The House of Machines
Hip coffee bar, cocktail lounge, and live music venue in Cape Town’s Shortmarket Street with an industrial, edgy motorbike aesthetic and social atmosphere.
Description
The House of Machines is a dynamic café, bar, and music venue in the heart of Cape Town’s City Centre. By day it serves specialty coffee and casual fare, and by night it transforms into a lively cocktail and entertainment space. The industrial‑style interior, eclectic music programming, and curated drinks list make it a favourite for locals and visitors seeking relaxed social drinks or live music. Regular DJs and band nights enhance its spirited vibe.
Company Group
The House of Machines
Email Address
Enquiries: info@thehouseofmachines.comPhone Number
Social Media
Google Rating
4.5 ★ | 1,800+ Google reviewsDrinks Menu
Cocktails | Craft beers | Fully stocked bar | Happy hour specials | Local beers | Spirits
Food Menu Options
Bakery fare | Light bites
Music & Entertainment
Live bands | DJs | Rock playlists | Vinyl nights
Activities
Live music | Social drinks
Estimated Duration
2–4 hours
Occassions
After-work drinks | Date night | Group celebrations | Solo unwinding
Dress Code
Casual
Experiences
- Sip coffee made from Evil Twin’s single estate beans.
- Listen to live music while sipping small-batch cocktails.
- Join the late-night crowd on the dance floor under low lighting.
- Relax on the outdoor terrace with a cold local brew.
Age Restriction
All ages welcome
What to Bring
ID | Wallet
Additional Information
- The venue includes a custom motorbike aesthetic with a loyal local following.
- Cocktail service is a highlight, with bartenders who know their bourbon.
- Known for its strong specialty coffee from Evil Twin beans.
- Live music and DJ sets draw a diverse evening crowd.
Inside Guides
- Arrive early for a seat at the bar before the live acts start.
- Try the Street Brunch Sunday collab with El Burro when available.
- Weekday evenings are quieter than weekends.
Weather Conditions
Ideal weather: Mild | Clear
Rain alert: Light rain (30%)
Outdoor terrace is pleasant in mild weather but seating may be limited in rain.
Reservation Policies
Walk-ins only
Reservation required
No
Estimate Price Range
R100 – R200+ | R
Entry Fee & Prices
Free
Min/Max Price
Min price: R100
Max price: R200+
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Booking Methods
Walk-ins
ATM
Bar counter seating
Child friendly
Dance floor
Designated smoking area
Diverse music selection
Dog friendly
Drink specials
Eco-friendly practices
Late night hours
Live entertainment
Load shedding proof
Lounge
Non-smoking
Outdoor patio or terrace
Parking
Pool tables
Restrooms
Rooftop area
Security
Special events
Television
VIP area
Wheelchair friendly
Wi-Fi
Must Tries
- Old Fashioned bourbon: Expertly mixed with Knob Creek for a bold, classic flavour.
- House chicken sandwich: Savoury and satisfying with a cold craft beer.
- Specialty espresso: Poured with Evil Twin single‑estate beans.
Highlights
- Known for its intimate live music sessions and edgy crowd.
- Evil Twin coffee and rock ‘n roll atmosphere define the vibe.
Features
- ATM
- Bar counter seating
- Child friendly
- Dance floor
- Designated smoking area
- Diverse music selection
- Dog friendly
- Drink specials
- Eco-friendly practices
- Late night hours
- Live entertainment
- Load shedding proof
- Lounge
- Non-smoking
- Outdoor patio or terrace
- Parking
- Pool tables
- Restrooms
- Rooftop area
- Security
- Special events
- Television
- VIP area
- Wheelchair friendly
- Wi-Fi
Must Tries
- Old Fashioned bourbon: Expertly mixed with Knob Creek for a bold, classic flavour.
- House chicken sandwich: Savoury and satisfying with a cold craft beer.
- Specialty espresso: Poured with Evil Twin single‑estate beans.
Highlights
- Known for its intimate live music sessions and edgy crowd.
- Evil Twin coffee and rock ‘n roll atmosphere define the vibe.
Address
84 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre
Parking: Parking
Opening Hours
| Monday | 07h00 – 23h30 |
| Tuesday | 07h30 – 00h00 |
| Wednesday – Friday | 07h00 – 00h00 |
| Saturday | 09h00 – 00h00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
What To Expect
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