Bars that make you feel like you’ve escaped to a whole other world.
South Africa boasts a wide selection of top bars and restaurants all across the country. From dingy dives with good prices to high-end cocktail bars, there are bars to suit all tastes and budgets. But what if what you want is a bar that makes you feel like you’re somewhere else completely?
For those wanting to escape to paradise
Tobago’s at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town
With Atlantic Ocean views, a fresh sea breeze, palm trees and delicious cocktails, it’s easy to believe that you’ve escaped to paradise when you visit Tobago’s Bar. The bar is currently running a daily happy hour (or hours rather) special, with specific cocktails and mocktails available for just R65 each. With the view, the happy hour special and amazing drinks, who wouldn’t want to enjoy this little piece of paradise?
For those wanting to escape to New York
Sin+Tax, Johannesburg
The minute you step into this Johannesburg bar you’re instantly transported to the Big Apple. In fact, you’ll feel like you’ve gone straight to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This bar is not only a must-visit because it transports you to New York, but also because it made it onto the list of the world’s top bars last year – a list that is decided by some of the top professionals in the business, including drinks writers, bartenders, and cocktail aficionados. To really get that New York feel, go on Thursday nights when they have live jazz!
For those wanting to escape to the bush
Kruger Station, Kruger National Park
Who would have thought that you can get an excellent drink in the heart of the Kruger National Park? If you’re looking for a bar that makes you feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere, then you have to check out the Round in 9 bar at the Kruger Station. It feels like you’re in a luxury bar right in the middle of nowhere! Best of all, the Kruger Station has just launched a happy hour special so when you buy your first drink you get your second drink at half price (provided that the second drink is the same as the first). It’s the perfect spot for some refreshing drinks between game drives.
For those wanting to escape to a tropical island
Lucky Shaker, Umhlanga
Lucky Shaker touts themselves as that bar that’s there to “provide an Oasis for those in search of a better experience”. With drinks such the Tropical Shakedown, Jungle Brew and Traveller, the drinks alone transport you to a tropical world. If you’re in the Umhlanga and Durban area, definitely give this bar a try!
For those wanting to escape to a dive bar in Hawaii
Surfa Rosa, Cape Town
Surfa Rosa in Harrington Street in Cape Town describes itself as “an edgy neighbourhood bar with a subliminal rock-and-roll influence”. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a dive bar, but in Hawaii (is that a thing?), then this is for you. This Cape Town establishment might have a rock-and-roll decor theme, but the menu is very tropical, with Tiki cocktails the most popular choice on the menu.
