Hot tip (although it’s common sense): New to the local scene? A few casual enquiries about gay venues will get you copious lists of personal favourites from most patrons at most of the venues given here. Gay hangouts are avidly rated by the community. Ask, and all shall be revealed.
Rasputin Bar
For the snobbishly internationally traveled, no, we’re not talking about Rasputin’s in Dubai. Rather, Rasputin Bar in Wonderboom. This is a gay haven where you can let your hair down and feel at home. In the words of one online reviewer, “… it’s chilled [and] the company is great... there is nowhere else I would rather go... it’s a wonderful escape from the world.” Rasputin has been a steady gay venue for yonks, and the DJ lineups, various parties and regular events just keep getting better, making it one of the top gay bars in Pretoria.
ETC-ZONE Centurion
One of the coolest gay bars in Pretoria, in the Gables Shopping Centre, has been, and remains, a staple gay hangout. With a “Happy 3 hours Monday,” they’ve set the tone and seldom disappoint for an injection of colour and sound into any otherwise boring life. Excelling at parties, the venue constantly gets rave reviews from patrons. ETC-ZONE does pick up a bit of lousy press at times, but it’s probably more indicative of its vibrancy than anything to actively avoid.
ENS Gay Bar
ENS is probably most notable for its smorgasbord of savvy approaches to custom, as well as its focus on righteous entertainment that doesn’t cost the earth. If that sounds too overworked and intimidating - relax. That’s what most patrons go there to do - relax, and the vibe is chilling-with-energy, unpretentious, reasonably priced and always pretty cool. If you’ve never visited, we have three little words for you - Sexy Shooter Boys. Ja ne… so, pop in sometime and enjoy!
Beefcakes
For the ultimate and most enjoyable drag dining experience available in Pretoria, hier gaan jy nie misloop nie. Beefcakes is a professionally presented hotspot, oozing 1950s Americana, hilarious and camp comedy, as well as some really awesome drag performers. A top-of-the-pops venue that still manages to take the piss and have a rollicking good time, Beefcakes appears on a great many favourite lists around town.
Think Bitchy Bingo on Tuesday nights. Think 1950’s Miami, camp chic, raw style and a hint of crazy - that’s it in a nutshell. The Waterkloof venue - spoiler alert - might have had the original intention of catering for hetero chics, but it’s become one of those awesomely blended venues where gays predominate while heteros enjoy the vibe. Or heteros predominate while gays enjoy the vibe. Or something like that, and who cares. Baie geselig and always with an air of past class made modern, this is a venue not to be missed. P.S. Book now for a nuthouse Halloween party on the 31st.
