Things to do in Cape Town Central, Western Cape: The Best Bars & Clubs

May 18, 2022 Sheron Bogner

Cape Town glistens at the southern toe of the African continent. Tourist brochure-views at Blaauwberg Beach and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are within easy driving distance of "The Mother City." The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters. On a more somber note, travelers can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.
Restaurants in Cape Town Central

1. Cafe Roux

ShortMarket Street, Cape Town Central South Africa 3394438
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Cafe Roux

2. Alexander Bar, Cafe & Theatre

76 Strand Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 300 1088 [email protected] http://alexanderbar.co.za
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

Alexander Bar, Cafe & Theatre

Alexander Bar, Cafe & Theatre is Cape Town's buzzing conversation bar. It's filled with old-world charm and innovative touches like old fashioned phones which you can use to order a drink or to chat up people at other tables. Upstairs there's a 40 seater theatre which is Cape Town's busiest stage with more than 10 performances per week - check the website and get discounted ticket prices if you book online. The kitchen serves great light meals til midnight and keep an eye out for fabulous daily specials.

Reviewed By RaviN_ZA - Cape Town, South Africa

My wife found these reasonable priced tickets for a pre Valentine celebration play. It was a very casual evening. It was not well attended but we really had a good time. Will recommend for a budget evening of good value entertainment

3. The Waiting Room

273 Long Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 422 4536 https://www.facebook.com/WaitingRoomCT?hc_location=timeline
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

The Waiting Room

4. Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar

West Quay Road Cape Grace, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 410 7100 [email protected] http://www.capegrace.com/#/en/AboutUs/DiscoverCapeGrace/BasculeWhiskyAndWineBar
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 151 reviews

Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar

On the water's edge of the international yacht marina on Cape Town's Waterfront, Bascule is the perfect setting to take in the sights and sounds of the busy Waterfront surrounds. There are over 500 whiskies from around the world and an impressive selection of the finest Cape wines on offer.By day Bascule Bar is a lively and vibrant destination, to enjoy a cappuccino or light lunch. By night, the space is transformed into a glamorous Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar, where connoisseurs and social butterflies gather in equal measure to enjoy a slice of Cape Town's social life.

Reviewed By AussieVinnie - Melbourne, Australia

Ok, so when one of my friends suggested we have a Friday afternoon drink at a Whisky Bay, me being a gin drinker - I wasn’t to keen. I can honestly say I’m so glad she talked me into going! The Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar is located on the water’s edge of the beautiful Victoria & Alfred Waterfront marina, with relaxing views back over the marina to Table Mountain. If you’re having trouble finding it the bar is at the bottom of the renowned Cape Grace Hotel. Boasting a selection of over 400 whiskies from around the world, along with an exceptional selection of the Cape’s most renowned wines, there truly is something for everyone. We arrived at the bar at about 4.30pm on a Friday evening, everyone is well dressed and the bar has a cool nautical theme, you can sit outside, we chose inside out of the heat. If your knowledge of Whisky is not the best, I would strongly suggest you try the Tastings, a selection of 3 Whisky’s, along with tasting notes so you can look like you know what you are doing. We must have looked a little like armatures lol, so it was so nice to have one of the managers sit down with us and talk us through the tasting (See photo of him below). I should also mention that all the staff were so genuine and friendly, great service. The bar gets a lot busier at night; it really is the place to be seen in Cape Town, lively music and tasty tapas dishes. Sure it's a little upmarket, however well worth the experience, don’t miss it.

5. The Gin Bar

64A Wale Street enter through Honest Chocolate Cafe, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 71 241 2277 [email protected] http://www.theginbar.co.za/
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 147 reviews

The Gin Bar

The Gin Bar (or Secret Gin Bar) is one of Cape Town's hidden gems, situated in a gorgeous, secret, Mediterranean-style courtyard, and accessed only through a chocolate shop. We have over 140 gins on our menu, and over 80 local, South African gins. We also have a selection of wine and beer and other spirits on offer. With double volume ceilings, lots of natural ventilation and an open air courtyard we are definitely a favourite when it comes to Covid safety.

Reviewed By cheronZA - Cape Town, South Africa

This is an old favourite. I first came here in 2017 and it was much smaller. I came here again in 2019 and it was bigger but the drinks are still just as great. This hidden bar is situated on Wale Street at the back of Honest Chocolate and it is definitely one of Cape Town’s gems. It is so beautiful and the aesthetic is perfect. It’s great for an afternoon of catching up with friends or drinks after dinner. The bar tenders were very helpful on every occasion I went there and the gin cocktails are quality. A must!

6. Planet Bar

76 Orange Street Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 483 1000 http://www.planetbarandrestaurant.co.za/
Excellent
43%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 46 reviews

Planet Bar

7. The Manila Bar

161 Longmarket Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 424 9789 http://www.manilabar.co.za/
Excellent
33%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 9 reviews

The Manila Bar

8. Cocoon

2 Riebeek Street 31st Floor, Absa Centre, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 421 0581 [email protected] http://www.cocooncapetown.com
Excellent
55%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
18%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 11 reviews

Cocoon

Cocoon Cape Town is located on the 31st floor of the ABSA building in Cape Town’s cosmopolitan CBD. With the sole purpose of reviving the Cape Town nightlife by bringing back the classic glamour of fondly missed entertainment institutions, Cocoon will take guests to a new level of high energy nightlife. Located on the 31st floor the of ABSA building, comprising of East and West wings, Cocoon overlooks the city with unsurpassed views of the mountain, harbour, V&A Waterfront and city bowl. Its glass casing and incandescent chandeliers add expressions of light refractions throughout, reflecting the golden glow of the surrounding city lights. Having recently undergone a R10 million refurbishment the 830 sqm venue is fitted with lavish lounge seating and state-of-the-art contemporary finishes throughout. The top end sound and lighting features ensure that the choice of varying music genres in the East and West wings

9. Cape Town Comedy Club

The Pumphouse V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 79 495 3989 http://www.capetowncomedy.com
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 199 reviews

Cape Town Comedy Club

Jou Ma Se Comedy Club is proud to announce its name change to Cape Town Comedy Club as of 25 February 2015. "This is quintessentially a coming of age story" says founder and co-owner, comedian Kurt Schoonraad. The brand was first created in 2005 and part of the Cape Town Festival, as a tongue in cheek "Pop up Comedy Club". In 2007, the club then moved to the Albert Hall in Woodstock, where Kurt's idea to provide a regular, reputable stand-up club was welcomed with open arms by Cape Town's laugh-craving populace. Word soon spread, and Jou Ma Se Comedy Club became known as the mother of all Cape Town comedy clubs and home to some of the country's greatest talent. The club then moved to The River Club in Observatory in 2010 until October 2013. In November 2013 the brand finally found a permanent home at the beautiful historic Pumphouse in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. The club has hosted some of the world's most famous comedians including; Michael Mittermeier (Germany), Christopher Titus (US), Babben Larsson (Sweden), Dana Alexander (UK) and the best of the best South African stars and also hosted numerous high profile corporate events. On the 30th of March Comedy Central will air the first special "Cape Town Comedy Club presents ....", a first of its kind for Cape Town, shot live at the Cape Town Comedy Club. After a highly successful first year at the clubs new home at The Pumphouse, the management team has decided to rename the club to "Cape Town Comedy Club". Kurt explains "On reflection the name change seems like a natural thing to do, it feels like the brand is all grown up now and the new name reflects that. The name change which comes into effect on 25th February 2015 also makes it available to a much wider audience." Kurt and his team look forward to many more years of making you all laugh at the new ... Cape Town Comedy Club.

10. The Crypt Jazz

1 Wale St, Cape Town Central 8000 South Africa +27 79 683 4658 http://www.cryptjazz.co.za/
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 30 reviews

The Crypt Jazz

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