Sizzling Cape Town Sundowner Hotspots

From a hidden tequila bar to Caribbean beer garden

Last updated: Friday, 12 January 2024

Glitter or glam, rustic or sophisticated, intimate or bustling, Cape Town has no shortage of dazzling bars to offer. Celebrate summer at some of our favourite bars with a sea view, or dress up and prepare for an intimate cosy evening. Here’s where you’ll find some of the best cocktail spots in the city. 

TRY A KOEKSISTER NEGRONI  

Combine the desert oasis of the Karoo with the urban jungle of Bree Street and you get BOMA. Their cocktails take cue from local cuisines: There’s a Milk Stout Whiskey Sour (made with milk stout, Jameson and a funky rice paper design on top); Swart Kat Old Fashioned (peanut butter-washed bourbon and bitters) and Koeksister Negroni at BOMA on Bree. 

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to late

107 Bree Street | Cape Town | @bomaonbree | Image: BOMA on Bree 

EVER HEARD OF A MIELIE COCKTAIL?

Hidden gem of Loop Street, Talking to Strangers, is a cocktail bar committed to mixology and serving up unique drinks such as Mielieeees (Burned Butter Tequila, Charred Corn, Lime And Chilli Oil) or a So Fresh & So Clean (Pear Au De Vide, Citrus Vodka, Greek Yoghurt infusion, Pineapple Skin Syrup and Cucumber). And for those late night cravings, you can get street food like Pomèluxe (Sweet Potato Nest, Smashed Baby Potatoes, Goats Cheese Mousse, Crispy Bacon, Pickled Tomato, Roasted Garlic Mayo and Chives). 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am

61 Loop Street | City Centre | @talkingtostrangersbar | Image: Talking to Strangers

SIP COCKTAILS AT A HIDDEN BEACHSIDE SPOT

The Attic by Bo-Vine is an intimate and swanky cocktail lounge and wine bar overlooking the Camps Bay Strip in the The Promenade Shopping Centre. Ring the doorbell and enter to find a stylish lounge with cheetah cushioned seats, pink floral carpets and orange couches. 

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 11pm; Friday to Sunday, 1pm to 11pm 

85 Victoria Road | Camps Bay | @the_attic_by_bovine | Image: The Attic by Bo-Vine

VISIT A TEQUILA BAR 

There’s a wide range of tequila-based cocktails at this Kloof Street bar, like the Le Coco Fraise (Avíon Blanco, Crème de Cacao, lime and strawberry) or The Amigo (Avíon Resposado, Agave and Orange Bitters). Rita’s has a hidden feel too, as you enter through the back of Hudson’s kitchen.

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 4.30pm to 2am; Friday to Sunday, 3pm to 2am

22 Kloof Street | Gardens | Cape Town | @ritascocktailclub | Image: Rita’s Cocktail Club

THERAPY ANYONE?nbsp;

The team behind Therapy restaurant believe in nourishing the body and comforting the soul. They do this by making the cocktail menu a holistic experience. There’s the throat-soothing Ginger Bliss (ginger and honey beer, lime, Ketel One vodka and bitters) or gut-healthy The Prescription (old fashioned milk punch, Bulleit bourbon and passion fruit).

Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 8am to 10pm; Thursday to Saturday, 8am to 11pm

5 Park Road | Gardens

GRAB A DRINK AT AN AFRICAN DESERT

This Bree Street eatery feels just like an African desert with its wooden and rattan colour scheme and cacti dotted around the restaurant. Desert-inspired cocktails include the Sahara Stargazer (Inverroche Classic, Msobo jam, naartjie, raspberry and bubbly) or the Dusky Desert Delight (Grey Goose, rooibos tea, roast pineapple, lemon and soda).

Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 1pm - 11pm; Thursday to Saturday, 12pm - 2am

107 Bree Street | Cape Town City Centre | @bomaonbree | Image: Boma

DINE ON SUSHI AND ASIAN TAPAS 

Not only does this funky restaurant on Kloof Street offer awesome cocktails, it also serves a fusion of cuisines from around Asia. At Soi Bar you can dine on dumplings, potstickers and wok-tossed teriyaki ribs while sipping on fun cocktails. Try the Apollo, which has flavours of tequila, mango and lime, or the Rose Bath, a gin cocktail which is served in a bath with rose petals. 

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm - 1pm

9 Kloof Nek Road | Cape Town | @soibar.cpt | Image: Soi Bar

DRINK FROM A DOG BOWL 

Yes, you read correctly. It’s like a fish bowl cocktail, but served in a dog bowl. This cheeky drink highlights the dog-friendly nature of this seaside eatery. It’s located on top of the lagoon at Onrus Beach, overlooking mountains and sea. The cocktail is big enough to share between 3 to 4 people. If you’re not a sharer, go for the Popcorn Gin and Tonic (with actual pieces of popcorn floating on the drink) at the Waffle Shack by Milk on the Beach.

1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach

TAKE A TRIP TO THE BEACH 

Situated in Blouberg, Catch 22 has an outdoor deck overlooking the beach where you can dine on sushi and steak. They have a variety of unique cocktails, like the Sparkling Paloma, which is tequila and sparkling wine with flavours of ginger and grapefruit. 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12pm - 9:30pm; Sunday, 12pm - 9pm  

Corner of Beach Boulevard, Porterfield Road | Table View| @catch22grille | Image: Catch 22 Beachside Grille and Bar

TASTE THE CARIBBEAN

Sip on coconut and rum cocktails at this Caribbean restaurant in Kenilworth. Decorated with bright green and yellow decor and a beautiful garden with outdoor seating, Banana Jam is a great spot to sip on refreshing signature cocktails in the warm weather. They also brew award-winning beer and have 30 beers on tap. 

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am - 11pm, Sunday, 11am to 10pm 

 

157 Second Avenue | Kenilworth | @bananajamcafe | Image: Banana Jam Cafe

SIP ON WHISKEY SOURS AT THIS RETRO SPOT

Cargo is an ode to a masculinity of yesteryear. Decorated with old school army memorabilia and framed black and white photographs, this is the perfect edgy spot to listen to laidback rock music. Treat yourself to an old fashioned or whiskey sour, or a hungover Sunday breakfast.

Hours: Daily, 7am - 12am 

158 Kloof Street | Tamboerskloof | Cape Town City Centre | @c__a__r__g__o | Image: Julia Rowley

DISCOVER THIS GEM AT SUNSET BEACH

Fancy Franks in Milnerton looks unassuming, but it is anything but. This slice of Kloof Street at the beach has great happy hour specials, like a 2-for-1 special on mojitos, cosmopolitans and gin and tonics. They also host a ladies night special where you can get free tequila and gin cocktails for R40. 

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 to 11pm; Monday 1 to 11pm  

Ocean Square | Sunset Beach | Cape Town | @fancy.franks  | Image: Fancy Franks

SIP COCKTAILS IN THE SKY

Tucked away in the hotel Gorgeous George, in St George’s Mall, you’ll find the tropical paradise Gigi’s Rooftop Bar. This spot is oozing with pizzazz. It has hanging lights, plants and the infinitely Instagrammable “Hello Gorgeous” sign. Gigi’s is open throughout the day, so you can drink a glass of bubbly with brunch or classic whisky or wine for sundowners by the pool.

Hours: Daily, 7.30am - 11pm

118 St Georges Mall | Cape Town City Centre | @gorgeousgeorgect | Image: Gorgeous George  

DRINK A COCKTAIL WITH A LOCAL FABLE

Flavour, fresh and fun are just three words to describe Fable on Bree Street. Try one of the 8 speciality cocktails, each named after a local fable (you can read them). The menu encourages you to order according to flavour profiles rather than ingredients. We recommend the Kronendal lovers (which comes with a gorgeous glitter brush) or the Smoking Devil for a husky taste.

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm - 2pm; Friday & Saturday, 4pm - 2am

Bree Street | Cape Town | @fablecpt | Image: Fable

CELEBRATE HAPPY HOUR ON A TIDAL POOL 

Ficks is easily one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Western Cape. Built into the rocks surrounding Ficks tidal pool, this seaside spot sells cheeky cocktails like the MILF and Balls to the Walls. Don't miss out on the boozy milkshakes either - try the Save the Rhino (featuring a vanilla and coffee liqueur that aids nature conservation) or the Marshmallow Dream (a fun pink drink made with marshmallow cream liqueur). Learn more about Ficks (ever heard of pinchos?).  

Hours: Daily, 11am - 9pm (a completely open-air venue, it’s closed in severe wet weather)

Marine Drive | Hermanus | @ficksrestaurant | Image: Ficks

TRY THE PALOMA AT THIS KLOOF STREET GEM

They say blondes have more fun, and that’s true of Blondie Restaurant on Kloof Street. This quirky spot is great for a relaxed lunch or drinks on the veranda, under its yellow umbrellas. Try the paloma cocktail while snacking on Mediterranean-inspired foods (there are vegan and vegetarian options too). 

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm - 11pm; Sunday, 12pm - 10pm

71 Kloof Street | Gardens |@blondie_cpt | Image: Lara v Zyl

STOCK UP ON GIN AT THIS BAR

Hidden behind an artisanal chocolate bar in the city, you’ll find this little gem that serves some spectacular gin. The Gin Bar is a small and intimate space with a courtyard that feels like it’s set in small-town Italy. With decadent gins, beers, wine and a newly introduced bubbly bar, this hidden gem has the right drink for everyone. 

Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 5pm - 1am; Thursday to Saturday, 3pm - 1am

Behind Honest Chocolate | 64A Wale Street | Cape Town | @theginbar | Image: The Gin Bar

DRESS UP FOR THIS SPEAKEASY

Transport yourself to the roaring Twenties with this secret bar. With a dark and intimate setting, live jazz music and the waitrons dressed in Gatsby-esque glamour, you’ll feel like you’ve strolled into a classic speakeasy. The drinks are inspired by this distinctive period and are as stylish as they are tasty. 

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm - till late

Hidden Location | @the_art_of_duplicity | Image: The Art of Duplicity

DISCOVER SPICY DRINKS AT UNA MÁS 

Una Más means “one more” in Spanish, a fitting name for this newly opened restaurant that serves more-ish Mexican food and drinks. It’s an intimate, trendy and vibey spot already popular amongst Sea Point locals, the drinks are spicy (try the Spicy Paloma cocktail) and the cuisine is incredible.

Hours: Monday, 5pm - 11pm; Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm - 11pm 

77 Regent Rd | Sea Point | @una_mas_mezcaleria | Image: Simone Strydom

OPT FOR A MOODY NIGHT OUT IN THE CITY

If you’re looking for something more cosy and romantic, opt for this three-storey Victorian building in the inner city. The Athletic Club & Social is filled with velvet chairs, Persian rugs and dark, warm colours (perfect for a date night or girls’ night out). It has a large veranda looking out onto the mountains, if you want the full sundowner experience.

Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 1pm - 11pm; Thursday to Saturday, 12pm - 2am

35 Buitengracht Street | CBD| @theathleticclubandsocial | Image: The Athletic Club and Social

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DISCOVER MORE NIGHTLIFE IN CAPE TOWN

Some of the most curious cocktails and dishes are at BOMA on Bree.

You’ll find movie posters, graffiti and moreish bar food at Roxy Late Night. 

Find out about this four-in-one nightlife hub Harrington Street.

Your guide to shisha lounges in Cape Town.

Discover +7 things to do this weekend.

Explore these special Cape Town rooftop bars.

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