The Best Bars in Lusaka, Zambia

Located in the tree filled suburbs of Kabulonga, Latitude 15 boutique hotel is one of the best places to chat with friends over drinks in the lobby, which has a gallery feel with beautiful art work placed around. For a more relaxed feel, sit by the swimming pool or if staying here, head to ‘The Other Side’ on the same property which has a private members only restaurant/bar with weekly live music performances.

Located at the East Park Mall in Lusaka, Chicago’s is one of the most popular places to enjoy cocktails in Lusaka while listening to a playlist of the top 40 international songs. The decor features a vintage car and pictures of American music icons. To be guaranteed a seat, make a prior dinner reservation as this place tends to get packed, especially on weekend evenings. To dance the night away, head to Capones which is a VIP upscale lounge located next to Chicago’s under the same ownership. Capones has a stricter dress code, so no sneakers allowed.

The Kegg and Lion sports bar located at East Park Mall, Lusaka is great for groups. It has indoor and outdoor seating. Kegg and Lion is popular for its large kegs of draft beer at an affordable price. There are large screens where football and other sports are televised. On occasion, there are live DJ events and performances in the outdoor section.

O’ Hagans is an Irish style sports bar located at the Woodlands Shopping Mall in Lusaka. It has indoor and outdoor seating perfect for groups. Enjoy a cocktail with live music on Thursday evenings. For a more intimate setting, there is a private room that can be booked ahead of time. Wednesday is ladies night with discounts on selected cocktails.

#Social is a new and trendy diner-style lounge and restaurant located on Lagos Road in Lusaka, Zambia. Enjoy one of their signature cocktails with slang names like ‘bae’ while listening to current hits from a resident DJ. The quirky decor provides the perfect instagrammable moments.

The Hussar Grill located at East Park Mall has an award-winning wine selection which can be paired with their perfectly aged steaks. It has an upscale vibe and a private section perfect for groups. Diners are also allowed to bring in their own wine without being charged corkage. It has an upscale vibe and a private section perfect for groups. The Hussar Grill is a great place to start the night as it’s central location at the East Park Mall means diners can continue their night at The Kegg and Lion or Chicago’s.

For a great apple martini and a rooftop view over Lusaka, head to the Cloud 9 Bar at Protea by Mariott Lusaka Tower. The dress code is business casual as many of Lusaka’s businessmen and women frequent the bar, it’s located near the new business district which incorporates the many businesses on Great East Road. Pair the cocktail with a meal at the hotel’s steakhouse restaurant which is on the same floor.

For a moscow mule, ice cold draughts and a Thursday evening DJ session of 80s and 90s hits, head to The Social in Makeni. The newly opened bar also has sheesha of different flavors and screens soccer matches from the English and Italian Premier Leagues. Wash down the beer with a wood brick oven pizza and chicken wings which feature on The Social’s menu.