Cape Town's Coolest Bars

Michele Harvey

South Africa Expert

Africa and Middle East | South Africa

Undoubtedly one of the most stylish cities around the world, effortlessly beautiful Cape Town serves up an incredible scene. The enviable lifestyle of Capetonians revolves around both natural wonders and urban pleasures—here, we dive into cocktails, sundowners, small plates and loungey beach bars all over the city. From old favourites to new up-and-comers, our incredibly in-the-know friend Jene Barnes shares some of the best places to see and be seen in the ‘Mother City’. Here are her top picks for locals and visitors alike.

The Gin Bar: Secret Speakeasy
A local favourite, find your way into this secret spot after passing through Honest Chocolate Café. The Gin Bar is dedicated to the juniper-infused spirit, where you can even choose your own variety of tonic water for a subtle difference. Choose from among five specialty cocktails: Ambition, Hope, Head, Heart, and Soul, or go for a tried-and-true G&T.

Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe & Bar: Cocktails & Chill

It’s contemporary, relaxed, and easygoing at this Camp’s Bay rooftop lounge. Linger for hours, listen to the perfect soundtrack curated by live DJs, and wait until the sun begins to dip along the horizon: life’s good.

The Grand Africa: Sundowners in the City

Whether barefoot holding a cocktail on the beach by its tiki-hut bar, or in a historic waterfront warehouse with a South Beach vibe, the large-scale, aptly named The Grand draws crowds (and turns heads). Unobstructed seaside views are complete with multiple bars all within walking distance of the water, a cozy courtyard shaded with palm trees, a gin bar, and more.

Tiger’s Milk Muizenberg: Surf n’ Snack

Head to ‘Muizies’, as we like to say, and hit the boardwalk on your way to this popular seaside bar that has gained in popularity with more than just the surf crowd. From Tiger’s Milk, you can watch people riding waves while you grab casual bar food and drinks, all hearty and fulfilling.

Experience South Africa With B&R

Private Walking Safari

From trekking amidst the fynbos to searching for the Big Five, our South Africa Walking Safari pulls out all the stops. By day, track your favourite animal by foot, boat, or 4×4. Sip sundowners as the sun slips under the horizon, while your nights are spent at the continent’s luxe lodges.

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Private Cape Town & Winelands Active Journey

The ever-vibrant Mother City is your home base for oenological exploration on our Cape Town & Winelands Active Journey. Roam by bike and foot through fertile winelands, stay at exquisite hotels, and sample the best flavours of the Rainbow Nation.

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Asoka: Festive and Local

Light up the night amidst the golden glow of Asoka, located on lively Kloof Street. An extensive signature (and classic) cocktail list will delight, as does the courtyard atmosphere with a 150-year-old olive tree adorned with a string of twinkling lights. Live jazz and DJ nights complement the settings, along with shared plates for all.

Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge: Posh and Opulent

In Cape Town’s East City, Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge piles on the drama and the glamour, with velvet curtains and booths that invite you to sink right in. Stylish, opulent, and inviting, a mixture of live jazz, disco, hip-hop and house form the sonic backdrop for your evening. Where will your night take you?

The Stack: Members-Only, But You Can Sit With Us

Located in an 1850s Victorian home, Leinster Hall, is where you’ll find the elegant townhouse vibe of The Stack. Also part of a private member’s club, feel like you’re in the know as you sample brasserie food, light bites, or spend your time on the lovely veranda, along with the city’s creative class who congregate here.

Seta at Villa 47: Italian-Fusion Aperitivi

An intriguing find, Seta is housed in historic Villa 47, a complex housing three Italian-inspired restaurants and bars. Here, expect creative cocktails, aperitivos, and shared plates, all infused with touches that call to mind Italy…and Asia.

The Slow Road

Michele Harvey

Private Trip Designer Michele Harvey spent family holidays in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe before entering B&R history as our first-ever guide in South Africa in 1996. Today she designs incredible journeys (and writes spectacular blog posts) in and around her native South Africa.