Cocktails that tell local stories: This is Fable

Glitter cocktails, smokey foods, neon signs, fable-inspired artworks + more

Last updated: Monday, 4 April 2022

This cocktail bar in Bree Street has everything you need for a dazzling night out –  experimental cocktails, comfort food and world-class DJs. It has a lively energy that’s perfect for an evening birthday celebration or even First Thursdays. And while you’re there, learn about some local fables – they’re attached to the unusual cocktails at Fable Cocktail Bar.

Fable is on the corner of Bree and Wale Street in the city centre. Image: Fable

OPT FOR A SNAZZY NIGHT OUT

When you walk through the door, you’re immediately swept away by vibey music, enthusiastic bartenders and the smell of smokey drinks. Everything at Fable is Instagrammable, from the cocktails to the profane neon sign. 

Go see the neon sign on the top floor of the restaurant. Image: Fable

Take advantage of the all-day happy hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It can get quite busy, so make sure you book beforehand. 

Fable hosts a DJ night every Thursday to Sunday. Image: Fable 

YOU HAVE TO TRY A SPECIALITY COCKTAIL

There are 8 speciality cocktails, each one better than the last. The waiters encourage you to order according to the flavour profiles, rather than the ingredients. If you like a floral taste, opt for the Kronendal Lovers (that comes with a fabulous glitter brush), or if you prefer it fruity, go for the Flying Dutchman. 

The Kronendal Lovers is made with edible glitter. Image: Fable

Each cocktail is attached to a local fable that you can read on the menu. There are star-crossed lovers, a trickster who tried to tempt travellers to test the vastness of the void, or the hooded stranger who asks to share a pipe with Van Hunk. 

The Trickster comes with lines of “cocaine” (don’t stress, it's just white cocoa). Image: Fable

YOU’LL BE TEMPTED BY THE COMFORT FOOD

The menu at Fable is tiny but mighty. It consists of all the foods you crave when having a big night out. Plus, the dishes are inspired by different drinks. Try the Bourbon Old Fashioned Grilled Cheese (it comes with an Old Fashioned in a shot glass), the popular Cadillac Burger or the brownie with Amarula cream. 

The grilled cheese is made with bitters-infused butter, 2 types of cheese and comes with a beef-and-bourbon reduction. Image: Fable

LOUNGE UPSTAIRS OR DANCE DOWNSTAIRS

There are 3 seating options, each with its own vibe. The outside seating is ideal for a chilled vibe, while the inside is where the party is at, especially when they move the tables and turn it into a dance floor. Or opt for the lounge area upstairs for a more private experience. 

The DJ’s station is placed by the downstairs area near the door. Image: Fable

SNAP A PHOTO OF THE ARTWORK

For our tattoo fanatics, you might recognise the style of art at Fable. Owner and tattoo artist of Palm Black Tattoo Co, Raoul Goetze, designed the artwork on the walls and in the menu. 

Each design represents one of the signature cocktails. Image: Fable

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

Fable is open: Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm - 2pm; Friday & Saturday, 4pm - 2am
Find Fable: Corner Bree & Wale Street | Cape Town City Centre
Contact Fable on: 066 009 7786, website, Instagram: @fablecpt

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By Lara van Zyl

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