Chapter 11: Drinks – Updated 2022
Whether you’re looking for high-end concoctions mixed by a tied and suited bartender or pining after the most scenic summer sundowner spot, one of these top spots in and around the city should have you covered.
Art of Duplicity
The bar will transport you to another time using a space filled with luxury crystal glassware, mahogany, soft amber lighting and the hum of live jazz.
Why go?
Hidden in a top-secret location and inspired by the 1920s Prohibition Era, The Art of Duplicity is only accessible to those lucky enough to obtain a reservation and secret password.
Decadent jazz and cocktail speakeasy bar, Image Credit: Crave Concepts
Details
a: Secret location which you find out after bookingt: N/Aw: 170120.co.zah: N/A
Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen
This cocktail emporium is turning the traditional on its head—making it a must-visit for cocktail-lovers wanting to broaden their horizons.
Why go?
The menu of bold and expertly-crafted cocktails (updated every month) is divided into three parts, the cocktail equivalent of a three-course meal.
Uses raw ingredients and effects them into flavour, Image Credit: Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen
Details
a: The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Rd, V&A Waterfrontt: +27 21 422 0266w: http://causeandeffect.co.za/h: Monday to Sunday, 09h00–01h00
Harringtons
A prime cocktail lounge, bar and exclusive nightclub with 5-star service and a quality range of the best drinks in Cape Town. Make no mistake about it—‘upmarket’ is an understatement.
Why go?
The open panoramic windows present beautiful visuals and provides the perfect perch on which to sit, relax and indulge in one of the tasty libations, craft cocktails or tantalising tapas.
Evokes a feel of otherworldly opulence and style, Image Credit: Harringtons
Details
a: 61B Harrington St, Zonnebloemt: +27 21 461 2276w: thefirmct.co.za/harringtonsh: Wednesday to Saturday, 16h00–04h00
Momiji Lounge – Tjing Tjing
If you don’t have time for the full kaiseki experience of the restaurant, or just want a quiet, exquisite drink, Momiji Lounge is where you should install yourself. Tucked away adjacent to Momiji Restaurant, the lounge is dark and moody, with sunken booths and a long, low couch.
Why go?
This reservations-only lounge enjoys a wide variety of speciality spirits, cocktails, Japanese whisky, premium sake and a unique wine list to complement the food.
Expect a wide selection of bespoke cocktails, Image Credit: Momiji Lounge
Details
a: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Townt: +27 21 422 4920w: www.tjingtjing.co.za/momiji-loungeh: Tuesday to Saturday: 12h00–00h00
Secret Gin Bar
Tucked away behind Honest Chocolate Café on Wale street, the Secret Gin Bar is a Mediterranean-style, exclusively gin-serving spot that has been feeding the centre of Cape Town with some creative gin cocktails over the last few years.
Why go?
Boasting an impressive collection of over 40 locally crafted gins, the mysterious bar manages to conjure up some of the tastiest concoctions around.
They have more gins than you can shake a stick at, Image Credit: Secret Gin Bar
Details
a: 64A Wale Street, Cape Townt: +27 71 241 2277w: www.theginbar.co.zah: Monday to Wednesday, 17h00–01h00, Thursday to Friday, 15h00–01h00
Village Idiot
This fantastical bohemia-meets-1980’s-farmhouse restaurant and bar is lodged on Loop Street. Positioned perfectly; the popular neighbourhood hangout is a fair distance from the city’s congestion while still being close enough to feel connected to the exciting buzz of the innercity locale.
Why go?
A true inner-city, vintage neighbourhood bar and restaurant that embraces South African braai culture.
A true Inner City haven, Image Credit: The Village Idiot
Details
a: 32 Loop St, Cape Townt: +27 21 418 1548w: thefirmct.co.za/the-village-idioth: Wednesday to Saturday, 18h00–02h00
Yours Truly
This hipster watering hole, draped in jacaranda trees and immersed in greenery, is set in one of the busiest and trendiest areas in Cape Town.
Why go?
Visit the fairy-light covered rooftop bar and try out the delicious cocktail menu.
Immersed in greenery, Image Credit: Yours Truly
Details
a: 73 Kloof St, Cape Townt: +27 21 426 2505w: NAh: Monday to Sunday, 07h00-23h00
The House of Machines
The House of Machines was created to be the essential bricks-and-mortar meeting house for a community, a beacon against the white noise of everyday life. It’s the personification of many passions: All things finely curated, well crafted and purposefully made.
Why go?
Built around genuine people, authentic history and a desire to create new memories, The House of Machines is all things motorcycles and riding, live music, solid cocktails, craft beer, bold coffee and classic apparel.
Think bar, bikes and music, Image Credit: The House of Machines
Details
a: 84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centret: +27 21 426 1400w: thehouseofmachines.comh: Monday to Friday, 07h00–02h00, Saturday, 09h00–02h00
Chapter 11/14
Featured image credit: Yuanbin Du
