Cape Town is a coffee fan’s dream. Head into the City Bowl and surrounding areas and you’re bound to find a coffee shop on every corner. So, naturally, it can be difficult for a coffee shop to set itself apart from the rest. Here are some that have done just that by offering customers more than just coffee.
Coco Safar
With the tag line of Journey Beyond Ordinary, it is certainly clear that Coco Safar is an experience to be lived. The concept originated in New York, was designed in Toronto, and set its roots in Cape Town. There is the coffee bean roastery which emanates the fresh smell of roasted coffee beans. Move beyond that and you’ll find a Rooibos Botanical Micro Brewery. Here, you can sample Rooibos in various stages of maturity as well as a citrus coffee cold brew.
Opposite the Botanical Micro Brewery are the Capsule Emporium and Espresso Bar. Get talking to one of the expert baristas and take your tastebuds on a journey with their specialty beans. While you’re there, stock up on their Bio-capsules so that you can save the earth one cuppa at a time.
Website: cocosafar.com
Ground Art Cafe
Three things are treated with the utmost respect at this cosy coffee shop in De Waterkant: coffee, food and art. Order a coffee at this intimate space and enjoy the current art exhibition while you are there. Their fresh cakes and baked good perfectly compliment the coffee and they serve light lunches too. Their exhibitions change often, so you’ll be visiting a different space every time you go.
Website: facebook.com/Groundartcaffe
Haas Collective
This inspiring spot on Buitenkant Street doubles as an exhibition space for local creatives and is truly unique in every way. They serve coffee from Brazil, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Jamaica and Colombia as well their own “masterpiece” Haas blend.
Website: haascollective.com
&Bikes
Quinton Smith of Bike n Wine Tours founded this cycle boutique and café in the CBD. Here you can book a tour, which includes beer, art or food, purchase bicycle-themed apparel – or rent a vintage, road or mountain bike to explore Cape Town. Obviously, you’ll need to have a coffee and pastry at their café before you do any of that.
Website: andbikes.co.za
The Book Lounge
This independent bookstore in the Eastern Precinct of the CBD, which has an amazing selection of South African books, is the ultimate place to escape to. Even better – visit their coffee shop in the downstairs lounge area where you can hide away from the electronic world. Super relaxed and quiet, the café offers coffee, milkshakes, herbal teas and a selection of cake and goodies – some of which are Banting-friendly.
Website: booklounge.co.za
Crossley and Webb
If you are a lover of classic and sports cars, then you have to visit this pristine showroom in Gardens set in a historic red brick warehouse that stores the finest automobiles in Cape Town. It’s almost like visiting a gallery of sorts and you’ll find yourself sipping Truth coffee and just staring at these works of art in awe.
Website: crossley-webb.com
Loading Bay
Another hybrid shop, Loading Bay in De Waterkant sells menswear, has a skin care boutique and dishes up gourmet burgers along with great coffee. Their buttermilk flapjacks are out of this world and they have matcha lattes on the menu too.
Website: loadingbay.co.za
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Up Cycles & Breakaway Cafe
Inspired by the lifestyle of Amsterdam, at Breakaway Café on the fan walk is the place to hire fixed-gear bikes made for cruising around town. They also provide a shower facility and a safe place to store your own bike for the day. Plus you can enjoy a light meal and get your caffeine fix once you’re done.
Website: upcycles.co.za
Dapper Coffee Co.
Are you a bit of a petrolhead? Then Dapper Coffee Co. on the corner of Bree and Strand Street is for you. You can have a delicious cup of java while admiring old and new Porsche sports cars, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, Ferraris and more.
Website: dappercoffeeco.co.za
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