The House of Machines
Bar · Malay Quarter ·

The House of Machines

Bar · Malay Quarter ·

Espresso, craft spirits, light bites, live music, motorcycle vibe

live music
craft cocktails
cocktails
vibe
whiskey selection
espresso
motorcycle culture
atmosphere
The House of Machines by null
The House of Machines by Gareth Pon/Courtesy The House of Machines
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 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

$$

Restroom
Accepts reservations
Cozy
Trendy
Good for groups

Information

Static Map

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

thehouseofmachines.com
@thehouseofmachines_cpt

$$

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining
•Touristy
•Credit card accepted

Last updated

Jan 20, 2026

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@cntraveler
42,481 Postcards · 5,686 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
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 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

ᑕᕼᗩᖇᐯᕮ丅

Google
One of Cape Town’s Best Hangouts for Riders & Live Music Fans The House of Machines is an incredible blend of great coffee, craft drinks, live music, and motorcycle culture. The vibe is unmatched — warm, gritty, creative, and full of energy. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning espresso or a late-night session with friends, the atmosphere always feels authentic and welcoming. The staff are attentive and genuinely passionate about what they do, and the cocktail menu is top-tier. Their whiskey selection and signature drinks are always on point. The live music and events add an awesome edge, making it one of the best spots in the city for a night out. It’s a perfect meeting place for bike lovers, creatives, or anyone who appreciates a space with character. Highly recommend if you’re in Cape Town and want something unique and unforgettable.

Marita M.

Google
What a vibe! Amazing cocktails and atmosphere. Bar food, great burger and fried pickles! Bar staff are awesome!

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.

Ané J.

Google
Food is not great - average at best. We ordered burgers as well as loaded fries with the chef's special cheese sauce, but this supposedly special cheese sauce is just half-melted grated cheese over way too salty fries that are also way too dry. Service is good. Vibe is good, but it's far too crowded for my liking.

Phillip Du P.

Google
This is always our last stop before heading back to the hotel. You'll get to see the real eclectic mix of Cape Townians. I love that you cannot order a brandy & coke or Black Label. They also make real coffee until they close up.

Naomi O' R.

Google
Great little place with amazing service and atmosphere. Enjoyed the craft beer, didn't have anything to eat but the burgers did look good! Would be coming here regularly if I was a local.

Kevin S.

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

Piotrek P

Google
Great beer selection and outside seating area for people watching:)