2018 has been a big year in my household. Both my boyfriend and I celebrated our 30th birthdays and both of us went all out, using the milestone as an excuse to host major celebrations for our friends. Why wouldn’t we? Surely you wouldn’t be surprised if I told you that a lot of thought and planning went into this. And not just on my end. Some of our friends, who are slightly younger than us, have spent every day searching for the best fake id maker that they can find because there is no way that they want to miss out on the birthday festivities. I’m actually quite glad they did this as I really want to celebrate with them too. Leaving them to it, I cracked on with my own research.
I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect venue, Googling “info on where to host your birthday party in Cape Town” – but there don’t seem to be too many traditional “venues” that the average 30 year old could afford. Especially if you add external catering and bar service to the long list of costs. I mean, I’m not about paying wedding venue prices for your birthday party! So I searched high and low for bars and restaurants that offer venue hire or minimum spend, ranging from casual get-togethers to lavish lunches. Alternatively you could just hire a venue and a catering service and have a truly special, personal and also more private birthday celebration, look into services like Manila catering and others.
Where to Host Your Birthday Party in Cape Town: 16 Venues You Can Book
I’ve included a variety of restaurants and bars in and around Cape Town that offer event options for every type of celebration – and every budget. Whether you’re looking to host a big karaoke night or a cute little get together with party games like Dare and Truth Questions, one of these venues could just be the perfect place to host your party and make your next birthday one to remember.
1. Sgt Pepper, Long Street
- Sgt Pepper Long Street Cape Town.
Known for late night 80’s dance parties and an ideal location on busy Long Street, Sgt Pepper is perfect for big groups that want to party into the night. They have several different options, ranging from indoor to outdoor and seated to standing.
Options: Lunch and evening functions are both options and the venue is able to accommodate up to 140 people seated and 200 people standing in all three areas of the eatery and bar
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee : Venue hire is dependent on the day you choose to host your function, ranging from
R3 250 to R25 900
Food: Catering can be provided for up to 40 guests in the main restaurant and 80 on the balcony, with options from sit down meals to a selection of snacks and platters at a cost per head
Drinks: A selection of beers, wines and cocktails are available. Corkage is charged at R40 per bottle
Contact: www.sgtpepperct.com | [email protected] | +27(0)21 424 5608
2. Tjing Tjing House, Longmarket Street
Tjing Tjing truly is an eclectic offering based in the heart of the city, offering a variety of unique experiences inspired by Japanese food, drink and culture. The venue is made up of four different sections: Tjing Tjing Torii (casual Japanese food inspired by the Tokyo scene), Momiji (fine dining Kaiseki menu), Momiji lounge (a dimly-lit cocktail lounge) and Tjing Tjing rooftop bar.
Options: Momiji is recommended for an intimate dinner for maximum 16 people. For a more relaxed get together, the rooftop bar is ideal
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: A venue hire fee depends on the day of event and which venue you choose, starting from R20 000.
Food: Japanese cuisine is carried throughout, varying from casual street food, to otsumami (bar snacks), to more formal Japanese food at a cost per head
Drinks: A set menu is provided with a range of cocktails, wines and beers
Contact: www.tjingtjing.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)21 422 4920
3. The Manila Bar, Green Street
- The Manila Bar Green Street Cape Town
The Manila Bar is known as one of the best karaoke bars in Cape Town. A casual environment that’s sure to guarantee you a good time and a late night. Plus, birthday celebrants have free entry!
Options: A VIP karaoke room with lounge area for smaller groups (20-30 people) or the entire venue can be booked for bigger crowds (50-200 people)
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: The VIP karaoke room can be booked for R800. The cost of hiring the whole venue is dependent on en event to event basis
Food : Self catering is allowed so bring your platters and have a party
Drinks : All drinks must be from The Manila Bar
Contact : www.facebook.com/TheManilaBar | [email protected] | +27(0)21 555 2064
4. Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro, Hout Street
Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro is a relaxed yet sophisticated environment, with a real focus on wine.
Options: A private cellar table seating 30 guests or hire out the whole venue which can accommodate 80 guests in total
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: The venue hire free ranges from R20 oo0 – R25 000. The cellar table starts at R200 per person.
Food: Special menus, tapas and platters are provided at a cost per head
Drinks: Provided through Bouchon
Contact: www.bouchon.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)21 422 0695
5. Alexander Bar , Strand Street
- Alexander Bar, Strand Street Cape Town.
Alexander Bar attracts both the old and the young. Their beautiful vintage decor includes an actual working dial phone which guests can use to communicate with each other between tables and if you dial 9, you can order from the bartender!
Options: Parlour room and bar areas are available for booking, hosting up to 40 people
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: There’s a minimum spend of R1500, otherwise the venue hire fee is R1000
Food: A special function menu is arranged, including pizza boards, skewers, wraps etc at a cost per head
Drinks: Drinks provided through Alexander Bar
Contact : www.alexanderbar.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)21 300 1088
6. True Italic , Bree Street
True Italic has been voted one of the Top Ten Italian Restaurants in Cape Town. Known as a modern take on the traditional family style Italian restaurant, it’s got a real Italian vibe.
Options: Two venues are available for hire, the main restaurant (hosting 60 people) and a private canteen (hosting 30 people)
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: The Private Canteen has no venue hire fee and the main restaurant charges R5000 for venue hire
Food: Either a set menu or platters at a cost per head
Drinks: Provided through True Italic
Contact: www.trueitalic.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)21 418 7655
7. Jackie’O Yacht, V&A Waterfront
Jackie’O is the perfect venue for something truly special and unique. A 115ft luxury yacht, set in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, with a beautiful view of Cape Town.
Options: You can choose to either book the whole yacht and stay the night in 4 cabins that sleep 8 or rent the boat half day for your event. Imagine owning a boat as amazing as this! That would be the dream. Of course renting it out for this party wasn’t going to be as much as buying it in full. But with this being said, if you ever decide that it is the right time to finally own a boat, checking out what the current boat loan rates are could help you on your way. How cool would it be to say you own a boat?
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: For boat exclusivity (including 8 people spending the night) the cost is R35 000. To rent the boat for half the day between 10h00-17h00 the cost is R15 000
Food: The menu is entirely up to you and can be catered to your needs at a cost per head
Drinks: All catered to clients needs through the Jackie O team
Contact: www.jackieo.capetown |[email protected] | +27(0)61 510 6385
8. Drifter Brewing Company, Victoria Road
Adventure and creativity are the words used to describe Drifter Brewing Company. With an authentic range of craft beers and stunning views of Table Mountain from the bar area.
Options: By day Drifter is a brewing facility but by night can be easily transformed to suit your function hosting up to 120 people
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: Starting price for venue hire is R1000, and is dependent on each individual client
Food: Bring your own catering or make use of the Drifter braai facilities
Drinks: Provided through Drifter at a cost per head
Contact: www.drifterbrewing.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)65 988 8831
9. La Mouette, Regent Road
La Mouette brings French culture to Cape Town with their menu and vibe. For a party focussed on great food in a stunning setting, this is the perfect spot.
Options: Exclusive venue hire with food and beverages provided through La Mouette, hosting between 100 people seated and 120 standing
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: R65 000 including food and beverages
Food: Catered through La Mouette, with options ranging from a 5 course meal at R495 per person, a 3 course meal at R395 per person and catering for a canapé function priced individually from R27,00 to R80,00
Drinks : Provided through La Mouette
Contact : www.lamouette-restaurant.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)21 433 0856
10. The Piano Bar, Napier Street
- The Piano Bar, Napier Street Cape Town.
Inspired by New York, with a distinctive African taste. The Piano Bar brings good food, drinks and their speciality, music together along with one of the best views of Cape Town.
Options: Exclusive venue hire that includes the entire bar, balcony and terrace, including live music and entertainment on the night. Hosting up to 60 guests seated and 100 standing
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: R15 000 just for the venue or R25 000 including food and drinks
Food: Guests can choose between 4 different platter options and 3 different canapé options
Drinks: Provided through The Piano Bar
Contact: www.thepianobar.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)21 418 1296
11. Sky Bar, Napier Street
One way to describe Sky Bar would be rooftop luxury. With open air views and a swimming pool, Sky Bar can take your summer party from daytime chill to night time vibe.
Options: Half of Sky Bar can be exclusively hired for up to 30 guests
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: A venue hire fee is dependent on the amount of people per booking, starting from R7500 for a minimum of 10 people.
Foo: A full menu is available through Sky Bar, including canapés and platters, at a cost per head
Drinks: Provided through Sky Bar at a cost per head
Contact: www.thegreyhotel.co.za/skybar |[email protected] | +27(0)21 421 1106
12. Taproom at Devils Peak, Cecil Road, Woodstock
Situated in Woodstock, The Taproom at Devils Peak is a craft beer gem. A converted Salt River warehouse, creating a combination between a pub and a restaurant.
Options: Seated, The Taproom can host up to 110 guests. Or 250 guests for a canapé/cocktail style event with the option of a dance floor
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: Venue R35 000. To hose either 40 seated or 60 people canapé style is R12 500
Food: 3 canapé menus are available as well as a set menu, where the speciality is burgers, charged per head
Drinks : Provided through The Taproom at a charge per head
Contact : [email protected] | +27(0)21 201 1401
13. The Striped Horse, York Road, Muizenberg
Cosy and casual, The Striped Horse is located in Muizenberg and is one of a few local favourites. It’s a stones throw away from the beach and offers live music.
Options: The Striped Horse is able to host 200 guests standing at 100 seated
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: There is no venue hire/ booking fee, however advanced notice needs to be given. There is a minimum spend of R200 per person.
Food: A set menu is provided along with an option of finger foods, at a cost per head
Drinks: Provided through The Striped Horse, at a cost per head
Contact : www.stripedhorse.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)21 788 2979
14. Beer House, Long Street
From Bar Olympics, to Party Starters and Keg tables, Beer House caters for everything you’ll need for what I call “a big jol” and party all night long.
Options: With plenty to choose from and 100% customizable to your needs the options are basically endless. Bar Olympics (minimum 12 people) include Beer Pong, Flip Cup, Giant Jenga and Blind Tasting, while Party Starter (minimum 6 people) includes a tasting tray and bottle of Tequila and Keg tables (15-20 people) with 30L of your favourite beer
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: There is no venue hire fee, but a minimum per person based on your package. Bar Olympics is at R120/pp, Party Starter is at R185/pp and Keg tables are dependent on the price of your beer of choice
Food: 5 catering package options are available ranging from burgers, to desserts, to building your very own snack platter
Drinks: Provided through Beer House
Contact: www.beerhouse.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)21 424 3370
15. Clarke’s, Bree Street
- Clarke’s, Bree Street Cape Town.
Clarke’s is always busy and easily transitions from day to night. They’re also really well known for the delicious menu catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Options: Clarke’s is able to cater for any event you have in mind and are able to host between 8-120 people
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: Fee is dependent on the client and the number of people, starting with a R500 deposit for a minimum of 16 guests.
Food: Catered by Clarke’s at a cost per head
Drinks: Catered by Clarke’s at a cost per head
Contact: www.clarkesdining.co.za | [email protected] | +27(0)87 470 0165
16. El Burro
The most authentic Mexican food in Cape Town, with excellent margaritas and stunning decor to match. El Burro’s four properties offer a variety of options
Options: Book a long table at El Burro Greenpoint with a set menu dinner, or bring your group to Taqueria in Kloof Nek road for platters and jugs of margs. It all just depends on the size of your group
Minimum Spend / Venue hire fee: There’s a minimum spend per property, starting from about R6500 including food and drinks
Food: Delicious Mexican food, based on your needs, ranging from platters of tacos to sit-down set menus
Drinks: Beers, wine, margaritas and great tequila are all on offer
Contact: www.elburro.co.za |[email protected] | +27(0)21 433 2364
