Cocktail culture in Nairobi is picking up. Now we have cocktail competitions and a two day long cocktail festival. Bar-tenders are getting creative with their mixology as they carve a niche for themselves in this fast growing space.
To switch it up from regular beers or mixed drinks on your night out, try these eight bars and cafes around Nairobi for out of this world signature cocktails or regular classic cocktails.
1. Mwendas Pub
Located at Utalii House on Utalii Street, Mwendas has gained popularity because of its affordable and potent cocktails. The prices of drinks range from Ksh. 300 – Ksh 500, making the place jam packed on Fridays. Patrons of the spot love it for it’s old school jams and laid back charm.
2. Number 7
Not far from Mwendas at the junction of Monrovia and Koinange Street, is number 7. The allure of Number 7 lies in its ambience. On the walls, black and white portraits and quotes of celebrities known for their crassness, are hang. Perhaps the most vulgar of them all is Hunter S. Thompson, a gonzo journalist who was a sort of aficionado of every drug under the sun.
The cocktail menu is varied, and you will be spoilt for choice. However, the real bargain lies in their cocktail pitchers which you can share with your friends. During happy hour, a select cocktail pitcher comes with a free glass.
3. Tapas Ceviche Bar
Tapas is inside Westgate Mall and the patrons who frequent the establishment have come to know it as the ideal place to gate a taste of Spain’s rich culinary offering.
Happy Hour is runs fails from 4pm – 7pm.
3. Nyama Mama – Delta
Cocktails at Nyama Mama will set you back between Ksh. 750 – 1200. The good thing is, the 2 for 1 offer during Happy Hour from 4pm – 7pm makes enjoying drinks at Nyama Mama lighter on your pocket.
4. News Cafe – Westlands
News Cafe gives you the upscale vibe without leaving you crying and staring at empty wallet after a lunch or dinner date. The classic cocktails range from between Ksh. 400 – 600 and happy hour applies to select cocktails from 5pm – 7pm.
5. Ornyx Lounge
Located inside Marsabit Plaza along Ngong Rd, Ornyx Lounge is a premium bar with a great ambience. They have mouth watering 2 for one deals during happy hour which runs all night on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, and from 2pm -8pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. A sangria goes for Ksh. 800.
6. Brew Bistro – Westlands
The bar is located inside Fortis Suites and what sets apart Brew Bistro from the other cocktail bars is their beet cocktails. If you’re feeling adventurous, then this is something that you’d want to try. They range from Ksh. 500 -700 Nas during happy hour, for every cocktail you buy, you get one free. Beer cocktails aren’t the only ones available, they serve classic cocktails and mocktails too.
7. Persia Lounge
Located on the ground floor of Thika Rd. Mall in Roysambu, Persia Lounge has a great selection of signature cocktails and great food. The ambient lighting and cozy lounge chairs add to the overall experience of the place. A bathtub cocktail – one of the signature cocktails designed by the owner, Milad, will set you back Ksh. 800.
8. The Balcony – Villa Rossa Kempinski
For that truly up-scale experience, the Balcony at Villa Rossa Kempinksi, along Waiyaki Way is the place to be. Try the mixologist creations which are either original creations or u ique takes on classic cocktails. Imbibing at The Balcony will set you back between Ksh. 1200 – 1300 depending on your choice. There is a live band from 6.30pm – 10.30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
9. Alchemist Bar
Alchemist has a rustic vibe and is quite popular with the nu Nairobi crowd for their combination of entertainment – film screenings, and sometimes they play good music and host amazing DJs, fashion and arts as you enjoy a tipple with friends. Happy hour runs from 5pm -7pm. The bar is closed on Mondays.