Waiting Room

Waiting Room is a multi-floor bar and club at 273 Long Street in Cape Town's City Bowl, South Africa, with a rooftop terrace that is the main attraction. The crowd is young and mixed, typically in their twenties and thirties, including students, locals and international visitors, and the atmosphere is informal, social and louder as the night progresses. There is no strict dress code; casual clothes are the norm. Music is a mix of DJ sets and local bands, so the character of the night depends on the programme, with live-music evenings drawing a crowd that arrives earlier and stays for the performance. The drinks programme is straightforward, with beer, spirits, shooters and simple cocktails at modest prices of about R50-100. Opening hours are typically evenings through to about 2AM; confirm before visiting. A cover charge may apply on live-music nights, and visitors should expect to pay at the door on those evenings. Table reservations and bottle service are not a defining feature, and the venue works best for walk-in groups. The rooftop terrace is the most popular area, especially on warm evenings and weekends, and it can reach capacity, so an early arrival improves the chances of a spot outdoors. Long Street has many other bars and clubs within a short walk, which makes the venue a natural stop on a night out in the area. Visitors should keep belongings secure in crowded rooms and use licensed taxis or e-hailing services to travel home late at night.