When you’ve explored Camps Bay to the depths of the ocean and galavanted through town’s treasures for the umpteenth time, you might be ready to explore somewhere a little different. Somewhere that celebrates difference and draws it out of you.
Observatory or ‘Obs’ as it is affectionately known, is like the quirky pair of sneakers your art friend customised and painted themselves. Unique, creative, and forever rocking to the beat of its own drum in Cape Town, Obs is well worth a visit for the bohemian soul visiting the Mother City.
Many Obs wizards will tell you that Lower Main Road sports dime a dozen curiosities that locals hold closer to their hearts than an organic coffee. They’d definitely be right. However, the Cape {town} Etc family suggested spots in and around Obs too, giving love to and beyond Lower Main Road. Here we go:
Have a heavenly coffee at Saint James Cafe
Tired of the boujee cafes in town and looking for something a little more down to earth, but with a cardamom bun on the side? Saint James Cafe, the neighbourhood delight close to Lower Main Road, is a fine suggestion for a cafe experience a la Obs. It’s all the thrill of quirky Cape Town, but without the kind of bill that makes your eyes roll.
- Where: 43 Station Road
- When: Monday to Friday – 6:15am-4pm | Sat-Sunday – 630am-3:30pm
- See more: @saintjamescafeobz
Get thrifty with Thrift Fest’s markets
In the land of Obs, there’s a not so little Thrift Fest that puts retail shopping to shame. Retro arrays, handmade creations and treasures of all kinds, from jewellery to tasty treats, all live at the travelling Thrift Fest. Sometimes at Trench Town, monthly at the Community Hall, Thrift Fest is a favourite wherever it comes to town.
- Check out @thriftfest to keep up with the various and changing market details including whereabouts and dates. Their next market is today, March 5 at the Community Hall!
Also read: Adventure through time and space in the land of Obs with Thrift Fest this Saturday
Stargaze from the SAAO
Ever wondered where Obs got its name from? Well, that’s to do with its starry ‘centrepiece’, the South African Astronomical Observatory or SAAO. SAAO offers Open Nights where you can feel closer to the stars thanks to variously sized telescopes. Not to mention the star of the show: the Mclean telescope. You’ll also learn more about the great big beyond in the sky through astronomy and physics presentations. A great way to remind yourself that there’s a lot more to life than your little bubble of it.
- Where: Observatory Road
- When: Every second and fourth Saturday of every month
- Website: saao.ac.za
Drive or cycle just outside Obs for a quaint feast at The Wild Fig
Another local pick for those seeking a country feel and feast around the Obs area, is The Wild Fig Restaurant. Just roughly 6 minutes from Obs lies the Valkenberg Estate where the Wild Fig resides on the banks of the Lisbeek River. Put on your Sunday best, or take an afternoon cycle and get ready to relish in the scents and feel of country delights. Don’t forget to visit their renowned Barn-turned-pub after Sunday lunch, which is on special for just R140 every Sunday.
- Where: Liesbeek Avenue, Valkenberg Estate, Mowbray
- When: Tuesday- Friday: 12pm-10pm | Saturday: 12pm-10:30pm | Sunday 12pm-5pm
- Social Media: The Wild Fig
Treat your mind and tastebuds to Tapi Tapi Ice cream
The ice cream is really just a coating for the ‘story-telling vehicle’ of African enrichment that Tapi Tapi offers, scooping culture into cones and challenging the ‘othering’ that food creates in Western thinking. Handcrafted and authentic African ice cream with toppings of enlightenment? Definitely, the perfect treat to try in Obs.
- Where: 76 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
- When: Tuesday-Sunday: 12-6pm
- Social Media: @_tapi_tapi
Get a ‘free’ meal at Two4One Kitchen & Bar
They say Obs has some magic to it, and at this establishment, the spell cast is getting two meals for the price of one, all day, every day. Two4One has quickly become a hot take in Obs for obvious reasons. It’s the perfect urban delight to pop in for a bite with a friend who loves to treat themselves but doesn’t want to spend the last of their bag.
- Where: 94 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- When: Monday-Sunday: 1pm-11pm
- Social media: @two4one_kitchenandbar
Have a game of pool at Obs’ historic Stones
If you’re keen to leave no stone unturned, venturing to one of the oldest Stones spots is a well-backed reason to rally the troops for a trip to Obs for a game of pool. Enjoy the less obnoxious side of Cape Town for a beer while you sink a few holes.
- Where: 84 Lower Main Road, Observatory
- When: Monday – Saturday: 13h00 – 04h00 | Sunday 13h00 – 02h00
- Website: stones.co.za
Give your ears a treat at the Armchair Theatre
Hymns of laughter, soft strumming guitars or new vocals galloping across multiple genres – the pick is yours at the ArmChair Theatre. There are many places to jump into the music scene in Cape Town, but if one place encapsulates most of them, it’s Observatory’s gem.
- Where:135 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Check out their socials for various shows and times @ourarmchair
Shop sustainably at Studio Candor
If you’re after an ethical clothing experience, Studio Candor is the colourful kid on the block that you need to check out. With a focus on small-batch clothing made from deadstock fabric, Studio Candor understands the assignment. Described as a ‘glimmer of hope’ in the fast-paced fashion world, Studio Candor is slowing things down.
- Where: 2 Scott Rd, Observatory
- When: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm | Saturday & Sunday: 10am-4pm
- Social Media: @studio.candor
Embrace A Touch of Madness
What would bohemian mean without a touch of madness? Quaint meets quirky at the spot that oozes merriness, and where immaculate vibes are always on the menu (although tthe food doesn’t hurt either). Bonus? Beyond being an iconic bar and restaurant in Obs; A Touch of Madness usually has generous drink specials on offer. And, you can take a virtual sip of via their digital presence beforehand.
- Where: 12 Nuttall Road, Observatory
- When: Monday-Thursday : 9am-11pm | Friday & Saturday: 9am-2am| Sunday: 11am-10pm
- Social Media: @atouchofmadness.obs
Grab an iconic pizza at Obz Cafe
New York meets Cape Town thanks to Obz Cafe, from sidewalk seating to upmarket urban decor. Obz Cafe has always got it right when it comes to upbeat energy, which is probably why it’s been a landmark of Observatory for as long as it has (20 years and counting). Their menu offers multiple culinary journies, but if you haven’t tried a pizza from the Cafe, you haven’t really tasted a slice of Obs.
- Where: 115 Lower Main Road Observatory
- When: Monday-Sunday: 11am-11pm
- Social Media: Obz Cafe
Get down at Trench Town
Trench Town may present itself as a vibey Island-themed restaurant, but really it’s a portal to a world of events. From hosting Thrift Fest to Trench Town Fridays (music, dance, intriguing decor and all the weird and wonderful) its essence screams underground groove.
- Where: 145 Lower Main Road, Observatory
- When: Monday-Saturday: 11:45am-2am | Sunday: 1:30pm-2am
- Social media: To check out specific events, travel to @trenchtown_obz
Also read:
Picture: @eazishots
