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.