Top jazz venues in Cape Town

A selection of great clubs, bars and restaurants where you can listen to live jazz

No longer reserved for dark, smoky basements as it was in the 50s, jazz culture is a celebrated form of social commentary and poetic expression. Cape Town jazz culture is no different, and boasts a variety of jazz clubs and events, including the much anticipated annual Cape Town jazz festival. We compiled a list of jazz clubs in the Mother City. If we’re missing out on something, let us know.

Mahogany Room
At last a venue where true jazz lovers can gather — as long as they keep quiet when the band performs! Modelled in the fashion of popular New York club, The Village Vanguard, jazz enthusiasts can enjoy local talent from Wednesdays to Thursdays between 8:30pm and 10pm. Limited seats and an increasing popularity amongst locals require one to book well in advance.
79 Buitenkant Street | Cape Town | +27(0)76 679 2697

Swingers in Wetton
Every Monday and Friday you can bob your head to contemporary African jazz performed by local and visiting musicians. Famous for its experimental jazz sessions, legendary acts including Melanie Scholtz and Erica Lundi have graced the stage with their presence. The club opens from 12pm till late. 
1 Wetwyn Road | Lansdowne | +27 (0) 21 762 2443

Studio 7
If you’re partial to intimate, private concerts, you will love this new Sea Point establishment. Face brick walls, wooden floors and soft sofas provide the ultimate relaxing environment for some serious musical reflection. The acoustic stage has showcased some talented local musicians, including Zolani Mahola, Vusi Mahlasela, Arno Carstens and Albert Frost.  You can catch some of these talented musicians on the first and last Sunday of the month.
213 High Level Rd | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27(0)83 399 3334

West End Jazz Club 
Regarded as a prime venue for live performances, you can expect to rub shoulders with serious jazz fundis. Dark velvet drapery and opulent contemporary furnishings set the scene for top local and international artists to do what they do best. Open every Friday and Saturday from 5pm till late. No under 21s allowed.
Cine 400 Building | College Road | Rylands | +27 (0) 21 637 9132/3

Kaleidoscope Café
Every Friday you can bob your head and tap your feet to the spellbinding jazz beats at this Claremont café. For a mere R100 per person, you gain entry to the show as well as a delicious meal of lamb curry or chicken soup. If you prefer to just watch the show, you only have to pay R60. We hear the lamb curry is fantastic. Show starts at 7:30 pm sharp.
85 Main Road | Claremont | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 674 5761 

Thuthuka Jazz Café 
Owner Laura Ndukwana offers visitors a night overflowing with local flavour at this popular Gugulethu-based café. Enjoy world-class jazz that’s infused with traditional musical elements. Popular amongst Capetonians and tourists alike, one can expect a truly South African experience: a potjie of culture, musical expression and culinary splendours. Make sure to call ahead for confirmation on jazz performances.
Gugulethu | +27 (0) 82 979 5831

Generations Café (the G-spot)
One of the few places where adults can act like children. Generations Café, or The G-Spot as it is better known, is one of the few venues which hosts live bands from Wednesdays to Saturdays. Acts like Spyro Gyra, Jonathan Butler and the Jazz crusaders have all taken to the stage at this prestigious venue.
Gerry Ferry Crescent, off Gunners Circle | Epping | +27 (0) 21 535 1873

Hanover Street Jazz Club 
A double-storey, classy jazz venue housed in Cape Town's Grand West Casino. Think New Orleans circa 1920—the golden days of jazz. The well-stocked bar will keep you happy while tapping your feet to the beats from the Voodoo-capital. Doors open at 9pm.
Grand West Casino | Goodwood | +27 (0) 21 505 7777

Asoka
Tuesdays are Asoka-jazz-nights. Continental decor, Asian cuisine, a diverse crowd and Cape Town’s oldest olive tree; Asoka is a firm favourite amongst Capetonians. Always busy, enjoy a partly open roof and gaze at the stars, yummy tapas-style food and excellent, funky local jazz. Get there early if you want a table. Shows start at 9pm.
68 Kloof Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 422 0909

Tagore's
This is a real Observatory spot. This late night bar is somehow still an insider tip. Its hidden away Moroccan-feel bar attracts the bohemian crowd. There’s a frantic line up of live jazz on Friday nights. Next to live music, Tagore's offers you walls covered with poetry and pictures of jazz icons to stare at in the early morning hours.
42 Trill Road | Observatory | Cape Town

Café Sofia
Sundays see qualified jazz musicians running through their repertoires. Combined with easy eats and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the kind of combination that could consume the best part of 7pm to 11pm on a Sunday.
Shop L31 | Cavendish Square | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 671 8191

The Melting Pot
What do you get when you mix a great selection of music, catchy vibes and interesting people in a space with an abundance of creativity and community? The Melting Pot, of course. This musical institution in Muizenberg offers regular open mic nights and jamming sessions, and they are some of the biggest supporters of up-and-coming talents in jazz and afro-fusion. Keep an eye on their line-up, as there’s a different act every week.
15 Church Street | Muizenberg | Cape Town

Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Winchester Mansions
For a Sunday brunch with a difference, head out to the seaside hotel, Winchester Mansions. Enjoy the live jazz band while you browse the complimentary Sunday newspaper and sip on a glass of bubbly. Choose from a selection of mouth - watering dishes from the buffet table. Cost is R225 per person, and the music starts at 11am and ends at 2pm.

221 Beach Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 434 2351

Up for some African moves and grooves? Check out our list of African restaurants with live music. You can also catch Dave the Piano man upstairs at The Dubliner on Thursdays from 6pm – 10pm (+27 (0)21 424 1212).

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Jazzy tip: Mike Laatz is the man that knows it all when it comes to jazz in Cape Town. Check out his gig-guide.