Trendiest Bars in Cape Town

Cape Town’s love for a night out filled with delightful drinks and paired with a great atmosphere has made the city a melting pot of places fit for any occasion. From chic bars for the perfect date night to wine bars for overdue catchups with friends, amazing venues are found on almost every corner of the city.  Here are just a couple of our favourite trendiest bars in Cape Town…

Gorgeous George

The newest kid on the block in Cape Town’s city centre, Gorgeous George opened its doors in late April.  Housed across two restored heritage buildings, the hotel boasts Edwardian elegance with a sleek, industrial edge. Offering a stylish rooftop space with a swimming pool, trendy bar and restaurant, Gorgeous George boldly claims that this is where “Cape Town comes to play.”

Served by in-house mixologist, Jody Rahme, guests are treated to incredibly crafted cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients and topped off with a bit of theatre. Expect sophisticated drinks displayed in elaborate glasses and bursting with flavour.

If a vibey city spot is what you’re looking for, Gorgeous George brings this in large doses. But make sure you call in advance to reserve a place; it’s quickly becoming a firm city favourite!

Travelstart favourite The El Pulque cocktail

Opening times Always open

Contact 087 898 6000 | hello@gorgeousgeorge.co.za

Address 118 St. George’s Mall, Cape Town

 

The Athletic Club & Social

Wondering where to grab a drink with a couple of work colleagues or where to go on a cosy date? Set in a 19th-century three-story building that was once an underground bar for athletes, the Athletic Club & Social ticks all the right boxes for a great night out – amazing drinks, beautiful decor and delicious food.

Adorned with Persian rugs, leather couches, old athletic photographs and sports equipment, it’s easy to get lost in the intricate details that cover every corner of this establishment. Choose to relax on the Signal Hill-facing balcony or cosy-up in one of the booths inside while sipping on one of their tasty cocktails, an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine.

If you get carried away with the night (almost a guarantee), head down to the underground room nicknamed “The Trophy Room” to enjoy live music and DJs. Disclaimer: no matter how good the evening is, do not drink out of any of the trophies…

Opening times Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 11pm

Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 2am (kitchen closes at 10pm)

Contact 021 012 533 | info@theathletic.co.za

Address 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town

 

The Botanical Bar

The perfect combination of botany and mixology, this warm-atmosphere watering hole pays homage to South Africa’s diverse and unique botanics. Packed with colourful tonics, bitters and infusions, each creation reflects the Western Cape’s incredible landscape.

Choose from a range of cocktails that reveal interesting, distinct flavours or enjoy the subtle tastes of their “shrubs and bitters” menu that gets updated on a regular basis. And what’s even better? Get 2-for-1 with their Happy Hour that runs from Tuesdays to Fridays from 15:00 – 18:00.

Opening times Monday: 11.30am – 2.30pm

Tuesday – Friday: 11.30 – 2 am

Saturday: 4pm – 2am

Contact 076 124 4639 | hello@botanicalbar.co.za

Address 160 Longmarket Street, Cape Town

 

Publik Wine Bar

Opened in 2015, Publik Wine Bar has remained a popular spot over the years for an intimate setting paired with simple food and wine from some of South Africa’s lesser-known producers.

Recently opened in Joburg, Publik is the perfect option for wine lovers looking to try wines beyond commercial brands. Ready to be adventurous but unsure of what to try out? Chat to the knowledgable staff to get some insight into what might tickle your fancy (and no doubt become a new favourite).

With just a couple of seats inside and a bar overlooking the street, make sure you get there early over the weekend to grab a seat. And for those that don’t adore a glass of vino, they also stock great beers and local gins to keep you hydrated throughout the evening!

Travelstart favourite Sijnn White

Opening times Monday – Friday: 4pm – 11pm

Saturday: 12pm – 6pm

Contact winebar@publik.co.za

Address 11D Kloof Nek Road, Gardens, Cape Town

 

The Stack

Looking to impress? A quirky and stylish space that marries bright colours with immaculate prints, The Stack is the perfect escape for a glam night out. Pull out that little black dress you’ve been wanting to wear and get ready to swing to jazzy house beats. 

The Stack’s downstairs bar is intimate and sophisticated, ready to serve up drinks for any mood. Let the barmen know what flavours you enjoy and they’ll whip up a cocktail to tickle your taste buds. And if you’re feeling a little less adventurous, stick to the classics or browse through their cocktail menu for inspiration.

Opening times Monday – Friday: 8am – 11pm

Saturday: 10am – 11pm

Sunday: 11pm – 5pm

Contact 021 286 0187 | ask@thestack.co.za

Address Leinster Hall, 7 Weltevreden Street, Gardens, Cape Town

 

The Gin Bar

The gin culture has been on the rise for the past couple of years in South Africa, and The Gin Bar was one of the first to open up a space that showcases the amazing gins being distilled on our doorstep.

Tucked away behind Honest Chocolate on Wale Street, The Gin Bar (or often referred to as The “Secret” Gin Bar) is set in a beautiful courtyard complete with aged stone walls, pops of lush greenery and twinkling lights – a romantic setting for the perfect date night.

Boasting over 40 locally distilled gins, opt to stick to a classic gin and tonic or try out one of their special gin concoctions inspired by the building’s history.  Once an embalming room of a mortuary, choose between Hope, Head, Heart, Ambition and Soul, each claiming to cure different ailments.

Travelstart favourite Heart

Opening times Monday – Thursday: 5pm – 12am

Friday – Saturday: 3pm – 1.30am

Contact 071 241 2277 | hello@theginbar.co.za

Address 64A, Wale Street, Cape Town

 

Frogitt & Vonkel

Cape Town’s latest wine bar and a definite must for any wine lover! Situated on bustling Bree Street, Frogitt & Vonkel offers a laid back atmosphere and features a carefully curated selection of around 30 local and international wines that are all available by the glass.

Grab a couple of friends, a few glasses of wine and spend the night catching up over board games or a competitive game of pool. For those that are feeling peckish, tuck into one of their cheese and charcuterie boards, or head over to top chef, Matt Manning’s, first restaurant across the way, Grub & Vine.

Opening times Tuesday – Saturday: 12pm – 12am

Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

Contact 087 898 2206 | winebar@frogitt.co.za

Address 103 Bree Street, Cape Town

 

The Willaston Bar at The Silo Hotel

The Willaston Bar at The Silo Hotel is the epitome of elegance. Welcoming visitors with deliciously crafted cocktails, the all-time classics and a wide selection of world-class wines, sunset drinks will never be the same after a visit to this popular hotspot.

The gorgeous bar found on the sixth floor boasts spectacular, uninterrupted views of the Mother City that are hard to beat. Beautifully decorated with opulent finishing touches, you’ll understand why this is considered one of the trendiest bars in Cape Town from the second you walk in. So the next time you’re looking to dress up, enjoy stunning views and sip on a great glass of wine, be sure to keep The Willaston Bar at the top of your list.

Opening times Monday – Sunday: 11am to late

Contact 021 670 0500 | dining@thesilohotel.com

Address The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

 

The Art of Duplicity

Ever found yourself in search of a secret gem that is actually a secret? Hidden in an old warehouse in the Cape Town city centre, behind a password-guarded door, lies a speakeasy bar guaranteed to be a unique night out. As you step through the door you’ll travel back in time to the days of Mae West, Al Capone and illegal underground establishments that welcomed high society’s wild and debaucherous ways.

Lead by top mixologist, Brent Perremore, The Art of Duplicity definitely supplies the goods. With classy, extravagant drinks served in style, sipping from your crystal glass will leave you wishing you belonged to this era.

An experience you certainly don’t want to miss, this is the perfect option for an impressive date night or a fun night out with friends. And if live music is your thing, visit on Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays to tap your toes to jazzy beats.

Travelstart favourite The Paper Tiger

Opening times Tuesday – Saturday: 6pm – 12am

Contact 170120.co.za

Address Time to get exploring…

 

Ready for a night out? If you’re a Cape Town local, make sure to check out our top trendiest bars in Cape Town. If not, book your cheap flights to Cape Town and add these into your itineraries!

Got any other favourite bars in Cape Town? Share them in the comments below.