The 10 best rock music venues in Cape Town

At first glance, the brewery/restaurant in Woodstock seems like it only has meat, rugby, and eclectic beer to offer up, but it’s also a great venue for all kinds of acts. They love to support local bands, especially metal, and best of all, they advertise their schedule ahead of time for those who like to plan their nights out in advance.

If you’re part of a more youthful generation (or just want to feel young), this queer-friendly nightclub will get you moving. ‘LOVE’ spelt backwards, it was once the home of Emo Nights (now moved to Jozi), but still routinely hosts alternative nights with bands and DJs. Plus, students get discounts on entry, which means more money for other things.

In the heart of Observatory, this neighbourhood institution will have something on almost every night of the week, from quiz nights to stand-up comedy. However, it’s most well-known for its rocking nights with line-ups that span the alternative genres. You can even get a teaser listen of the inside by hanging around outside, as you only pay entrance at the main door.

Harrington Street doesn’t just have one venue - it has four! You can get into a rogueish mood with a drink at Rum Runner before the gig (the only spot without live music).

Then you have a variety of options. For a venue where your knees aren’t what they once were, Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge host a variety of music nights - including rock - that you can pair with some thirsty cocktails.

For a more classic rock bar vibe, Surfa Rosa’s neon lights will tempt you in, and while a small venue, it can pack a punch with its music and beers.

Then round it off with a proper dance-off at District, which hosts alternative bands every other week, including international acts. This has more of a club mood than the other venues, so be prepared for sweaty bodies.

Probably one of the smallest bars in the city, this Observatory spot not only has a rotation of the most interesting small-batch beers, but also manages to host bands on the tiniest stage. Not just that, they also host open night mics and rock/metal karaoke nights - perfect for practising your growl.

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Down an alley in the heart of the CBD, the small bar not only wows with cool t-shirts, but also with an awesome rock soundtrack. When its patrons aren’t spilling out on the street on First Thursdays, the small stage inside will attract a tight crowd, so moshing might be a little restricted.

For the older rockets at heart, where the neck can’t headbang like it used to, grab a Guinness and sit and relax to classic rock covers at one of the V&A Waterfront’s oldest pubs. Best of all, you can also sneak off to the Time Out Market for an early/late dinner.

Surfers also like to headbang, and for them, there’s nowhere else like The Striped Horse in Muizenberg, home to the beers of the same name. The bands that frequent there are more on the funk and rockabilly side of the music spectrum, perfect for older rockheads. You might even bump into the resident rocking dog, Twakkie.