Curate the perfect drinking experience with our list of favourite bars in Johannesburg. Indulge in bespoke drinks at an art gallery, celebratory cocktails on a rooftop bar, or rare wines in a sophisticated setting at these trendy hotspots.
Alto234 Bar
Located on the 57th floor (234 metres above ground level) of The Leonardo, Alto234 Bar offers breathtaking views of Sandton. The luxury bar offers Moët & Chandon Champagne, summery cocktails, as well as a list of non-alcoholic cocktails. Ideal for date nights and special occasions, this upscale Joburg bar is a must-visit.
Location: 57th Floor, The Leonardo 75 Maude Street, Sandton
Hours: Closed Mon | Tues-Sun: 10h30–22h00
Contact: 087 536 0000
alto234.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
CIN CIN Cocktail Lounge
Get a taste of the Roaring 20s at this upscale Prohibition-styled bar. The detailed interiors, studded leather booths and light fixtures make it a chic locale for socialites and cocktail connoisseurs. Classics with a slight twist are on offer, appealing to purists and adventurous palates. They also have live music sessions.
Location: 57 Van Buuren Road, Bedfordview
Hours: Closed Mon | Tues-Sun: 12h00–14h00
Contact: 076 244 1030 | Email
cincinsa.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Ethos Bar
With its stylish interiors and stellar service, Ethos provides an exceptional setting for a divine drinking and dining experience. Relax in their luxury lounge or post up at the gorgeous bar for cocktails. Live music sessions and the overall atmosphere make it a fantastic gathering place.
Location: Oxford Parks, Corner Eastwood and Parks Boulevard, Rosebank
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–23h00
Contact: 010 446 9906
ethos.restaurant | Facebook | Instagram
Level Seven Restaurant & Sky Bar
Level Seven caters to various crowds with an expansive offering and different spaces. Lounge at the cabana and sip cocktails while soaking up the sun, or visit their whisky bar for cocktails and premium drinks. The views are as stunning as the cocktails.
Location: 3rd and 6th Avenue, Bredell, Kempton Park
Hours: Mon: 15h00–22h00 | Tues-Sat: 12h00–00h00 | Sun: 12h00–00h00
Contact: 010 541 1300
levelsevenrestaurant.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Living Room
Located in Maboneng Precinct, this urban oasis invites city dwellers to ‘let loose’. Their rooftop jungle offers sensational cocktails, tasty tapas and immaculate vibes. With its lush garden and skyscraper views, the Living Room provides the perfect night or day out.
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
Contact: 082 370 9284 | 084 529 9006
livingroomjozi.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Mix Cocktail Bar
Music, contemporary African art and cocktails collide at this trendy bar. Located in the Keyes Art Mile, the bar is upstairs from Bhkz Galley, making it the perfect watering hole for tastemakers and cocktail enthusiasts. Visit on First Thursdays for sundowners and explore the exhibitions downstairs, or vibe at the bar on jazz and vinyl nights.
Location: 2nd Floor, 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank
Hours: Tues-Fri: 16h00–late | Sat: 11h00–late
Contact: 010 594 5545 | Email
mixbar.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Proud Mary
With classy interiors and extraordinary food, Proud Mary sets the stage for a classy night out. The wine bar serves small-batch and locally-produced wines, as well as international labels. While they specialise in wine, they have a dedicated cocktail menu with modern classics, non-alcoholic drinks and more. For special occasions, order from their list of Champagne and bubbly.
Location: The Bank, 26 Cradock Ave, Rosebank
Hours: Mon-Sun: 06h30–00h00
Contact: 010 023 3316 | WhatsApp 061 585 1596 for reservations
proudmary.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
San Deck
Enjoy all-day drinks and fabulous dishes at San Deck. The popular rooftop bar offers magnificent sky views, premium drinks and inspired cocktails, making it a favourite for many locals. Celebrate special events with friends; their live music sessions and relaxed atmosphere are ideal for winding down on weekends.
Location: Sandton Sun Hotel Corner Fifth Street and, Alice Ln, Sandhurst, Sandton
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11h00–22h00
Contact: 011 780 5000
southernsun.com | Facebook | Instagram
Sin+Tax
Sin+Tax offers honest and unpretentious drinks. Their classic cocktails and creative infusions earned them a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars 100 list in 2019, ranking at number 94. We love that they have bespoke bottled cocktails infused with local spirits and botanicals – perfect for picking up the party at home after their doors close.
Location: Corner of Bolton & Jan Smuts Roads, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Hours: Wed-Fri: 17h00-late | Sat: 15h00-late | Closed Sun-Tues
Contact: 010 900 2559
sintaxbar.com | Facebook | Instagram
Sir James van der Merwe
Indulge in conversation, delicious drinks and food at this eclectic bar. The renovated warehouse is decorated with travel trinkets and memorabilia, making it the ideal spot for making memories of your own. Exclusively open on Wednesday nights, this Sandton bar has become a popular gathering place for post-work drinks and socialising. Patrons can groove along to 80s music; they also have drink specials and host private events.
Location: 6 Desmond St, Kramerville, Sandton, Johannesburg
Hours: open Wednesdays from 16h00-late
Contact: 072 607 4235
katyspalacebar.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Smoking Kills Bar
Smoking Kills has become an institution for music lovers and cocktail drinkers. This hole-in-the-wall bar is the perfect place for a fun and relaxed evening with friends. Enjoy experimental flavours with their collection of crafty cocktails, featuring Mother-in-Law – their take on a Bloody Mary with a marsala and coriander twist – and other tasty concoctions.
Location: 78a Avenue, 4th Ave, Melville
Hours: Closed Mon & Tues | Wed & Thurs: 16h00–01h00 | Fri: 16h00–02h00 | Sat: 14h00–02h00 | Sun: 14h00–01h00
Contact: 071 346 8804
Zioux
New and old worlds mingle at Zioux. The classic yet avant-garde interiors make the epitome of stylish, while their cocktails offer a night of sophisticated drinking. Treat your taste buds to their signature cocktails, mixology masterpieces or familiar favourites. Exceptional food is also on offer, with an impressive and appetising selection of starters, mains and desserts.
Location: Upper Retail Shop, The Marc, Corner Rivonia & Maude St, Sandton
Hours: Tues-Sat: 12h00–15h00 (Lunch) | Tues-Sat: 17h00–21h30 (Dinner)
Contact: 010 594 5455 | Email
zioux.com | Facebook | Instagram
Sip in style at these trendy Cape Town bars.
Robyn Samuels
Robyn is a digital content creator based in Cape Town who lives for good storytelling and great food. When she's not dreaming up flavour combinations or creative ideas, she's seeking the next best pantry find.
