Once upon a time, in the city of Joburg were treasures hidden, creating a world of mystery and transcendence of what would be an amazing night between you and a sexy, tasty drink. If there's one thing that South Africans do really well, it's have a good party. Jozi has become one of the hippest and trendiest places to go to with the new restaurants, precincts markets and events, to name but a few.
The Joburg is becoming the one city that everybody wants to flock to. It has drastically changed from being that unsafe place to being where everybody wants to party. It is not surprising that people have found an interest in it as amazing spots just keep popping up like mysterious hidden gems. We are always searching for something new and found just the thing for your journey, filled with mysterious electric vibes.
Zwipi Underground Bar
Zwipi Bar is situated in what could be known as a bus depot where some Joburg residents catch the bus. Now, this spot is home to Zwipi, a new and spontaneous bar. This bar is part of a collective called Thunder Walker, which includes a restaurant. So we won't be going hungry.
We love architecture and this has to be one of the most beautiful buildings. And it houses an amazing concept. Just a side note, this spot is open Thursday to Saturday nights from 7pm but please do call for confirmation as the place can sometimes be booked.
Sin + Tax
In Rosebank, sits a mysterious and electric bar with a secret door that opens up a world full of spontaneity, creativity and unique mixology. Sin + Tax is situated on Bolton Street. The passage, as you walk through, adorns an amazing work of art on the huge wall. At the end of the passage, lies the secret door.
Great Dane
Great Dane in Braam is a fab place to squeeze in a little dance session. It’s a casual spot that has differently themed parties on different nights of the week, so just check out what’s going down before you head over there – either way, you’re in for a party! Hint: they serve great gourmet hot dogs, so don't leave until you've tried one.
Where: 5 De Beer Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Kitcheners
Kitcheners is right next door to Great Dane and is one of the oldest bars in the city. It’s super-casual but still manages to keep its trendy edge. Like Great Dane, different parties happen here on different nights, so it’s a mixed bag of jams. They also host live bands occasionally, so be sure to check ahead to see what’s happening… or just arrive and be pleasantly surprised.
Where: 6 De Beer Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Hell's Kitchen
Melville’s Hell’s Kitchen is an alternative haven for those who are into the rockabilly vibe. Firstly, the décor here is out of this world and, secondly, the music is always amazing – they usually play rock but nothing too heavy! While they don’t have a designated dance floor, people do tend to move the tables out the way and create a makeshift one. Hint: look out for the secret room behind the bookshelf and don’t leave without a shot or two of Hellfire Cinnamon Whisky.
Where: Shop 4, 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Truth
Truth used to be a snake park back in the day but has since been transformed into a super-club that pumps electronic music every Friday and Saturday night. Parties here can go on into the wee hours of the morning and you’re more than likely to leave only once the sun has risen. There are various dance floors in Truth where different types of EDM are played. They also often host international DJs and producers!
Where: Old Pretoria Road, Midrand, Johanneburg.
For more information, click here.
Carfax
Carfax is another super-club in Joburg that hosts all kinds of parties: live bands, DJs, drum ’n bass events and more. Check out their lineup before you go and just remember that it's not really a "walk in" kind of place... they’re only open when they’re hosting an event (most Friday and Saturday nights). It’s a grungy-in-a-good-way kind of spot and know that their street parties can get out of hand (in the best way, of course).
Where: 39a Gwi Gwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
And
And is an underground EDM club that hosts regular party nights. Thursdays are for Addictshun, which is their drum ’n bass night and Fridays are for Toy Toy, their weekly techno residency. Both parties pump like you have no idea. They do host other kinds of parties on occasion, so check out their lineup to stay in the loop. We should probably tell you that this is another one of those places that can suck you in and spit you out only after the sun has risen... it’s great!
Where: 39a Gwi Gwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Rumours Lounge
Rumours Lounge used to be in Weltevreden Park but has since moved into the old Standard Bank Building across the road from Cresta. It's a haven for live music lovers and bar-goers alike. All kinds of gigs go down here – on any given night you’re bound to catch a rad local band taking to the stage or an international one blowing it up. Have a look at their lineup if there’s a specific act you’d like to see, or just rock up and go with the flow.
Where: Valley Ln, Blackheath, Randburg, 2118
For more information, click here.
Jo'Anna Melt Bar
Jo’Anna Melt Bar is a Melville-based place that has a jukebox, which means that if you want to hear your chosen tracks, you’d better get there early! It’s a great place to dance, drink and just have an awesome time. They also serve up melted cheese in every shape and form imaginable – should you get a late night craving for something cheesy.
Where: 7 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Artivist
This is the vibe you're looking for where art meets food, meets bar, meets an overall fun time. This is also one of the chillest, mature and upmarket venues with good food and cocktails on the menu, that appeals to the neighbourhood's post-student and of course the young professional crowd. If you haven't been yet make sure you pay them a visit. We might bump into you. This is one of our favourite places.
Where: 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Mootee Bar
Welcome to Africa everybody! This is an authentic, unconventional interpretation of modern Africa. They embrace every African concept and promise to give you a different and unique experience. They normally have amazing events lined up for you and if you find yourself around Melville this is just where you want to find yourself.
Where: 78A 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
By Shawn Greyling
Know of other rad student clubs or bars not mentioned above? Let us know in the comments section below. Also, sharing is caring, so pop this article on social media for us.
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
What Is It?
Jozi’s healing watering hole — Mootee Bar in Melville — will be hosting another edition of their famed Jam Alley events! Once a month, the team from Mootee invites a host bartender from a local Joburg bar to take over the drinks and the playlist! Sounds like something you would enjoy?
Gareth Wainwright, the man behind the bar programme at Landmark Bar, will be taking the reins of the beverages and speakers alongside his new team for the soon-to-be launched Little Fox Bar by Craft Link Distillers.
When Is It?
Sunday, 30 September 2018 at 16:00.
Where Is It?
Mootee Bar, 78A 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
It is highly recommended that you make a booking, as space is limited. Please visit www.mootee.co.za for more information or email [email protected]a to make reservations.
For More Information
Visit their Facebook page, website or simply visit their Instagram.
31 January 2018 was the official launch of Johannesburg’s first 100% bartender-owned craft bar. Devin Cross, Peter Good, Denzel Heath and Dom Walsh, four renowned bartenders with vast international experience in hospitality, are the brains behind the bar. Mootee Bar, described as a place of healing for the soul, makes use of modern culinary and mixology techniques, blending it with traditional drinking rituals and local ingredients.
Source: facebook.com/mooteebar/
With 120 seats, an outside rooftop deck, open air alley seating and a private lounge, Mootee Bar is a place of healing for the soul. The barmen set out to bend creative boundaries by challenging customers' understanding of local food and drink culture. Through serving unique food and creative drinks that form a perspective that is described as an authentic, yet unconventional interpretation of modern Africa. “Africa as we know it and not Africa as the world interprets.”
Source: facebook.com/mooteebar/
The cocktail menu, which took eight months to develop, is described as a sort of "Rorschach Test". Each cocktail has a visual representation of taste, designed by artist Jared Hurwitz. The illustrations are designed to trigger an emotional response in the customer which leads the consumer to place their order. Unlike traditional cocktail menus, the recipes of the drinks are not displayed in the menu, and customers are enticed to explore the twelve cocktails through this unique visual interpretation technique. Each drink is inspired by a classic African tale.
Source: facebook.com/mooteebar/
Mootee Bar's one of a kind cocktail laboratory, which is situated in the middle of the restaurant, is something one would expect to see in a later episode of Breaking Bad (sorry, we just had to go there). It contains a Rotary Evaporator Distiller, an Ultrasonic Prep, refrigerated Centrifuge and many other gadgets all used to produce Mootee Bar's creative concoctions... you don't need to know what any of those are to be able to appreciate the beverages. Sample their milktart brandy, sparkling Umqombothi or the crystal clear brandy and coke.
Source: facebook.com/mooteebar/
Whilst the food and drinks are serious, the environment is relaxed and fun. With cocktails priced at R 85 each and a meal for two costing around R 200 per couple, Mootee Bar aims to be accessible to all income ranges. Their well-balanced wine list and vast selection of spirits further demonstrates the team’s dedication to providing a well-rounded product. It was Madiba that said: "it is music and dancing that makes me at peace with the world and with myself...” So, be sure to drop by for some good food, good drink and good company accompanied by good music. You can't go wrong.
Find more information here.
Great Dane
Great Dane in Braam is a fab place to squeeze in a little dance session. It’s a casual spot that has differently themed parties on different nights of the week, so just check out what’s going down before you head over there – either way, you’re in for a party! Hint: they serve great gourmet hot dogs, so don't leave until you've tried one.
Where: 5 De Beer Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Kitcheners
Kitcheners is right next door to Great Dane and is one of the oldest bars in the city. It’s super-casual but still manages to keep its trendy edge. Like Great Dane, different parties happen here on different nights, so it’s a mixed bag of jams. They also host live bands occasionally, so be sure to check ahead to see what’s happening… or just arrive and be pleasantly surprised.
Where: 6 De Beer Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Hell's Kitchen
Melville’s Hell’s Kitchen is an alternative haven for those who are into the rockabilly vibe. Firstly, the décor here is out of this world and, secondly, the music is always amazing – they usually play rock but nothing too heavy! While they don’t have a designated dance floor, people do tend to move the tables out the way and create a makeshift one. Hint: look out for the secret room behind the bookshelf and don’t leave without a shot or two of Hellfire Cinnamon Whisky.
Where: Shop 4, 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Truth
Truth used to be a snake park back in the day but has since been transformed into a super-club that pumps electronic music every Friday and Saturday night. Parties here can go on into the wee hours of the morning and you’re more than likely to leave only once the sun has risen. There are various dance floors in Truth where different types of EDM are played. They also often host international DJs and producers!
Where: Old Pretoria Road, Midrand, Johanneburg.
For more information, click here.
Carfax
Carfax is another super-club in Joburg that hosts all kinds of parties: live bands, DJs, drum ’n bass events and more. Check out their lineup before you go and just remember that it's not really a "walk in" kind of place... they’re only open when they’re hosting an event (most Friday and Saturday nights). It’s a grungy-in-a-good-way kind of spot and know that their street parties can get out of hand (in the best way, of course).
Where: 39a Gwi Gwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
And
And is an underground EDM club that hosts regular party nights. Thursdays are for Addictshun, which is their drum ’n bass night and Fridays are for Toy Toy, their weekly techno residency. Both parties pump like you have no idea. They do host other kinds of parties on occasion, so check out their lineup to stay in the loop. We should probably tell you that this is another one of those places that can suck you in and spit you out only after the sun has risen... it’s great!
Where: 39a Gwi Gwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Rumours Lounge
Rumours Lounge used to be in Weltevreden Park but has since moved into the old Standard Bank Building across the road from Cresta. It's a haven for live music lovers and bar-goers alike. All kinds of gigs go down here – on any given night you’re bound to catch a rad local band taking to the stage or an international one blowing it up. Have a look at their lineup if there’s a specific act you’d like to see, or just rock up and go with the flow.
Where: Valley Ln, Blackheath, Randburg, 2118
For more information, click here.
Jo'Anna Melt Bar
Jo’Anna Melt Bar is a Melville-based place that has a jukebox, which means that if you want to hear your chosen tracks, you’d better get there early! It’s a great place to dance, drink and just have an awesome time. They also serve up melted cheese in every shape and form imaginable – should you get a late night craving for something cheesy.
Where: 7 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Artivist
This is the vibe you're looking for where art meets food, meets bar, meets an overall fun time. This is also one of the chillest, mature and upmarket venues with good food and cocktails on the menu, that appeals to the neighbourhood's post-student and of course the young professional crowd. If you haven't been yet make sure you pay them a visit. We might bump into you. This is one of our favourite places.
Where: 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
Mootee Bar
Welcome to Africa everybody! This is an authentic, unconventional interpretation of modern Africa. They embrace every African concept and promise to give you a different and unique experience. They normally have amazing events lined up for you and if you find yourself around Melville this is just where you want to find yourself.
Where: 78A 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg.
For more information, click here.
By Shawn Greyling
Know of other rad student clubs or bars not mentioned above? Let us know in the comments section below. Also, sharing is caring, so pop this article on social media for us.
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.