Cool Speakeasy in Cape Town – The Art of Duplicity is one of the best bars in Cape Town

Introduction – Who doesn’t love a speakeasy?

While traveling around the world, it has been a family tradition to find and experience speakeasies, hidden bars based on the U.S. prohibition era. In the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, we found a hidden gem that provides clues to the location via WhatsApp text messaging. Once we were lucky enough to find the location from their clues (don’t worry, they will help you find them), we arrived at a nondescript street with no obvious entrance. Highly recommended for those that love hidden bars.

Finding it…

Getting there was a short Uber ride from the lovely Table Bay Hotel we were staying. As we walked up to what we thought could be an entrance, we were confronted by a gentleman asking why we were there. We quickly discussed “Oh yeah, what’s that password again?”  Once we provided the password, you were guided through a secret gate, down a back alley, through a bathroom, around a kitchen of a restaurant by a baton-wielding doorman who banged on a secret door with a commanding KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

We provided the password again, and voila, we snuck into the speakeasy! After entering, we were immediately transported back to the 1920’s. 

House Rules

Once we were permitted inside, we saw the hostess who provided a set of house rules (including no divulging the location or geotagging your photos) and were seated.

Menu

The menu is a true speakeasy menu with crazy, “undercover” names with only pictures for inspiration. Our server came by to discuss what flavors we liked or disliked and made recommendations. Once the orders were placed, we turned towards the bar to watch the magic happen. 

At the Art of Duplicity, no single cocktail is made twice for a patron. This was a fun experience, especially for new or picky drinkers as it allowed us to try something new but with flavors you know you will enjoy. Aside from drinks, there were also complimentary peanuts with unlimited refills as well as a small bar menu.

Vibe

As speakeasy enthusiasts, this has been one of the best speakeasies by far from their décor, work attire/costumes, one of a kind cocktails, and all-in entertaining environment. They rocked the 1920’s prohibition vibe. We enjoyed it so much we went twice! Tables and times were limited, so booking in advance is best, and allows you time to figure out the location if you are not local to Cape Town. The Art of Duplicity does have a fair share of dress requirements and almost all guests were dressed like they were a part of the prohibition era and that made for an extra special experience. We would have been a little more comfortable had we dressed slightly more spiffy. Next time, we will have our glad rags with flapper dresses for the gals and zoot suits for the gents. Contrast this with the very nice, but more relaxed dress code of the Aereo Cafe and Bar speakeasy in Playa Del Carmen.

Décor was true American 1920’s speakeasy style with bare floors, mix and matched furniture, and pallets reminiscent of an old warehouse, giving it true underground bar vibes. It was a bit brighter and easier to see than the very red Saint speakeasy we visited in St. Petersburg. Old time cartoons played on a screen with live jazz at 10pm.  This is one of the few speakeasies to make the World’s 50 Best Bars list, appearing on the 2022 list in the 88th position. The Art of Duplicity is the Bee’s Knees, the cat’s pajamas, a good egg, and so fun, we went twice. 

We did multiple private tours while we were in Cape Town. Here are some various tours you may be interested in next time you’re in town. Luxury Nomad Club is supported by our audience. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. All products and services featured are from those we recommend. Review our About Us page to see why you can trust us.

Here’s some Viator cocktail and wine tours you may want to consider: https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town-tours/Cocktail-Tasting/d318-tag21481?pid=P00158413&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

Here’s a Get Your Guide cocktail tour: https://gyg.me/9noGubYv