The Best Bars in Cape Town

The Power & The Glory
Bar · Higgovale
"Beards, Beer, and Brownies in Cape Town The Power and the Glory is a cool bistro in the center of Cape Town that has attracted a cult following among locals. The relaxed style, the bearded staff, the folding chairs, and the sidewalk stools may remind you of a Brooklyn cafe. If you can snag a chair, it makes for a great place to work or to have a meeting over a light breakfast. In the evening, the place is usually packed with revelers. Try the quiche in the morning, the pretzel bun hot dog in the evening, and the Nutella cheesecake for dessert."

V & A Waterfront
Building · Schotschekloof
"Probably the most visited attraction in the city, the V&A combines many elements of the greatest commercial waterfront projects around the world. There are plenty of draws for tourists (the Cape Wheel, helicopter rides, boat trips to Robben Island) and locals (450 retail outlets, from H&M to a major supermarket), but it remains a working harbor, with small seagoing vessels sailing between the main harbor and the dry dock that lies adjacent to the excellent Two Oceans Aquarium and Watershed craft and design hall. There’s even a fast-growing residential section, connected by canals that stretch toward the city. The latest addition, however, is the Silo District, which became one of Cape Town’s must-visit attractions soon after opening in late 2017. Here, a number of restaurants and boutiques, anchored by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, are located amid old grain silos."

Tjing Tjing
Japanese restaurant · Malay Quarter
"Tjing Tjing Bar Craft beers, great wine list, and cocktails with a cotton candy or jelly bean flavor... Lounge around or head outside to enjoy the rooftop terrace. Tapas are also available for the peckish. Great for pre-dinner drinks or after the sun goes down. By Maree Hugo"

Love Thy Neighbour
Permanently Closed
"Craft Beer and Souvlaki in Cape Town Sit in the picnic tables in the stone courtyard of Love Thy Neighbor (formerly &Union) and watch the Bree Street traffic go by. The Mediterranean restaurant is casual and popular among locals and tourists alike. It's one of the only healthy dining options on Bree Street open late. The bar occasionally hosts live local musicians, so be sure to check their social media page to see who is performing next."

3 Sidmouth Rd
Building · Muizenberg
"Burgers & Beer at the Beach Walking barefoot into a restaurant with your surfboard in tow wouldn't be frowned upon in this casual beach town. Tiger's Milk is bar and restaurant in the redeveloped Muizenberg beachfront. Strange name aside, this upstairs restaurant is a fantastic place place to sit and have a local craft beer and burger while you watch the waves roll in."

Mount Nelson Planet Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant · City Bowl
"Cool Cocktails with the Movie Set Belmond’s Cape Town hotel The Mount Nelson is locally referred to as ‘The Nellie.’ The hotel’s funky Planet Bar maintains a buzz unexpected in an hotel that’s celebrated its centenary. Enjoy the palm trees and pretty gardens in the central courtyard or the lovely decor inside, as well as a cool cocktail surrounded by a cosmopolitan assembly of movie crowd, locals, and hotel guests."
57 Milton Rd
Building · Mowbray
"La Boheme: Cozy Wine Tasting in Cape Town “This cozy wine bar uses fresh ingredients for bistro-style dishes such as roast pork belly," says resident Rashiq Fataar. "If you enjoy wine, they offer more than 60 by the glass, most from small local producers.” —Rashiq Fataar Read more about Rashiq Fataar's Cape Town neighborhood"
The Waiting Room
Bar · City Bowl
"Linger with a Drink at The Waiting Room Through an unmarked door and up a steep staircase above Royale Eatery you'll find the Waiting Room, a bar and lounge with retro style (but it's usually too dark inside to really notice it). The best part of the multi-level lounge is the rooftop deck, with rows of picnic tables and twinkly lights strung overhead. This is one of the best decks in the city to view Table Mountain on the nights it is lit up from gigantic floodlights at its base. Saturdays are particularly popular. This bar appeals to those looking to escape some of the more touristy venues on Long Street, which is also why celebrities can sometimes be spotted here."
Grand Africa Café & Beach
Restaurant · Mouille Point
"Where Grand Chic Meets Retro Romance Avoid the crowds of the Waterfront, and other busy tourist hangouts, and enjoy the beach, ocean vista and ships sailing into Cape Town Harbour from Grand Café & Beach at Granger Bay, Cape Town. Relaxed yet central with enjoyable food for the whole family, a great place to chill out and enjoy a glass of Cape wine, delicious deep-fried prawns and wonderful pizzas. Added attractions include great cocktails, comfy loungers and a Gallery Shop of casual beachwear. A unique venue for lunch, early-dining with great sunsets, or an intimate dinner for two, convenient to city and waterfront hotels. You’ll forget you’re in a city!"