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Thirsty? Here are the best bars in Rosebank that’ll wet your whistle!
Hey there, Rosebank revellers! Are you ready to boost your social swagger and sip your way through the coolest spots in town?
Join us on a tour of the best bars in Rosebank—from the stunning Marble rooftop bar-restaurant with its live-fire grill and incredible views to hidden gems like Sin + Tax, tucked away in a graffiti-strewn alley but well worth the effort to find!
Life is too short for bad drinks and dull evenings, so let’s raise a glass to good times and great company.
Proud Mary
Website: https://www.proudmary.co.za/
Address: Cnr Cradock and Tyrwhitt Aves
Phone: +27 10 023 3316
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6:30 AM to 12 AM
Proud Mary, part of voco Johannesburg Rosebank, is a chic bar and bistro with a striking counter and an impressive wine and cocktail menu.
The place was buzzing on a Saturday night with couples, friends, and families.
I decided to try three small plates: grilled octopus, oxtail croquettes, and sumac chicken. The grilled octopus was tender, the oxtail croquettes were crispy outside with a rich, flavorful filling, and the sumac chicken was juicy with a delightful tang.
I also had a refreshing Singapore Sling, which had just the right balance of sweetness and citrus.
| Pro Tip: Consider booking a stay at voco Johannesburg Rosebank. Enjoy rooms that boast plush beds and high-end amenities, all within a stone’s throw from top shopping destinations and major corporate offices. |
Mix Cocktail Bar
Website: https://www.mixbar.co.za/
Address: 2nd floor, Trumpet on Keyes, 21 Keyes Ave
Phone: +27 10 594 5545
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 4 PM to late
- Saturday – 11 AM to late
Mix Cocktail Bar is remarkable for its exceptional seasonal menu and stylish interior. The contemporary South African artworks adorning the walls are captivating, paying homage to its location in the Keyes Art Mile.
As the sun sets, the bar offers a breathtaking view over the leafy suburbs and the Northcliff ridge in the distance. The whole place is just buzzing with youthful energy, especially on Fridays when they have awesome sundowner DJ sets.
I’m a margarita person, and here, they nailed the tangy lime, smooth tequila, and just the right amount of sweetness. And for wine enthusiasts, the selection is spot-on, with top-notch Champagnes like G.H Mumm ready to pop.
| Pro Tip: Elevate your midweek with the exclusive Wednesday Jazz Night at the bar! |
Sin + Tax
Website: https://sintaxbar.com/
Address: Corner of Bolton & Jan Smuts Roads
Phone: +27 10 900 2559
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 5 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 2 AM
Sin + Tax is a cool bar tucked away in a graffiti-strewn alley. It’s not easy to find, but it’s definitely worth the effort!
Here, you’ll meet Julian Short, the charming and experienced mixologist behind the bar. He crafts some of the most innovative drinks in town, with the menu changing seasonally to keep things fresh.
If you’re into unique cocktails, you have to check out their imaginative twists on the classic Negroni. I personally loved the famous Number Nine!
| Pro Tip: Dress up and arrive before sunset, especially on weekends, as it gets pretty crowded. |
Marble
Website: https://marble.restaurant/home/
Address: Trumpet on Keyes, Corner Keyes & Jellicoe Avenue
Phone: +27 +27 10 594 5550
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 12 PM to 10 PM
Marble is a stunning rooftop bar-restaurant, known for its live-fire grill and incredible views.
I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to visit this place and sample their menu. The seared yellowfin tuna was absolutely delightful, with fresh hints of watermelon and a touch of peanut that added great texture.
The cocktails at the bar are fantastic. The Bacardi Carta Blanca has a refreshing taste of pineapple and coconut, while the Raspberry and Vanilla Love offers a unique blend of raspberries, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon.
| Pro Tip: Request a table near the grand windows for a breathtaking view of Johannesburg’s skyline! |
Benchwarmers Sports Bar
Address: 2 Bolton Road
Phone: +27 72 082 4341
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Benchwarmers Sports Bar offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere for a night out with friends. It provides a range of drinks, including the popular Jack Black lager.
The pricing is reasonable, and the vibe is just right for a casual and enjoyable time.
Moreover, as a sports bar, it’s known for screening exciting matches, such as the recent showdown between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles.
However, parking may become an issue during busy hours, so it’s advisable to plan accordingly.
| Pro Tips: Secure a spot with a clear view of the screens and order their signature wings during halftime to avoid the rush. Check out their Facebook page for special deals and announcements of themed viewing parties! |
Flames
Website: https://www.flamesrestaurant.co.za/
Address: 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff
Phone: +27 11 481 6000
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6:30 AM to 9 PM
Flames is a beautiful terrace restaurant located at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. It’s perfect for a casual evening out with friends.
When we visited, we chose a table right at the edge of the terrace. It’s perfect for taking in the spectacular sunset and watching the hadada ibis fly overhead.
I tried their signature Sundowner cocktail, which offers a balance of floral and citrus. My friend had the Westcliff Delight, a vibrant drink that was both tangy and sweet.
| Pro Tip: I recommend their weekend brunch. It’s a luxurious multi-course affair, including a cold platter for two and freshly pressed juices like the Flu Fighter. |
A Streetbar Named Desire
Website: https://www.streetbar.co.za/
Address: 144 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood
Phone: +27 11 268 6485
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 2 PM to 2 AM
A Street Bar Named Desire features plush emerald green interiors, a spacious first-floor terrace, and quirky décor inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s thrillers.
Their drink menu is filled with fragrant flavours reflecting Middle Eastern spices, with highlights such as the Them Apples and classic drinks like Negroni and Old Fashioned.
What sets them apart is that they offer after-work drinks even on Mondays, a rare treat in Johannesburg. For the best experience, head upstairs early to catch the sun setting over the western suburbs from the bar’s street-facing terrace.
| Pro Tip: Come with an appetite, as the small plates menu offers a delightful fusion of Turkish, Israeli, and Lebanese cuisines. It includes harissa marinated sirloin, succulent pork fillet skewers, and fried artichoke hearts! |
La Parada Bar De Tapas
Website: https://laparada.co.za/la-parada-rosebank/
Address: Shop 22, 23, The Firs Shopping Centre, Cradock Ave
Phone: +27 10 745 2282
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 12 PM to 12 AM
La Parada Bar De Tapas is a lively Spanish tapas eatery and bar that you can’t miss. As you walk in, you’re greeted by fresh greenery hanging from the ceiling, an impressive bar counter, and a vibrant mural of a flamenco dancer.
Their mixologists impressed me with their expertise. They guided me through their menu, recommending cocktails that perfectly matched my mood.
I also recommend the juicy Wagyu beef burger, featuring creamy cheddar and a blend of tangy burger sauce and sweet roasted red pepper chutney.
| Pro Tip: Follow their Facebook for the latest schedules and updates. Stay connected and never miss an exciting match or game. |
Omen Rosebank
Website: https://omenrosebank.co.za/
Address: The Zone Phase 2, Oxford Rd
Phone: +27 71 027 9341
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 2 AM
Omen Rosebank is a fantastic spot that really comes to life as the night goes on. The bar offers amazing cocktails at great prices, making it a perfect place to hang out and have a good time.
The staff is friendly, and the overall atmosphere is just fantastic, especially when they have fun events like karaoke nights and DJ sets.
On top of all that, they serve fusion sushi with a creative twist. The sushi combines fresh, tender fish with flavours like tangy citrus and a hint of spice.
| Pro Tip: Join their karaoke nights! The spotlight is all yours (and other patrons’) every Tuesday. |
Opera Bar Lounge
Website: https://operalounge.co.za/
Address: 2 Tyrwhitt Ave
Phone: +27 10 109 7643
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 3 PM to 1 AM
I had a fantastic time at Opera Bar Lounge. The staff was friendly; the hostess even came over to chat with us and offered us a complimentary shot! Even on a busy Friday night, the service was fast, so we didn’t have to wait long for our drinks at the bar.
While I didn’t get to try the food, the menu with chicken bites and Chermoula prawns with butter and aromatic herbs sounded really tempting. I can’t wait to try it next time.
| Pro Tip: To fully enjoy the DJ nights, make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, as the best views of the DJ booth and dance floor fill up quickly. |
011 Rosebank Gin-Eatery
Website: https://www.011jhb.co.za/rosebank-menu
Address: 199 Oxford Rd, Dunkeld
Phone: +27 63 636 0530
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
When you walk into 001 Rosebank Gin Eatery, you’ll feel right at home in a cosy yet classy setting. The staff is attentive, and the place is beautifully decorated, making it the perfect spot for a great night out.
I enjoyed the lamb burger, which had a rich, juicy flavour. There was also fillet pesto pasta with tender fillet and fragrant basil pesto.
And if you want to shake up your evening, don’t miss out on their latest cocktail upgrades, such as the martini.
| Pro Tip: Consider visiting on a Monday when you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. |
