With summer upon us, it’s time to round up some of our top cocktail bars in Cape Town. Here are some local favourites, which have the magic formula of views, tasty drinks, and location down!
Blowfish, Table View
For great views, it’s hard to beat Blowfish. It overlooks the majestic Table Bay, with picture-postcard views of Table Mountain. Their cocktails are inventive, affordable, and delicious: try the Black Tea, with Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, Aperol, black tea ginger honey syrup, and lime juice. Seafood is their speciality, so come hungry. The sunsets here are spectacular too.
Website: blowfishrestaurant.com
Tobago’s Bar and Terrace, V&A Waterfront
The Radisson Blu‘s Tobago bar in Cape Town been voted Best Seaside Bar by Condé Nast’s House and Garden. The patio seating is perfect in summer: it is located at the water’s edge, and the sun sets over the ocean from this vantage point. The cocktail menu is massive, and there are great snacks and meals avauilable too.
Website: radissonblu.com/en/hotel-capetown/restaurants
Southern Sun Waterfront, V&A Waterfront
Allow us to introduce one of Cape Town’s best kept foodie secrets: the incredible deals available at Southern Sun Waterfront‘s bar and Yizani restaurant. The courtyard, with sun loungers and a pool, makes for the perfect sundowner venue on a summer afternoon. Lounge around poolside while sipping on cocktails and sampling some of the amazing snacks they have on offer. Every Wednesday from 17:30 to 19:30, they offer bottomless gin and tonic, served with a sushi platter for only R180. On Thursday evenings, again from 17:30 to 19:30, R180 will get you a taco plate paired with bottomless margaritas.
Website: tsogosun.com/southern-sun-waterfront-cape-town
Cape Royale VIP Sky Bar
Possibly one of the top places for drinks with an ocean view, the VIP Sky Bar on the roof of the Cape Royale is a fantastic place to relax and wind down. There are views of the Atlantic Ocean and an outdoor pool that kids can use – weather permitting.
Website: caperoyale.co.za
Shimmy Beach Club, V&A Waterfront
No list of cocktail spots would be complete without a mention of Shimmy Beach Club. Sample the famous Breakfast Martini: gin, triple sec, fresh lime and marmalade, shaken over ice, strained and topped with cherries. You also need to try their famous Shimmy Mimosa – a bittersweet combination of grenadine, blue curacao, and cranberry juice, shaken and topped up with Shimmy Brut for sparkle. The views from here are spectacular, so settle in and watch the sunset over the Atlantic.
Website: shimmybeachclub.com
Harald’s Bar and Terrace
This trendy spot is at the top of the Park-Inn hotel on the Cape Town foreshore. It’s the accompanying bar to the hotel’s RBG restaurant and offers up a variety of drinks for all to enjoy while soaking up panoramic views of Table Mountain and Cape Town.
Website: parkinn.com/hotel-capetown
Hard Rock Cafe, Camps Bay
Trendy Camps Bay is set against the majestic backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, making it the ideal cocktail destination. Stop by the Hard Rock Cafe for american classics, burgers, and the signature cocktail, the Hurricane.
Website: hardrockcafe.com/location/cape-town
Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe and Bar, Camps Bay
Chinchilla is another Camps Bay gem, with rooftop views of the Atlantic Ocean and the busy beachside strip. Enjoy chic cocktails created by in-house mixologists, accompanied by sunset DJs to set the mood.
Website: chinchillarooftop.co.za
Planet Bar
This very stylish spot, with its chic interior and timeless, gracious style, is set in the terraced gardens of the Mount Nelson. Planet Bar has an extensive cocktail menu that includes the classics with a few twists. An assortment of light meals and canapés is also on offer. On Thursdays, expect to find the buzz of society there with DJs in the mix long after the sun has set.
Website: belmond.com/mount-nelson-hotel-cape-town/planet_restaurant
Planning a trip to Cape Town? Book flights, browse accommodation, and rent a car now to get the best rates. The Cape Town City Pass gives you access to over 70 of the top Cape Town attractions, tours, and things to see and do, including the popular hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus.
For inspiration and insider tips, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Tag #lovecapetown to share your pics with us, or subscribe to our newsletter to get the best Cape Town has to offer sent direct to your mailbox.
