Review The House Of Machines - Cape Town Central

Dewald Reinke

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.

Steven O'Connor

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.

Samuel Gaamuwa

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.

Del Hay

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.

Christiaan van den Heever

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.

Drikus Oosthuizen

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.

Warren Kent

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.

Conor Boy

Great live music. Couple of craft beers on tap and a nice cocktail selection. Staff are very friendly.

Jenene Schwartz

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😉

Benjamin Truter

Awesome vibe, really good music, all round great exp!

Eric B

Great atmosphere at any time of day. And great bartenders! Had an epic show going on as well. Only downside was the vienna sausage i bought was cold and ended up throwing it up later...

Joe D. Ape

A great little bar tended by skilled mixologists. The drinks are made professionally to a global standard. And the beers are poured properly, the way a Belgian beer enthusiast would be proud of. The decor and general atmosphere lend themselves to supporting the live music acts that perform, making it cosy and dark. It's intimate and trendy, a clear hotspot on most nights of the week.

Nils Flaatten

One of those small, long and narrow bars with high ceilings in the heart of the city center. Dark-wood interiors but adequately lit. They play some of the best tunes from the 1980’s. Mostly alternative music. Reminds me of downtown NYC. Has a cool motorbike shop tucked in at the back. You will see loads of tattoos and helmets but it really is not one of those kinds of joints. Love the Amber Weiss beer - which is always cold but does come in at a hefty R50 a pint. Always a couple of suits hanging around after work having drinks. One of the few place in the city where you will find proper Mount Gay rum.

Adelene Tschuma

Good vibes, lots of people! Loved the music on ‘first Thursdays’. But only 2 toilets, so a bit of a wait when it’s busy.

Tshepo Terry Marule

Had a friend's birthday celebration here recently, wonderful atmosphere, lovey people, awesome service... Great beers too #superbock

G P

One of the best bar/pubs in Cape Town. I've been coming here since 2016 now and never been disappointed. The cocktails are not your usual run of the mill that you get everywhere. Weekend live music is always a bonus with a drink. If you are in Cape Town, do visit this gem.

Becky Leighton

For the past two years we've come here every week at least once a week for breakfast and everything is of such consistently high quality. Feels like home.

Christiaan Payne

Me and my wife both had burgers. We added onion rings and the beef fat fries chips. Everything was really tasty and the cocktails was different than the usual, but a very good different.

Cassandra Eichhoff

One of the best bars and hang out spots in Cape Town. Always a great vibe, down-to-earth people and lekker drinks �

Brett Krause

Always love visiting H.O.M ....best hotdogs I've ever eaten and consistently good friendly service .

Frank Malaba

We arrived around 11h30, ordered breakfast... I asked for the 'Albert's Mom's Breakfast' and my friend the 'Bruce Almighty' breakfast. It took so long (approx 30mins) to get our food and the place was empty. Had someone at least told us why it was taking so long perhaps it would have been a better experience. I intend to be back in a few weeks. But my last experience wasn't a pleasant one.

Nicola Jane Van Rhyn

Cool vibe. So nice to be able to have good coffee at a bar at night in CT! Good gin and rum barrelled that I want to try. Better arrange not to drive :)

Jarek Kowalski

Best ever place with good climate, drinks and live music. Amazing staff �

Thomas Van Zyl

My favorite place to hang out with like minded people, any day of the week! Rumour has it the breakfasts are pretty good as well :)

Sharon Webber-Adams

It's epic.....love the food and beer on tap. Staff are friendly and very professional.

Catherine Edwards

The best place for my morning coffee. The vibe from the staff puts me in a good mood before I have even had a sip.

Nick Nesimowski

Always a great night out! Rocking vibe, sexy bartenders, a true birthplace for local music to flourish! I'll be back soon for the best Old Fashiones in town!�

Ines Braun-Reichel

Awesome bar with great drinks. Don't forget to look how your drinks are made...it's WOW! Also they have cool merchandise ;)! Best memories! We will come back!

Яyan Miller

Awesome looking venue, a little on the small side so go early if you want seating. But then again the crowd that goes there leaves much to be desired in my little opinion - very hipster, exclusive crowd who seem to get shouting arb things for no reason.

Ettienne de Lange

Great service, awesome vibe and a very unique spot to hang out! Loved the music!

Wale Ige-Kosoko

My Favourite Spot For Amazing Old Fashion#Cocktail

Alicia Loots

Had the best time!! Service is good and don't get me started on the drinks! Great vibes

Chris Nixon

Great vibe and lukka music venue, the good people of Cape Town know a thing or two.

Robbie Ragless

Eat and Enjoy good things alot and alot and alot and alot

Andy Laufenberg

Amazing place with high quality and super delicious coffee �☕️

Taha Versi

Awesome spot. Cold bevo's great service. What more??

Gerschel

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

Ceiran Megan Vd Westhuizen

A pretty cool venue with a nice vibe but absolutely way too packed for live music gigs. I find it baffling why they host events like that at such a venue where only the first 10-15 people can see what's going on

Yajna Gold

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

Farryl Purkiss

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.

HealthGirl

*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)

Amit Govind

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.

Chelyn De Graaf

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 🌸

Lucianrajah

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.

Tessa Brown

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.

Andrew Campbell

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

Danieljake

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.

Wez_Undercover

Definitely my type of vibe. Laid back feel to it and amazing coffee, music and beer. More of a place I like to meet friends for a late lunch and drink to many beers.

Marcus Christiansen

Came here in search of free and decent WiFi. Was not disappointed. Really neat spot to soak up a good vibe while getting some work done. I had the chicken sandwich. Really delicious although portion sizes could be slightly bigger. Perhaps I just got the end of rye loaf. Worth a try nonetheless.

Tiyaarah Cloete

I've walked past this hipster haven on several occasions and decided to grab a sandwich and a hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was honest and that was decent enough, and the sandwich was pretty good too. I wish they had more variety

Talia Lee Cohen

Well it took 45mins to toast the Banana nut bread, despite informing them we were rushing upon our arrival and there being very few guest. The muesli, nice and rock-hard, came with 5 little black insects. The chocolate smoothie was alright, the pear and mint though was gorgeous. Reckon something should have been discounted at the very least.

Annie Hodes

Super popular, trendy, with great food and fab decor, it's such a fabulous concept, this is where all the Capetonians go, definitely very highly recommended, love it

Nicol Miller

Always packed for first Thursdays in Cape Town. But every other day boasts it's regular customers. I generally pop by for a Flat White In the day, and a Dark and stormy at night.

Collin Allin

During the day their coffee is superb, they also make a great breakfast type pie.. At night it's vibey and serves good beer.. You stand on the street too so has a real European type vibe to it. Worth having a look at

Nicholas Hochfelden

Nothing starts a cold, crispy Cape morning better than a warming cup of coffee from this trendy coffee house by day and rocking bar by night! Located in Shortmarket Str in the bustling Cape Town CBD, The House of Machines is part of my daily ritual on the way to work! R18 coffee before 8am accompanied by a tasty choice of patisseries is the cherry on the top to what is an already delicious spot to start your day!

Phoebe Kondylis

I love the fact House of Machines spills out onto the pavement. It gives it a somewhat continental feel. If you want a properly made cocktail I would suggest going here. The bar men really know what they're doing and each cocktail is intricately put together. It is always full and it's not hard to see why.

Ryan Oberholzer

I love this place! The live bands, the exclusive cocktails, and all in all great service. The bar is usually packed, but I always seem to get my drinks pretty quickly, even if its a complicated cocktail. Their tequila range is impressive too!

Shane Eaton

A great motorcycle-themed dive bar in Cape Town, right next to the speakeasy Outrage of Modesty. I love this place for the great music, nice cocktails (Marshall rules - try his Old Fashioned or barrel-aged Negroni) and outstanding hotdogs (try the one with guacamole). The people that come here are super chill. If you to have a good time in Cape Town, look no further. I liked House of Machines so much that I actually went there 3 times on trip.

Karin Hall

Very cool place. they had motor bike repair workshop in one end! the music was too rock / punk and loud for us. we couldn't talk much or hear a thing but they have a great vibe. Also their cocktails in a bottle concept is pretty cool & new. but they served wine in a small water glass?! LOL, not cool but interestingly new. Cheers.

Bryan Vally

House Of Machines' pavement seating provides an awesome setting for a quiet chill under the stars on a clear summer evening. Drinks aren't cheap - and their broken coffee machine detracted from the experience somewhat. Nevertheless, the live music (Joshua Grierson last night) and combination of ample indoor and outdoor seating makes HOM a cool choice for a relaxed night out.

Pia

We have been here on a friday night to enjoy some Drinks. They made the Cocktails with a lot of care and love! We had two with Bourbon in it, and although we normally dont like Bourbon,we really enjoyed these. You should also try the Biltong, its really yummy and comes from the Pub "Publik" right around the corner

Nicky

I have been to The House Of Machines a few times and I've never had a bad experience. The staff are generally friendly and most times there is a good local band playing live music. The only thing that let's me down is the price of their drinks. I feel that it's very expensive.

Anna Dahl

Been here on evening when we visited Beefcakes, La Parada & the Dubliners. Stopped here for a quick drinks, very viby busy place. The place was pumping, need to come here and try some food next time maybe. Great on Friday evenings.

Ilse Liebenberg

Best hotdog ever... As a cheese lover I can't tell you my delight when the hotdog arrived covered in cheddar with tasty bacon jam. Coffee is gooooood! Awesome vibe :)

Claudia Penny

This place is awesome! The barmen know their stuff and they make a mean cocktail. Each one takes time, which is really enjoyable to watch and adds to the experience. The Inverroche Gina and tonics are absolutely mind blowing. You will pay more here but for a good reason!

Michelle Parkin

I absolutely love this place- my new favourite watering hole. The staff are well educated about the drinks they serve and do so with a smile. There is FREE LIVE MUSIC every single night!!! Seriously?! How awesome! My one gripe is their cocktail menu. We have had cocktails here 3 times. First time they were really below standard and teeny tiny (for app R70 each). Second time they were AMAZING and in a tall glass. Third time again really teeny tiny but awesome tasting (by tiny I mean Mexican shot glass/ baby tumbler small). Perhaps worth looking into? But that still wouldn't stop me from going back!

Lvanmellek

One our favorite spots for intimate live music and a great bourbon & whiskey selection! Knowledgable staff and pretty efficient service. Also they're sandwiches are a great grab before a show starts. Get there early, space is limited, but they are happy to pour out onto the cobblestone street, which is wonderful on a nice evening. Check out there line-ups, different people every day of the week, sometimes even something a little different - like a burlesque show!

Storm Farrell

This place has become my local haunt recently. No other cafe/bar better captures the essence of inner city Cape Town life than THoM. One of the few places I'd happily spend equal time during day and nighttime. The staff are awesome, they make a mean coffee, have a great bourbon selection and the decor really brings out the character of this place. Love it!

MelbourneLops

Love, love, love this place. I’m quite surprised that we’ve never been before. There’s a great outside section for hot summer’s day. I can’t wait to go back for a proper visit and a bite to eat. Friendly service, great drinks and super chilled.

Mohit Sureka

Been here a few times while partying with friends between bree, kloof and long. They have a good list of beers & and always something for someone. Nice vibe on a Friday night after work.

Zahir Mohamed

Love the vibe in this place. Great coffee and even better whiskey selection! Their house beer is pretty good as well! Haven't tried the cocktails. There are also live bands that play which are really good!

Chris Stoll

A very cool little hangout that has the best coffee I have had in South Africa. The breakfast was fantastic as well, simple dishes but fantastic ingredients.

Cape Town Diva

Amazing coffee spot. Try the thick avo on toast as well and the banana bread, both a favourite of many. It's a vibe at night too with different bands/singers/open mic... and the best mixologists - cocktails are excellent.

Jemal

So my first time here I ordered a cocktail expecting a normal sized glass especially looking at the price - I was quite shocked at how small the cocktail was (smaller than a tumbler glass), but surely nothing short of strong and tasty!!! I think it's definitely over priced for it's size, but it gave me a run for my money. It was great, service was friendly - would definitely go back when it's a bit busier for the atmosphere. @

Candice Van Vuuren

Now this is the place to be after a heavy night out!! The vibes here are out of this world awesome!! Thoroughly impressed by this quaint upbeat coffee/old style bar. Try the "Old Fashioned" - developed in the 1800s. They give it a twist and it's sure to twist your tastebuds!!

Taryn Bain

House of Machines makes good coffee, but has never blown me away - Having been here a few times and having tried a couple of the items on offer. Its just a little over priced for what you get. Even by Town standards.

Jenny Sarah Coulson

What a cool place. I've been twice now and both experiences were great. The first time I tried the gin cocktail (I forget the name but it was funny), and yesterday we popped in for gluhwein and the meat bowl (biltong, basically). It was the perfect late afternoon pick me up and I love that you can sit there peacefully and use the free wifi. Will be back to try a brekkie next time!

Arno Quinton

Their hotdogs are alright. Well priced and taste good enough. Some of the other dishes I found to be lacking. Their attention to alcohol is phenomenal though. To the point where I return their to learn their ways of interacting with a list of beautifully put together beverages. The beer isn't bad, and in the back they build custom cafe racers. Really cool spot with different live performances almost every night of the week. I would recommend this to anyone who considers themselves a alcohol aficionado or just enjoys feeling like they're in a modern-day gentleman's bar. It's a beautiful blend of trendy, classic, and bad assery.

Short N' Sweet

Coffee strong enough for the motorcycles in the back to use as fuel. They also boast he best playlist in Cape Town. Guns n' Roses for breakfast, anyone?

Steven

Fantastic and knowledgable staff, good service. House Lager is one of the best draft lagers in Cape Town. Attracts an interesting crowd, and each night brings unique entertainment.

Harrietdv

Oh wow! This place is so awesome! The bar tenders cultured me on ice and bourbon and I finally had my very first old fashion. We ate a hot dog... It sounds so simple, but it was spectacular (and reasonably priced). It has dollops of bacon jam en cheese on a super soft roll. The live music was great! The vibe is amazing! I can't wait to go back! Bravo house of machines!!

Neil.slabbert

Lovely space, attentive staff. Ordered breakfast from El Burro foodtruck parked outside. Excellent! Overall great experience...even bought a t-shirt :)

Karin Kok Henriques

Good vibe, interesting cocktails, great end to the week! Service is better than expected and most importantly, people are having fun!!! Will come again

Phillip Black

Try the bacon jam!!!!!!!! OMG, it's awesome. I think you can have it on anything. Breakfast, coffee and hotdogs are great. The HOM lager and the awesome biker rock vibe takes it to another level. Great music is always on, a place where music lives. Great little band venue and the cocktails are epic. If you want to see and taste how a real old school cocktail is created, you need to come here. One of my locals. Yes! Did I mention the bacon jam???

Monique Mitton

This place is awesome to grab a drink, a morning coffee, well I can think of a few other places I'd rather go. I'd definitely go back, but not for coffee.

Ian Burrows

Great place for a drink. I want to go back to try the food. Had an old fashioned which was really interesting. The barman really know what they are doing. They pull out a piece of wood and a blow torch and burn the wood, stick the glass over the flames and instant smoke, adds great flavour to the traditional old fashioned. Also had a dark and stormy. Open mic night is every Tuesday and it was surprisingly good. One of the great bars of the city.

Martin Evans

Do you need your 500cc thumper scrambler fixed whilst you drink a coffee (a good one)? Do you like to read a bit about moustache growing in a fancy coffee table book? Do you need to purchase a new set of vintage goggles. Do you enjoy nibbling at pretty damn fancy muffins and sandwiches whilst listening to a local folk musician, whilst a PR launch is underway for something or another? Do you like watching a barman (sorry I meant mixologist) with a bespoke moustache/beard prepare a cocktail, whilst wearing a leather apron and taking three days to divide a lime into 83 segments? yes? Yoh. you have found your spiritual home.

Tabassum Smiley Aleem

Absolutely loved this place from the minute i stepped in. The walls are decorated with such cool artworks you cant help but get caught up. The service was fantastic. I wasnt too mad about the iced latte but the honest hot choclate would definitely bring me back. Awesome vibe and trendy. Also love the dj app that lets you control what you want to listen to. Such a great place

Misha Massimo Beltrami

THoM is by far one of my favourite coffee houses in Cape Town. They're house coffee, Evil Twin is incredible. In my opinion better than Deluxe, Tribe or Truth. But the real winner at THoM are the cocktails. They're Old Fashioned is one of the best in Cape Town (not that I've had them all) Great sandwiches as well. And they have some great apparel, clothing and other motorbike related stuff. Love it.

Nate Kettles

Really Nice spot for drinks after work or for an informal meeting with friends. Great coffee. Recommended for everyone! Close to Long Street.

Annemie Rabie

I walked past and being a coffee lover I was drawn in by the smell of fresh coffee roasting and so ordered a normal cappuccino and "rolled oats" both above normal price . Needless to say waaay to expensive for what you get and wouldn't say their coffee is great but just okay.

Ant Gird

Do yourself a favour and have the Big Poppa!

Spotfishy

The cocktails are excellent, and it's worth the cost to get one of the specially crafted creations by the barman. Breakfasts on the first Sunday of every month are a definite must. A food truck parks nearby, lounge chairs are set out and excellent coffee is served in a sturdy mug. I cannot express how much I appreciate this small detail. To find good coffee, in a good restaurant, SERVED IN A MUG. A big mug! A mug that lets you know, with its size alone, that your hangover will be gone soon and everything will be okay. Quite a few lovely Sundays have been spent getting closely acquainted with one of those mugs on a lounge chair.

Allan Moita

It's like someone went inside my head and created exactly what I wanted... This place is just cool!! Snack food and a great selection of completely different drinks. A bar owned by bike guys! Seriously, what could be better!?