YOBO Wine & Whiskey Bar

Unique cocktails, good food, live performances and eclectic tribes

latest update: 20 December 2021

With top-of-the-range whisky and wine, delicious food, bursts of colour on the walls and a mission to bring different people together, YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar on Shortmarket Street (next to House of Machines) is the perfect place for Cape Town's eclectic tribes to unwind.

An eclectic crowd gathers at this cute little bar with excellent whisky in Shortmarket Street. Image: YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar

THIS IS THE MISSION 

“With all our differences we come together and make beauty, '' says Sivu Nobo, the founder of YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar. His mission is to give a space and platform to those who feel as though they don’t fit into any specific crowd or clique, and to appreciate as well as celebrate one another’s cultures. 

Things are always colourful, vibey and interesting at YOBO. Image: YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar

BE CHARMED BY THE BRIGHT, QUIRKY DECOR

After walking through graffiti-covered walls and up a flight of stairs, guests are greeted by bright Karma Sutra-inspired wallpaper and luxurious leather couches, accentuated by stunning decorative lime green and fuschia tables and cushions. The cozy bar is full of life and colour, and is a lively environment in which to sample some of the finest local wine and whisky on the market. 

The colours are bright – and the wallpaper is definitely a talking point. Image: YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar

GRAB A BITE TO EAT 

The food is good. Order one of 2 meat platters with a choice of brisket and chicken wings or lamb and sausage served with crispy-fried-pap-balls, bean salad and chakalaka. Love burgers? Try the chicken burger, one of the best on all of Shortmarket Street. Or opt for a beef burger or chips. Plus there are options for vegans and vegetarians too. 

The food is wholesome and portions are good. Image: YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar

SAVOUR UNIQUE COCKTAILS, WINE AND WHISKY

There are two signature cocktails, as well as a selection of wine and whisky produced by exclusive young winemakers. A must-try is the Dirty Bubbles (and ask Sivu to tell you the story behind this unique bottle of bubbles).

YOBO serves an excellent cocktail, and of course it’s the place to go if you love whisky. Image: YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar

LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC

All performances are by local artists, including DJ Ginja Ninja, the Def Eff Band, Jodi Fredericks, Seth Grey, and more. You can expect genres like neo-soul, folk, alternative, hip hop and jazz.

There are live performances almost every evening. Image: YOBO Whisky and Wine Bar

YOBO IS OPEN THIS DECEMBER 

Wednesday to Friday, 4pm - close (11pm) 

Saturday, 2pm - close (11pm) 

16 & 24 December, 2021, 2pm - close 

31 December, 2021 closed but available for private parties (half or full day) with a percentage of the hiring cost going towards your bar tab (DM them or call for more info). 

WHERE TO GO 

Address: 86 Shortmarket Street (left of House of Machines)

Phone: 064 752 0555

Instagram: @YOBO_Love

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