The Best Places to Enjoy Drinks in Nairobi

One of the newest stars on Nairobi’s nightlife map is Koda, a sleek venue located in the popular Westlands district. With a capacity of 1,000 people and equipped with a state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound system, Koda has quickly established itself as a premier destination for music lovers. The venue regularly hosts weekly events that showcase the best of Kenyan talent, spanning genres from Afrobeat and house music to contemporary Kenyan jazz and hip-hop. Koda’s focus on delivering top-quality sound and memorable performances has invigorated Nairobi’s club scene, attracting both local patrons and international visitors eager to experience the city’s vibrant musical pulse.

Beyond Koda, Nairobi boasts a variety of nightlife options that cater to different tastes and moods. For those seeking a more laid-back evening, the city offers a broad selection of bars where patrons can enjoy artisan cocktails, craft beers, and an inviting atmosphere. Many of these spaces also provide live performances by local artists, offering an intimate way to engage with Nairobi’s creative community.

Nairobi nightlife ranges from sophisticated and chic to relaxed and intimate atmospheres. Rooftop bars are some of the city’s standout venues, where guests can sip on expertly crafted cocktails while overlooking panoramic cityscapes adorned with the glow of the setting sun. These spots are perfect for a romantic evening or a stylish night out with friends.

For those who appreciate a sense of mystery and exclusivity, the city boasts multiple speakeasy-style lounges. These hidden gems offer inventive cocktails often inspired by local flavors and global mixology trends, served in uniquely designed interiors that encourage intimate conversations and memorable experiences.

If a more laid-back scene is what you prefer, Nairobi’s craft beer taprooms provide a welcoming environment to enjoy locally brewed beers. These venues are perfect for socializing with locals and fellow travelers who share a passion for craft brews. Similarly, the growing number of wine bars scattered across the city cater to oenophiles looking to explore diverse wine selections from Kenya and beyond.

Nairobi’s nightlife is best experienced by exploring its key neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and offerings:

• Westlands: This is the heart of Nairobi’s trendy nightlife. Packed with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and gourmet restaurants, Westlands is ideal for those seeking an upscale and lively environment.
• Upper Hill: Known for its modern office blocks by day, Upper Hill transforms into a hub for chic cocktail lounges and sleek bars after hours.
• Gikambura and Karen: For those who prefer more relaxed, suburban environments, these neighborhoods offer cozy wine bars and craft beer spots with a laid-back vibe.
• City Center and River Road: For an edgier and more culturally immersive nightlife experience, check out bars and music joints that blend traditional Kenyan music and dance with contemporary beats.

Nairobi’s beverage scene is as diverse as its people. Whether your preference is:

• Cocktails: Explore bars that put a creative twist on classic cocktails, incorporating local ingredients like baobab, hibiscus, and Kenyan herbs.
• Craft Beer: Sample a wide range of flavors from light lagers to robust stouts brewed by Nairobi’s burgeoning craft beer breweries.
• Wine: Discover an array of wines from the Kenyan highlands as well as popular international varieties in classy, well-curated wine bars.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Many bars now offer innovative mocktails, fresh juices, and specialty coffees, catering to all preferences.

To make the most of Nairobi’s nightlife, consider the atmosphere you want to immerse yourself in, the neighborhood you prefer, and the drink style you wish to explore. Combining these factors will help you craft an evening that is not just about drinks but a memorable social experience that highlights Nairobi’s bold and creative spirit.

• Sarabi Rooftop at Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection (Westlands)
• Hero Bar at Trademark Hotel (Gigiri/Village Market)
• Level 8 Lounge (Best Western Plus Westlands)
• Tambourin Rooftop Lounge (Villa Rosa Kempinski)
• Tazama Rooftop Bar (Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport)

Top Cocktail Bars and Speakeasies

• The Other Room at The Social House (Lavington)
• INTI – A Nikkei Experience (Westlands, One Africa Place)
• The Alchemist (Parklands/Westlands)
• J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen (Westlands and Karen)

Relaxed Wine Bars

If you prefer a quiet conversation over a bold glass, these wine bars in Nairobi will suit you:

• Two Grapes Wine & Friends (Lavington)
• The Wine Shop (Westlands)
• Artcaffé Wine Bar (various locations)

Craft Beer and Taprooms

• 254 Brewing Co. Taproom (Kikuyu, near Nairobi)
• KO Taproom by Kenyan Originals (Village Market / Karen pop-ups)

Live Music and Social Spots

• K1 Klubhouse (Parklands)
• Geco Café (Lavington)
• Unseen Nairobi (Westlands)

Practical Tips and Happy Hour

• Happy hour Nairobi: Many bars run weekday deals from ~4:00-7:00 pm. Look for 2-for-1 cocktails at spots like Artcaffé and select hotel bars. Always confirm current offers on the venue’s socials.
• Getting around: Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Little) are the standard. If you plan to hop between Westlands bars, short rides are inexpensive.
• Dress code: Smart-casual works nearly everywhere. Rooftops and upscale hotels may expect closed shoes and collared shirts for men on weekend nights.
• Payments: Cards and M‑Pesa are widely accepted. Keep a bit of cash for smaller venues or cover charges.
• Safety: Stick to reputable venues, watch your drink, and use ride-hailing from the venue entrance. Nairobi’s nightlife is vibrant but stay street-smart.
• Local sips to try: Dawa (Kenyan honey-lime-ginger cocktail), Kenyan Originals ciders, craft beers from 254 Brewing, East African gins with tonic.
• Legal age: 18+ in Kenya; carry ID if you look young.

A Weekend Drinks Itinerary in Nairobi

Friday: Westlands Rooftops and Late Night

1. Golden hour at Sarabi Rooftop for sunset spritzes and skyline photos.
2. Dinner and cocktails at INTI or a nearby bistro around One Africa Place.
3. Nightcap at Level 8 Lounge or swing by The Alchemist if you want music and a festival-like crowd.

Saturday: Craft Beer to Speakeasy

1. Daytime at 254 Brewing Taproom: beer flights, pizza, and a relaxed, social garden vibe.
2. Evening in Lavington: settle into The Other Room for refined cocktails and conversation.
3. Optional: If you want live music, head to J’s or Geco Café.

Sunday: Karen or CBD Classics

1. Lazy afternoon at Hemingways Bar in Karen-perfect martinis, G&Ts, and a serene terrace.
2. Or history in the CBD: sip a whiskey at The Exchange Bar in the Sarova Stanley and soak up old Nairobi ambiance.

FAQ: Where to Drink in Nairobi

What are the best bars in Nairobi for sunset views?

Top picks include Sarabi Rooftop (Westlands), Hero Bar (Gigiri), Level 8 Lounge (Westlands), and Tazama Rooftop (JKIA area).

Where can I find the best cocktail bars in Nairobi?

The Other Room in Lavington and Hero Bar in Gigiri are musts. For upscale dinner-and-drinks, INTI delivers excellent cocktails with a view.

Is there good craft beer in Nairobi?

Yes-254 Brewing Co. runs a popular taproom near Nairobi. You’ll also see rotating local craft taps at venues like The Alchemist and select gastropubs.

Where to go for a Nairobi date night?

For romance, choose Hero Bar, The Other Room, or Hemingways Bar. Rooftops like Sarabi also set the mood with dramatic sunsets.

Any wine bars in Nairobi?

Two Grapes (Lavington), The Wine Shop (Westlands), and Artcaffé Wine Bar (various) are reliable, relaxed options.

Conclusion

Nairobi’s drinks scene is as diverse as the city itself. From elegant rooftop bars and inventive cocktail dens to easygoing wine bars and craft beer taprooms, you’re spoiled for choice. If you’re plotting where to drink in Nairobi, start with Westlands for energy and variety, head to Gigiri for refined cocktails with a view, and don’t skip Karen and Lavington for relaxed, romantic evenings. Keep an eye on happy hour Nairobi deals, book popular rooftops for sunset, and get around with ride-hailing for a smooth, safe night out.

Whichever neighborhood you choose, Nairobi nightlife is ready with a cold beer, a crisp G&T, or a perfectly balanced cocktail-cheers!