Gauteng
After touring Soweto what could be more pleasant than a glass of wine on the terrace of this sophisticated bar at the top of Vilakazi St? Its list of…
Must-see nightlife in South Africa
Cape Town
This is both the roasting operation for Deluxe and a sleek, simple cafe where you can sample their highly-regarded coffee – as served by suitably tattooed…
Gauteng
The aviation-themed Cockpit Brewhouse serves at least six of its own delicious microbrew draught ales and decent bar food, including a tasty lamb and beef…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
At the northern end of the Camps Bay dining strip, this place offers coffee, cocktails and light meals (R100) with a beach view. It's more casual and…
Durban
Covering a range of music from deep house to electro, soul and funk (and much more), this stylish spot remains at the forefront of Durban's club scene…
Bloemfontein
Opened in 2016, this self-proclaimed 'Thai fusion bar' is a pleasing amalgam of '80s music, Thai food and yummy cocktails. We recommend pairing the spring…
Green Point & Waterfront
With a relaxed vibe and a spacious deck open to Mouille Point Promenade, this is an ideal spot for sundowners or a coffee and light bite with an ocean…
Cape Town
At the base of the Portside Building, Cape Town's tallest building, this groovy cafe gives others a run for their money with their expertly made coffees…
Cape Town
A strong contender for the hippest cafe in Obs, Saint James serves its own blend of java in all the various permutations in a cool design space that's…
Port Elizabeth
With a Bedouin tent and small pool in the backyard, this craft beer and cider bar encapsulates Richmond Hill's urban buzz. Handmade burgers and thin-crust…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
This bright, airy cafe has been serving up award-winning cappuccinos since 2012. As well as great coffee and freshly pressed juice, there's a Middle…
Stellenbosch
Scribble on chalkboard tables while sipping shiraz at this trendy pavement cafe that also serves as Brampton winery’s tasting room. Sandwiches, wraps and…
Sunshine Coast
This hip, convivial bar and restaurant with an open-air terrace is a great spot to swill a craft beer or two. The crowd ranges from students to well…
Cape Town
Combining a motorbike workshop with barbers, a boutique and a live music/DJ space, this is a homage to Americana, with tasty, inventive bourbon cocktails,…
Cape Town
The best place to dance the night away – it helps that they have hunky bar dancers dressed only in skimpy shorts and glitter. Throw your hands in the air…
Sunshine Coast
This loungey spot with big, sea-facing windows is popular for cocktails. The rose petal mojito, Baileys banana colada and potent California iced tea are…
Cape Town
The coffee and food (pretzel hot dogs, crusty pies and other artisanal munchies) are good, but it’s the smoky, cosy bar that packs the trendsters in,…
West Coast & Swartland
As well as superb coffee from Langebaan's one and only roastery, Wings, this busy place serves Black Insomnia – the world's strongest cup of joe. Burgers,…
Cape Town
Cerveza-quaffing and tapas-munching crowds spill out from this spacious and authentically Spanish-looking bar all days of the week.
Cape Town
This convivial, heritage-listed pub, which is affectionately known as 'Persies' and has been around since 1808, was once Cecil Rhodes’ local. There are…
Johannesburg
Some say the coffee served at this always-bustling, no-lingering joint west of Gandhi Sq is among the best in town. There's also an array of sweet…
Durban
This cosy bar has quality craft beer on tap from a range of breweries from Durban, Johannesburg and the Cape. It's a very friendly place, with families…
Drakensberg Escarpment
Beans About Coffee has been importing, roasting and blending beans from Africa and South America for a decade. Grab a takeaway here and enquire about…
Cape Town
The pioneer and stalwart of the De Waterkant's gay scene remains a highly popular bar and restaurant, not least for its wrap-around deck which provides a…
Cape Town
Take a moment to gather your thoughts and enjoy a well-made coffee at this cool cafe and showroom for furniture- and lighting-designers Pedersen & Lennard…
Cape Town
Apart from great coffee, the traditional bagels are pretty awesome too. They train baristas here and you can book online for their courses – a three-hour…
Cape Town
These artisan coffee guys specialise in blends, including an organic one and a full-flavour decaf. It's handy if you're browsing the galleries in the area…
Northern Cape
There are a few breakfast items, salads and toasted sandwiches on the menu here but what keeps this convivial cafe busy is its excellent coffee –…
Johannesburg
Check online for details of events such as progressive/deep house and hip-hop parties, and the more interesting international acts, at this giant…
Cape Town
This fun gay-friendly bar and dance venue, up a floor from the street, has a devoted crowd of young boys and girls who are always ready to bop to the DJ’s…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
With its mishmash of eclectic decor, this local hang-out does Paarl-brewed Striped Horse beers on draught and burgers on boards. Regular live music adds…
Port Elizabeth
Craft beer lovers rejoice – this convivial pub and restaurant overlooking the Baakens River is like manna from heaven, with a great selection of beers on…
Port Elizabeth
Low on aesthetics but high on energy, this beer hall is one of the liveliest bars in PE. It has a good range of craft beers and also serves food.
Green Point & Waterfront
A popular bar with minimalist decor, good wine, two dozen beers and an impressive range of tequila.
Cape Town
Cover charges vary at this new LGBT friendly dance venue on the far southern edge of De Waterkant.
Stellenbosch
This funky bar is a Stellenbosch institution. There's regular live music and decent bar food.
Eastern Cape
This intimate pub off the main street has tap beer aplenty and serves good pub grub.
Cape Town
You'll either love or loathe the London Underground theme here, which stretches to huge screens playing Central Line videos and even train memorabilia in…
