Cafe Manhattan

About this venue

Cafe Manhattan is a De Waterkant institution and one of Cape Town’s most established LGBTQ+ social spaces. Open for breakfast seven days a week from 9am, it’s a place where mornings start slowly with coffee and conversation, afternoons unfold on the street-facing terrace, and evenings naturally build into something more social.

Located on Waterkant Street, Cafe Manhattan is known for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and loyal mix of locals, regulars, and visitors. The menu moves easily from breakfast and daytime favourites into dinner, while the bar plays a central role in the venue’s rhythm — especially during daily happy hour from 16:00 to 18:00, a popular window for after-work drinks and casual meet-ups.

With regular DJs, themed nights, and drag performances, Cafe Manhattan is more than a restaurant or bar. It’s a long-standing community hub where people gather, reconnect, and feel at home — whether you’re dropping in briefly or settling in for the night.