Tucked away in a charming Mediterranean-style courtyard behind the Honest Chocolate Café, The Gin Bar offers an intimate and lively atmosphere that captures the heart of Cape Town's nightlife. This cozy bar boasts a curated selection of over 140 gins, including more than 80 distinctive South African varieties, making it a true paradise for gin enthusiasts seeking to explore unique and diverse flavors.
The bar features an open-air courtyard with natural ventilation, creating a refreshing setting to enjoy expertly crafted gin and tonics. The ambiance is both cozy and vibrant, perfect for a night out with friends or a relaxed evening discovering new gin blends. Friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience by recommending perfect pairings and customized cocktails tailored to your taste.
- Extensive gin selection – Featuring over 140 gins including a rich variety of local South African options.
- Hidden gem location – Secretly tucked behind Honest Chocolate Café in a Mediterranean-style courtyard.
- Customizable cocktails – Choose from a variety of tonics and garnishes to craft your perfect drink.
- Welcoming and lively vibe – A perfect spot for groups or intimate gatherings with a pet-friendly policy.
- What are the operating hours of The Gin Bar? The Gin Bar operates Monday to Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, and Thursday to Saturday from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am. It is closed on Sundays.
- How do I access The Gin Bar? The Gin Bar is located at 64A Wale Street, Cape Town. To enter, go through the Honest Chocolate Café, and you'll find the bar in the courtyard behind it.
- Do they offer food at The Gin Bar? While The Gin Bar primarily focuses on drinks, they do offer light snacks such as popcorn and crisps to complement your beverage.
- Is there parking available at The Gin Bar? Free street parking is available near The Gin Bar.
- Can I bring my pet to The Gin Bar? Yes, The Gin Bar is pet-friendly and allows dogs.
Positive vibes and enthusiastic reviews consistently describe The Gin Bar as a must-visit destination in Cape Town. Visitors love its unique concept of a hidden bar behind a chocolate shop, its lively yet cozy atmosphere, and the impressive variety of gins that cater to diverse palates. The staff’s expertise and welcoming nature make every visit memorable, often highlighted by patrons as perfect for both casual evenings and special nights out.
Nestled in the heart of Cape Town's city centre, The Gin Bar has established itself as a distinctive haven for gin enthusiasts and casual visitors alike since its inception. Opening its doors in 2015, this hidden gem quickly gained acclaim for its impressive collection of over 140 gins, showcasing an unparalleled variety that includes more than 80 local South African labels. The bar offers an inviting atmosphere highlighted by a charming Mediterranean-style courtyard, providing an open-air setting that perfectly complements the refreshing gin and tonic experience.
One of the most captivating features of The Gin Bar is its discreet entrance through the Honest Chocolate Café, which adds an element of discovery and exclusivity. Guests step into a beautifully designed courtyard that blends Mediterranean aesthetics with natural ventilation and vibrant energy. This setting combines coziness with an open, lively environment that is ideal for socializing, making it a top choice for locals and travelers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed evening in Cape Town.
In 2018, The Gin Bar elevated its offerings by introducing the Bubbly Bar, a dedicated section celebrating local Cap Classiques, South Africa’s celebrated sparkling wines. This addition broadened the appeal beyond gin aficionados to include those who appreciate quality sparkling beverages. Alongside their extensive gin menu, the Bubbly Bar provides a refreshing complement to the venue's cocktail repertoire, highlighting South Africa's burgeoning wine culture with a stylish twist.
The Gin Bar is not just about its impressive drink selection; it is celebrated for its warm and welcoming vibe. Visitors enjoy expertly crafted cocktails by knowledgeable bartenders who guide guests through the diverse gin offerings and suggest perfect pairings. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, making it ideal for groups and solo visitors alike. The open-air courtyard and natural ventilation create a refreshing environment that enhances every sip and social moment.
- Extensive collection of over 140 gins including 80+ local South African varieties.
- Charming Mediterranean-style courtyard offering open-air seating and natural ventilation.
- Unique entrance through Honest Chocolate Café creating a hidden gem experience.
- The Bubbly Bar addition in 2018 featuring local Cap Classiques.
- Knowledgeable bartenders who recommend perfect pairings and cocktails.
The Gin Bar welcomes guests Monday through Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, and from Thursday to Saturday starting earlier at 3:00 pm until 1:00 am, closing its doors on Sundays. Its accommodating vibe is perfect for evening outings, social gatherings, or a sophisticated nightcap. Located at 64A Wale Street, visitors can enjoy the convenience of nearby free and paid street parking, and the bar's dog-friendly and group-friendly policies make it a versatile hotspot in Cape Town’s vibrant bar scene.
Located at 64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, The Gin Bar is a hidden gem that offers an extensive selection of over 140 gins, including more than 80 local South African varieties. This cozy bar, accessed through the Honest Chocolate Café, features a charming Mediterranean-style courtyard that provides a unique atmosphere for gin enthusiasts. With its lively ambiance and knowledgeable staff, The Gin Bar is an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
• Extensive selection of over 140 gins, including more than 80 local South African varieties.
• Unique and cozy atmosphere in a hidden courtyard accessed through Honest Chocolate Café.
• Knowledgeable and friendly staff offering personalized cocktail recommendations.
• Signature cocktails like 'Hope,' 'Head,' 'Heart,' 'Ambition,' and 'Soul' are highly praised.
• Offers gin tastings and cocktail making classes for enthusiasts.
• Limited food options; primarily offers light snacks like popcorn and crisps.
• Can get crowded during peak hours; reservations are recommended.
• No dedicated parking; street parking is available but may be limited.
• Gin enthusiasts looking to explore unique flavors.
• Friends seeking a lively atmosphere for a night out.
• Couples looking for a cozy spot for drinks.
• Those interested in gin tastings and cocktail-making classes.
• Reservations are recommended during peak hours to secure a spot.
• The bar is dog-friendly, making it a great choice for pet owners.
• Street parking is available, but it may be limited.
The Gin Bar in Cape Town is a delightful retreat for gin lovers, offering a unique blend of atmosphere, quality, and service. While it may have limited food options and can get crowded, the extensive gin selection and cozy setting make it worth a visit. Whether you're a local or a traveler, this bar provides an inviting space to unwind and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails.
