Top cigar bars in Cape Town

Whisky lounge, live jazz, cigar alley + more

Last updated: Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Small, tall, thin and fat – the world’s cigars come in all shapes and sizes, from a dainty cigarillo flavoured with cherry, to a buxom Cuban, heady and robust. Cigar-smoking is a timeless luxury backed by a tradition spanning hundreds of years. Indulge in it at one of these cigar bars in and around Cape Town.

PUFF AWAY IN A SPEAKEASY  

The Whisky Library is one of the only cigar bars in the northern suburbs. It has the feel of a moody 1920’s speakeasy with dark leather couches, forest-green walls and shelves upon shelves of whisky (they have over 800 kinds from Taiwan, Wales, Sweden, India and more). Pair your cigar with a whisky tasting and charcuterie board.  

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am - 9pm 

Rust-en-Vrede | 10 Wellington Road | Durbanville | 066 558 1953 | Website | Image: The Whisky Library 

SMOKE CUBAN CIGARS + GET CRAFT BEER

Since it’s the smallest bar in Stellenbosch, you wouldn’t expect Blix Tavern to have an entire alley dedicated to cigars (with a variety to smoke, for those who haven’t tried it before or are cigar connoisseurs). You’ll see hunting trophies, polo sticks and old photographs on the walls which add to its Old Western aesthetic.  

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 3pm - 12am; Friday + Saturday, 1pm - 12am 

100 Dorp Street | Stellenbosch | @blix.africa | Image: Blix Tavern 

GO FOR THE JAZZ, STAY FOR THE COCKTAILS 

Situated in the heart of the city, Amber on Bree is the spot for a cigar on a night out. Amber has a seasonal menu influenced by cuisine from around the world (like sesame cured yellowtail or springbok carpaccio), plenty of cocktails and regular jazz nights. With green velvet chairs and a galaxy wall with gold embellishments, it's a vibey spot that is also elegant and bespoke.  

Opening hours: Daily, 11am - 11pm 

16 Bree Street | Cape Town | @amber_on_bree | Image: Amber on Bree

EXPLORE CUBAN FOODS AT THIS SEASIDE GEM 

This colourful spot on the sea is well-known for its cocktails and Cuban-inspired seafood dishes: Did you know it offers cigars too? Cape to Cuba has a wide variety: Some on offer include Cohiba, Petit Casadores, Monte Christo, Hoyo de Monterey and more. Plus, DJs often perform, which makes this an eclectic spot to relax with a cigar and drink in hand.  

Opening hours: Daily, 11am - 11pm (closes at 12am on Saturday and Sunday)

GROOVE TO AFROBEATS  

Club 169 is the spot to go if you want to groove to hip hop, rap, Afrobeats and RnB. This club and cocktail lounge on Long Street has a dance floor, expansive bar and a cigar lounge upstairs. You’ll find it next to Beerhouse and across from Capello. Don’t be fooled by the name: It’s located at 227 Long Street, not 169 Long Street (as the club recently changed location). 

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9pm - 4am 

227 Long Street | Cape Town | @club169_official | Image: Craig Maseh 

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