The Dark Horse: An Eclectic-Glam Watering Hole on Kloof Street

The Dark Horse is a vibrant bar located on upper Kloof Street in Cape Town. The establishment is brought to you by the team behind the popular Black Sheep restaurant, and it's a perfect place to unwind and relax. The eclecticglam interiors will immediately catch your eye, with electricblue walls and antique art and collectibles. A sumptuous velvetgreen couch and backlit bar complete the plush and whimsical atmosphere.
The Dark Horse is a vibrant bar located on upper Kloof Street in Cape Town. The establishment is brought to you by the team behind the popular Black Sheep restaurant, and it’s a perfect place to unwind and relax. The eclectic-glam interiors will immediately catch your eye, with electric-blue walls and antique art and collectibles. A sumptuous velvet-green couch and backlit bar complete the plush and whimsical atmosphere.
A Dazzling Array of Cocktails
The Dark Horse is not just about the décor, as it boasts a dazzling array of cocktails ranging from classic to innovative, including lemon-drop martinis, gin fizzes, whiskey sours, cosmopolitans, and Manhattans. The talented team of bartenders will make sure your taste buds are satisfied. If you prefer something simpler, there’s an extensive drinks menu of wine, beer, cider, spirits, and more.
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Small Plates and More
If you’re feeling peckish, The Dark Horse has small plates that are sure to hit the spot. From feta croquettes to yellowtail ceviche, peppered game salami, and German sausage with fries, there’s something to tickle your fancy. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, The Dark Horse also offers a food-delivery service.
Two Scenic Seating Options at The Dark Horse
The Dark Horse’s street-facing patio is the perfect spot to people-watch, while the upstairs rooftop deck, dotted with succulents and mood lighting, boasts stunning views of Table Mountain and the city beyond. The outdoor seating provides a great ambiance to chill with friends while enjoying the sun.
Friendly and Attentive Staff
Despite mixed reviews on service quality, The Dark Horse staff is generally friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is perfect for groups, and the cozy indoor seating is perfect for a romantic date night or a low-key night out.
Details for The Dark Horse:
- Address: 145 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
- Phone: +27 21 422 0825
- Website: The Dark Horse
- Working time: Tuesday – Thursday, 4pm – 11pm; Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 11pm.
If you’re looking for a unique and glamorous bar experience in Cape Town, The Dark Horse should be on your list. Visit them today and enjoy great drinks, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere.
Zola Naidoo is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting politics and the lived realities behind the headlines. A weekend trail-runner on Table Mountain’s lower contour paths, she still swops stories in her grandmother’s District Six kitchen every Sunday, grounding her reporting in the cadences of the Cape.
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