Best Cocktail Bars in Cape Town: Rooftops, Speakeasies & Sundowners
Who doesn’t love a good cocktail? Whether it’s a pre-dinner aperitif, a laid-back sundowner, or a late-night tipple, Cape Town has some fantastic spots to sip in style. From chic rooftop bars with mountain views to hidden speakeasies and lively destinations, here are our top picks for cocktails in the Mother City.
Our Top Cocktail Bars in Cape Town
Kloof Street House
📍 Location: 30 Kloof Street, Gardens
A Cape Town classic, Kloof Street House is the perfect place for a cocktail in a beautiful, vintage-style setting. The lush garden or the dimly lit indoor seating make it a great spot year-round. If you visit on a Sunday from 1–3 pm, you’ll be treated to live jazz.
The vibe inside is fancy and creative, kind of like Soho House in London and although we didn’t eat there we’ve been told the food is excellent.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
ANTHM Cocktail Bar
📍 Location: 63 Loop Street, Cape Town
Tucked away on Loop Street, ANTHM serves Japanese-inspired cocktails and small plates in a sleek, intimate setting. The atmosphere really comes alive after dark, when the candlelight flickers, and the drinks flow. We loved the relaxed but stylish feel—this one’s a must-visit for cocktail lovers.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday & Saturday: 5:30 PM – Late
Thursday – Friday: 4:30 PM – Late
No reservations
VUE
📍 Location: 108 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
For a chic rooftop experience, VUE at Shortmarket Street offers fabulous views of Table Mountain. You can sit inside, under the glass roof, or outside on the sun-drenched balcony. Right now, they’re hosting a summer collaboration with EDGE, featuring live-fire cooking and African-inspired small plates. It’s a must for drinks during the day or sundowners by night.
They offer African twists on classic cocktails, giving some unique flavour combinations.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Secret Gin Bar
📍 Location: Behind Honest Chocolate, 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
Tucked away behind Honest Chocolate Café, The Secret Gin Bar is one of Cape Town’s most unique cocktail spots. Housed in a heritage building that was once a mortuary, this speakeasy-style bar has embraced its history with a playful cocktail menu inspired by old-school "quack" medicinal remedies, promising a cure for all manner of ills.
The original bar—now home to The Bubbly Bar—was once the Embalming Room of the morgue, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already hidden gem. Today, the space has been transformed into a romantic, Mediterranean-style courtyard, where some of the city’s finest gin cocktails are served under fairy lights.
Founded in 2014 by four friends, The Gin Bar started as a small passion project and has since become a go-to destination for expertly crafted drinks. Their menu focuses on botanical flavours and classic gin infusions, making it a must-visit for gin lovers.
⏰ Opening Hours:
🍸 Gin Bar:
Monday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
🥂 Bubbly Bar:
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
BLONDIE
📍 Location: 161 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
A buzzy, laid-back spot that attracts a young crowd, BLONDIE is a great place to grab a cocktail or beer before heading out for the night. But to be honest, it’s busy all day long. Bonus: It’s right next door to Zuney, one of Cape Town’s best burger joints—so it’s an ideal drinks stop before or after a bite to eat.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed Monday
Apéritif
📍 Location: 227 Bree Street, Cape Town
Tucked away on the bustling Kloof Street strip, Apéritif lives up to its name with a refined selection of aperitifs, cocktails, and light bites—perfect for easing into your evening. Moody lighting and mellow background music set a sophisticated yet relaxed tone.
Their speciality lies in European-inspired aperitivo culture, focusing on refreshing spritzes and bitters served alongside small plates, from classic negronis to herbaceous vermouth concoctions.
They also serve Sandos made fresh daily with dough that’s proven for 78 hours. We didn’t try them as we’d already eaten but they certainly looked delicious and looked like little folded pizzas.
The Lawns at the Roundhouse
📍 Location: 161 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
If you’re looking for a laid-back sundowner spot with great views in Cape Town, The Lawns is a winner. Set on a staggered lawn by The Roundhouse, this spot is all about relaxed drinks and stunning sunsets over the Atlantic.
You can also grab a bite here—we had sushi as a pre-dinner snack before heading elsewhere. Our recommendation? An Aperol Spritz with the sun dipping behind the mountains.
Tip: If you want the best sea views, try to book a table on the upper lawns. The lower lawn has a kids' play area, making it a good pick for families.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Other Cocktail Spots
These places are on our list for cocktails next time, but we’ve been during the day, and they look like great spots:
La Perla (Sea Point) – A classic choice for sundowners with a sea view.
Maggy Lou’s (Sea Point) – A funky, fun bar with vintage décor in Sea Point.
Arthur’s Mini Bar (Sea Point) – A relaxed, effortlessly cool spot that transforms in the evening, with a disco ball setting the vibe for a fun and casual night out in Sea Point
The Art of Duplicity (Woodstock) - A speakeasy run by the owners of Truth (the best coffee shop in Cape Town). First you need to find it; then we’ve been told you have to ‘argue’ with the bouncer to let you in.
Maggy Lou’s in Sea Point
Arhurs Mini Bar in Sea Point
Best Cocktails in Cape Town Map
How to use our maps
Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place. Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.
Final Thoughts 🍸
Cape Town has an incredible cocktail scene, whether you’re after a rooftop with a view, a hidden speakeasy, or a lively bar for pre-drinks. No matter what your vibe is, this city delivers.
Where’s your favourite cocktail spot in Cape Town? Drop us your recommendations in the comments!