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Cafe Manhattan
BarsFood

Cafe Manhattan

Cape Town, South Africa

Neighbourhood

Cape Town

Category

Bars

Vibe

lgbtq, gay +5

Official website

About Cafe Manhattan

Cafe Manhattan has been part of Cape Town's LGBTQ+ scene since 1994. The queer-owned bar and kitchen sits on Waterkant Street in De Waterkant, with indoor and pavement seating, cocktails, food and regular entertainment.

What to expect

A relaxed LGBTQ+ bar-and-kitchen atmosphere that works for lunch, dinner, drinks or the start of a night out.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

In De Waterkant, Cape Town's best-known LGBTQ+ nightlife area.
Operating since 1994.
Check the venue's site for current entertainment and special events.

Gallery

Location

Cafe Manhattan

74 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.3

1,191 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • Google Maps
    4.3

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Chandler Patel
Chandler Patel

a month ago

Had a good time here. The atmosphere of this place is amazing, the decor, the music and lighting all were great. The food was really nice (most of it), I had a burger and it was great but my friend really didn't enjoy the chicken cacciatore. The drink were really good. The servers were lovely once they noticed we were seated and were waiting to be helped. Had to find them in the crowd to be able to place an order and the wait for the food was decently long as well. However I will say the place was crowded so I would happily ho again on a less busy night.

Review from Google Maps

S MW Malawi
S MW Malawi

7 months ago

Went about five times lost on a holiday / vacation and that tells you something of itself. Well located friendly attentive staff and really good cocktails and serviceable house wines. Daily happy hour between 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. compared with many of the similar places service at the bar is problematic. With table service even though there's plenty of staff, somewhat patchy. I highly recommend.

Review from Google Maps

Reginald Lesch
Reginald Lesch

8 months ago

What an amazing hidden gem, extremely rustic,so don't expect fine dining. But wow,the atmosphere,the music,the service was just divine,we went for brunch and we just loved it. We got offered a nice private corner,by our waiter. Food and drinks are affordable and of good quality. Highly recommended.

Review from Google Maps

Ettiene Vercueil
Ettiene Vercueil

9 months ago

We had a wonderful time here. A warm-up for what was to come the rest of the night. Very reasonably priced, so would love to come back!! Vibe is awesome! Was very crowded however... So, come early to get your seat, it is worth it.

Review from Google Maps

Linet Ncube
Linet Ncube

3 months ago

The staff there is friendly I was served by Ashley at the bar and Kenny they were so friendly....I enjoyed my time there ..thank you guys if I could I would rate you 10 🌟

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
28 September 2026
Listed in
Cape Town › South Africa
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google