Johannesburg is bursting with vibrant nightlife, and the best pubs in the city are calling your name. Picture yourself sharing laughter and stories over cold drinks in cozy corners or lively terraces. Don’t miss out on the unforgettable experiences waiting just around the corner; your next favorite spot is closer than you think!
5 Best Pubs in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a treasure trove of incredible pubs that cater to every taste and mood. From lively spots filled with laughter to intimate venues perfect for deep conversations, each place offers a unique experience. We’ve gathered insights and reviews to guide you to the best places where you can unwind, enjoy great food, and create lasting memories with friends.
Name | Address | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
Six Cocktail Bar | 90 3rd Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa | ★★★★ 4.3 | 2523 |
Shakers Cocktail Bar | 300 Commissioner St, Jeppestown, Johannesburg, 2043, South Africa | ★★★★ 4.3 | 2139 |
The Radium Beerhall | 282 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa | ★★★★ 4.3 | 1075 |
Jo’Anna Melt Bar | 7 7th St, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109, South Africa | ★★★★ 4.3 | 568 |
The Majestic Bar | 2, HIS Majesty, Joubert St, Johannesburg CBD, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa | ★★★★ 4.4 | 85 |
Six Cocktail Bar
Six Cocktail Bar is a vibrant venue located in Melville, known for its unique cocktails and lively atmosphere. This bar offers a diverse cocktail menu and hosts various promotions, making it a popular destination for cocktail enthusiasts. With its eclectic decor and a laid-back vibe, it aims to provide a memorable experience for all guests.
What We Liked
- Unique Cocktails: The variety of cocktails is impressive, offering something for everyone.
- Happy Hour Specials: The buy-one-get-one-free deal during the week is a fantastic incentive for cocktail lovers.
- Friendly Staff: Many patrons noted the helpfulness and friendliness of the waitstaff.
- Chilled Atmosphere: The ambiance is relaxed, making it a great place to unwind with friends.
- Live Jazz Nights: The addition of live jazz on Wednesday evenings adds to the overall experience.
What We Didn’t Like
- Slow Service: During peak times, service can be slow, leading to long wait times for drinks.
- Inconsistent Food Quality: Some food items, like the Mexican pizza, were described as mediocre.
- Crowded Environment: The bar can get quite full, which may detract from the overall experience.
- Management Rules: Some patrons found the management’s strict rules regarding food (like fries) to be off-putting.
- Variable Drink Quality: A few drinks were noted as just “okay,” lacking the expected wow factor.
Rating Scores
- Cocktail Variety: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service Quality: 3 ⭐⭐⭐
- Food Quality: 3 ⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Overall Experience: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In summary, Six Cocktail Bar presents a mixed bag of experiences. While the cocktail selection and happy hour promotions are standout features, the service and food quality can vary significantly, especially during busy times. Overall, it remains a charming spot for those looking to enjoy unique cocktails in a lively atmosphere, but potential visitors should be prepared for possible wait times and inconsistent food experiences.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Six Cocktail Bar | 90 3rd Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa | 083 623 7950 |
Shakers Cocktail Bar
Shakers Cocktail Bar is a popular nightlife destination located in Maboneng, known for its vibrant atmosphere and energetic crowd. With a stylish design that includes a rooftop area and a dedicated VIP section, it aims to provide an upscale experience for party-goers looking to enjoy a night out. The bar prides itself on offering a wide variety of alcoholic beverages at reasonable prices, making it a favored spot among locals and visitors alike.
What We Liked
- Great Vibes: The overall atmosphere is lively and energetic, perfect for a night out with friends.
- Good Music: The music selection is enjoyable, creating an engaging environment for dancing and socializing.
- Well-Structured Venue: The layout, including the rooftop and VIP section, is well thought out, providing ample space for patrons.
- Reasonable Prices: The variety of drinks available at affordable prices is a significant draw for many customers.
- Classy Ambiance: The bar exudes a sense of class and style, enhancing the overall experience.
What We Didn’t Like
- Crowded Environment: The bar can become excessively packed, making it difficult to move around or dance comfortably.
- Parking Issues: Limited parking availability can be a hassle for those driving to the venue.
- Safety Concerns: Some patrons mentioned high crime rates in the area, which can lead to a stressful experience.
- Rude Bouncers: Reports of unprofessional behavior from bouncers detract from the overall enjoyment of the night.
- Entrance Fees: While the cover charge is not excessive, it may be an unwelcome surprise for some guests.
Rating Scores
- Atmosphere: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service Quality: 3 ⭐⭐⭐
- Music Quality: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Drink Variety: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Overall Experience: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In conclusion, Shakers Cocktail Bar stands out as a lively venue with a great atmosphere and enjoyable music, making it an appealing choice for those looking to have a fun night out. However, potential visitors should be prepared for a crowded environment and parking challenges. Despite some drawbacks, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a vibrant nightlife experience in Maboneng.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shakers Cocktail Bar | 300 Commissioner St, Jeppestown, Johannesburg, 2043, South Africa | N/A | 078 032 0025 |
The Radium Beerhall
The Radium Beerhall is a historic establishment located in Johannesburg, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. Known as one of the oldest beer halls in the city, it offers a unique blend of original decor and a lively vibe, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The venue frequently hosts live music and events, enhancing the overall experience for patrons.
What We Liked
- Delicious Pizza: Many guests rave about the pizza, especially during the Tuesday half-price special.
- Friendly Service: The staff is consistently noted for their welcoming and attentive service.
- Great Atmosphere: The beerhall maintains a lively and enjoyable ambiance, perfect for social gatherings.
- Live Performances: Regular live music adds to the charm and entertainment value of the venue.
- Historical Significance: The original layout and decor provide a unique glimpse into the past, enriching the experience.
What We Didn’t Like
- Location Concerns: Some patrons mentioned that the location might not be the most convenient or appealing.
- Crowded on Quiz Nights: The popularity of quiz nights can lead to a packed venue, which may detract from the experience.
- Limited Seating: During peak times, finding a seat can be challenging, especially for larger groups.
- Noise Levels: The lively atmosphere can sometimes lead to higher noise levels, making conversation difficult.
- Parking Issues: Limited parking options may pose a challenge for those driving to the venue.
Rating Scores
- Food Quality: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service Quality: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Live Entertainment: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Overall Experience: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In summary, The Radium Beerhall is a delightful venue that offers a fantastic blend of delicious food, friendly service, and a vibrant atmosphere. While there are some minor drawbacks related to location and seating, the overall experience is highly enjoyable. This historic beerhall is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to enjoy great pizza and live music in Johannesburg.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Radium Beerhall | 282 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa | 011 728 3866 |
Jo’Anna Melt Bar
Jo’Anna Melt Bar is a lively establishment located in Melville, known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse clientele. This bar offers a variety of entertainment options, including quiz nights and karaoke, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. With a menu that features mouthwatering burgers and enticing drink specials, Jo’Anna Melt Bar aims to provide a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
What We Liked
- Vibrant Atmosphere: The bar’s multiracial space creates a lively and inclusive environment.
- Delicious Burgers: Many patrons rave about the quality and taste of the burgers, making them a standout menu item.
- Engaging Entertainment: Regular quiz nights and karaoke provide fun activities for guests to enjoy.
- Accommodating Staff: The friendly and helpful staff enhance the overall experience with their excellent service.
- Great Drink Specials: The half-price cocktails on Thursdays are a popular draw, adding value to the visit.
What We Didn’t Like
- Wait Times: Some guests noted that there can be long wait times for drinks and food, especially during busy nights.
- Noise Levels: The lively atmosphere can result in higher noise levels, which may make conversation difficult at times.
- Limited Seating: During peak hours, finding a comfortable spot can be a challenge.
- Crowded Environment: The popularity of the bar can lead to a packed venue, especially on quiz and karaoke nights.
- Inconsistent Decor: While the decor is interesting, some patrons felt it could use a more cohesive theme.
Rating Scores
- Food Quality: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service Quality: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Entertainment Options: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Overall Experience: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In summary, Jo’Anna Melt Bar is a fantastic spot for those seeking a vibrant night out filled with great food and fun entertainment. While there are minor drawbacks related to wait times and noise levels, the overall experience is highly enjoyable. With its delicious burgers and engaging activities, Jo’Anna Melt Bar is definitely worth a visit for anyone in Melville looking to unwind and have a good time.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jo’Anna Melt Bar | 7 7th St, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109, South Africa | 072 733 5966 |
The Majestic Bar
The Majestic Bar is an inviting establishment known for its friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. Located in a convenient area, it serves as a popular spot for locals looking to unwind with a drink or two. While it offers a cozy environment, some patrons have noted that the space can feel a bit cramped during busy times. The bar aims to provide a clean and safe environment for its guests, complemented by a menu of affordable food and drink options.
What We Liked
- Friendly Atmosphere: Many customers appreciate the welcoming vibe and the presence of friendly patrons.
- Reasonable Prices: The bar offers affordable drinks and food, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- Cleanliness: The establishment is noted for its cleanliness, contributing to a pleasant experience.
- Accommodating Staff: The staff is generally described as helpful and willing to assist guests, especially regarding seating arrangements.
- Outdoor Seating: The option to take chairs outside for a smoke break is a nice touch for those who enjoy fresh air.
What We Didn’t Like
- Limited Space: The bar can feel cramped, especially when it’s busy, which may detract from the overall experience.
- Inconsistent Service: Some patrons reported unpleasant experiences with staff, particularly regarding the demeanor of one bar lady.
- No Smoking Area Inside: The lack of an indoor smoking area may be a downside for smokers looking to relax comfortably.
- Variable Crowd: The experience can vary significantly depending on the crowd, with some nights feeling more welcoming than others.
- Noise Levels: During peak hours, the noise can become overwhelming, making conversation difficult.
Rating Scores
- Atmosphere: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service Quality: 3 ⭐⭐⭐
- Cleanliness: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Price Value: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Overall Experience: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In summary, The Majestic Bar offers a cozy and friendly environment for those looking to enjoy a drink without breaking the bank. While the bar has its strengths, including cleanliness and reasonable prices, it also faces challenges such as limited space and inconsistent service. Overall, it remains a solid choice for a casual night out, particularly for those who appreciate a welcoming atmosphere.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Majestic Bar | 2, HIS Majesty, Joubert St, Johannesburg CBD, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa | N/A | 073 429 7148 |
What is The Cost of Best Pubs in Johannesburg
When considering a night out at the best pubs in Johannesburg, understanding the costs involved is essential. Prices can vary significantly depending on the location, menu offerings, and overall ambiance. Below, we provide an overview of average costs for drinks, food, and other expenses you might encounter during your visit.
Average Costs Breakdown
Item | Average Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
Draft Beer (500ml) | 35 – 60 |
Craft Beer (500ml) | 50 – 80 |
Cocktails | 60 – 100 |
Wine (glass) | 40 – 80 |
Pub Food (main) | 80 – 150 |
Snacks/Appetizers | 40 – 80 |
Cover Charge (if applicable) | 30 – 100 |
Additional Expenses
- Tips: It’s customary to tip around 10-15% of your total bill if you receive good service.
- Transportation: Depending on your location, consider the cost of getting to and from the pub. Rideshare services typically range from 50 to 200 ZAR.
- Special Events: Some pubs host events that may have cover charges or special pricing on drinks.
Summary of Costs
On average, a night out at one of Johannesburg’s best pubs could range from 250 to 500 ZAR per person, factoring in drinks, food, and tips. This range allows for a casual outing with a few drinks and bites to eat. By keeping these costs in mind, you can plan your visit without any surprises, ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience at your chosen pub.
FAQ
What are the best times to visit pubs in Johannesburg?
The best times to visit are typically during the weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings when the atmosphere is lively. Happy hour specials often occur in the early evening, making it a great time to enjoy discounted drinks.
Are there any pubs with outdoor seating?
Yes, many pubs in Johannesburg feature outdoor seating areas. These spaces are perfect for enjoying the warm weather and vibrant atmosphere, especially during the summer months.
Do the pubs in Johannesburg accept credit cards?
Most pubs accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to check beforehand. Some may prefer cash for smaller purchases or during busy times.
Is there a dress code at pubs in Johannesburg?
Dress codes can vary by pub. While many places are casual, some may have specific guidelines for evening events or special occasions. It’s best to dress comfortably while keeping the venue’s vibe in mind.
Can I book a table in advance?
Many pubs allow reservations, especially for larger groups or special events. It’s recommended to call ahead or check the pub’s website to secure your spot and avoid any disappointment.
Conclusion
Exploring the best pubs in Johannesburg offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene. Each venue brings its own unique charm, making it easy to find a spot that fits your mood, whether you’re looking for a lively gathering place or a cozy corner to unwind. Understanding the costs and features of these establishments ensures that your night out is enjoyable and memorable. As you venture into the heart of Johannesburg’s pub culture, remember that each visit is not just about drinks and food, but also about creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones. So, gather your crew, raise a glass, and dive into the unforgettable experiences that await you!
How We Picked Best Pubs in Johannesburg
Choosing the best pubs in Johannesburg wasn’t just a simple task. We wanted to ensure that our selections truly reflect the diverse experiences the city has to offer. Our approach involved several key factors that guided our decision-making process.
First, we conducted extensive research to gather a wide array of opinions. This included exploring online reviews, social media feedback, and recommendations from locals. We aimed to capture a comprehensive view of what each pub offers.
Next, we considered the ambiance of each venue. A great pub should provide a welcoming atmosphere, whether it’s a lively gathering spot or a more laid-back hideaway. We looked for places that had unique decor, comfortable seating, and an overall vibe that enhances the experience.
Another important aspect was the quality of food and drinks. Pubs are known for their offerings, so we examined menus to ensure a variety of options. This included checking for craft beers, signature cocktails, and mouthwatering pub grub that satisfies cravings.
We also assessed customer service. Friendly and attentive staff can make all the difference in a pub experience. We paid attention to reviews that mentioned staff interactions, as we believe that great service elevates any outing.
Lastly, we took into account special features that set each pub apart. Whether it’s live music, trivia nights, or outdoor seating, unique offerings can enhance the overall experience and attract different crowds.
By combining these factors, we created a well-rounded list of the best pubs in Johannesburg, ensuring each recommendation provides an unforgettable experience.