Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem
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Where to drink on a budget in Cape Town, from elegant date spots to dive bars
Last updated: Friday, Thursday, 15 August 2024
Boozy Fridays in Cape Town are as much of a staple as the mountain and icy cold sea. Thankfully, after-work drinks don’t have to break the bank. From old-school rock n roll spots to rooftop bars and elegant eateries, our selection of happy hour specials in Cape Town will have you covered all week long.
Cargo, which has recently replaced Bombay Bicycle Club on Kloof Street, is inspired by a masculinity of yesteryear. Decorated with black and white photos and old army memorabilia, you can enjoy discounted beer, wine and tequila while listening to laid-back rock n roll music.
Deal: R20 for a glass of house red, white, rosé, beer or tequila shot
Time: Monday to Thursday, 4pm - 6pm

158 Kloof Street | Tamboerskloof | 021 213 1221 | @c__a__r__g__o | Credit: Julia Rowley
Down South Food Bar in Rondebosch is an ode to the American South: expect to see cowboy hats hanging from the walls, jazz-inspired decor and apple pie cocktails. There’s also TV screens both inside and outside of the bar for live-sport viewing.
Deal: Shots (R15), Black Label Draught (R32), cocktails (from R40)
Time: Daily, 5pm - 7pm

Rondebosch Main Centre | Rondebosch | 021 686 1464 | @Downsouthfoodbar | Image: Down South Food Bar
This tiny dive bar in District Six has a rebellious punk-rock attitude. SurfaRosa has a rock-inspired menu and you can expect to find pizzas named after Kevin Bacon, Sisters of Mercy and the Ramones. Plus, after a night of drinking and dancing to rock music, you can tuck into a bunny chow.
Deal: Varies
Time: Daily, 3pm - 6pm
61a Harrington Street | District Six | 021 461 2276 | @surfarosact | Credit: SurfaRosa
Café Extrablatt in Greenpoint has something for everybody: affordable food, a shisha lounge and big TV screens for watching sports. The menu boasts over 30 cocktails which you can enjoy on the balcony overlooking Greenpoint Main Road.
Deal: Cocktails (R45) and mocktails (R33); additional wine and beer specials
Time: Monday to Friday, 5pm - 8pm

Exhibition Building | Green Point | 021 434 3759 | @extrablatt_cpt | Credit: Café Extrablatt
With its sophisticated decor and glass panels overlooking the Century City canals, Gusto Urban Italian is a classy spot for date night or a catch up with the girls. Sip on 2-for-1 wine, beer and cocktails and enjoy a generous bowl of pasta.
Deal: 2-for-1 beer and wine (Monday to Thursday); 2-for-1 cocktails (Friday)
Time: 5pm - 7pm

Bridgewater | 4 Conference Ln | Century City | 021 202 9142 | @gustourbanitalian | Credit: Roxy LV
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Go Friday night bar-hopping in one building on Harrington Street.
There’s mindblowing cocktails at 33% off, and food on special too, during fable’s daily happy hour.
Your guide to shisha lounges in Cape Town.
In the mood for dancing? Try these nightclubs in Cape Town.
Discover more fun to be had this weekend.
Explore bars and restaurants in Cape Town with these new spots.
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