With road closures around Parliament for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday 7 February, your best bet is a restaurant within walking distance if you want a bite on the night. And whether our members of parliament are brawly or brave, you’ll probably want a drink afterwards. Here’s where to go.

Five-minute walk

The Twankey Bar at the Taj Cape Town Hotel – closes at 11pm

1 Wale street, corner St Georges Mall

This will draw the Johnny Walker crowd, but you might also want to take your pick of unusual cocktails here – they may be wood-smoked, blazing or brewed, with all ingredients made on site. You’ll also find a full range of wines, spirits and beers, with a range of tapas dishes if you’re hungry after all that talking.

The Twankey Bar. Photo Supplied.

10-minute walk

Dias Tavern – closes at midnight

15 Caledon Street, city centre

Come here for the post-Parliament party. Dias Tavern is a historic favourite among locals who come for the informal atmosphere and the excellent Portuguese food. Peri-peri baby chicken, espetadas and trinchado snuggle up spicily with more global smoked eisbein, fish and vegetable platters.

Maria’s Greek Restaurant – closes at 10.30pm

3 Barnet Street, Gardens

Gather around these brilliant meze platters to share food and opinions – only don’t break any plates if you disagree. You’ll find the traditional meze favourites are there, alongside full mains like lamb and moussaka, all hearty and packed full of flavour. Maria’s opens onto a sweet square with fairy lights – perfect to try the Greek wines or an interesting range of local wines.

 

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A post shared by Marias on Dunkley Sq (@mariasgreekrestaurant) on Nov 17, 2018 at 4:55am PST

Perseverance Tavern – closes about 10.30pm, maybe later on the night

83 Buitenkant Street, Gardens

If you’re taken with the history and tradition of Parliament, head over here for some more – ‘Persies’, the city’s oldest pub, has been slaking thirsts for 210 years. Expect hearty pub fare for a late-night feast – steaks, ribs and burgers, with some traditional treats like springbok pie.

 

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Much has changed on this road over the last 210 years. Inside however, the beer is still flowing…

A post shared by Perseverance Tavern (@perseverancetavern) on Mar 28, 2018 at 6:50am PDT

12-minute walk

 HQ – kitchen closes at 10.30pm and the bar closes at 12am

Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre

A favourite among the well-heeled, HQ offers one meal only: a classic salad, sirloin steak and thin-cut fries with signature café de Paris butter. The Parisian-inspired space is moodily lit, with red leather and many mirrored surfaces in which to spot a well-known face. Cocktails, local wines and craft beers are on offer. Do bring the credit card, though.

16-minute walk

Societi Bistro – last orders at 11pm

15 Orange Street, Gardens

You’ll still be able to get a great meal here; they take late orders. Pastas are a highlight, along with great big steaks with sauces like mustard and brandy on this Italian- and French-style menu. Another big plus is The Snug next door, an aptly named cosy bar spot.

 

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A post shared by Societi Bistro (@societibistro) on Jan 16, 2019 at 3:57am PST

20-minute walk

Cubana Latino Café and Cigar Bar – closes at 4am

9 Somerset Road, Green Point

At 1.6km away from Parliament, this is a great way to walk off any tension… and it’s open till 4am! Another bonus is that it often draws the political elite, so go see and be seen as you try the signature shooters (like the Jam Doughnut), or solve the country’s problems over a stout cigar. The very varied Latino menu is complemented by a serious range of whiskies and wine.

 

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A post shared by Cubaña (@cubanagreenpoint) on Jan 9, 2018 at 8:46am PST

Use the Eat Out app once you hit the street to find the spot you’re looking for. Don’t have it yet? Download it now.