Presley's
Presley's is a nightclub and bar in Boksburg, offering the best in local and Afrikaans music. They often have shows with the likes of Fokof Polisiekar, Jack Parrow, Locnville, Spoegwolf, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Theuns Jordaan, Francois Van Coke and Dirk Van Der Westhuizen, among others. The venue features bars, a DJ lab, dance floor, stage, VIP lounge and restaurant.
Contact details: 011 826 1989 | Cnr Gibb Rd & North Rand Rd, Boksburg | [email protected] | https://www.presleys.co.za
Hi-Flyerz
This aviation museum bar in Barlett features aviation memorabilia, beverages, craft beer and dining. They host a live band every Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and have top performances by DJs from 22:00. Central to the venue is an original Boeing 747 “classic” ZS-SAL flight deck with real air traffic control transmissions being played in the background.
Contact details: 011 897 0106 | Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre
Viewpoint road, Bartlett, Boksburg | [email protected] | http://www.hiflyerz.com/
Coolz
Not to be confused with Cool Runnings, Coolz is technically in Benoni. But it's less than a kilometre out of Boksburg. This Jamaican inspired bar, restaurant and day time cafe offers over 100 beers, delicious cocktails and tantalising pizzas. They host regular quiz and karaoke nights and often have great drinks and food specials.
Contact details: 081 379 7905 | Lakedene Shopping Centre, Lakefield, Benoni | [email protected] | http://www.coolzcraftycorner.co.za
Top Shots
This bar refer to themselves as the "best western saloon in the east". That pretty much tells you everything you need to know. The saloon has DJs on Wednesday nights, karaoke on Thursday nights and live music and dancing on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue has a bar area, pool tables, a jukebok, a dance floor and outside seating away from the noise. The outside area also has a kids play area to keep the kids busy.
Contact details: 083 324 5432 | 686, Flamingo Centre, Trichardts Rd, Boksburg | https://www.facebook.com/topshotssaloon
Trotters
Established in 2000, Trotters Pub and Grill offers the best in night life with live bands, DJs, quiz nights, events and karaoke. This pub has a bar, inside seating, stage, outdoor seating and kids play area. They have competitive prices, good food, great service and fresh draught.
Contact details: 011 918 1409 | 22 Dakota Rd, Impala Park, Boksburg | [email protected] | https://www.trottersboksburg.co.za/index.html
The Brazen Head
In the spirit of an authentic Irish pub, The Brazen Head offers a fantastic wine list, yummy pub grub and ice cold suds. The menu features an array of starters, burgers, seafood, casseroles, pies, grills, snack platters and traditional Irish Boxty. They also have a large beer menu with many local and international beer, as well as flavoured and non-alcoholic beers.
Contact details: 010 010 0743 | Parkrand Piazza Shopping Center, 44 Van Wyk Louw Drive, Parkrand, Boksburg | [email protected] | http://brazenhead.co.za/the-brazen-head-boksburg/
Where To Eat
Cosmopolitan is such a terrible word but it'd be the best one to use when explaining the Melville cuisine scene. At the top of 7th Street there's Xai Xai serving Mozambican food and then on 4th Avenue there's Perron - the self-proclaimed Mexican appreciation society. In between there's a French-style patisserie, a restaurant that specialises in eggs (yeah) and tons more. Pretty much whatever you're in the mood for you'll find in Melville. Also, it's worth mentioning that Ant Cafe serves the best pizza in the area - we can't stop eating their stuff.
What To Do
Nightlife
Melville takes on a whole new appearance at night. Because it is central to two major universities there is a vibrant student life. The bar and lounge scene is huge here. If you're going bar hopping then start at Hell's Kitchen with its Fire Water whisky and work your way down the strip. There is also an LGBT vibe going on at Ratz. Be sure to check out the best cocktails in Melville as well. Note that you will most likely bump into a celebrity when hitting Melville so don't act too starstruck, you hear. Just go out and explore Melville.
Culture
As one of the original cultural hubs of Jozi, Melville boasts a bunch of art galleries, historic second-hand bookstores and cool places for writers, artists and TV people to hang out at. Be sure to stop by The Art House on Corner 4th Avenue and 5th Street.
Points Of Interest
Melville is home to the world renowned 27 Boxes - a shopping centre constructed out of shipping containers. Melville Koppies is an awesome place to go for a walk - it's dog-friendly too. A lot of the old mining houses in the area were built during the gold rush and some have been turned into guesthouses. Melville also is full of second hand and charity shops which are all filled with amazing treasures. Remember the best way to experience a neighbourhood is to run headfirst into it... so, you know, go explore Melville.
Words and photos by Shawn Greyling
Have you been to Melville? Tell us all about it in the comments section below. Why not share this article with a buddy or three and plan a trip to the old streets? Remember to #ExploreJoburg with us.