There’s nothing quite like a summer evening out in Cape Town. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to trendy drinks spots in Cape Town. Whether it’s a cocktail with unique South African flavours, a cosy wine bar, drinks on the terrace with views of Table Mountain or a spot for a post-work boogie, Cape Town has you covered. Here are my top hidden drink spots, cocktail bars and rooftop bars in Cape Town.
Best Bars in Cape Town (2025): Rooftop Bars, Cocktail Bars & Hidden Drink Spots
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Aperitif, Bree Street
Aperitif is an absolute winner! It really encapsulates that Euro summer vibe with a gorgeous outdoor seating area spilling onto Bree Street. With a strong Italian vibe you can grab your favourite spritz and some gorgeous aperitifs to accompany your drinks. They often have specials so make sure you’re following them on Instagram to be the first to know. It’s a great post-work drinks option or somewhere to start a date night evening.
Culture Wine Bar, Bree Street
Culture Wine Bar is part of Grub and Wine on Bree Street and these guys know their wines. Find glasses of the most delectable varietals here with so many options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous South African Chenin or something from France, you’ll find it here. This spot is also a hit for winter when you’re looking for a cosy vibe. They also offer a weekly winetasting every Wednesday.
Gigi Rooftop Bar at Gorgeous George
If you’re looking for stunning interiors, delish cocktails and a beautiful rooftop bar then Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous George is your spot. This place is trendy and for good reason! Gorgeous George has also been voted as one of Cape Town’s best boutique hotels so if you are looking for somewhere to stay definitely check it out. Book your stay at Gorgeous George here.
The Athletic Club & Social, Buitengracht Street
Athletic Club & Social is a favourite on the late night scene. It boasts 3 levels of fun for every taste. The ground level is perfect for a sophistaticated evening drink and dining. Upstairs you’ll find a buzzing bar and balconies filled with party people. Downstairs you can find a speak-easy vibe with retro vinyal DJing or Thursday night jazz nights. Some may say it can be pretentious but the cocktails are GOOD and if you’re keen for a boogie then this is your place.
Anthm, Loop Street
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience head over to Anthm for Japanese-style cocktails from a world-renowned mixologist. The decor is eclectic and warm. Served in vintage glassware, the cocktails are all so different from each other and such a fun experience!
Talking to Strangers, Loop Street
Next door to Anthm, you’ll find Talking to Strangers. This late night spot has some incredible cocktails that really push the boundaries with creativity! Expect the likes of a Thai Green Curry Cocktail (it tastes unreal!) and a buttery corn margarita (movie-night nostalgia anyone?). A truly unique and fun drinks experience. Special mention goes to their African fries made from pap – so delicious!
Tannin, Bree Street
I originally thought this was a wine bar but Tannin is oh so much more than that. The downstairs definitely serves as a upmarket wine bar with an extensive list of gorgeous wines available by the glass, carafe or the bottle. But upstairs you will enjoy a gorgeous small plates dining experience. We loved their cured yellow tail dish, their gnocchi was out of this world and the truffle risotto was on point. They have a stunning gallery wall which is a showstopper feature in the space. It’s definitely somewhere I would come back to for a date night.
The Gin Bar, Wale Street
An oldie but a goodie. The Gin Bar is no longer a secret but it is an iconic bar in Cape Town. Nestled behind the Honest Chocolate courtyard, the Gin Bar serves up a number of divine gin cocktails. This is a firm favourite on a First Thursday and there’s a gin cocktail for everyone’s taste. Recently they have declared they are not just a Gin Bar but also a beer and wine bar. And a newly opened Bubbly Bar. So if you’re into any of those things, they’ve got you covered.
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The Dark Horse, Kloof Street
The Dark Horse is such a divine spot on Kloof Street. They have a lemon drop martini which is out of this world and such a cute rooftop terrace with views of Table Mountain. Located near the top of Kloof Street, The Dark Horse is a little further away from the crazy hustle and bustle and is part of the trendy Tamboerskloof/Gardens neighbourhood.
Unclaimed Bar, Kloof Street
Unclaimed is the new kid on the block with a tag line of “All Strays Welcome” – all the good things you look for in a bar without the pretense. With an emphasis on drinks that are really that good and quirky decor, this spot needs to be on your must-try list.
Silo Rooftop Bar, V&A Waterfront
The Silo Rooftop Bar has been on my list forever. You will enjoy iconic views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head and a taste of true luxury. You are paying a premium for your drinks and can expect elegance and sophistication.
Club Kloof, Kloof Street
Club Kloof has a happy hour on their cocktails from 3-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Their decor is iconic and their drinks are fabulous. Their sunshine yellow courtyard is also so perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon.
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room, Bree Street
Clarke’s is more of a casual after-work watering hole. Clarke’s is a much-loved Bree Street institution with good specials and a laid-back vibe – locals love it. They also have a R35 mimosa special on Saturdays and Happy Hour Monday – Saturday 5-6pm.
Tamboerswinkel, Kloof Street
Tamboerswinkel is the perfect casual date spot. They are small but have a stunning selection of wines available. They have a Thursday night wine tasting event each week featuring a different wine estate and the option to add a cheese board. It is usually R150 pp for the winetasting and board. They also have a Friday night open bottle special of R40 a glass of any bottle that’s been opened that week. It’s low-key and lovely.
Art of Duplicity, Buitenkant Street
Feeling decadent and looking for a secret hole-in-the-wall kind of spot? The Art of Duplicity carries an air of mystery around it with proper secretive speak-easy vibes. Word on the street is you need a code word to gain access (which you’ll get when you book your table).
Looking for more Cape Town recommendations? I write an annual Cape Town Foodie Guide with my top picks of restaurants in the city and write plenty of local guides for exploring the city and Cape Town hiking guides.
Planning a trip to Cape Town and need a place to stay? For budget travellers check out Never at Home, Kloof Street. Book a stay at Gorgeous George for beautiful interiors and a funky rooftop bar. Or stay at or Kloof Street Hotel to be in the heart of the city. Browse Booking.com for countless accommodation options:
