Some are married, some have kids, others work corporate or work for themselves. But it’s a love of craft beer that brings us all together on a Thursday afternoon.
With that in mind, each week a group of us set out to try a new pub/bar or restaurant somewhere in the City Bowl. Here’s where we’ve been so far.
Kimberley Hotel
A great selection of beers on tap, from the usual suspects to microbreweries such as Mitchells. The bar gets really packed on occasion but a great mix of people and the beers are well priced. Typical pub atmosphere, so don’t expect anything overly amazing, just relax and enjoy a cold beer.
Roxy’s Cafe
Taking up a corner in Dunkley Square, you’ll find great outdoor seating and a very relaxed atmosphere. Not much selection in the way of craft beer but they do have Jack Black in the bottle. Good enough for us! Interesting décor inside which, as darkness falls, gets even better. Think glow-in-the-dark.
Hudson’s Burger Joint (Somerset Road)
Hands down the best spot so far. We hit the Happy Hour special – half price starters, draughts and cocktails from 4:30-6:30pm. They have their very own Hudson’s Pale Ale which is great as well as the Jack Black Lager and Pale Ale. Coupled with the awesome Jalapeno Poppers, Hudsons is a good choice. There are booths inside or tables outside, you’ll feel right at home staying on for a tasty burger for dinner.
Ricks Cafe Americain
Happy Hour time once again. There are reduced prices for certain draughts and cocktails with a large selection of craft beers. Choices range from Camelthorn and Darling to Brewers&Union and even Naked Mexican. Another restaurant with pleasant outdoor seating, you can just blend in and enjoy your beer. The beer prices were a bit steep so steer clear if you’re on a tight budget.
Cocoa Oola
A clean and pleasant spot in Kloof Road with two pages of the menu dedicated to craft beers and descriptions. Jonny Gold Weiss on tap. The option to have a 330ml or 500ml is another plus. They offer a Bucket of beer special – R100 for 5 beers including Van Hunks Pumpkin Ale and a few other top-notch craft beers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Birkenhead Chocolate Malt Stout!
Perseverance Tavern
An old faithful. Not much needs to be said for one of Cape Towns oldest pubs. Another bar with Mitchells on tap but they seem to run out more often than not. It’s always busy here and if you’re peckish there’s typical pub grub on offer. Thankfully there’s loads more space now that the outside has been refurbished, especially if you plan on going during a rugby match.
Saints Burger Joint
New kid on the block in Kloof Road so it wasn’t too busy when we went. Camelthorn making a solid appearance on the menu and even more interesting are the tasting options available. 100ml each of 5 different beers and a cider, perfect way to try them all. There’s a seasonal beer option which just adds to the choices of some great craft beers. Thursday nights are “buy 1 get 1 free” burger night. An added bonus is the happy hour from 6-8pm where craft beer on tap comes down to R20.