As the Irish say: “May the road rise up to meet you” … and show you where to get a nice cold pint of Guinness on tap, a country-style meal and a homely environment. The Irish don’t say that last part, but that’s what their pubs offer, and there are plenty of Irish pubs in Johannesburg. Here are a few of them.
The Irish Club
When it comes to Irish pubs in Johannesburg, The Irish Club springs top of mind. This simple local Linden drinking hole that overlooks a sport field has its focus on cold beers on tap and warm company. For regulars, The Irish Club has become a home away from home where everybody knows your name. The unpretentious bar doesn’t offer anything fancy – you’ll find toasties and chicken schnitzel on the menu – but what it does promise is cheap drinks and a chilled atmosphere for a nice afternoon or great night out. The Irish Club is also known for their St Patrick’s Day celebrations every year.
Details: 083 267 6327 | Corner Salerno Road and 5th Avenue, Linden
The Irish Rock
This 20-year-old friendly pub in the West Rand delivers on Irish family charm with a wide menu to cater to different tastes, weekly entertainment and various beer options on offer. The Irish Rock blends South African and Irish charisma and flavours, like their tasty Guinness Stew Bunny Chow. General knowledge buffs will want to come through on a Wednesday for quiz night, be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Details: 011 675 3007 | theresa@irishrock.co.za | 1212 Opera Road, Radioko, Roodepoort.
Brazen Head
If you’re looking for hearty Irish dishes and a crowd, Brazen Head Fourways is where you’ll want to be. Beer battered fish and chips, steak egg and chips, bangers and mash (the best outside of Ireland), and beef Guinness kidney pie are just some of the dishes that keep this pub busy. That, and the fact that it’s the official Arsenal Supporters club, so expect to see red during football season!
The rustic space offers a great place to grab a beer and meal with mates or the family, and we hear that their portions are big! As a franchise, there are also branches in Sandton, Boksburg and Edenvale.
Details: 011 465 5318 | fourways@brazenhead.co.za | Leaping Frog Center William Nicol Drive Fourways.
Molly Malone’s
With its many plasma screen TVs, Molly Malone’s in Fourways is the quintessential Irish pub to catch the big game. The grub is also rather good with Eisbein, Steak & Guinness pie and lazy-aged steak. Molly’s also offers good quality live entertainment, check their Facebook page to find out about events. This is definitely a spot to visit if you’re into Irish pubs in Johannesburg.
Details: 011 467 8052 | mollymalones011@gmail.com | Sunset Avenue, Pine Slopes AH, Fourways.
Paddy’s Corner Restaurant
Whether you’re looking to play a few rounds of pool, hang out with your mates, grab an ice-cold beer or catch some sporting action on their screens, Paddy’s in Ferndale is just the place to be. It’s chilled by day, but as soon as the sun sets this spot becomes rather rowdy, especially over the weekend and during sport seasons like the FIFA or Rugby World Cup.
Details: 011 781 3826 | paddyspool@mweb.co.za | Bram Fischer Drive, Randburg.
Rosie O Grady’s
Established in 2011, the East Rand based Irish Pub, Rosie O Grady’s, caters to all age groups. They’re located in the Garden Court OR Tambo Hotel where they serve delicious food including a crowd pleaser, Shepherd’s Pie. With an extensive drinks menu and quiz nights on Thursday evenings, it’s the perfect place for celebrating with friends!
Details: 011 392 1062 | rosieogradys.co.za | 2 Hulley Road, Kempton Park.
Giles- Pub & Restaurant
Giles is one of the northern suburbs’ most popular after-work meeting places. Despite being a British pub, they offer a selection of Irish beer on tap! Their extensive variety on tap features the finest local, Belgian, and Irish brews. Visit Giles to quench your thirst and enjoy a diverse range of beers.
Details: 010 824 0130 | info@gilesrez.co.za | 9 Grafton Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg,
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Which Irish pubs in Johannesburg do you think should be on this list? Let us know below.
