Looking for the best bars in Johannesburg? We’ve got you covered. Joburg is a fun and vibrant place for a night out, with rooftop bars, hip hangouts and plenty of sundowner spots.
The bars here as unique and diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re a gin fanatic or only drink craft beer, you’ll find a watering hole here.
Here’s our pick of the city’s essential drinking spots.
Best bars in Johannesburg
How do these rankings work?
1. Mad Giant
This craft brewery is in a beautiful urban space, with local brews and tasty street food. Want to get the full experience? Book a tour and one of their brewers will take you through the brewery with a beer in your hand.
Beers are great and the vibes are even better.
2. The Living Room
Head to the vibrant precinct of Maboneng for this jungle-like space with a serene rooftop terrace surrounded by panoramic views of Jozi. This bar is a great spot any day of the week, but it really comes to life on Sundays.
Their Sunday parties are a must-see: with cocktails and electric mix of musicians playing funky, upbeat music throughout the day.
3. Mesh Club
You will want to dress to impress at this swanky cocktail lounge. By day a private members’ club, by night a fabulous place to let loose. Their menu is inspired by historical references and the artwork on display and each month, a new cocktail is created.
4. Six Cocktail Bar
Love cocktails of all variations? This is the perfect bar for you. Six Cocktail Bar is a chilled out bar, with a huge 60 cocktails to choose from on their menu.
The best news ever, is that their Happy Hour is a lengthy seven hours, starting from 12pm till 7pm. So you can start working your way through that extensive cocktail selection…
5. Catz Pyjamas
This “Jozi original” hip and happening restaurant with its authentic culture is the only restaurant in Joburg that offers 24/7, 7 days a week takeaways. Enjoy one of their delicious meals or cocktails (or grab an after-party snack). The possibilities are endless!
Not sure what to order? Their staff are very knowledgeable, so ask what they might recommend.
6. And Club
And is an underground club with an amazing party vibe – it’s not unusual to easily leave this place wondering how you missed the sun rising…it’s fantastic! There’s a superb sound system, the decor is minimalist with moody lighting, and it has a concrete bar and dance floor.
You can’t go wrong with a night out here.
7. The Rock
The Rock is the perfect blend of a glamorous bar and lounge and is one of the best places to enjoy a rooftop sundowner, while listening to deep house music and chatting to the beautiful people of Soweto.
Those sunset views are unbeatable.
