5 hottest bars in Johannesburg

1. The Radium Beer Hall

Live entertainment at Johannesburg’s oldest bar

Get jazzed-up at the Radium, an authentically historic Joburg bar that's as popular as it was in the old days. Offering cold beer, great food, friendly ambience and live jazz, the bar keeps its embossed tin ceiling pumping! With live jazz four nights a week, the place gets busy, so arrive early to secure your favourite table in the corner!

282 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove

Tel: +27 11 7283866

2. The Jolly Roger

Joburg landmark keeps pulling the pints

How do you stay popular for, literally, decades on Johannesburg’s trendiest night-life street? Well, you act like the Jolly, as this unpretentious pub is known, serving up cold beer and piping hot pizza. You’ll find all sorts in this double storey: singles, couples, canoeists, students, businessmen, even mountain bikers. In fact, at some point, almost everyone in Joburg has had a pint in the Jolly!

10 4th Avenue, Parkhurst Tel: +27 11 442 3954

3. The Island Bar

Cocktails served with cherries, pool deck and gorgeous views

Add an unforgettably pink Highveld sunset to your cocktail as you lounge around the pool of this ultra-chic Johannesburg bar. Situated on the rooftop of one of the plushest hotels, you can take a dip, mingle with the crowd or nip out of the sun for even more posh respite in the adjoining Whisky & Cigar Bar.

1st Road Hyde Park Tel: +27 11 341 8080

4. The Shack

Shebeen quenches your thirst after a township tour

Popular amongst locals and tourists alike, The Shack is just off famous Vilakazi Street, scene of so much of South Africa’s famous black history. Few other places roll out such a warm welcome and you’re bound to make new friends over a calabash or two of the local sorghum beer. It’s best enjoyed at the end of one of the many safe and reliable township tours.

8069 Pagwa Street, Orlando West Tel: +27 82 933 5193

5. Katzy’s

Nouveau riche splashes cash and two fingers of bourbon

Everything reeks of quality at Katzy’s. This classy music venue is patronised by those who enjoy aged whiskey, fine cigars, sunken leather couches and the best live music. Be sure to dress up for the occasion. And if all those cognacs, bourbons and whiskeys go to your head, soak it up with a meal at the adjoining steakhouse, one of Johannesburg’s best.

The Firs, Cradock Ave Tel: +27 11 880 3945