Discover the enchanting world of Cape Town’s sundowner scene, where the natural splendour of the sunset is perfectly blended with the city’s pulsating energy. From the secret gin bar to the luxury dining spot with a view, each venue brings a unique charm to the nightlife scene. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or enjoying a never-ending party, these hidden treasures promise an unforgettable sundowner experience that will stay with you forever.
The Charm of Cape Town’s Sundowner Scene
Discover the hidden gems of Cape Town’s sundowner tradition. From The Secret Gin Bar, a well-kept secret among gin enthusiasts, to Yours Truly, an urban sanctuary with a never-ending party atmosphere, and On The Rocks, a luxury dining spot with a panoramic ocean view, each venue adds a unique touch to Cape Town’s nightlife scene. Experience the perfect mix of natural splendor and city allure while enjoying the sunset from a vantage point of your choice.
Cape Town’s nightlife scene is pleasantly enhanced by the unique allure of sundowners, thanks to the city’s stunning landscapes and lively atmosphere. Experiencing sundowners is a cherished South African tradition that affords a perfect mix of natural splendour and city allure. The scenic sights from Camps Bay’s wide sandy beaches to the impressive altitude of Signal Hill, attract both locals and tourists. The city’s rooftop bars offer perfect vantage points for enjoying the sunset while soaking in the city’s pulsating energy. This piece reveals five lesser-known jewels of Cape Town’s sundowner tradition.
The Secret Gin Bar: A Hidden Haven
We begin our exploration with The Secret Gin Bar, a well-kept secret among gin enthusiasts. This bar, which also offers beer and wine, was established in 2014 out of the mutual passion of four long-time friends. It was among South Africa’s earliest speakeasies, tucked away behind the Honest Chocolate Cafe at 64a Wale Street, accessed exclusively by password. This Mediterranean-style courtyard bar has since grown into one of Cape Town’s best-loved watering holes. With its unique assortment of gins and fascinating backstory, The Secret Gin Bar delivers a memorable sundowner experience that lasts from the late afternoon until the early hours of the morning.
The House of Machines: A Melting Pot of Delights
Our next stop is The House of Machines, a multi-faceted establishment that originated from a simple handshake and matured into a thriving community centre. Situated at 84 Shortmarket Street in the city centre, this spot offers a café, beer, cocktails, and live music, served with a dash of ‘moto hero’. Their in-house ‘bartender pirates’ utilize their expert knowledge in mixing spirits and flavours to serve a variety of drinks, from barrel-aged Old Fashioned cocktails to playful Whisky Sours. Open from dawn till dusk, The House of Machines is an ideal place to relax, socialize, and make new acquaintances.
The Striped Horse: A Beachfront Classic
Our exploration then leads us to The Striped Horse, a venerable beach bar tucked away in the heart of Muizenberg. This bar, located in a building that exudes nostalgic charm, encourages guests to relax on a floral bordello couch while relishing an ice-cold craft beer and savouring mouth-watering delights like prego or Karoo lamb chops. Situated along 12-14 York Road, The Striped Horse offers a selection of wines and custom-made spirits, amplifying the already enchanting sundowner experience.
Yours Truly: An Urban Sanctuary
Moving on, we discover Yours Truly, a local hotspot boasting an upstairs terrace that serves as a favourite gathering spot for sundowners. Adjoining a backpackers’ lodge, the venue features an indoor area that resembles an urban haven or a relaxed backyard party. With a constant party atmosphere and a regular lineup of events, including a New Year’s celebration featuring live music, Yours Truly ensures the energy never fades. Located at 73 Kloof St, Gardens, it’s the perfect place for a never-ending party.
On the Rocks: Luxury Dining with a View
Finally, we arrive at On The Rocks, a renowned luxury dining spot in Blouberg Strand. Here, guests are treated to a panoramic 180° ocean view of Table Mountain and Robben Island, which provide a breathtaking backdrop. At 45 Stadler Road, On The Rocks merges traditional West Coast cuisine, signature dishes, and a bespoke selection of Bertha Wines, all set against one of Cape Town’s most spectacular views. Hence, it offers a peerless sundowner experience from mid-morning till late evening.
Each of these hidden treasures adds a unique touch to Cape Town’s sundowner tradition. From the secret speakeasy to the friendly community hub, from the beachfront bar to the urban sanctuary, and from the luxury dining spot with a view, they all offer a sundowner experience that blends city allure with the evening sky’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these venues promise a Cape Town sundowner experience that will forge unforgettable memories.
1. What is Cape Town’s sundowner scene?
Cape Town’s sundowner scene is a cherished South African tradition that affords a perfect mix of natural splendour and city allure. The city’s scenic landscapes and lively atmosphere make it an ideal destination for sundowners.
2. What are some hidden gems of Cape Town’s sundowner tradition?
Some hidden gems of Cape Town’s sundowner tradition include The Secret Gin Bar, The House of Machines, The Striped Horse, Yours Truly, and On The Rocks. Each venue offers a unique touch to Cape Town’s nightlife scene.
3. What is The Secret Gin Bar?
The Secret Gin Bar is a well-kept secret among gin enthusiasts. The bar, which also offers beer and wine, is tucked away behind the Honest Chocolate Cafe at 64a Wale Street. It was established in 2014 out of the mutual passion of four long-time friends and has since grown into one of Cape Town’s best-loved watering holes.
4. Where is Yours Truly located?
Yours Truly is located at 73 Kloof St, Gardens. It boasts an upstairs terrace that serves as a favourite gathering spot for sundowners. The venue features an indoor area that resembles an urban haven or a relaxed backyard party.
5. What is On The Rocks?
On The Rocks is a renowned luxury dining spot in Blouberg Strand. The venue offers a panoramic 180° ocean view of Table Mountain and Robben Island, making it an ideal spot for sundowners. It merges traditional West Coast cuisine, signature dishes, and a bespoke selection of Bertha Wines, all set against one of Cape Town’s most spectacular views.
6. What makes Cape Town’s sundowner scene unique?
Cape Town’s sundowner scene is unique because it perfectly blends the natural splendour of the sunset with the city’s pulsating energy. The city’s rooftop bars offer perfect vantage points for enjoying the sunset while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
