An elegant (and surprisingly well-priced) French bar

CLOSED: Tucked down a little alleyway in Stellies, this bar is a vibe

Last update: Wednesday, 3 August 2022

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CLOSED DOWN
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In the heart of Stellenbosch, down a little alleyway, you’ll find Loubar, “sister” to Back’s Restaurant. This fresh, upmarket and intimate French-themed social bar is the perfect hang-out for over-21s. Sound expensive? Well that’s the best part – its prices are accessible.


Young French expat and owner, Raphael, says it’s "an upmarket, attractively priced bar for over 21s”. Image: Loubar

AFFORDABLE COCKTAILS, WINE AND BEER 

This new kid on the block is owned by young French expat, Raphaël Chevalier-Bak, who says it’s “an upmarket, attractively priced bar for over 21s”. And so it is; there are drinks that suit every pocket. Order wine on tap for R25, or a wine cocktail from R60, craft beer from R35, and whisky from R21, along with the usuals.

Try the secret shooter called “The Thug”, a fitting name for a drink in this gangster-chic bar. The recipe changes according to the weather and is a house secret. Arrive early and you’ll get this special shooter for free – and if you buy it, it will only add R15 onto your bill.


At Loubar you can get wine and craft beer on tap, or double brandy and coke for cheap-cheap. Image: Loubar

ORDER CLASSIC, GOOD BAR FOOD 

Getting hungry? There are slam burgers (a burger made with patties that’s squashed in the pan and crisped at the edges) and loaded fries to choose from. Options include the "Cluck Off" chicken burger, cheese burgers like the "Cheese Chav", "Brie Bang", and "Blue Bullet", or the ultimate "Double Barrel" slam burger, made with four slammed beef patties and double cheddar cheese.


Slammed patties are made by squashing them in a pan and crisping the edges, giving it a unique taste. Image: Loubar

Loaded fries come with sauce au fromage (meaning cheese in French), and you can add your choice of toppings like jalapenos, bacon bits, crispy onions, salsa, guacamole, or chorizo. Sooo yummy.


Build your own locked & loaded fries smothered in sauce au fromage with your choice of toppings. Image: Loubar

GET THE PERFECT SHOT FOR INSTAGRAM

You can’t miss the neon sign in the alleyway at 7 Church Street. The name Loubar, pronounced loo-bar, means scallywag in French, and ties in perfectly with the mischievous feel and moody, dark, modern aesthetic of the bar.


You can easily spot the neon Loubar sign down the little alleyway behind Back’s Restaurant. Image: Loubar 

Most striking is the collection of illuminated bottles along one of the walls. The dark walls, deep emerald chairs, and plants hanging from the ceiling create an intimate feel, even during the day.


The wall of illuminated bottles adds a fresh feel to the intimate, moody social bar. Image: Loubar

All about Loubar 
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm-11pm.
Location: 7 Church Street, Stellenbosch (down a little alleyway). 
Instagram: @loubar_stellenbosch
Email: loubar@backs.co.za

By Simone Strydom 

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