Late Night Spots To Try in Cape Town

Navigating a late night in town can be challenging: most restaurants are closed, it’s cold outside, and it’s hard to tell what’s worth it and what isn’t. These are our recommendations for places and activities to try in Cape Town after dark – whether it’s a classic club night or exploring the city from a new angle.

Join the party at Evol

One of the most inclusive nightclubs in Cape Town, Evol is a sanctuary for the city’s underground artists and queer community. Often collaborating with premier event organisers, the venue hosts themed nights dedicated to specific artists, sounds, and eras. Think: dedicated emo nights, DJs playing only 2000s hits, or a Charli XCX-exclusive evening.

Stay up to date with Evol’s event lineup on their Instagram & Facebook for detailed information, including ticket prices and open hours.

Where: 69 Hope Street, Cape Town City Centre

Visit Athletic Club & Social

This three-storey bar is a sophisticated wine-and-jazz venue with a Mediterranean menu, cocktails, and a hidden basement bar. Perfect for an evening meal upstairs before heading downstairs to enjoy the grooving melodies of Cape Town’s lively jazz scene, Athletic Club & Social is a great late-night destination for dressing up and enjoying a relaxed evening with loved ones.

Live jazz performances are scheduled Wednesday through Saturday, with a dedicated After Hours menu to ensure no one goes hungry while the night is still young.

Tables can be booked on Dineplan.

When: Monday – Saturday | 4pm – 11pm (Mon & Tue) | 4pm – 12am (Wed) | 12pm – 2am (Thu – Sat)
Where: 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town City Centre

Check out Mavericks

Long established as the city’s most iconic adult entertainment experience, Mavericks Revue Bar delivers exciting, world-class performances, great food and a lively buzz for locals and visitors alike. On top of the diverse line-up of talented dancers from around the globe, Mavericks also serves a full restaurant-quality menu long after most kitchens in Cape Town close. Guests can enjoy steaks, Wagyu burgers, sushi, and sharing platters—far beyond the usual late-night fast-food options.

From cocktails and champagne to whiskey and shooters, the bar menu fits right in with the city’s top nightlife venues, while top DJs play every night, keeping the energy high from open to close. Finally, the venue has multiple event nights throughout the month, adding a special twist to the usual fare: expect dancers dressed up as colourful characters and on-theme lounge floors.

When: Monday – Saturday | 7pm – 4am
Where: 68 Barrack Street, Cape Town City Centre

Meet with friends at Roxy Late Night

Everyone should know about Roxy’s by now. The social hotspot has been a favourite among barhoppers since the 90s, with affordable food and drinks served until late, every day of the week – perfect for hanging with friends after a long workday.

For drinks, Roxy’s serves a variety of cocktails, spirits, wine, shooters, and beer, including their very own Roxy House Lager. The food menu is just as beloved, with an array of toasties, wraps, and traditional bar snacks on offer. Most day of the week have their very own special, whether it’s Mexican Tuesdays, two-for-one tequila and nachos or Saturdays’ two double brandies & Coke for R100. Entertainment-wise, the upstairs area of the bar includes a pool table and an arcade machine.

Tables can be booked by calling or WhatsApping 084 245 3979.

When: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 12am (Mon – Thu) | 9am – 2am (Fri & Sat) | 12pm – 10pm (Sun)
Where: 14 Wandel St, Gardens

Play arcade classics at Barcadia

This lively, retro-inspired bar features a wide range of single-player and multi-player arcade games for visitors to play while enjoying a drink and a pizza. A great choice for a late-night out in the city, there’s everything from old-school racing and Tekken to shooters and pinball. Visitors are encouraged to bring their friends along and compete to crown the night’s ultimate champion – just don’t hog the machines.

Arcade games are free when purchasing from the bar, which is 21+. The bar also regularly hosts live music and entertainment, so make sure to keep up with either their Facebook or Instagram.

When: Tuesday – Saturday | 6pm – 2am (Tue – Fri) | 1pm – 2am (Sat)
Where: 62 Hout St, Cape Town City Centre

Fable

Home to Cape Town’s most innovative and immersive cocktail menu, Fable is also known for its variety of live in-house entertainment, ranging from world-class musicians to professional fire eaters. With a lineup of local DJs and a live saxophone player this First Thursday, Fable is perfect for experienced cocktail enthusiasts looking to try something new and complete beginners wanting to see what the hype is about.

Bookings can be made on the website.

When: First Thursdays | 5pm – late
Where: Corner Bree & Wale St, Cape Town City Centre

Immerse in dance with Incognito Events

Self-described as an “immersive club phenomenon”, Incognito Events is a production company known for daring, conceptually driven techno nights, including the Sinful series, Winter Solstice, and the monthly warehouse rave N2O[X]. These nights are usually held once a month, with strict dress codes that match the theme and a rotating cast of acclaimed DJs, including Archy, Zsa Zsa, and FiveFM’s Das Kapital.

These events are designed to be ultra-inclusive and sexy, with erotic performances, art installations, and dressed-up characters roaming the dance floor. Most nights are strictly for those over 23, and no video or photography is allowed in the venue.

Ticket prices vary, but usually start from R300. Upcoming event details can be found on their Facebook or Instagram, with bookings available on Quicket.

Find a new favourite at The Gin Bar

Hidden behind Honest Chocolate Cafe, The Gin Bar is, of course, known for their gin & tonic concoctions, lovingly labelled as “House Remedies” for curing various ailments. However, the spot is not limited to its unbelievably long list of gins, as they also serve classic cocktails, wine, and beer.

For four nights a week, champagne lovers can make their way to the Bubbly Bar, which serves many varieties of Cap Classique from proudly local producers across the country.

When: Monday – Saturday | 5pm – 1am (Mon – Wed) | 3pm – 1am (Thu – Sat)
Where: 64a Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre (enter through Honest Chocolate)

Kayak through the Waterfront at night

Those wanting something different from the usual bars and clubs can try this one-of-a-kind experience through Cape Town’s canals. Participants get an entirely new perspective on the city, with a mix of glowing kayaks, city lights, and the sunset brightening the night sky around the Waterfront.

Kayak Adventures operates throughout the winter, but sessions are weather-dependent.

Cost: R500 per person. Book now on the website.

When: Monday – Sunday | 7.30pm – 9pm (final session)
Where: Battery Park, cnr 100 Beach Road & Granger Bay Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Enjoy wine & live music at Culture Wine Bar

Famous among enthusiasts for its curated selection of wines, ranging from sought-after imports to hidden African gems, Culture Wine Bar is a vibrant social space among the Bree Street favourites. It regularly hosts live music bands, livening up the atmosphere with some of the best up-and-coming local musicians, particularly on First Thursday every month.

The bar has received accolades for its wine list, including the Grand Prix South Africa award from Star Wine List in 2023. They also frequently host walkabout tastings with award-winning wine producers from around the country.

Reservations can be made on the website.

When: Monday – Saturday | 12pm – 2am
Where: 103 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town

Catch a late movie at the Labia

A favourite of moviegoers in the city, the Labia Theatre maintains a balanced selection of major blockbusters and independent films, with new titles rotating weekly. With affordable tickets, a fully licensed bar, all the classic movie snacks, and its close proximity to Kloof Street’s famous restaurants and cafes, there’s no better place to catch a late-night film in the Mother City.

Cost: R90 per ticket | R60 (Students/Pensioners/Children). Bookings can be made in person or online – this week’s movies are available on the website.

When: Monday – Sunday | Early showings from 11.30am | Final showings from 8.30pm
Where: 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Take on a pub quiz at Sweeties Beer Hall

A hidden gem found in the acclaimed Long Street Backpackers, Sweeties Beer Hall is an everyday party destination for anyone looking for a lively atmosphere in the CBD. Tuesday nights are dedicated to classic pub trivia, hosted by Cape Town’s “unofficial mayor” Mischief. Groups are limited to six participants, with prizes awarded to the winning team. There is a pizza-and-beer special running from 6pm to 9pm.

Wednesdays are for a “chaos rules” beer pong tournament, while Friday nights mean the dance floor becomes a karaoke stage (expect the entire crowd to be singing and dancing along). Updates can be found on their Instagram.

Quiz times: Every Tuesday | From 8.30pm
Open hours: Monday – Sunday | 12pm – 2am (Wed – Sat) | 12pm – 12am (Sun) | 12pm – 1am (Mon & Tue)
Where: 209 Long St, Cape Town City Centre

Have a late-night dinner at Pirates Steakhouse

One of the very few restaurants operating 24/7 near Cape Town, Pirates Steakhouse offers a detailed menu featuring speciality steaks, grilled calamari, and thin-crust pizza. They run many food-and-drink specials throughout the week, including a cheeseburger-and-beer combo for only R150, available until 4am daily.

Operating since 1990 and with a dedicated sister bar just next door, Pirates Steakhouse is an ideal last stop after a long night of partying, particularly for those staying in the Southern Suburbs.

Reservations can be made on Dineplan.

When: Open 24/7
Where: 160 Main Road, Plumstead