Habanos 20% (300 respondents)–Number 1
Located along the Eastern By-Pass around the Marurui area, Habanos is easily Nairobi’s best entertainment joint for the year 2025. The club has enough space with comfortable chairs that are well arranged in a very clean environment. The waiters and waitresses are extremely well behaved and service is professional and fast. For soccer lovers, it is easy to catch the game on giant screens strategically located at various points within the facility. Friendly security ensure that all patrons are safe. It helps that all these classy services are availed at pocket-friendly prices.
- Tunnel 12% (180 Respondents) –Number 2
Tunnel is one of the entertainment joints in Nairobi that have stood the test of time. Unlike most clubs that appear and disappear within a month or two, Tunnel has survived and continues to be the joint of choice for many Mombasa Road residents. One major reason why it has never run out of fashion is high hygienic standards. The joint is also safe for patrons and the management has the rare creativity of inviting guests such as musicians and renowned DJs to keep the profile of the joint high. It is only undoing is the high prices of beers and food.
- Quiver-Mombasa Road 10% (150 Respondents)-Number 3
Unlike other Quiver branches that are known for “mchele,” Quiver-Mombasa Road is extremely safe for patrons. The branch also has a neat kitchen with high quality food and this is the entertainment joint with enough space to accommodate as many patrons as possible without too much squeezing. A nicely positioned screen on the wall facing Mombasa Road from the back end creates the perfect game-watching climate for soccer lovers. Poor quality music and high prices for whiskies and wines are the major negatives for this place. It is located a short distance from the JKIA exit right after Gateway Mall.
- Art Café- Imara Mall-9% (135 Respondents)–Number 4
For people looking for a calm and quiet place to enjoy a drink or grab a bite, this is the ideal place. It is located on the 3rd Floor of Imara Mall, directly opposite KCB Bank. The joint sells both hot beverages as well as beers and wines. There is also food for anyone seeking a proper fill after a hard day’s hustle. However, the place lacks good music and sometimes the waiters and waitresses can be lousy.
- The Embassy 9% (135 Respondents)-Number 5
Located along Thika Road’s Roasters area close to Shell Gas Station, the Embassy has ample space, good food, good music, and enough parking. The major challenges it has include cases of “mchele,” high prices for drinks, and poor service.
- Cubano 8% (120 Respondents)–Number 6
Cubano is probably Nairobi’s largest terrace bar. Located in Donholm’s Greenspan Mall, the joint has enough sitting area, high quality food, and good music from experienced DJs. Major issues with Cubano include exposure to the elements such as rain and access challenges for people who do not live in Eastlands.
- Babalu’s Bar & Lounge 7% (105 Respondents)–Number 7
The food in this lounge is exquisite, the drinks collection is wide, and the ambience is superb. Issues affecting its standing include high prices for food and drinks, accessibility challenges for residents of Eastlands given that it is located in Nairobi’s Upperhill-Crowne Plaza, and poor quality music. The space is also not enough for many people.
- The Edge 6% (90 Respondents)–Number 8
Located right at the centre of the Nairobi CBD, The Edge is accessible to all residents of the city. It is located on Moi Avenue, opposite Mt. Kenya University. The drinks are affordable, the music is good, and the security is maximum. However, the space is a bit squeezed and sometimes it can be too ghetto.
- Nairobi Street Kitchen 6% (90 Respondents)–Number 9
This is one of the best places for food and drinks. The music is also good and its location close to Waiyaki Way, Westlands, make sit accessible to as many people as possible. The space is also enough for a good number of people. The only undoing is that people who are in their 50s and 60s might find it uncomfortable.
Brew Bistro, Westlands 6% (90 Respondents)–Number 10
This is the best place for lovers of kraft beer. They also have tasty bitings such as samosas and sausages as well as potato wedges and French fries. The joint boasts a diverse crowd made up of Africans, Europeans, Asians, and several other people. The music is always interesting, the prices for drinks and food are pocket-friendly, and the security is good for the safety of patrons and their belongings. The major undoing is that it is a bit uncomfortable for mature people who are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s because it is frequented by younger age groups. It is also not easily accessible to people from the Eastlands part of Nairobi given its location in Westlands, Fortis Towers. The space is also sometimes not sufficient for the many patrons who show up for food and entertainment.
Compiled by the Centre for African Progress (CAP).