It’s a Friday evening and the sun is heading west ; many people appear to believe that nightlife in Nairobi is solely centered around the Westlands area known as the “Gaza” strip. They have no idea how wrong they are… in recent years the CBD has been enjoying a great renaissance and fun clubs and bars are dotted across the whole of town.
We have compiled for you our top favorite bar crawl that can be conducted over the course of one long boozy night.
Nation Lounge: Located on 4th flr Graffins Building at Moi Ave.
A chilled out lounge with great prices and friendly security team. Recently the security team has been slightly brutal when the bar becomes packed with underage after-work drinkers but still one of the CBD’s prime early evening spots. Beers range between KSh.150 – KSh.180
Club Tribeka: Located on Kimathi St. opp Nation Centre Building.
The party atmosphere is awesome here but it’s the sort of place where the young and reckless come out at night and mingle with a more mature audience (27-55) too stubborn to let go of their raving days. This club has a cool ambience and the decor is both pretty edgy and funky, and some feel they offer the best cocktails on town. Beers here are 200/- which isn’t too bad but sadly their security personnel have a history of assaulting patrons all too eagerly and enthusiastically.
Club Bettyz: Kimathi St. opp Tacos Club and I Club.
Personally, I have never been to Betty’s but my co-workers insist that we need to include Betty’s. Very strict on age, the over 26 audience only club has a relaxed, serene atmosphere. You would feel lost in its red, obsolete to the outside world ambience.
Beers at Club Betty’s go for 150/-. In their defense though, they have dj’s who always play the trendiest music with a hyped up crowd.
Club Mojos Lounge : Located in Cameo building on Banda street opp Nation Centre
Midweek now has a new meaning! Every Wednesday Radio Maisha take over Maisha Africa Night at Mojos Lounge in the CBD. Top djs on the decks will be Radio Maisha’s own disc gurus, Dj Genius, Dj G, Dj 2one2 and the lady Dj Sonnia. Come chill with your favorite radio hosts, artists, comedians and industry players here. As they play the best music from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, together with the best (cheapest) bottle service in town and a spacious lounge.
Club Envy: Located on Kalimani Road, Kitui opp Haile Seilassie Avenue
This marked the beginning of a new way of clubbing in the city, from their mysterious black walls with flowing, flickering LED lights sets the mood for an awesome party vibe. You can either choose to relax with the bar-tender and a couple of girls at the counter or get some smooth crisp fresh air on the balcony as you watch the Nairobi evening traffic fade away. Club Envy is known to be popular amongst women patrons, who often seem more happy dancing with each other than with the men in the crowd. Come see why Club Envy is the envy of town.
On that note, if we missed any of your favorite drinking holes please do let us know!
By Michael Nzambu
