The House of Machines
Bar · Malay Quarter ·

The House of Machines

Bar · Malay Quarter ·

Espresso, spirits, light bites, & live music in a vibey spot

The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by Wrensch Lombard/Courtesy The House of Machines
The House of Machines by Wrensch Lombard/Courtesy The House of Machines
The House of Machines by Gareth Pon/Courtesy The House of Machines
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by null

Information

84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Get directions

$$

Information

Static Map

84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Get directions

thehouseofmachines.com
@thehouseofmachines_cpt

$$

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Last updated

Nov 21, 2025

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@cntraveler
40,925 Postcards · 5,494 Cities

13 Best Bars in Cape Town

"Prohibition-era bike shop bars don't get better than The House of Machines, and you'll be hooked the moment you arrive at this spot in City Centre. A cheeky "Don’t Be A D*CK" sign on the front glass façade sets the tongue-in-cheek tone; inside, you'll find dim lighting and a carefully assembled mix of design details. Exposed bricks, subway tiles, and wooden beams enhance the overall vibe. There are all types of drinks here, including local craft beers and throwback cocktails. Try the Side Car or the Smoked Old Fashioned, both made with exuberant gusto." - Seth Shezi

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-cape-town
Gareth Pon/Courtesy The House of Machines
The House of Machines
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Bruce Kalman Joins All-Day Arts District Project The House of Machines | Eater LA

"An export from Cape Town with a gritty, punk-rock motorcycle-and-music hideaway vibe, this outpost doubles as a café serving simple breakfasts and sandwiches alongside a whiskey-forward bar and occasional live music. Longtime Los Angeles restaurateur and current Top Chef contestant Bruce Kalman will run the all-day kitchen, bringing a Jersey sensibility and Italian-influenced cooking—expect hearty breakfasts like polenta and straightforward egg dishes, California-fresh lunch and dinner options (and possibly a burger) rather than heavy red-sauce fare. The space is designed for post-work drinks and hanging out, with a glassed-in workshop in back where motorcycles are actually built on view, and the brand is expanding its U.S. presence after success in Cape Town and Japan; an opening is expected in February near Guerrilla Tacos." - Farley Elliott

https://la.eater.com/2018/1/19/16910352/bruce-kalman-arts-district-the-house-of-machines-opening
The House of Machines

Marie P.

Google
First Thursday was epic! Great bartenders. Awesome DJ! All round fun and happy vibes. Loved it! Then there is all the great people watching outside for destiny!!

Denisa T.

Google
Very nice spot in the heart of Cape Town. We stopped here for one drink, the place was very vibey and they had live music going which was a very nice surprise as we went fairy early in the evening. I would definitely return to try out their cocktails too as I didnt get a chance to this time.

Chris R.

Google
Fun bar with great backstory. The beer prices were reasonable and heard the burgers are fantastic. We stopped following a food tour so couldn’t enjoy the food. Great vibes and good live music in evenings-

Kevin S.

Google
Hard to find bourbon in SA but this spot had a decent selection and an excellent Old Fashioned.

Beth K.

Google
A vibey place with a friendly, inclusive atmosphere and cool theming. It's a great place to hang out with friends and watch live music. The outside area which spills onto the street is lovely, especially in summer. Tuesday night open mic night is always interesting to attend, with a variety of acts in multiple genres which the patrons take very seriously. I have not had the food but apparently it's good. The drink selection is decent. The staff are friendly and helpful. Slightly cramped but the layout makes good use of the space. Remember, "don't be a dick."

volt-age S.

Google
Very nice food and good people nice vibe. Drinks are a little bit to gourmet for myself personally but its a great place and definitely worth stopping by if your in town and like live bands

Martin M.

Google
Awesome place! Host is very accommodating …and will show you how to make a great old fashioned!

Jamie K.

Google
It's awesome but it's an acquired taste for sure! Its not if you want to just be with your friends in calm and serenity. It's if you want to live up energy and speak nonsense and laugh eith them and then forget it later type of vibe. Very fun, but not for everyone. I like it though.