The best intimate venues for live music and cocktails in Cape Town

With its iconic Table Mountain backdrop, glorious beaches, enchanting vineyards, and relaxed and open-minded atmosphere, Cape Town should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Famed for its hospitality and packed with nighttime venues in which you can sample it, “Mother City” also has one of the liveliest cultural scenes in Africa — reflected in its thriving music community.

To get you started, here are 3 music and drinks spots to get a first feel of the vibe on a low-key, intimate evening out.

Harringtons Cocktail Lounge

Equal parts chic and groovy, Harringtons Cocktail Lounge seamlessly blurs the lines between restaurant, bar and nightclub, with some of the best jazz musicians in the country and other local music acts performing every Thursday night, and DJs spinning records on Friday and Saturday evenings, they sure know how to keep the crowd entertained. The creative and seasonal craft cocktail list, mouthwatering tapas and excellent service complete the picture, for an evening we’re certain you won’t soon forget.

Asoka

A top favorite for music-loving locals, this smart Cape Town lounge bar and restaurant is housed within a slender Victorian townhouse on busy Kloof Street. It’s a sophisticated and eclectic spot, attractively decorated with a blend of traditional Asian decor and classic Victorian elements. The highlight is the candlelit courtyard dining area in which sits a beautiful olive tree. Locals and tourists alike love to gather here on Tuesday evenings over stellar jazz music by local acts, cocktails and tapas, with resident DJs taking over after 10PM.

Kloof Street House

Kloof Street House is a like-nothing-else mix of colorful Victorian charm, culinary delights, and cocktail mastery. The magic begins as soon as you set foot on the leafy, lantern-lit garden. Once inside the magnificently restored house, you will find that each room has a different theme from the next – from library-esque chambers to graceful rooms full of arched crown molding and glittering chandeliers. Their Sunday Jazz events are hosted every Sunday over lunch, where you can enjoy the smooth sounds of live jazz music over delicious food, champagne and cocktails.