Are you looking to unwind after a long day or catch up with friends over a refreshing drink in Johannesburg? Look no further! Johannesburg is home to a vibrant and diverse bar scene, offering a plethora of options for every taste and mood. From trendy rooftop bars with stunning city views to cozy speakeasies tucked away in hidden corners, this city has something for everyone. If you are in Johannesburg and looking for a place to have a drink alone or with friends then you are on the right page. In this article, Mrpocu.com will list some of the top and best bars & pubs in Johannesburg you can have a drink or hang out with friends. What are you waiting for? Start scrolling and add any of these bars to your bucket-list.
Best Bars & Pubs In Johannesburg
Zioux
Location: The Marc Corner Rivonia &, Maude St, Sandton
Hours: Monday – Sunday, Closed; Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Award-winning luxury is epitomized in Zioux, where Irene Kyriacou’s creative vision creates a whimsical and opulent tapestry throughout the room. As a member of the esteemed Marble group, this restaurant astonishes with its opulent bar, sly accents, and an atmosphere as seductive as its assortment of cocktails.
Zioux is the epitome of what opulence Johannesburg bars can provide. Rich burgundy, tartan, and dark woods combine lavishly to create an atmosphere reminiscent of an elite member’s club with a luxurious twist. It’s the ideal setting for people who want to splurge on life’s finer pleasures.
Alto234
Location: 75 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Hours: Monday, Closed; Tuesday – Sunday, 12:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Perched on top of With a panoramic embrace of Johannesburg’s verdant canopy, The Leonardo in Sandton, Alto234 is billed as Africa’s highest urban bar. With a range of the best beverages and bar tapas and stunning sunset views, this private location caters to the discriminating palate. “High. On. Life.” perfectly captures the essence of the Alto234 experience, which is where luxury and the open sky collide.
Sir James van der Merwe
Location: 6 Desmond Rd, Kramerville
Hours: Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday, Closed; Wednesday, 12:00 pm – 2:00 am, 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
A hidden gem among Johannesburg’s social scenes is Sir James van der Merwe, located in Kramerville. This location, which is a part of Katy’s Palace Bar, becomes a busy gathering place for socializing and post-work leisure every Wednesday. A stunning terrace view, along with eccentric retro décor and minimalist design, creates the perfect setting for an elegant and exciting evening. A distinctive combination of modern and retro design sets Sir James van der Merwe apart from other pubs in Johannesburg.
Proud Mary
Location: The Bank, 26 Cradock Ave, Rosebank
Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 6:30 am – 12:00 am
Enter Proud Mary, a contemporary interpretation of a mid-century dining experience, a sanctuary amid the busy culinary district of Rosebank. This all-day restaurant and wine bar combines classic elegance with contemporary flair to please all palates. The restaurants in one of the best restaurants in Johannesburg you should try anytime you are in the city.
A celebration of the distinctive and sophisticated, Proud Mary’s Wine Bar focuses on small-batch, regional, and independent wineries. Highlighting both exceptional and unique wines, the selection is enhanced by an outstanding champagne list, a variety of foreign wines, and a menu featuring traditional and handcrafted cocktails. There’s always something fresh and intriguing to discover on the constantly changing wine list.
CIN CIN Cocktail Lounge
Location: 57 Van Buuren Road, Bedfordview
Hours: Closed Mon | Tues-Sun: 12h00–14h00
This elegant tavern, decorated in the style of Prohibition, offers a taste of the Roaring 20s. It is a stylish venue for socialites and cocktail enthusiasts because to its intricate décor, studded leather booths, and lighting fixtures. Offerings include classics with a hint of innovation that will satisfy both purists and daring palates. CIN CIN Cocktail Lounge host live music events as well.
Ethos Bar
Location: Oxford Parks, Corner Eastwood and Parks Boulevard, Rosebank
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–23h00
Ethos offers an extraordinary environment for a wonderful dining and drinking experience with its chic interiors and excellent service. Unwind in their opulent lounge or have a glass at the stunning bar. The ambiance and live music performances make it an excellent venue for social gatherings.
Saint
Location: The Marc, Corner Rivonia & Maude St, Sandton
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–22h00
The utterly bustling establishment across from Zioux is called Saint. It’s all the gaudy splendor of its tiny sibling pub, down to the amazing restrooms, but without the quirks. The enormous venue, Saint, is split into two distinct areas: a sophisticated dining area featuring a superb wine selection and mouthwatering pasta and meat dishes, and a bustling outdoor nightlife. When you’re truly ready to go all out, come back to the nightclub area after supper and head over the road for cocktails.
Living Room
Location: 20 Kruger Street, 5th Floor Main Change Building, Maboneng Precinct
Hours: Wed & Thurs: 12h00–20h00 | Fri: 12h00–21h00 | Sat: 11h00–22h00 | Sun: 11h00–21h00
This urban sanctuary, which is part of Maboneng Precinct, encourages city people to “let loose.” They have delicious tapas, amazing cocktails, and a spotless atmosphere on their rooftop rainforest. Enjoying views of skyscrapers and a lush garden, the Living Room makes for the ideal evening or daytime escape.
Altar Bar
Location: Gleneagles Rd, Greenside, Randburg
Hours: Monday, Closed; Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Altar Bar, located in the center of Greenside, offers a modern and vibrant environment with an interior that is perfect for Instagram. With windows facing the street on two levels, it provides a light and airy ambiance, enhanced by the energetic music of an in-house DJ. Despite being called a cocktail and tapas bar, Altar Bar’s menu tends to feature substantial single meals, such as a variety of burgers and pizzas. The drink menu, which includes its famous cocktail jugs, appeals to a wide range of palates and reflects the lively energy of its customers.
Level Seven Restaurant and Sky Bar
Location: 3rd &, Sixth Rd, Bredell AH, Kempton Park
Hours: Monday, 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Elevated to the top of the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, close to OR Tambo International Airport, Level Seven captures the spirit of beauty and sophistication in Johannesburg. This rooftop paradise is a highlight day or night because to its delectable food options, carefully chosen wine selections, and lively population. The restaurant and sky bar offer a wide selection of beverages, informal dining options, and an international menu full of mouthwatering foods. Level Seven is an opulent haven above the city, with nightly Jazz and Blues establishing the mood.
Est Est Alea
Location: Shop 5, Parknorth Heights, 17 4th Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg, 2193
Hours: Sat Dinner: Tues – Sat
Some of Johannesburg’s most flavorful fusion dishes are served in an almost neutral environment with soft furnishings and cool white linens. Chef Dario De Angeli, known for his irreverent style, uses his nearly thirty years of experience in fine dining to craft tasting menus that highlight a single ingredient every course. A golden yolk delicately covered in crispy batter is served as a “corn fed egg,” while a whimsical plate of cocoa soil and other intriguingly textured treasures is served as a “forest floor.”
Sin+Tax
Location: 4 Bolton Road, Parkwood, Johannesburg, 2193
Hours: Monday, Closed; Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
In order to get entry to Sin+Tax, visitors must head straight for Coalition, a pizza business in Johannesburg, and tap a melody on a metal door. This speakeasy venue is friendly and laid back once you enter. There are low-slung leather couches to settle into or a few seats at the bar with blue tiles in this cozy, dimly lighted area. The drink selection is seasonal, and bartenders put a lot of effort into creating innovative, flavor-focused concoctions, but don’t worry—the traditional drinks are still kept on hand.
MIX Cocktail Bar
Location: 2nd Floor, 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank
Hours: Tues-Fri: 16h00–late | Sat: 11h00–late
At this hip bar, cocktails, music, and contemporary African art all come together. The bar is above from Bhkz Galley and situated in the Keyes Art Mile, giving it an ideal hangout for cocktail connoisseurs and tastemakers. Come for sundowners on First Thursdays, check out the exhibitions downstairs, or just hang out at the bar on jazz and vinyl nights.
Cesco’s Randburg
Location: C. R. Swart Dr & Tungsten Rd, Strydompark, Randburg
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday, Closed
Since opening in 1995, Cesco’s has become a beloved Portuguese pub and restaurant and a well-known landmark. More than just a place to have drinks, the bar celebrates more than 25 years of athletic history. It is furnished with memorabilia and has multiple large screens so you can watch all the biggest games live.
Kitchener’s Carvery Bar
Location: 71 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Hours: 12:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Visit the 100-year-old Kitchener’s Carvery Bar, a traditional bar located at 71 Juda Street in Johannesburg. With all of its original furnishings, this historic quint pub takes great pleasure in its excellent music policy and in having the top DJs in the city. Live performances worth remembering take place on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Savor the Robertson Chapel White for ZAR 99 or the renowned Lourensford Merlot at ZAR 300. If you enjoy champagne, pick up a bottle of Graham Back Brut NV for about R 350. There are only entry fees from Wednesday through Saturday starting at 7:00 PM.