Vasco da Gama Taverna, Cape Town, established 1972. Home 021 425 2157
The long bar counter and stools
A Castle tank beer held up in front of horse racing on the screen
The courtyard under star lights

HomeThe bar and rooms

The bar and rooms

A barman at Vasco’s holding a glass of Castle tank beer

The Castle Bar

With a name like that, you just know you’re going to have a good time here.

Vasco’s is one of four places in Cape Town that sell Castle Tank Beer, and it pours about 300 litres a day, so the beer is seriously fresh. The bar counter is still its original yellow Formica.

The Castle Bar has live sport on the screens, slot machines and horse race betting. It is smoking friendly and food is served here too. It is where the long-time patrons can be found, recounting stories of the wild old days. Come in, have a beer and let them bend your ear.

The Vatican

Called the Vatican because this part of Vasco’s has become its own mini community. When it is not booked for a function, it is where you find more family-orientated diners.

There are weekly food specials for a good hearty meal at a price that won’t break the bank, and some evenings bring poker club or a quiz night. There is always some form of sport on the big screens and projectors, so you need not miss the big game.

A table full of Vasco’s dishes seen from above
The courtyard at Vasco’s

The courtyard

A favourite with the lunch and summer crowds. It is secluded from the wind and shaded from the summer sun by the buildings and umbrellas, so a lazy Cape Town lunch easily runs into the evening.

The big screens are visible from here too, and the stadium is walking distance away, so it is the gathering place on the way to the big events. You might see one of our local celebs, or even Vasco’s the Cat.

Functions and venue hire

Vasco’s has hosted many private functions. Hire part of the pub or the entire place.

The Vatican

Downstairs
60 to 80 people
Upstairs
40 seated, or 80 if there is dancing

The Shipwreck room

Downstairs
60 to 80 people
Upstairs
40 seated, or 80 if there is dancing

Food

Our managers help you build the right set menu, with Vasco’s favourites or one or two new things added.

Drinks

Use of the bar is included, and the team will make sure the drinks you want are there, from shots to wine or bubbly. Extra alcohol we do not normally serve may carry a corkage fee.

Venue hire fee

A venue hire fee covers the rooms and Vasco’s staff. Use Vasco’s food and drink exclusively and the fee is waived. You are welcome to bring your own decorations.

These capacities are a rough guide. Pop in for a beer and we will go through what you need.

We had a birthday party for 8 people, MO and his team added balloons, birthday card and cake as extra. Such joy. Over whelming and grateful for the love and care. Thank you. Love the Andre fam. We will all be back.

★★★★★ Ronnie J., Google review, May 2023
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