The House Of Machines

The House Of Machines, Cape Town Central 84 Shortmarket Street - Cape Town Central

Now open
Bar
• Pub
• Sit down

85/100
Recommended by 1 people
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Ratings and reviews

85
/100
Based on 2690 ratings and reviews
Updated

Ratings of The House Of Machines

TA

Trip
Last update on 10/12/2023
4,5
111 Reviews
Google
Google
Last update on 19/12/2023
4,5
1635 Reviews
Foursquare
Foursquare
Last update on 07/06/2023
4,0
157 Reviews
Facebook
Facebook
Last update on 07/06/2023
4,0
276 Reviews
Zomato
Zomato
Last update on 29/03/2021
4,1
95 Reviews

S

Sluurpy
Last update on 29/03/2021
4,4
356 Reviews

Available menus

Reviews

Facebook
Cassandra Eichhoff
+5
One of the best bars and hang out spots in Cape Town. Always a great vibe, down-to-earth people and lekker drinks �
Facebook
Brett Krause
+5
Always love visiting H.O.M ....best hotdogs I've ever eaten and consistently good friendly service .
Zomato
Gerschel
+4
The house of machines has a great feel about it, stopped by for coffee which I enjoyed. Very trendy spot and it’s a bit hidden. Didn’t really have time to stay for breakfast, the coffee was great so I would definitely return to try out their breakfast. Thank you
Apr 19, 2019
Zomato
Yajna Gold
+4
Lovely little place with good coffee 
A vibe on First Thursdays

I have yet to try the food here!

3 words to describe: quirky, quaint, interesting
What I had there: drinks and coffee

Rating: Great
Jan 11, 2018
Zomato
Farryl Purkiss
+5
Once upon a time in a land far far away was a little bar on the tip of a dark continent. It was THOM. It was perfect. I drank till I couldn't anymore. Then I went home.
Jan 02, 2018
Zomato
HealthGirl
+4.5
*IT'S A STRONG 'YES' FROM ME*

A very unique and extravagant little coffee shop! The decor is fascinating. Both indoor and outdoor seating available. The single shot Americano was amazing and I look forward to trying one of their smoothies next time! (the smoothies appear to be Paleo-friendly, GF, RSF, and DF)
Oct 01, 2017
Zomato
Amit Govind
+4
House of machines is not your average bar hangout where one would expect to just get their regular shots and cocktails. It's an all American vintage Bourbon bar which prides itself to be different in the heart of the Cape CBD.

Barmen are well versed with the American Bourbon lingo and have the atypical tattoo attitude associated with an experience like this. It's really a cool hangout spot where you get to have a bit of an escapism from the regular pink drink and vodka shot frenzy.

Enjoyed their classic house bourbons along with a great tasting Espresso Martini shots. Great place to start your evening of bar hopping along Long Street.
Sep 25, 2017
Zomato
Chelyn De Graaf
+4
BEST BEST BEST old fashioned on earth to drink and watch being made ...period 🙏🏻🙏🏻😊😊

Talented music performers always ... and during the day epic as heck coffee.. all rounder anytime of day if you ask me 🌸
Aug 22, 2017
Zomato
Lucianrajah
+4
One of Cape Town's hidden gems and it doesn't get more hipster than this! It's amazing how many people cram themselves into a space that small. That said, the bands play good music, it doesn't take forever to get a drink and the house lager is a must try. An amazing vibe that really says "Cape Town". A must try for those visiting.
Jun 30, 2017
Zomato
Tessa Brown
+4
Great spot for live music and a genuine Old-Fashioned. Make sure you watch the craftsmanship of the barman! Only downside is that there isn't much seating.
Mar 09, 2017
Zomato
Andrew Campbell
+3.5
Enjoyed House of Machines as the starting venue for a First Thursday night in town (5 couples all from the burbs and deep in teenage parenting), and really enjoyed the vibe. Gin and tonics or craft beer all round, great music, and a good mix of youngsters and 40-50's crowd.

Weather was good, place was packed, and we sat at a table and later joined the spillover crowd outside to get away from the internal noise. Will definitely go back
Feb 13, 2017
Zomato
Danieljake
+4
Awesome coffee spot! House of machines is one of those 'all day' venues that starts out as a cafe in the morning and becomes a trendy bar buzzing with an eclectic crowd later on in the evening.

I haven't really experienced the bar side yet, but from the coffee perspective it was grand.

My flat white was served at the right temperature with a strong crema and just the right amount of microfoam.

The staff were also super friendly and honesty i'd go back just for that.

Highly recommend.
Nov 22, 2016
5
Dewald Reinke
+5
I had heard a lot of good things about the House of Machines so when I got the opportunity to visit, I immediately grabbed it. This quaint bar is located on a small road with some outside seating on the street as well as inside. The atmosphere in the bar is carried all the way from its exciting design and décor to the staff - for example, they keep their house brand liquors in what looked like barrels. The staff were very friendly and made us feel special by finding out what we like and then suggesting drinks based on that. We started off with a coffee, which was very tasty, and then proceeded to grab some beers. They had some local crafts available on tap including a beer that was brewed exclusively for them. Next time I visit, which I definitely will be doing, I will sample some of their cocktails which seem to be very popular. If you love quaint bars, this is a must visit for you.
5
Steven O'Connor
+5
Apparently rated as one of the world's top 100 bars, The House of Machines did not disappoint! The barman was vocally excited by my ordering an Old Fashioned (a personal favourite of mine, and seemingly a specialty of theirs). Something about a random barman's approval of one's order puts one in a great mood for the remainder of the evening. I also sampled the Negroni and the Espresso Martini. Both were good, but the Old Fashioned remains my go-to, although if one intends to party into the late/early hours, then the added caffeine would make the Espresso Martini the better order. There's an authenticity about this particular establishment that's rarely captured by other places. However, the location and limited size of said establishment, which no doubt contribute to the aforementioned authenticity, result in this place becoming insanely packed to the point of being impossible to navigate when "Town" is busy (avoid on First Thursdays at all costs!). I've discovered The House of Machines is best enjoyed on an arbitrary mid-week night, when you can approach the bar directly and order your drinks immediately. There are also almost always live music performances, even on arbitrary mid-week evenings. One should also note, you will not be saving money at this establishment.
4
Samuel Gaamuwa
+4
A cosy bar hidden in the middle of the city. An amazing place for a drink after work, with musical acts through out the week. The bar feels lived in and gives off the impression that it’s been around for decades. Very inviting and the staff are very friendly. Burgers are excellent and the Saturday special burgers are exceptional. A gem of a place.
4
Del Hay
+4
We only dropped in as we were passing, but seemed like a great place, I would definitely like to go back when it was a bit busier. Serves the best Old Fashioned I've ever had.
5
Christiaan van den Heever
+5
Love the old fashioned! Staff are super friendly and welcoming. Good coffee, beer, and alc. free shots. Quite or busy, it's always a good vibe.
5
Drikus Oosthuizen
+5
Definitely one of my favorite dives in Cape Town. The live music is always solid and very entertaining. The staff are all really nice and they do a pretty good job of servicing during peak business hours. The drinks are cold and the food menu is one of my favorite things about the place. Try their hot dogs, they are the best in town.
5
Warren Kent
+5
My wife and I are die hard music fans and this place never disappoints. Such an awesome spot and always great taste in music playing there. Been coming here for years when we are in the area and will continue to do so. Never change your ways, HOM! BTW - by far THE BEST old fashioned cocktail in WC.
5
Conor Boy
+5
Great live music. Couple of craft beers on tap and a nice cocktail selection. Staff are very friendly.
5
Jenene Schwartz
+5
My go to place when going for a bike ride. Coffee is great, service excellent......and the cocktails is AMAZING!!! So lekker....you have to book an Uber😉
5
Benjamin Truter
+5
Awesome vibe, really good music, all round great exp!

Description

Timetable

Now Open
Monday:
Tuesday:
07:00 - 02:00
Wednesday:
07:00 - 02:00
Thursday:
07:00 - 02:00
Friday:
07:00 - 02:00
Saturday:
09:00 - 02:00
Sunday:
Closed

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Our aggregate rating, “Sluurpometro”, is 85 based on 2690 parameters and reviews

If you need to contact by phone, call the number +27 21 426 1400

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