If you like a little live music with your cold one, check out these CBD, Cape Town venues – plus one that’s worth getting on the highway for.
The Waiting Room
The Waiting Room is a retro rooftop haunt Long Street aficionados swear by. Small acts and acoustic ensembles take to the stage on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and the intimate venue boasts comfy couches and a sliver of dance floor.
Where 273 Long Street, CBD
Contact +27 21 422 4536
Ragazzi Live Bar
From the street it doesn’t look like much, but inside Ragazzi is warm and welcoming with couches, beanbags and graffiti murals on the walls. Stop by on a Tuesday for YUM (young, up-and-coming musicians) night, so you can say you saw the hottest acts before they were famous.
Where 7 Loop Street, CBD
Contact +27 73 079 5070, www.ragazzilivebar.com
Aces ’n’ Spades
Described as a good bar where bad things happen, the tiny Aces ’n’ Spades venue is edgy-chic, with dark-wood panelling and vintage photos on the walls. Thursday’s Live Music Factory has free entrance and drinks specials – the makings of a raucous midweek shuffle.
Where 62 Hout Street, Cape Town
Contact +27 21 424 1620, www.acesnspades.com
The Assembly
A huge warehouse-style venue, The Assembly pulls a crowd of beautiful young Capetonians. Whether you want to see SA’s hottest talent or support your friend’s garage band, a party is guaranteed. Squeak some tekkie on the large dance floor after throwing back a shot or two.
Where 61 Harrington Street, Cape Town
Contact +27 21 465 7286, www.theassembly.co.za
The Brass Bell
Located in the trendy harbour town of Kalk Bay, the laid-back Bell’s charm is in its surroundings: a tidal pool you can jump into from the restaurant’s sliding windows, a man-made beach with splash pool for tots and the blue ocean stretching from your table as far as the eye can see. Throw in live acoustic sets by local brands over the weekend and it’s close to paradise.
Where Main Road, Kalk Bay (behind Kalk Bay train station)
Contact +27 21 788 5455, www.brassbell.co.za