Kenya’s finest bars: From beachside lounges to trendy hotel spots

Kenya has long been celebrated for its wildlife, especially the animals that gather around its waterholes.

In recent years, however, Kenya has earned a reputation for its vibrant bar scene, where visitors can enjoy cold beers, cocktails, and imported wines.

Whether you're in Nairobi’s suburbs, on the slopes of Mount Kenya, or relaxing on the beaches of Mombasa and Lamu Island, Kenya offers a wide range of bars, from hotel lounges to independent spots.

The atmosphere varies greatly, from urban chic and laid-back beachfront vibes to dive bars and upscale venues evoking the golden era of safari travel.

Keep reading for the inside scoop on 11 of Kenya’s top drinking spots.

Zebar (Nanyuki)

Established by Hollywood legend William Holden in 1959, this stylish bar at the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club sits right on the equator, just outside Nanyuki, and has welcomed numerous celebrities over the years.

Enjoy a cocktail with one foot in each hemisphere or take in the breathtaking views of snow-capped Mount Kenya from the terrace.

True to its name, the decor features bold stripes – from zebra-print fabrics to equine-inspired African artwork.

The bartender crafts an exceptional Safari Cocktail, a frozen margarita-inspired mix of vodka, pineapple, and mint.

Zebar, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Mount Kenya, Nanyuki; +254 (0)20 226 5000

Tamarind Clifftop Terrace (Mombasa)

Another classic favorite, Tamarind offers stunning views of Mombasa Old Town across the creek, along with delicious food and drinks.

Scottish single malt whisky is the star of the menu, featuring iconic labels like 10-year-old Talisker, 12-year-old Cragganmore, and 12-year-old Glenkinchie.

The menu also highlights premium liquors, such as Kenya-farmed quails sautéed in whisky and a rich Amarula crème brûlée.

The house cocktails are top-notch, particularly the Mamba Venom, a potent concoction of tequila, Tabasco, and sambuca.

Tamarind also hosts daily lunch and sundowner cruises aboard a traditional wooden dhow.

Tamarind Clifftop Terrace, located next to the Tamarind Mombasa, Cement Silo Road, Nyali, Mombasa; +254 (0)41 447 4600/1/2

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The Champagne Bar (Nairobi)

This elegant spot on the seventh floor of the Sankara Hotel in Westlands is all about champagne. The intimate setting features sofas around low tables and a few stools along a beautifully crafted palm wood bar designed by local artisan Marc van Rampelberg.

Order a bottle of Krug or Taittinger and enjoy your champagne straight up.

Or ask the expert mixologists for their latest twist on the classic champagne cocktail.

The bar features a Champagne Ritual every evening at six o'clock.

Those who wish to keep sipping after the 1 p.m. closing time can head up to the rooftop Sarabi Pool Bar, which remains open for an additional hour.

The Champagne Bar, Sankara Nairobi, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi; +254 (0)20 420 8111

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Forty Thieves (Diani)

A coastal landmark since the 1970s, this dive bar along the Diani Beach strip has been a favorite spot for both locals and visitors alike.

By day, enjoying a cold Tusker on the terrace is the thing to do. When night falls, the energy moves to the dance floor, where top DJs and live bands keep the beats going well into the early hours.

While chilled beers are the main draw, the bar also offers tiki-style cocktails and classic well drinks served straight or on the rocks.

Forty Thieves hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including a waterfront music festival and a beach touch rugby tournament.

Forty Thieves, Diani Beach, Ukunda; +254 (0)71 229 4873

Peponi Bar (Lamu)

A nostalgic gem, the intimate bar at Peponi Hotel on Lamu Island has been serving up delicious drinks and even better stories for over fifty years.

A beloved gathering spot for deep-sea fishermen, safari enthusiasts, and seasoned African travelers, this bar is also a perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon, reading a book while watching dhows drift by from your lounge chair on the waterfront terrace.

Or enjoy an Old Pal, the signature cocktail made with whisky, vermouth, and Campari, as you stroll barefoot along the powdery sands of Shela Beach.

Peponi Bar, Peponi Hotel, Lamu; +254 (0)72 22 03082

Sierra Brewery (Nairobi)

East Africa's first microbrewery gets its name from the fact that the founder honed his brewing skills under the towering Sierra Nevada mountains.

While the design may channel a hipster northern California aesthetic, the beer is authentically German – crafted with only hops, malt, yeast, and water, adhering to the centuries-old Reinheitsgebot purity law of traditional Teutonic brewing.

Alongside seasonal brews, Sierra offers year-round stout, blonde, amber, and lager.

The Brasserie gastropub, located on the third floor, serves both lunch and dinner, featuring dishes paired with Sierra’s own beers and an impressive selection of vodka, tequila, rum, whisky, and European aperitifs.

Sierra Brewery, Mombasa Rd, Nairobi; +254 (0)20 806 8593/4

The Alchemist (Nairobi)

This popular Westlands spot fuses drinks, music, fashion, food, and art into an eclectic outdoor space that feels more like an open-air festival than a typical nightclub.

Opened in January 2016 by a young Californian expat, the venue shares its expansive outdoor ‘yard’ with a variety of multicultural ventures, including a music studio, Mama Rocks African-inspired food truck, and a double-decker London bus transformed into an art gallery.

The special events span a wide range, from art exhibitions and farmers’ markets to DJ nights and “Game of Thrones” watch parties.

Order a Campari Negroni from the bartender and sink into one of the blue sofas, perfect for the best people-watching in the city.

The Alchemist Bar, Parklands Road (Behind Kwik Fit), Westlands, Nairobi; +254 (0)71 068 0768

Hemingways (Nairobi)

The sophisticated lounge bar at Hemingways Hotel exudes a cozy ambiance reminiscent of the Muthaiga Country Club and other colonial-era establishments.

Here, however, membership isn’t required. The hotel's wine cellar is among Nairobi's best, featuring an extensive collection of South African, South American, European, and Californian wines.

Cognacs and single malt whiskies are also among the bar's specialties.

In homage to the bar’s namesake, the Mojitos here are the finest you’ll find outside of Havana.

The space is completed with black leather armchairs, a marble fireplace, and black-and-white photographs of the famed author.

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a bespoke multi-course dinner at the chef’s table, nestled within the wine cellar.

http://www.hemingways-nairobi.com/hotel-bar-nairobi.html#, 146 Mbagathi Ridge, Karen, Nairobi; +254 (0)71 852 9070

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Long Bar and Star Lounge (Watamu)

Situated within the Medina Palms resort, this indoor bar and its open-air rooftop counterpart bring a taste of Dubai to the Kenyan coast.

The cocktail menu is both extensive and enticing, featuring a mix of international classics and local favorites such as the Dawa (vodka, honey, and lime), the Aqua Medina vodka martini, Watamu Rum Punch, and the East Coast Cooler (Wild Turkey, maple syrup, and fresh lime).

The stunning Star Lounge also offers hookahs and an impressive array of North African shisha flavors.

For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, the Long Bar also has a selection of delicious virgin cocktails.

Long Bar & Star Lounge, The Medina Palms, Turtle Bay Road, Watamu; +254 (0)71 057 1515

Champagne & Fishbowls (Nairobi)

Forget the fancy champagnes and martinis at this circular bar next to the Seven Seafood & Grill restaurant, and dive straight into the irresistible ice cream cocktails at this chic bar on the west side.

Made with locally sourced vanilla bean ice cream, options include the amaretto-infused Strawberry Shortcake, Bacardi-based Rum Don Pedro, and a Cookies ‘n’ Cream cocktail featuring Baileys and mint liqueur.

As the name implies, the menu also features unique, marine-themed drinks like the vivid red Piranha and the tequila-beer mix known as Seven’s Tsunami.

Champagne & Fishbowls, Seven Seafood & Grill, ABC Place, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi; +254 (0)73 777 6677

Choice’s Pub (Nairobi)

With great music, pool tables, classic pub fare, and refreshing cold beer, this Kenyan sports bar near the National Stadium in Nairobi hits all the right notes.

Kenya’s live music scene takes center stage every Thursday, while Mondays are for unwinding with conversation, Wednesdays bring soulful tunes, and weekends are all about lively DJ parties.

For sports fans, the bar offers live broadcasts of English Premier League football matches and Formula One races.

Choice’s Pub, Baricho Road, Nairobi; +254 (0)72 054 0064

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