10 top pool bars in Cape Town

A selection of the best places to play pool in Cape Town and surrounds

There are two things a cue-toting, ball-potter must do. The first is to practice, in order to obtain form, technique and cockiness. The second is to go forth and compete, conquering every drag queen, hippy- student, rocker and sports fan, in Cape Town and Surrounds. If you are ready, we have a selection of the best bars that demonstrate the mastery of the eight-ball that is...pool.

1 – Stones
Head up the stairs from Lower Main Road, to a pool hall with over 200 tables. Adorned with colourful Japanese artwork and filled with rock and popular music, Stones draws Observatory's hippies and students, like an 8 ball to the pocket. Check out their theme nights, student nights, giveaways and drinks specials.

84 Lower Main Road | Observatory | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 448 9461 / also branches in Claremont, Tableview, Durbanville, Long Street, Parow and Tygervalley

2 – The Mystic Boer
In 1997, two guys called Willem and Johan decided to open a bar where they could drink cold beer, shoot some pool and listen to cool tunes. The bar became hugely popular...funny, that. At the Mystic Boer, you can pot balls to indie rock or drum and bass, played by African Dope or 206Live, whilst munching on some yummy pizza.

3 Victoria Street | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 886 8870

3 – Rosies
Back by popular demand, the secret the most flamboyant village in Cape Town tried to keep a secret, reopened its doors, in 2009. It's a place where wannabe drag artists battle it out to become the queen of the pool table, whilst DJ David Jika the Funky Monkey spins tunes to a mixed crowd.

30 Chiappini Street | De Waterkant | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 5666

4 – Gonzos
Playing pool is always more fun if you've had a few. Indulge in Gonzos drinks specials including; selected doubles and a mixer for R16 on Thursdays and happy hour, from 16:00-18:00, on Fridays. You may forget your name, but you'll remember beating your opponent.

203 Main Road | Plumstead | +27 (0)21 797 2393

5 – The Shack
This casual watering hole is popular with alternative crowds. There's a small bar with a pool table downstairs and a myriad of enclaves to hang out in upstairs. Tuck into burgers, toasted sandwiches or chilli poppers, before challenging a gaggle of students to a battle of the cues.

75 De Villiers Street | Zonnebloem | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 461 5892

6 – Ashanti
Relax on Kumasi Cafe's wooden deck with a cocktail and panoramic views of Table Mountain. Ashanti hosts a popular weekly pool competition, every Tuesday, which is open to the public.

11 Hof Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 8721

7 – Big Barrel Pub
An exciting pool adventure awaits for the whole family. Dine on big portions of pub grub including; burgers, pastas and grills, then shoot a few rounds of pool. The Big Barrel regularly hosts DJ's and a karaoke night on Saturdays.

Mount View Farm | off the M13 | Richwood | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 556 4511

8 – Neighbourhood
If you're looking for proof that men can multi-task; head to upmarket pub, Neighbourhood. The games room not only boasts a pool table, but there are large screens for sports fans. You can choose from a wide selection of pub grub, and take advantage of 2-for-1 cocktails, from 16:00-19:00.

163 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 7260

9 – Blooze Bar
If you're looking for a game of pool with 'bargain' written all over it, look no further than Blooze Bar's R2 games. Expect live music, tasty fresh food, views of Table Mountain and sports screens. Brace yourself for a summer of Sunday all-you-can-eat specials and happy hours, from 17:00-19:00.

108 Kloof Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 426 5042

10 – Rafiki's
You'll be forgiven for doing a little dance around the pool table, before you make that all important break, but remember your training. Rafiki's is festive and full, all year round – ideal conditions for pizzas, sundowners, big screens and good times with friends. Read more about Rafiki's crazy all-night parties.

13 Kloof Nek Road | Tamboerskloof | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 426 4731

by Lisa Nevitt

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