A great cocktail can turn an ordinary evening into a proper night out, and Cape Town has some seriously good spots to make that happen. We’re talking creative drink menus, beautiful interiors, rooftop views, and bars that make you want to stay for just one more round. But with so many options around the city, where should you actually go? We’ve checked out 10 of the top cocktail bars in Cape Town that deserve your attention.
Fable – Cape Town City Centre
Fable on Bree Street is a great pick for anyone looking to enjoy a proper cocktail night in Cape Town. This stylish bar brings together creative drinks, a buzzing atmosphere and a modern setting that makes you want to stick around for another round.
The cocktail menu is a big part of the appeal, with inventive combinations that give you something a little different from your usual order. It’s the kind of place that works for a catch-up with friends, a date night, or drinks before heading elsewhere in the city. If you’re exploring Cape Town’s cocktail scene, Fable is well worth a visit.
Website: https://fablecocktailbar.capetown/
Address: Corner Bree & Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Wednesday 12 pm to 12 am, Thursday 12 pm to 1 am, Friday to Saturday 12 pm to 1:30 am, and Sunday 12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: 066 009 7786
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge – District Six
If your idea of a good night involves great cocktails, good music and a venue with a bit of character, Harringtons Cocktail Lounge deserves a spot on your list. Found on Harrington Street, this multi-level venue has a stylish interior, inviting seating and a dance floor that gives your evening a different feel.
The cocktail menu covers familiar favourites alongside more adventurous mixes, so there’s something for different tastes. Add food to the mix, and you have a solid spot for settling in before heading elsewhere or staying put when the DJs get going. It’s Cape Town nightlife with a little extra personality.
Website: https://www.harringtonstreet.co.za/
Address: 61B Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925
Opening Hours: Wednesday 4 pm to 12 am and Thursday to Saturday 4 pm to 4 am
Contact Number: 078 916 7903
Talking To Strangers – Cape Town City Centre
Talking To Strangers is the sort of place where one cocktail can easily turn into three. Located on Loop Street, this bar brings together bold street-art-style interiors, moody red lights and hip-hop music for a proper city-night vibe.
The drinks menu has plenty of personality, with inventive cocktails for anyone keen to try something different. There’s also a tasty selection of bar bites, including beef tacos, prawn toast and loaded fries, so you won’t be drinking on an empty stomach. Add DJs and late-night sessions to the mix, and you’ve got a solid bar in Cape Town for catching up with friends or kicking off your weekend.
Website: https://cocktailbarcapetowntalkingtostrangers.capetown/
Address: 61 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 6 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: 078 324 2450
The Attic by Bo-Vine – Camps Bay
Hidden above Bo-Vine Wine & Grill, The Attic brings another option to Cape Town’s cocktail scene. It’s a great one to consider if you prefer a more intimate setting rather than a packed, noisy bar. Plus, being right in the city centre means you can easily fit it into a night out exploring the local food and drinks scene.
Start with cocktails upstairs, then head down to Bo-Vine for a meal if you’re feeling hungry. With its tucked-away location and connection to an established restaurant, The Attic is worth keeping in mind for your next Cape Town night out.
Website: https://www.bovinegrillhouse.com/theattic
Address: 85 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 4 pm to 12 am and Saturday to Sunday 1 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: 021 203 5314
Rita’s – Gardens
Sometimes, all you need is a good cocktail and a reason to get your friends together. Rita’s is a spot to consider when exploring Cape Town’s cocktail scene, whether you’re planning a casual evening or adding another stop to your night out.
It offers an opportunity to step away from the usual routine, enjoy a drink, and spend some time catching up with your crew. Instead of heading straight home after dinner, why not make an evening of it? Rita’s deserves a spot on your list of cocktail bars to explore, particularly if you enjoy discovering different places around the city.
Website: https://www.ritascocktailclub.com/
Address: 22 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 4:30 pm to 2 am and Friday to Sunday 3 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: 021 300 6695
CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen & Restaurant – V&A Waterfront
Forget ordering the same cocktail you get everywhere else. CAUSE | EFFECT at the V&A Waterfront is all about mixing things up, with a menu that explores South African ingredients and gives classic cocktail-making a creative twist.
From fynbos-inspired flavours to the dessert-like Melktert Milk Punch, there’s plenty to catch your attention if you enjoy discovering something different. And unlike a bar where food feels like an afterthought, this spot has a full menu covering everything from tapas and sharing plates to more substantial dishes. It’s a good choice for a catch-up with friends, a date night, or simply making an evening out of cocktail hour.
Website: https://causeandeffect.co.za/
Address: The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 1 am
Contact Number: 021 879 0855
Skybar at The Grey Hotel – De Waterkant
Skybar brings rooftop drinks and De Waterkant views together in one spot. Located on Napier Street, this Cape Town bar is a good pick when you want cocktails with a little extra atmosphere. The outdoor seating makes it easy to settle in, enjoy the city surroundings, and catch up with friends over a few drinks.
Plus, happy-hour specials give you another reason to stop by before heading out for the evening. With prices ranging from around R100 to R700 per person, depending on what you order, Skybar suits everything from casual sundowners to a more dressed-up night out.
Website: https://thegreyhotel.co.za/skybar/
Address: 49 Napier St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: 021 421 1106
The House of Machines – Cape Town City Centre
Forget fancy dress codes and overly polished cocktail lounges; The House of Machines keeps things cool without trying too hard. Sitting on Shortmarket Street in the heart of Cape Town, this unique spot mixes motorcycles, coffee, cocktails and live music into one seriously character-filled venue.
The space has an industrial edge, with vintage bikes and rock-inspired details giving it a look that’s instantly recognisable. Come through for a well-made cocktail, enjoy a craft beer, or make an evening of it when the music starts playing. Whether you’re meeting friends after work or exploring the city’s nightlife, The House of Machines offers something a little different from the usual cocktail bar experience.
Website: https://thehouseofmachines.com/
Address: 84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday 4 pm to 10 pm
BATANGA – Gardens
BATANGA is the kind of Kloof Street spot where one cocktail can easily turn into a whole evening. Think Latin-inspired drinks, bold flavours and a menu that gives tequila lovers a good reason to get excited. The Tequila Pornstar Martini is one to look out for, mixing passion fruit, lime and vanilla for a fruity twist.
Meanwhile, the plant-filled interior and conservatory give the space its own character without taking away from the lively bar atmosphere. Whether you’re meeting friends after work or planning a proper night out, BATANGA brings something a little different to Cape Town’s cocktail scene.
Website: https://batanga.co.za/
Address: 70a Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 4 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: 064 611 9486
The Blue Room – Cape Town City Centre
The Blue Room brings another cocktail stop to Cape Town’s buzzing Bree Street scene. You’ll find it at number 103, right in the CBD, making it an easy addition to an evening spent exploring the city’s bars and restaurants.
The cocktails are a big reason to visit, and the outdoor seating is a nice bonus when you’d rather enjoy your drinks outside. Whether you’re meeting friends after work or planning a proper night out, this spot deserves a look.
Website: https://theblueroomza.com/home/
Address: 103 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 3:30 pm to 11 pm and Friday to Saturday 12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: 021 216 0035
Good cocktails and great company are always a winning combination, and Cape Town has the bars to make it happen. From stylish spots for a special occasion to laid-back places for an impromptu drink, these Top 10 cocktail bars offer something for every kind of night out.
Try a new signature cocktail, explore a different neighbourhood, or revisit a classic favourite with a fresh twist. You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a good drink somewhere new, after all. So, next time you’re deciding where to head, use this list for inspiration and discover your next favourite cocktail spot in the Mother City!