Cape Town is all about having a great time, and the nightlife scene is proof of that. You’ll find it here no matter what you’re after, be it a lively cocktail bar, a tucked-away speakeasy, or a chill pub. Cape Town has everything from trendy rooftop lounges with stunning views to snug wine cellars showcasing local wines. From craft beer spots to sundowners, Cape Town’s bars and pubs have something for everyone.
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Barcadia 🕹️
Go back in time in Cape Town’s first bar and arcade, Barcadia! If you really miss the vibe of retro gaming such as Mortal Kombat, Tekken or Pac-man, you can enjoy a delicious drink or milkshake and have the time of your life! This ‘barcade’ is carving out a space for a retro resurgence with typical 90s aesthetics from checkered flooring to fluorescent colourful lights. It delivers the perfect mix of nostalgia for people who grew up with these games and for younger individuals who want a taste of the old-school vibe.
Barcadia is strictly 21+, and all the games are free. For people who want to play modern games, there is also a Playstation 5 available behind the bar. No food menu is available yet; however, the drinks will flow! With 1L beer jugs, ciders, draught beers on tap and some standard cocktails, you won’t miss out on the bar experience.
Barcadia, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 1 pm to 2 am
Address: 62 Hout Street, Cape Town
Website: https://www.barcadia.co.za/
Art of Duplicity 🍸
The Art of Duplicity is a secret speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming entrance to a renovated Victorian warehouse in Cape Town. Styled after America’s 1920s prohibition era, this speakeasy offers a unique experience with all the intrigue of the time. You’re part of the mystery from the moment you make a reservation! You must make a booking via the website; then, you will receive a secret password and a series of prompts to find the location.
Once you give the doorman your password, you will enter an atmosphere with live jazz, leather couches, candlelight, and some of Cape Town’s best cocktails. The cocktail menu is a curated mix of standard and unique drinks created by South Africa’s top mixologists. While you can’t simply stumble upon this bar while walking in Cape Town, the covert and exclusive experience is glamorous, exciting, and worth it!
Website: https://170120.co.za/
Spinal Tap 🍻
If you’re looking for a good, hearty pub experience, Spinal Tap has everything you need. It is a small, cosy spot offering a wide selection of beers. The bar has around six taps and serves over a dozen rotating beer options, including a house brew! You can even try out local craft beers and limited-edition brews.
Spinal Tap’s food menu perfectly complements the beer choices, offering simple pub meals such as toasted sandwiches, burgers, wors rolls, and more. The pub’s name draws from the cult classic rock mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap,” perfectly embodying its music and vibe. It has a lively and fun atmosphere that captures the film’s spirit, making it an excellent spot for visitors looking to enjoy some good tunes and a good time.
Spinal Tap, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 2 pm to 10 pm. Monday & Saturday, 4 pm to 10 pm. Sundays, 2 pm to 7 pm
Address: 285b Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
Contact Number: 076 636 4507
The Drinkery 🍾
The Drinkery is a cosy bar in Cape Town’s Heritage Square. It offers a vintage speakeasy vibe that feels inviting and warm. With wooden tables and old brick walls, it has a charming ambience accentuated by interesting art pieces. The bar overlooks the oldest fruit-bearing vine in the Southern Hemisphere, adding a touch of historical significance to your visit. The Drinkery is a great spot to kick back and relax.
The Drinkery combines old-world sophistication with new-age innovation. It serves expertly crafted drinks and offers the opportunity to relax with friends. The menu is expansive, featuring experimental cocktails created by professional mixologists, as well as some of the best highball drinks in Cape Town. Their timeless and classic cocktails are also reliable picks!
The Drinkery, Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 4 pm to 12 am
Address: 100 Shortmarket Str, Mezzanine Level, Cape Town
Website: https://thedrinkery.co.za/
Contact Number: 082 464 4866
The Armchair Theatre 🎸
For over 26 years, the Armchair Theatre has been a cornerstone of Cape Town’s live entertainment. The venue hosts themed nights almost every day of the week, giving patrons something to do while drinking. However, Armchair Theatre offers more than events; it is a whole experience with drinks, friends, and a community! It provides a place of belonging for those looking to relax and meet new people.
Events are rotating but sometimes follow a changing schedule. Fridays and Saturdays see the stage alive with performances by local and international musicians. Laugh along with the Wednesday and Sunday stand-up comedy performances or sing along to karaoke nights on Thursdays. You can even unleash your inner Einstein with quiz nights on Tuesdays.
The Armchair Theatre, Opening Hours: Daily, 12 pm to 2 am
Address: 135 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
Website: https://armchair.kamooni.africa/
Contact Number: 073 902 4976
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar 🏮
Tjing Tjing House is a lovely multi-level venue in Cape Town known for its contemporary Japanese-inspired food, atmosphere, and drinks. On the ground floor, there is a great lunch spot called Torii that offers modern Japanese meals. The first floor consists of an Omakase restaurant and lounge that showcases the cultures and customs of Japanese chef-curated dining.
If you’re looking for a great bar, you will love the Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar, located on the top floor. It has a distinctive Japanese interior and is best known for its Asian twist on standard cocktails, which feature yuzu, sake, matcha, and umeshu (plum win). The bar is stylish and eclectic, ideal for a luxurious night out with friends or alone.
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 4 pm to 12 am. (Kitchen closes at 10 pm)
Address: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Town
Website: https://www.tjingtjing.co.za/rooftop-2/
Contact Number: 021 422 4374
Surfa Rosa 🏄
Surfa Rosa is an edgy dive bar with punk and surfer aesthetics. The vibe is laid-back, with loud music and grungy, psychedelic decor, from interesting art pieces to stylised carpets. It is the epitome of a dive bar, with dim lighting, a rough-around-the-edges vibe, and grungy aesthetics. With old-school punk posters, graffiti, and neon signs, get ready for a night of alternative music and free-spirited energy.
Surfa Rosa keeps things simple but solid with affordable beers, classic mixed drinks and popular cocktails. There are often drink specials with budget-friendly options, as well as spirits and liqueurs for shots! A major aspect of Surfa Rosa’s identity is its soundtrack, and you should expect a fantastic mix of punk, rock, and indie anthems to keep the energy high! If you’re looking for a lowkey, unpretentious and effortlessly cool bar experience, this one is for you.
Surfa Rosa, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 12 am. Friday to Saturday, 12 pm to 4 am
Address: 61b Harrington St, Cape Town
Website: https://www.harringtonstreet.co.za/surfa-rosa
Contact Number: 078 916 7903
Fireman’s Arms 💪
The Fireman’s Arms gives patrons an old-school pub experience in Cape Town. Established in 1964, this historic watering hole has stood the test of time, offering ice-cold beers, hearty pub meals and a classic atmosphere. With wood-panelled walls, vintage memorabilia and a welcoming feel, Fireman’s Arms is as authentic as it gets. It is always buzzing, especially on game nights, so if you’re looking for a spot that feels like home, even if it’s your first time there!
Beer is the star of the bar, with an impressive selection of international and local brews. There is also a solid range of whiskeys, spirits, and wines to keep you going. For the pub grub, the Fireman’s Arms kitchen does not disappoint. Expect hearty, generous portions, wood-fired pizzas, fish & chips and delicious burgers. It is the ideal menu to soak up good beer and a good time.
Fireman’s Arms, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 12 am. Sundays, 12 pm to 8 pm
Address: Cnr. Buitengracht & Mechau St, Cape Town
Website: https://firemansarms.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 419 1513
The Blue Room 🍹
The Blue Room @ Grub & Vine is a premier live music and cocktail lounge on Cape Town’s iconic Bree Street. Blue Room is an intimate venue that hosts the best local and international talent in a range of genres, from jazz to pop. It operates as an extension of the popular Grub & Vine bistro championed by Chef Matt Manning. The bistro’s wine bar extension, Culture, offers a curated selection of Cape Town’s finest wines.
Blue Room offers an exciting wine list and a selection of signature hand-crafted cocktails for sipping while savouring the live performances. There is a pre-show dinner available between 6 pm and 8 pm with canapés and a 3-course meal. The bar menu is also available for lighter seasonal snacks, from hot dogs with artisanal curry aioli to classic crispy chicken wings.
The Blue Room, Opening Hours – Live Performances: Tuesday to Saturday, 4 pm to 10.30 pm
Address: 103 Bree St, Cape Town
Website: https://theblueroomza.com/home/
Contact Number: 021 216 0035
Cape Town’s bar and pub scene is a part of the city itself. Whether you want a trip to the past or an elusive speakeasy experience, there’s always something to suit your preference. Each venue on our guide brings something unique to the table, whether you want a quiet drink alone or a fun night with friends. Cheers to unforgettable nights with these top pubs and bars in Cape Town.
