Modderfontein Nature Reserve

The Modderfontein Nature Reserve is a hot spot for weekend braais and family get togethers. While it does tend to get busy over weekends, the reserve is expansive enough to escape for a few hours. There are various walking and hiking trails, which take you on a tour of the reserve dam and plant life. If you are weary of walking alone, join the Modderfontein ParkRun event which takes place every Saturday morning. This 5km timed run (or walk) is a great way to get your weekly dose of sunshine, good exercise and a chance to meet new friends.

The Modderfontein Nature Reserve also offers guided walks and tours, which extend a little further into the park. Here, you can spot a number of wildlife species, including buck and rare species of birds. Once you have worked up an appetite on your walk, take a short drive over to Hops End Brew Pub. With craft beer on tap, awesome live music and a spectacular view of the reserve, this is the ultimate place to unwind over a weekend.

Details: 1 Arden Rd, Modderfontein Reserve | +2787 288 1904 | [email protected]

Farmers Market at the Franz Hoenig Haus

The Modderfontein Farmers Market takes place on the last Saturday of every month. Hosted in the tranquil gardens of the Franz Hoenig House, here you can enjoy delicious fresh food, family fun and the outdoors. The spectacular architecture of this home is well worth the visit. One of the oldest restored houses in Gauteng, the Franz Hoenig Haus is now used as a private business centre and events venue.

The next Modderfontein Farmers Market takes place on Saturday, 30 November 2019 at 09:00, bringing you Christmas time cheer, stocking fillers and yummy, wholesome treats. Bring the whole family along. Entrance is free and there is ample parking available.

Details: Modderfontein Farmers Market, Franz Hoenig Haus Gardens, High Street, Modderfontein, Johannesburg | 073 234 9994 | [email protected]

The Dynamite Company Museum

Modderfontein was originally a dynamite mining village. Established in 1894, it had the first dynamite factory in the country. Today, the AECI dynamite factory continues to operate. You can visit the AECI Dynamite Company Museum, which is located on Modderfontein’s quaint Main Street in the original home of the first factory manager. Housing historical artifacts and plaques that tell the explosive story of dynamite, starting with its invention in 1867 by Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel, the museum tracks how the industry evolved. The museum sits on the property of the grand Franz Hoenig House. Unfortunately, the museum isn't open to visitors over weekends, but you can stroll through the scenic gardens, admiring the details of the house.

The Museum is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 08:00 - 12:00. Bring the kids along for a fun adventure during the school holidays.

Craft Beer & Gourmet Burgers

The Green Craft Bar at Modderfontein Golf Club is the place to visit with a group of friends over the weekend. Think craft beer and cocktails, gourmet burgers, epic pizzas and an awesome view of the golf course. If there is one menu item which you must try, it's the Peanut Butter Burger - honeyed back bacon, with a peanut butter marinated patty, onion, avo, tomato and cheddar. Don't knock it, till you've tried it. Green Craft often screens big sports matches over the weekends too, so come through for an electric atmosphere, lots of shouting and good company.

Details: Modderfontein Country Club, 1 Centenary Rd, Modderfontein, Johannesburg | +27 82 446 3768

Go Ape 

Aerial parks are all the rage right now. So, why not bring the kids to Modderfontein's Go Ape branch over the weekend? They can let out some steam and brimming energy while you sit back and enjoy the fresh air. There are four courses to choose from, sorted according to age appropriateness and difficulty. Kiddies aged 4 - 8 can test their balancing skills on the Green Course, which features 21 obstacles. The most popular course caters to 8 - 12 year olds, offering 22 aerial challenges. Teens can have their fill of fun here too, on the Blue or Purple courses. The course can fill up quickly over weekends, so it's best to arrive early.

Details: Corner of Valley Rd & Johannesburg Rd, Modderfontein, Johannesburg | 072 5440 415 | [email protected]

Do you know of any other awesome weekend hangouts in Modderfontein? Let us know about them!

Crafty & Cool

The Green Craft Bar brand is all about craft brews, chilled vibes and catching up with friends. Established in response to a severe lack of craft restaurants in Johannesburg East, The Green is neither pub nor bistro, but rather a great combination of both. The flagship Green Craft Bar still lives at Benoni Country Club. Parked on the club's roof, this foodie hot spot has become a Benoni favourite.

However, our favourite of The Green Craft restaurants is in leafy Modderfontein. Situated just between the east and north of Joburg, this quiet suburb is steadily becoming a weekend hangout for kids, hipsters and regular old folk. If you are looking for a mini getaway from the city, gather up your mates and head to The Green in Modderfontein.

Pub Grub Meets Modern

The Green Craft Bar Modderfontein overlooks the 18th hole at Modderfontein Golf Club. Similar to their original store, this modern bistro offers fantastic views from the deck, perfect for enjoying a couple of cold ones with your friends on a Saturday afternoon. With over 40 craft beers on offer, The Green dedicates themselves to bringing artisan brews to foodies of the east. At the bar, you will find some familiar names and tastes, including Mad Giant's feature killer hop. Order yours on tap or bottled.

Not in the mood for a frothy blonde beer? Check out The Green's spirits menu. Featuring all the old classics, as well as some new tipsy tipples, this menu gives just as good as the beer and cider offers. If we had to pick just one it would be the Green Tee - Double Tanquery, fresh lemon juice and green tea syrup. It's simple, but refreshing and goes down well when looking over the golf course at sunset.

Now for the food! The Green started out as a snack bar, focusing mainly on their drinks menu. But as they grew more popular, they expanded the horizon by tossing gourmet pub grub into the mix. Speaking of mixes, try their Mixed Nuts starter - cashews, peanuts, almonds and walnuts roasted in a Mediterranean spice mix. These are not your typical germ catching pub peanuts, so order a bowl for the table. Other standout starters include the Jalapeno Poppers, Nachos and Benoni Cherries (deep fried risotto balls filled with mince and cheddar).

Peanut Butter Burger & Green Pizza

There are two main menu items at the Green Craft Bar Modderfontein that every visitor has to try at least once. The Peanut Butter Burger and the Cream Green Pizza. Don't judge these 'dude food' experiments by their strange combination of ingredients. Honeyed back bacon, with a peanut butter marinated patty, onion, avo, tomato and cheddar makes up the PB Burger. While the signature Cream Green Pizza features a cream cheese pizza base, avo, red onion, chicken, peppadew, coriander salsa and fresh coriander!

All of The Green Craft Bar's burgers are served in a pita pocket, with regular chips, sweet potato crisps or coleslaw sides. You can also swap out the meaty patty for a vegan Beyond Meat burger patty.

So, what are you waiting for? This weekend, get your gang together for an awesome beer and food affair at the Green Craft Bar Modderfontein.

For More Information

Visit their website for more information, or follow their social media pages:

Facebook - facebook.com/greencraftmodderfontein

Twitter - twitter.com/TheGreenCraft

Instagram - instagram.com/greencraftmodderfontein

Details: +27 82 446 3768 | Modderfontein Country Club, 1 Centenary Rd, Modderfontein, Johannesburg.

Baha Taco

We know it says 'taco' in their name, but don't be fooled - Baha Taco serves up some of the most delicious nachos around. This authentic Tex-Mex eatery is known as Norwood's best. Plus, their portions are generous to the tummy and the pocket. Baha's wood-roasted nachos come in three flavours - The Classic; melted cheese, sour cream and pico de gallo (fresh salsa), Beef Chili or The Californian; bacon, black beans and sweetcorn. Order a side of guac for only R20 extra. Heavenly!

Click here for more information.

Tiger's Milk

According to our resident food writer, Tiger's Milk is the unofficial home of 'dude-food' in Jozi. What better dude-food could there be than cheesy, moreish nachos to share? Tiger's Milk stay pretty true to the original recipe invented by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya in 1943. Fully loaded with enchilada sauce, cheese, guacamole, jalapeños and sour cream, these nachos are a dream come true. Enjoy them vegetarian or add a portion of shredded chicken to bulk up the protein content.

Click here for more information.

Salsa Mexican Grill

Salsa Mexican Grill delivers a vibe unlike any other. You will always find happy foodies here. Whether this is the result of the copious amounts of tequila they serve, the food or the atmosphere. However, one thing is clear - the nachos are a hit. Upon your next visit to Salsa, watch how smiles and eyes widen as the nachos hit the table. These oven baked tortilla chips are piled high, dripping with melted cheddar cheese, spicy salsa and classic guacamole. Order a plate for the table to share, or pig out on your own. Either way, it's sure to be a treat.

Click here for more information.

Mama Mexicana

If you ever find yourself hungry in Maboneng, stop by Mama Mexicana. The precinct's resident Tex-Mex restaurant is welcoming, vibey and the perfect place to indulge yourself. Mama's classic nachos are served chip-and-dip style, so there will be no more fighting over ratios of sour cream to salsa to guac. But, if you want something more indulgent, try out the BBQ pork nachos - stringy cheese, pulled barbecue pork and pineapple. Is your mouth watering yet? Wash it all down with one of Mama Mexicana's signature Mexican beers.

Click here for more information.

Hudsons The Burger Joint

A burger joint? Bear with us. Hudsons are the cool kids on the block when it comes to Insta-worthy grub. While their burgers are impressive, they also cater to those of us who would rather not have our faces, shirts and hands covered in meat and pickle drippings. Instead, unhinge your jaw for the House Nachos - tortilla chips smothered in sour cream, salsa, cheddar, mozzarella, jalapeño and fresh avo. Vegan foodies, Hudsons has spared a thought for you, too. Their Vacon Nachos are topped with cashew cream, salsa, vegan mozzarella, sweetcorn, jalapeño, pepperdew and optional avocado.

Click here for more information.

Perron

Perron proudly dubs themselves the 'Mexican Appreciation Society'. Once you have sampled a taste of their Tex-Mex fare, it isn't hard to understand why they deserve this title. Perron's nachos are abundant and super cheesy. Order yours with a choice of chipotle chicken, pork pibil (pulled pork marinated in citrus) or black beans. Top it all off with pungent cheddar, sour cream, pico de gallo, jalapeño and guacamole. This is definitely a job for your stretchy jeans and a mean craving that won't be denied!

Click here for more information.

La Rosa Mexican Grille

La Rosa won the Best New Restaurant in the Best of Joburg awards 2017. If you haven't paid them a visit yet, this is the time to do so. When your next nacho tummy rumble comes calling, La Rosa is certain to have the answer. You can order the Nachos Grande - a sharing plate for two or more; or go it alone with the Nachos Pequeno (a 'small' plate for one). La Rosa doesn't skimp on the cheese - their nachos come with melted cheese sauce, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese! Order yours plain or fully loaded with Mexican chorizo, chili con carne or skirt steak. Don't blame us if you end up in a cheesy food coma.

Click here for more information.

Jamie's Italian

Now for something totally out of the park - Italian nachos! Jamie's Italian serves up crispy fried ravioli, stuffed with mozzarella, ricotta and veggie Parmesan, ladled over with spicy Silican tomato sauce. Break the rules a little and give these a try. No judgement from our side, we promise.

Click here for more information.

Do you know of any other great restaurants that serve nachos in Joburg? Let us know about them!

TJIPS

This potato restaurant offers diners the chance to experience the luxury and deliciousness of this solanaceous vegetable. Their menu consists of nothing but loaded chips, saucy chips and dessert chips. Menu items include taters topped with items such as Parmesan with black truffle mayo, pulled chicken and sesame slaw and even a cheeseburger with no bun, just chips. Those braver than us may try the sweet chips, topped with vanilla ice cream, peanut-caramel sauce and toasted coconut flakes. It's about time Joburg had an eatery devoted to the humble potato, if you ask us.

Contact details: 011 485 0104 | Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Road, Bedfordview | [email protected] | https://tjips.co

Truffles On The Park

This eatery, based in Mushroom Park, offers a wide selection of bistro food, many of which centre around the earthy truffle. Diners can expect delectable meals ranging from bar food to signature mains. The Grilled Octopus, Burnt Corn & Avocado Salad, Braised Lamb Shoulder and Truffles Signature Burger are all fine choices. However, the Truffle Parmesan Fries remains one of the most raved about menu items. These twice-fried chips are served with nutty Parmesan and creamy black truffle aioli.

Contact details: 079 886 3134 | Mushroom Farm Park, Daisy Street, Sandown, Sandton | [email protected] | https://www.trufflesbistro.co.za

Hudsons The Burger Joint

Located in Parkhurst, this burger joint makes some of the most sought after burgers in Joburg. And we can see why. With over 20 burgers, including vegan options, to choose from, this is a burger haven. As fabulous as the burgers are, we can't resist their chips. The Loaded Fries comes covered in bacon bits, sweet chilli and mozzarella. They also offer up creamy peri peri and mozzarella Disco Fries and Truffle Cheese Fries. Low Carbers and Banters also have their pick with the Avo Fries served with tangy sweet chilli sauce.

Contact details: 011 268 0713 | Cnr 4th Avenue & 14th Street, Parkhurst | [email protected] | http://theburgerjoint.co.za

The Green Craft Bar

This bar in Benoni offers diners yummy pub grub, with everything from Deep Fried Ravioli and Brannas Basted Chicken Wings to a Peanut Butter Burger and Pulled Pork. Our favourite pub grub, especially while enjoying a few jam jars, are loaded chips. This bar caters to this with their Fully Loaded Chips. These are topped with cheddar and mozzarella. Dinners can then choose to top this with spring onion, bacon and jalapeno or pulled pork and BBQ.

Contact details: 084 603 0609 | Benoni Country Club, Morris St, Morehill, Benoni | [email protected] | http://www.thegreen.co.za

Brooklyn Brothers

Brooklyn Brothers has recently popped up at several locations across the city. We have often frequented the Bedford branch to get our fix of great burgers, sticky chicken wings, saucy ribs, fluffly waffles, thick milkshakes and perfectly fried chips. The Brothers have several fries that bridge the gap to gourmet including Macon & Cheese Fries, Blue Cheese Fries, Garlic Parmesan Fries and our favourite, Dirty Fries. These are smothered with Beef Chilli Mince, Cheedar Cheese, Beans and Jalapeno Fries.

Contact details: 011 615 0536 | Shop U50, Bedford Centre, Smith Road and Van Der Linde Road, Bedfordview | [email protected] | https://www.hooterssa.com

Hooters

No matter how we might feel about the values of this establishment, we can't deny that their food is delicious. This eatery offers patrons American-style cuisine with the burgers, tacos, curly fries, shrimp, philly cheesesteak and chicken wings. Although not suitable for fine dining, this place makes a good location when we have the munchies. But no cravings can be fulfilled without a plate of chips. This is where the Big Dipper Chili Fries comes in. Huge chips are loaded with chilli con carne, cheese and chipotle cream sauce.

Contact details: 010 443 5926 | The Buzz Shopping Centre, Witkoppen Rd, Fourways | [email protected] | https://www.hooterssa.com

Baha Taco

Norwood has a lot to offer us culinary types. From Asian cuisine to traditional Italian and Portuguese, there is something here for every palate. However, it's Norwood's take on tacos that has us really revved up. Check out Baha Taco on the famous Grant Avenue for your favourite refried beans and cheese stuffed lovelies. Their freshly made taco shells are made from stone ground wheat flour, making them extra light and crispy. Baha Taco also recently introduced a few vegan taco options to their menu. So, bring all your mates along for an authentic Mexican street food experience, right in the heart of Norwood. Hit them up on Taco Tuesdays, for an all you can eat feast.

Click here for more information

Details: 38 Grant Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg | 076 694 7400 | [email protected]

La Santa Muerte

After the huge success of Hell's Kitchen, the proprietors took the leap and opened a Mexican joint right next to the bar. Fortunately for us, they pulled it off with a brilliant hand. The chef is particularly adept at whipping up intriguing taco tasters, including Prawn Taco with Mango Salsa, Tequila & Lime Marinated Mushroom Taco and Sirloin Steak Taco. Pop by on a Tuesday evening for their Mix and Match Taco Tuesdays. You get any three tacos for just *R80! Served with creamy guac and salsa, this is a Mexican food lover's heaven.

Click here for more information.

Details: Shop 2, 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg | 076 609 0383 | [email protected]

Mama Mexicana

What's better than enjoying a cerveza in the City of Gold while munching on some prime soft shell tacos? Maboneng's Mama Mexicana certainly holds the fort when it comes to spicy food. Their menu features an array of taco flavours, including beef, chicken, pulled pork and vegetarian. However, we recommend that you take a gamble and try their fish tacos. These amazing hard shell morsels will have you salivating for more. With a squeeze of lime and a shot of tequila, these tacos go down as a real treat.

Click here for more information.

Details: 264 Fox Street, Maboneng Precinct, City and Suburban, Johannesburg | 011 334 1982 | [email protected]

Perron

Tequila and tacos, my friends. What more could you need? Perron is unofficially known as the Mexican Appreciation Society, displaying a passion for Mexican flavours and the sweet agave nectar we have all come to love. Perron is one of the few restaurants in Joburg to offer gourmet tacos, solely created for your Latin American cuisine cravings. With 12 varieties of flavour, their taco menu is one of the best the city has to offer. They also now offer vegetarian and vegan tacos, as well as specialty editions. Come by for a real fiesta at either their Illovo or Bryanston branches.

Click here for more information.

Salsa Mexican Grill

The vibe at Salsa is unbeatable, there is always an air of celebration and good cheer. Plus, you can craft your own meal here with their build your own menu option. Choose between a hard or soft shell taco base, protein or veg, extra toppings like wild rice or black beans, a cheese of your liking and salsa to top it all off. Be warned, when Salsa say spicy, they mean it! But, the chilli sweats are well worth it as you savour the taste of contemporary Mexican dining. They have a few branches located around Joburg, so those tasty tacos are never too far away.

Click here for more information.

The Green Craft Bar 

The Green Craft Bar is all about great beer, hearty food and good times. Located in Modderfontein, Glenvista and Benoni, this pub meets hipster eatery offers gluten free tacos topped with lightly spiced chicken strips, red onion, tomato, lime and coriander pico da gallo. Tuck into your moreish tacos as you overlook any of the Green's fantastic outdoor views. Sipping a craft beer alongside friends, this is the perfect little accompaniment to any weekend outing.

Click here for more information.

La Rosa Mexican Grille

La Rosa is one of the fastest growing Mexican food chains in Joburg. Having been awarded the 2017 Best of Joburg for Best New Restaurant, they have continued to expand their menu. The taco section of the menu is especially impressive, featuring gourmet tacos served in a soft corn shell or flour tortilla. You can also order a Tex-Mex hard shell corn taco if that's more your flavour. While La Rosa's taco options are meat heavy, there are vegetarian options available. All tacos are served with salsa and lime for an extra burst of sour-spiciness. Make sure to place your order before downing a first tequila, as these are some true taco tongue twisters!

Click here for more information.

Tiger's Milk

If you're in the mood for 'dude food', then Tiger's Milk is the place to go. From gourmet burgers, to cheesy pizza and the iconic Tiger's Milk lager, there is no shortage of grub here. The Tex-Mex portion of their menu features four taco options - chicken, pulled pork, fish and veggie. You may want to order a board to share before kicking off your epic feast. Or, simply pig out on these Mexican morsels. Either way, you are sure to leave more than satisfied.

Click here for more information.

Do you know of any other restaurants that serve tacos in Johannesburg? Let us know about them!