Cocktails are the cheapest way to get tipsy without risking a blackout. And because of this, they have become really popular in Nairobi. Even surpassing beer in popularity. Due to this surge in popularity, a lot of clubs and restaurants have begun selling them. And to be competitive most of them have come up with really good deals and happy hour offers. Therefore, it has become really hard to keep up with all the good deals and new cocktail bars opening up. So, I have created a list of the top 10 cocktail bars in Nairobi to help you out.
1. Milan
Located in Mirage Tower – Westlands, Milan is the most exclusive club in East Africa. From the fancy fittings to the gold-accented décor I doubt there is a more beautiful club in the city. The amazing music and beautiful ladies make the club a fun place to party. Drinks in this club are expensive, with some bottles costing KSh 100,000. But quality comes at a price, so that is to be expected. Luckily, the cocktails here are quite affordable, with a long island costing roughly KSh 750. The best time to visit Milan is on Sundays for Brunch. Beautiful ladies and celebrities usually show up in the latest designer gowns and tuxedos. So, if you planning to attend on Sundays, you better pull out your best suit.
2. Kentwood Address
Located off Kiambu Road, Kentwood Address is one of my favorite clubs of 2023. With a spacious dancefloor and plenty of room to sit and relax, you and your friends are guaranteed to have a good time here. Kentwood’s prices are friendly and the music here is amazing. However, my favorite aspect of the club is its design. There are plenty of private party rooms within the club fitted with screens, speakers, and also bathrooms/ showers. The rooms allow friends to party together in their own little safe space. Their amazing selection of cocktails is also a plus. This is why Kentwood is the highest-ranked new entrant into my Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Nairobi List.
3. Brew Bistro Fortis
Located on the rooftop of Fortis Tower in Westlands, Brew Bistro Fortis has the best cocktail bar in Nairobi. Their cocktail menu is really wide and each cocktail is unique in taste and alcohol makeup. The cocktail offers are also really good. For a price of KSh1700, you get bottomless cocktails during their Sunday brunch from 12 noon to 4 pm. The cocktails are really strong and I would be impressed if you can finish 4 glasses within that period. After 4 pm their happy hour starts whereby you can get 2 cocktails for the price of one. Brew Bistro’s relaxed ambiance, chill music, and beautiful décor also make it the perfect place to relax and drink with friends. The lounge’s patrons are also mature adding to its allure.
4. Mercury Lounge
With an unmatched ambiance, great music, and fun theme parties, Mercury Lounge is one of the most underrated clubs in Nairobi. However, its loyal patrons always make sure the club is popping and you are guaranteed to have fun here. The cocktails in the Mercury Lounge are also really good. They have a wide menu, and whatever your selection, you will be impressed. Mercury Lounge’s really good ambiance, mature crowd, and good music are why it is a favorite among its patrons. This lands Mercury Lounge at number 5 on my “Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Nairobi” list.
5. The Alchemist
The Alchemist is arguably the most popular club in Nairobi. Due to its unique blend of music, art, and fashion, it attracts a wide range of customers. There are three food carts within the premises that serve a wide variety of food, with the chicken burgers being a favorite of many. One of The Alchemist’s allures is its happy hour which runs from 1 pm to 6 pm, making it one of the longest happy hours in Nairobi. The club however is more popular due to its events, where they bring the best DJs to play Afro-house and HipHop weekly.
6. 40Forty Lounge
Perched high on Crossroads Plaza’s rooftop 40Forty Lounge is one of the best places to have a cocktail in Nairobi. The lounge offers a beautiful 360-degree view of the city skyline, creating a relaxing atmosphere perfect for drinks and cocktails. Their VIP Lounge is also really good and perfect if you want to have a relaxed night away from the crowd.
7. Café Kaya
If you want to enjoy strong cocktails at a good price, then attending Cafe Kaya’s happy hour needs to be on your To-Do-List. At the price of one, you get 3 cocktails of your choosing. I don’t know any other place in Westlands with a better offer, so if you do leave a comment down below😉. The food here is also amazing, and their pizzas are among my favourites in Westlands, that includes their vegetarian pizza. Cafe Kaya’s interior decor is also amazing both inside the restaurant and on the terrace. All these qualities make it one of the best places for cocktail dates.
8. The Champagne Bar
Located on the 7th floor of the Sankara Hotel, The Champagne Bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your cocktail after a long day at work. Their beautiful hand-carved Marc Van Rampelberg palm wood bar screams luxury and opulence, and the price of your champagne cocktail will reflect that. But as they say, “if you’ve got it flaunt it”. So, make sure to pay a visit to The Champagne Bar to enjoy your cocktail as you take in the view of the beautiful city skyline.
9. Number 7
Number 7 is a cocktail bar located at the junction of Koinange Street and University Way. This bar has overtaken its competition to become the most popular entertainment spot in the CBD. They sell cocktails in large pitchers at really affordable prices, ranging from KSh750 to KSh1500. The music here is also really good and you are bound to have a good time. They recently expanded the venue and improved the deco, creating an even better atmosphere. If you love cocktails make sure you try Number 7. But try to get there early as the place feels up quickly.
10. Mwenda’s Pub
Mwenda’s Pubs which I fondly call the “People’s Local” is my favorite cocktail bar in Nairobi’s CBD. Despite not having a happy hour, their really cheap price more than makes up for it. Mwenda’s has some of my favorite cocktails with really provocative names. The music is also really good and you will never get bored here.
These are the Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Nairobi. So make sure you check them out this year.
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I’m a 25-year-old adrenaline junkie from Nairobi. I love travelling, attending music festivals and hiking. You can always find me at K1 Klub House playing pool and enjoying a drink with my friends.
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