Groups & functions · De Waterkant

A room that has hosted Cape Town for thirty-two years.

Birthdays, work functions, bachelorettes, Pride parties, wakes that turn into parties. We have done all of them on this corner. Tell us the date and roughly how many, and we will tell you honestly whether it works.

Groups from 6Full kitchen till 10pmBar till 11pm74 Waterkant Street
What works here

The kind of nights we do well

6 – 12 people

Tables together

No formal booking process needed — just message ahead so we can put tables together rather than scattering you across the room. Full menu, normal pricing, happy hour if you land before six.

Just message ahead
12 – 30 people

A proper group booking

Worth a conversation. We will talk through timing, whether you want set food or the full menu, and which part of the room suits the night. Weeknights are easier than Fridays.

Chat to us
30+ / whole venue

Take the room

Possible, and we have done it plenty. Give us as much notice as you can, especially between November and February. Tell us what the night actually is and we will tell you if we are the right room for it.

By arrangement
Any size

Drag & entertainment add-ons

We run drag every Wednesday and know every good queen in the city. If you want performers for a private night, ask — we can usually make it happen.

Ask us
Practical

What to tell us when you get in touch

The fastest way to a real answer is to send four things at once: the date, roughly how many people, what time you want to start, and what kind of night it is. That last one matters more than people expect — a fortieth birthday, a work year-end and a bachelorette all need different things from the same room.

Food

The kitchen runs 11am to 10pm and the full menu is available throughout — burgers, grills, platters, salads and desserts. For larger groups we will usually suggest narrowing to a set selection so the kitchen can send food together rather than in a slow trickle. Tell us about allergies and dietary requirements up front and the kitchen will be honest about what it can work around.

Drinks

The full bar is available, and if your group lands before 6pm the 2-for-1 happy hour applies to everyone, which is the cheapest way to start a party in De Waterkant. Bar tabs are straightforward to set up — agree a limit with us on arrival.

Timing

  • Weeknights are easier than weekends, and Monday to Wednesday easier still.
  • November to February is our busy season. Book early, particularly around Pride and over the festive period.
  • Wednesday nights have drag on, which is either exactly what you want or something to plan around.
  • Last food orders at 10pm, bar closes 11pm. Plan the night backwards from there.

Get in touch

WhatsApp is the fastest — send the date, numbers, start time and what the night is. Or call 021 002 8867, or email hello@cafemanhattan.co.za.

74 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001. Open every day, 11am to 11pm.

Common questions

Good to know

Can I book Cafe Manhattan for a private event?

Yes. Groups of six to twelve just need a message ahead so we can seat you together; twelve to thirty is worth a proper conversation; and full-venue bookings are possible with enough notice. WhatsApp us the date and rough numbers.

Do you cater for work functions and year-end parties?

Regularly. November to February is our busiest stretch, so book early. Weeknights are easier to accommodate than Fridays and Saturdays.

Can we have a drag performer at a private event?

Usually, yes. We run drag every Wednesday and know the Cape Town scene well, so ask when you enquire and we will see what we can arrange.

Do you do set menus for groups?

For larger groups we will typically suggest narrowing the order to a set selection so the kitchen can send food out together. The full menu is available for smaller tables.

Does happy hour apply to group bookings?

Yes — if your group is in before 6pm, the 2-for-1 happy hour applies to everyone, on house spirits, house wine, dumpies, tequila shots and Long Islands.

Tell us the date

WhatsApp is the fastest way to get an answer. Give us the date, rough numbers and what kind of night it is.