Social on Main

There’s one thing that comes to mind the moment we hear the name Social on Main, and that’s COCKTAILS! This trendy, hip and happening hangout in the heart of Bryanston offers one of the broadest selection of cocktails we’ve seen in a long time! Think frozen margaritas, refreshing jam jar concoctions, flavourful mojitos, ice-cold G&Ts, and of course, the wide array of craft beers, ciders, red and white wines and some bubbles. There’s something for all tastes – sweet, tart, bitter, crisp, light or strong.

Details: Social on Main | 011 706 7115 | [email protected] | Shop 1, Posthouse Centre, corner Posthouse Street and Main Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg.

Tiger's Milk

This Cape Town favourite branched out to our beautiful city a few years ago and has become one of the most popular and coolest places to hangout in the city. Tiger's Milk offers a happy place for those looking to meet up with their mates or beat the peak-hour traffic with a draught or two. And if you’re looking for a cocktail, their selection is sure to tickle your taste buds. Take your pick from the selection of classics and virgin cocktails they have available or try something a little out of the ordinary.

Details: Tiger's Milk | Bryanston: 010 286 0105 | [email protected] | Shop 1, corner of St James and Bryanston Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg.

Cedar Square: 010 286 1030 | [email protected] | Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Willow Avenue, Fourways, Johannesburg.

A Streetbar Named Desire

For cocktails inspired by classic literature, visit A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood. This tapas hot spot has three bars on-site, as well as a two-page long cocktail menu. Taking inspiration from Tennessee Williams' wicked personality and those of his delicate characters, their mixologists have crafted a variety of tantalising drinks. Try the Kindness of Strangers, with gin, lime juice, spiced rhubarb shrub, bitters and rhubarb stalk, for a back of the tongue tingling experience. Or, stick to the classics and order a Negroni - a delightful blend of Campari, gin and vermouth. Then, sit back and soak up the sensual charisma of the place.

Details: A Streetbar Named Desire | 011 268 6485 | 144 Jan Smuts Avenue, Unit 2 Parkwood Mansions, Parkwood, Johannesburg.

The Artisan – Cocktail & Tapas Bar

We all know and love the Greenside Strip, and if it’s cocktails you’re after, then you need to make a stop at The Artisan – Cocktail & Tapas Bar. Their cocktail menu includes everything from the classics (Long Island Ice Tea, Cosmopolitan, Gin Martini and the Classic Vodka Martini, just to name a few) and artisan specialties (the Tequila Rosemary Slammer is a must-try) to jugs perfect for sharing (Rum & Raspberry for the win).

Details: The Artisan | 011 027 3707 | [email protected] | 12 Gleneagles Road, Greenside, Johannesburg.

Mix Cocktail Bar

For sundowners re-imagined, be sure to visit Mix Cocktail Bar in the heart of in the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank. This is a great spot to grab a couple cocktail with your mates after a long day or week at the office, accompanied by amazing sunsets and a trendy vibe. They have a wide selection of interesting cocktail blends and combinations for your to choose from, all you have to do is decide which one you'd like to sip on or how daring you are to try something new.

Details: www.mixbar.co.za | 010 594 5545 | [email protected] | 2nd Floor, Trumpet on Keyes, 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Sin+Tax

Sin+Tax in Rosebank is the perfect spot for a nightcap. They offer visitors some of the best cocktails you could find in the city and take the mixology to a whole new level! It’s cool, classy, trendy and exudes a speakeasy vibe. With such an awesome setting comes the incredible and ever-changing menu of artisanal cocktails – TOTALLY worth the experience.

Details: sintaxbar.com | 010 900 2559 | [email protected] | Corner of Bolton and Jan Smuts Roads, Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Six Cocktail Bar

This stylish and upbeat little bar is a great spot if you’re looking to sip on interesting cocktails during happy hour. It offers a young and fun vibe, complete with awesome tunes, a choice of over 60 different cocktails and, of course, delicious meals in case you get a little hungry. Round off the weekend with a spot of dancing with their Salsa Sundays and if your usual Happy Hour is a little too short for your liking, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Happy Hour at Six Cocktail Bar is from 12:00 – 19:00 every day! And during Happy Hour, don’t miss their two-for-one cocktail special. Cheers to that!

Details: Six Cocktail Bar | 011 482 8306 | [email protected] | 8 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg.

The Ivy Champagne Garden

Looking to get together with your friends for a gossip session over a few delectable cocktails? If you're in the Bedfordview area, then you need to grab a table at The Ivy Champagne Garden. Take your pick from their impressive selection of creative and delicious cocktails and grab a tasty bite to eat from their Afro-Asian menu filled with sushi, tapas, salads, poké bowls and so much more. As for cocktails, we absolutely love the Rooftop Hawaiian – Havana Club Rum, blue curacao, fresh pineapple and pina colada syrup – divine!

Details: theivygarden.co.za | 010 203 9054 | [email protected] | HQ Building, Block A, 3rd Floor, 2 Arbroath Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg.

Siphuza Bar at the Indaba Hotel

Cigars, sports on the big screen, wine and cocktails – what more do you need to help you unwind after a long and busy week at the office? If this sounds like just what you need to relax, then head to Indaba Hotel’s Siphuza Bar for a night on the town. They offer an array of wine and cocktails for your sipping pleasure, sporting action live on their screens, as well as a selection of cigars if you would like a little bit of a puff.

Details: www.indabahotel.co.za | 011 840 6600 | [email protected] | William Nicol Drive and Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways, Johannesburg.

Billy the Bums

Billy’s is a bar and cocktail lounge which caters for a more mature scene. It has recently undergone a big revamp and has now come back better and more stylish than ever before! With a variety of over 60 different cocktails (they have it all!), American-style 200g beef burgers (with over 15 different toppings to choose from) and good tunes, this is the ideal spot to wind down at the end of yet another crazy week. Sit and chill in the seated areas and socialise with friends or, if you feel like busting a move, there is a DJ playing the latest music – and you can make requests so you can dance to your favourite tunes.

Details: www.billythebums.co.za | 011 465 2621 | Pineslopes Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg | Facebook

Jolly Cool

This one is an oldie but still a goodie if you're in Parkhurst. Head through to Jolly Cool to play a few rounds of pool, grab a meal (they make a mean pizza), or grab a few drinks with your mates after work. This popular hangout is the place to be after 17:00. With reasonably priced food and drinks, what's not to like? Wash your pizza down with a chilled drink and enjoy!

Details: jollycool.co.za | 071 871 3049 | [email protected] | Corner 6th Street and 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, Johannesburg.

The Blind Tiger

Unwind, relax and indulge a little at the Blind Tiger in Parkview. This café offers delicious California-inspired cuisine as well as a delightful cocktail menu for you to sip and enjoy in their bar area or out in their outdoor terrace. Sip on your choice of classic cocktails and an interesting wine offering. As of September 2020, they're now open Monday to Thursday from 15:00 and Friday to Sunday from 12:00.

Details: blindtiger.co.za | 076 030 4200 | [email protected] | 62 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg.

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.

Do you know of any other must-visit cocktail spots? Let us know about them in the comments section below!