First Thursdays in the Mother City
If you find yourself in Cape Town on the first Thursday of the month – go out. It’s a momentous occasion for many, where people enjoy free art gallery openings, festivals in the street, thrift stalls on pavement corners, wine tastings and antique shopping until all hours of the morning – it is a feast for the senses. Watch the streets become canvases, galleries turn into gateways for conversation, and join in on the celebration of community, creativity and life in the city.
IF YOU'RE BROWSING BREE STREET
Nish Nush | 100 Bree Street
If you’re looking for the best falafels and other feisty Middle Eastern street food in a vibey atmosphere, browse no further!
Culture Wine Bar | 103 Bree Street
A spot to sip on any and every kind of wine – from the classics to rare, foreign gems.
Leo’s Wine Bar | 120 Bree Street
A wine bar situated inside a bagel shop, can you name a cooler combo? Leo’s is always stocked with vintages from lesser known producers and plenty of natural wines.
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room | 133 Bree Street
An intimate setting that spills out onto the street – grab a table before the crowds flock and be sure to order a cheeseburger with your cocktail.
IF YOU'RE BY BUITENGRACHT STREET
The Athletic Club and Social | 35 Buitengracht Street
Hungry for Mediterranean-inspired food in a Victorian setting? Sip on a cocktail and boogie to live music at The Athletic Club and Social.
MOCHI MOCHI Japanese Café | 71 Buitengracht Street (Closes 9pm)
Playful, unique and attentive to details, this Japanese restaurant has an exciting menu for both the sweet and savoury toothed among us.
Gracht Gallery | 160 Buitengracht Street (Closes 8pm)
IF YOU WIND UP ON WALE STREET
Ouzeri | 58 Wale Street
Inspired by Cypriot and Greek cuisine, Ouzeri boasts modern Mediterranean through their space and on every plate.
The Gin Bar | 64A Wale Street
A not so hidden-gem anymore, tucked behind Honest Chocolate. Enjoy gins made right before your eyes in a loft-type bar that feels like a New York dream apartment.
Openwine | 72 Wale Street (Closes 11pm)
Cape Town’s first enoteca (wine library) can be found at this wine bar. Unlike normal libraries, there is often live music to be enjoyed too!
IF YOU'RE SURE TO BE ON SHORTMARKET STREET
Always Welcome | 108 Shortmarket Street (Closes 8pm)
The House of Machines | 84 Shortmarket Street
A cozy meeting house, serving everything from coffees to Old Fashioneds in a space that feels unpretentious, instantly warm and familiar.
The Drinkery | 101 Shortmarket Street Heritage Square
This ‘contemporary speakeasy’ is both a gallery and cocktail bar, overlooking the courtyard of Heritage Square.
IF YOU CHOOSE CHURCH STREET
Association for Visual Arts | 35 Church Street (Closes 8pm)
WORLDART | 54 Church Street (Closes 8pm)
Eclectica Contemporary | 56 Church Street (Closes 8pm)
The Cape Gallery | 60 Church Street (Closes 7pm)
IF YOU'RE SOMEWHERE ELSE
Nel | 117 Long Street (Closes 8pm)
The Pink Room at Gorgeous George | 118 St George’s Mall (Closes 11pm)
Find both exhibitions and live music in the Pink Room of Gorgeous George – two converted heritage buildings joined by an epic rooftop bar overlooking the city.
DAOR Contemporary | Port of Cape Town (Closes 8:30pm)
Ramenhead | 37 Parliament Street
Serving freshly made ramen on site, this restaurant helps offers authentic Japanese cuisine to be savoured with every slurp!
Tjing Tjing House | 165 Longmarket Street
Three storeys of a 200-year old building make up this restaurant and bar – each area of the house offers a unique feeling, vibe and experience of Japanese food and culture.
