Local Intel: Leah van Deventer

Cape Town’s sunsets are practically an invitation to stop what you’re doing and have a sundowner. For me, a few bars really lend themselves to that golden-hour moment. Rick’s Café Americain, on Kloof Street, has a rooftop terrace with one of the best mountain backdrops in town. Strolla, down on the Atlantic Seaboard, is perfect for beachside sundowners and an easy stroll home. And Hugo Social Club, perched high above Sea Point, brings a bit of rooftop glamour with its pool and skyline views.

I love that Cape Town’s bar culture is relaxed enough to include our four-legged companions. The Dark Horse on Kloof Street has long been a spot where dogs and humans mingle comfortably over good cocktails. Chingadas Mexican Cantina keeps the mood light and sociable, with water bowls out for the pups while you sip a margarita. Tommy’s Chop Shop in the East City [check out the full Time Out guide here] feels more like a local hangout than a bar, and that extends to welcoming pets too.

There’s something special about having a drink with a view, especially when Cape Town’s scenery is doing the heavy lifting. Allure Rooftop Lounge does it with sleek sophistication and a view that stretches from city to sea. Trade Bar & Social brings a bit more buzz, with an upbeat crowd and skyline backdrop that suits a post-work cocktail. The Drinkery, perched quietly above Heritage Square, offers intimacy and atmosphere – a little hideaway with serious drinks.

Most of the Cape Town Cocktail Week bars serve great food, so this is a tough one to whittle down. Some of my favourites include Tjing Tjing in the City Bowl, which delivers Japanese-inspired small plates that match its thoughtful cocktails, and El Burro – both in Green Point and Kloof Nek – which keep things lively with tequila, tacos and proper Mexican fare. Hiball, a newish bar, also in the CBD, offers Italian flair, pairing risotto dishes with highballs in a stylish setting.

Some bars go beyond good drinks and turn the whole serve into an experience. Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen at the V&A Waterfront leads that charge, grounding its creativity in local flavour and natural inspiration. The Tiki Tomb takes, as its name suggests, a playful approach to tiki serves without compromising on quality. Anthm brings a modernist Japanese edge, with fascinating ingredients.

If it’s live music you’re after, The House of Machines is an institution in this regard, with regular live gigs and open-mic nights. Asoka, meanwhile, remains a favourite for its weekly jazz nights under that iconic olive tree, while Art of Duplicity offers an intimate speakeasy setting with a variety of live performances, with soulful sounds to match its atmosphere.

Sometimes you don’t want nuance, you want noise, movement and people who are in it for the fun. The Village Idiot is a late-night magnet for exactly that, keeping the lights on until 4am. Talking to Strangers feels like an impromptu house party most nights, with a mix of good tunes and strong pours. Batanga turns up the tempo with Latin-inspired cocktails and easygoing chaos.

Outdoor sipping is one of Cape Town’s greatest pleasures, especially during December, when Cape Town Cocktail Week runs. Aperitif on Bree Street [check out our restaurant guide here] channels Mediterranean ease, ideal for a spritz under the sun. Bascule, on the V&A Marina, offers polished waterfront calm, with whiskies and wines to match the yachts. Una Más Mezcaleria spills onto Sea Point’s Regent Road with its lively energy and agave-forward cocktails, while Hacienda Coastal Mexican’s deck allows you to people watch in the heart of the city.  

A well-made cocktail can set the tone for romance, and these bars all understand that mood. Queen’s Lounge at the Queen Victoria Hotel feels quietly luxurious, ideal for slow conversation. The Attic by Bo-Vine has the kind of lighting and view that make any evening feel special. And Planet Bar at Mount Nelson remains an evergreen choice for classic glamour and impeccable service.

I love that Cape Town’s cocktail scene keeps evolving, and these bars prove how varied it’s become. Lunacy bridges the gap between great wines and killer cocktails. Barcadia mixes play with pour – literally – combining arcade games and cocktails in a space perfect for Peter Pans. Pienaar & Son [read the full story on Pienaar & Son here] bridges bar and distillery, giving you the chance to drink spirits made metres away, while Time Out Market brings a feast of food and drink under one roof.