkery offers a warm refuge for aficionados of finely crafted cocktails and artisanal beers. Since its launch in 2020, this bar has quickly carved out its niche in the local bar scene, blending contemporary flair with a nod to the city’s rich heritage. Its unique location, boasting views of the oldest fruit-bearing vine in the Southern Hemisphere, adds a historical dimension to your drinking experience.
Stepping into The Drinkery, guests are greeted with an inviting and energetic vibe, amplified by the exceptionally welcoming and knowledgeable staff. They’re eager to guide you through an adventurous cocktail menu, a collection brimming with inventive concoctions that push the boundaries of traditional mixology. Each beverage, crafted with precision and a commitment to local ingredients, promises a memorable tasting journey, ensuring The Drinkery stands as a beacon of Cape Town’s vibrant nightlife.
Location: 100 Shortmarket Street Mezzanine Level, Cape Town City Centre
Times: Monday – Friday, 4pm – 12am | Saturday, 2pm – 12am | Sunday, Closed
Contact: 082 464 4866
9. Asoka Restaurant, Bar and Lounge
Located on the scenic Kloof Street, Asoka serves as a portal to a world of mystical allure. The ambiance, with its subdued lighting, evokes the timeless charm of a classic New York bar, offering a setting that’s both welcoming and intriguing. Asoka’s true distinction lies in its cocktails – each a testament to the art of mixology, designed to leave a lasting impression with every sip.
These exquisite drinks are perfectly paired with a selection of tantalising dishes, turning each visit into a comprehensive gastronomic journey. Jazz enthusiasts will find Asoka’s Tuesday nights particularly enchanting, where soul-stirring music complements the bar’s captivating atmosphere, making it an essential experience for those seeking a night filled with elegance and charm.
Location: 68 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
Times: Sunday, 5:30pm – 12am | Monday – Saturday, 5:30pm – 2am
Contact: 021 422 0909
10. The Willaston Bar
It’s often said that to truly experience the Silo Hotel, you must visit The Willaston Bar on the sixth floor. Getting there might require a bit of patience, as the discerning doorman does his duty, but it’s worth it. Once inside, the hotel’s liveliest and most colourful setting opens up.
During the day, both the Granary Café and The Willaston Bar serve a wide-ranging menu that covers everything from bar snacks and small plates to salads, burgers, desserts, and more hearty meals ideal for lunch or an early dinner. This menu is available in The Willaston Bar until 9:30pm and in the Granary Café until 5pm, offering plenty of options for every taste and occasion.
Location: The Silo Hotel, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Contact: 021 670 0511
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Picture: The Athletic Club & Social
