The Best Bars in Windhoek for After-work Drinks

The capital buzzes with young professionals. From corporates working in Independence Avenue to creatives who freelance and everyone in between, Windhoek locals love an after-work drink. And why shouldn’t they? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, right? So we’ve rounded up a few of the groovy spots to decompress after your 8-5.

Vinyls

This pint-sized, hole-in-a-wall pub will melt your heart. That is, if you haven’t already attended a stand-up comedy, karaoke, trivia night or live music gig. Situated in Zoo Park, Independence Avenue, Vinyls is perfectly located for a stroll over from your high-rise or coffee shop office. Seating is very limited, which adds to the appeal, and in the centre of it all is a small stage, backdropped by a bookshelf filled with old records, tapes, CDs, books and a bunch of board games. Once you’ve spotted the unassuming door from outside and climbed the stairs up a maximalist decorated vestibule to the grungy cool space, you’ll find a stellar selection of well-priced cocktails and drinks, cold beer, gin on tap and immaculate vibes.

UrbanCamp

A sweet escape from the bustle of town, UrbanCamp is a beer garden-style pub and restaurant on the edge of central Windhoek. Most of the seating is outdoors, scattered around the pool and reception area of the camping/glamping facilities. The odd hammock accompanies wood benches under rustic pergolas stringed with fairy lights. Don’t get too comfortable though, UrbanCamp is all self service, but it’s no hassle since the bar staff are hyper efficient. While this spot is a little more relaxed on weekdays, making for a chilled afterwork drinks experience, Friday nights garner large crowds so be sure to get a table right after you tjaila.

Brewers Market

No stranger to Windhoek’s social scene, The Brewers Market is central to the city’s nightlife. The space is uber cool with exposed brick walls giving it an industrial feel, plus a long bar and outdoor space. The crowd is even cooler – everyone from white collars and tenderpreneurs to creatives and expats gather at Brewers on weeknights, even more so for a nightcap over the weekend. They maintain a solid rotation of ladies’ night events, frequent DJs and weeknight specials on a variety of drinks. For month-end markets, The Brewers Market offers free stalls for food, drink and diverse craft vendors. We love supporting local businesses who support small businesses!

SKW Brauhaus & Biergarten

This place is perfect to wind down after a long day, or even stay on for dinner. Outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere, plus a proper German menu would suggest that the SKW garners more mature crowds, but don’t be fooled, Saturdays here with cold beers and schnitzel gets vibey. Beer is obviously the order of the day, every day, but you can order everything else your heart desires. The food is tasty, generous and authentically German, so you can enjoy your post-work drink without having to worry about what’s for dinner.

Sky Lounge

For a glamorous capital city experience, Sky Lounge at Am Weinberg should be number one on your list. Spectacular views of Windhoek are complimented by a wide selection of wines and cocktails. Sleek and modern decor further amplify the luxury experience, while large umbrellas and seamless indooroutdoor flows make this the perfect spot for sundowners. Sky Lounge also serves tapas if your martini olive doesn’t suffice, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere is reminiscent of a lahdee-dah bar somewhere in Cape Town.

Charene Labuschagne