9 Popular & Best Cape Town Bars That Locals Love
Are you looking for the Best Cape Town Bars?
We’re all guilty of this, we know. We’ve all been scrolling through our Facebook feed and seen a post with the title “The List Of 9 Popular Cape Town In Cape Town” and got sucked into reading it. There’s something about those lists that make us want to find out what is on them without even knowing what they are for!
Well now that I’ve caught your attention, you’ll be happy to know that I’m not going to do one of those posts where I tell you “the boring stuff of popular Cape Town bars”. Instead, we’re going to talk about why you must do a bar-hopping trip to these local spots. These places are so popular among locals and tourists alike.
Get going.
With better weather around the corner, we’re all itching to get out and explore our beautiful city. Let’s get festive and travel around to bars that locals absolutely love.
Brass Bell Is Top Of The List Of Popular & Best Cape Town Bars
You can’t get much closer to the water than at the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay.
Sip on a cold beer and watch as the waves crash up and over the walls and along with the windows of the restaurant. This cosy spot was opened in 1939 and has developed and branched out over the years. They have something for everyone, so be sure to add it to your list.
Dam Huis On The West Coast: Another One Of The Popular & Best Cape Town Spots.
Dam Huis is one of the popular Cape Town restaurants on the west coast.
This is where the locals of Melkbos and surrounds meet. While the restaurant is relatively new (2009) the building is one of the oldest in the Western Cape, and Damhuis has been declared as a National Monument. Along with its rich history, you can enjoy lovely seafood and drinks with a laid back atmosphere.
It has a scenic view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, which makes it an ideal place to get away from busy schedules and enjoy some time with friends or alone. They offer a variety of drinks including wine, local beers, cocktails and spirits.
The bartenders are friendly and well-versed in making custom drinks according to your preferences. They also offer delicious dishes in case you’re hungry after all that drinking! Dam Huis is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s happy hour with coworkers or date night with your partner!
One of Our Fav & Best Cape Town Bars: Blue Peter. (Lower Deck Bistro) In Blouberg
Blue Peter is one of our fav and most popular Cape Town bars. It’s located in Blouberg, a cool little neighbourhood.
What makes this bar so great?
Well, first off it’s named after an iconic building on Table Mountain—the Blue Peter Lighthouse! There are also plenty of tables outside for you to sit at while enjoying your drinks with friends or by yourself during sunset.
The vibe here is chill/laid-back/relaxed but still trendy enough to be worth visiting if you’re looking for something new or different from other places around town. You’ll find people here from all walks of life: locals.
Go there! With amazing views over table mountain and a relaxed vibe, it’s a great place to park off after a day at the beach. Grab a table or pop down on the grass for a beer and pizza as you enjoy the Northern Seaboard views from Blouberg.
Fireman’s Arms Going From 1846
There’s a bar in Cape Town that you have to visit. It is the Fireman’s Arms, which has been around since 1846 and it is still going strong! I know for sure because my parents used to go there all the time when they were dating.
The best part about this place? They not only have great food but also great drinks! You can order anything from cocktails to craft beers, or just enjoy some wine with your meal. Don’t worry though, if you’re underage they’ll card you before letting you in so no worries there either. Come on down and check out one of Cape Town’s oldest bars today – it won’t disappoint!
With a date like 1864, this bar has some stories to tell and everyone here is part of the family. It is very popular with sport’s fans with the wide array of TVs and indoor and outdoor spaces. Be sure to join us on a Thursday for the Quiz Night! A great night out in the CBD
Foresters Arms In Newlands 1853 Must Be On The List Of Popular & Best Cape Town Bars
Forries, as it’s called by locals, is one of the oldest pubs in Cape Town. It is wildly popular for after-work drinks, as well as sports, viewing. Being close to UCT’s Upper Campus you will find many students enjoying a beer here.
If you’re looking for a great Cape Town bar that is steeped in history, then the Foresters Arms In Newlands 1853 must be on the list of popular Cape Town bars.
This historic tavern has been serving traditional English fare and boozing it up since 1853. It’s easy to see why this bar has such a rich history: from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II to rugby players like Percy Montgomery and Bryan Habana. Well, the story has been told but I could not confirm it. Possible yes. But real? It makes for a good story.
The atmosphere here is cosy with dimly lit rooms and lots of wooden furnishings; think British pub meets South African bistro! If you want to experience what locals call “the most authentic old school pub in Cape Town” then let’s meet for a pint.
Secret Gin Bar In Cape Town.
Recently, Cape Town has been named one of the top destinations in the world to visit. But with all this hype, it can be easy to get distracted by all the touristy spots and miss some hidden gems. If you are looking for a place where locals hang out, try visiting the Secret Gin Bar!
Add a hidden gem to your list of spots to visit! If Gin is not your cup of tea, not to worry they do serve wine. This magical spot is hidden in Wale Street and will transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. The beautiful courtyard area is a gorgeous setting for intimate gatherings.
Himitsu
If you want to win at Instagram go for sundowners at Himitsu 😉
I found out about this secret place a few months ago. My friends asked me if I wanted to go meet up with some friends at a place called Himitsu (Japanese Restaurant in Camps Bay). So after getting ready, we drove over there and walked into what an amazing place.
This classy restaurant is set at the Camps Bay Retreat, and true to the name Himitsu, which means secret, this is a hidden spot of beauty. If you are hungry I highly recommend trying the amazing food from Chef Cheyne Morrisby.
La Perla
La Perla is one of the most popular Cape Town bars/restaurants. It’s not just a place to go for a drink, it’s an experience.
You have to sit here to believe the sunsets are real. This picturesque setting is ideal for a lunchtime spritzer or an Aperol as the sky changes colour with evening drawing closer. They have seating areas for casual drinks or more formal areas where you can grab a bite to eat. This popular restaurant in Sea Point has been around since the 1970s and often serves the likes of local celebrities.
I must add, I used to live in Sea Point and I can confidently say that La Perla is the best bar on Main Rd. For a great vibe, the best sunsets and most wonderful staff. See you there on a good-weather-Friday night. We sit outside in the corner next to the steps.
House of Machines
If you are looking for some of the best cocktails this one’s for you. They take mixology to a new level. You can also catch some great live music acts and chow down on tasty hot dogs! Rumour has it their coffee is the best in town.
House of Machines is a motorbike workshop and men’s apparel shop (yup, you read that right) by day; but it’s really more than just an old-fashioned iron forge. The place has been cleverly decked out with industrial chic elements to make for some awesome drinks and food!
What could be better? But don’t go there before you qualify! See the warning in on the window.
Cape Town is a beautiful city with much to offer. Our list of the 9 best pubs in Cape Town has something for everyone. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, then head down the oldest pub route and see what it’s like to drink among locals at their favourite watering holes.
If you are more interested in venturing out on your own, there are plenty of new establishments catering to all types of tastes and preferences. Either way, we hope that this blog post helps inspires you to have fun while exploring one of South Africa’s most famous cities!
Which other pubs would YOU recommend? We want to hear from you so please leave us comments below or email us directly at pubs@capeholidays.info
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