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The Top 13 Irish Pubs in Johannesburg for a Fun Night Out
You don’t have to travel to Ireland to enjoy a pint of Guinness! Johannesburg has some of the best Irish pubs in South Africa where you can have a taste of the Emerald Isle without leaving the city.
Whether you’re looking for live music, sports, trivia, or just a good chat, there’s an Irish pub for you.
The Irish Club
Website: http://theirishclub.co.za/
Address: Cnr Salerno Road & 5th Ave, Randburg, 2195, South Africa
Phone: +27 83 267 6327
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
The Irish Club is a cosy pub in Linden overlooking a sports field, and it offers a relaxed vibe and cold draft beers.
Regulars adore this place, as it creates a sense of familiarity where everyone seems to know each other. The bar offers simple and delicious snacks such as toasties and chicken schnitzels.
Its low-priced drinks and relaxed atmosphere are the main attractions that keep people coming back for more. It’s an ideal location for an easy-going hangout or an enjoyable night out.
| Pro Tips: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at The Irish Club! Join the annual festivities to immerse yourself in Irish traditions and have a blast with fellow revellers. |
The Irish Rock
Website: https://www.irishrock.co.za/
Address: 1212 Opera Rd, Radiokop, Roodepoort, 1709
Phone: +27 11 675 3007
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 8 PM
The Irish Rock has been serving the Johannesburg community for over two decades. The pub is quite popular among locals who love good food, live music, and beer on tap.
Their menu is quite a diverse mix of South African and Irish flavours—from breakfast dishes to sharing platters. You must try their famous Guinness Stew Bunny Chow; it’s absolutely delicious!
| Pro Tips: If you love trivia, don’t miss the quiz night every Wednesday. Follow their Facebook page to stay updated on future events. |
The Fat Ginger
Website: https://thefatginger.co.za/
Address: Linksfield Terrace Shopping Center, Shop 25 110 Linksfield Road
Phone: +27 66 251 9412
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 11 AM to 2 AM
The Fat Ginger is a trendy gastropub that offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy quality food and drinks. It was previously known as Keg & Beagle back in 1998, but it underwent a transformation in 2020.
The gastropub boasts 17 beer taps, including craft beers, local brews, and international favourites. Along with the beers, you can indulge in mouthwatering tapas, burgers, grilled foods, and cocktails prepared by expert chefs.
The pub offers regular entertainment and events such as live music, quizzes, and themed parties.
| Pro Tips: Make sure to visit on Wednesdays for Rum Day Wednesday. On this delightful day, you can savour a 250-gram prime rump steak paired with crispy home-cut chips and a rich marrow bone. |
Saints Pub & Grill
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saints.promos/
Address: 03, Summerfield Shopping Centre, 06 Reier Rd, Atlasville, Johannesburg, 1459, South Africa
Phone: +27 76 403 7429
Saints Pub & Grill is a warm and welcoming restaurant that specializes in Irish cuisine.
Many customers highly recommend trying their Guinness pie chips while enjoying a selection from their extensive beer menu. The combination of flavours and attentive service provide a truly unforgettable dining experience.
| Pro Tips: Saints Pub & Grill tends to fill up quickly during rugby matches, so getting there early ensures you’ll have an unobstructed view of the game. |
Rosie O Grady’s
Media from kent_boffa
Website: http://rosieogradys.co.za/
Address: Garden Court OR Tambo Hotel, 2 Hulley Rd, Kempton Park, South Africa
Phone: +27 60 554 3618
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 11 AM to 2 AM
Rosie O Grady’s pub has been around since 2011 and welcomes people of all ages. Located in the Garden Court OR Tambo Hotel, it offers a variety of tasty dishes, such as shepherd’s pie.
They also have a wide selection of beverages to quench your thirst. And if you feel competitive, you can join their Thursday quiz nights and test your knowledge with your mates.
| Pro Tips: Combine your pub experience with a stay at the Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel. The hotel offers well-appointed rooms, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, and a smart business centre. |
Paddy’s Corner Restaurant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paddysferndale/
Address: Ferndale, Johannesburg, 2194, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 786 6224
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6 AM to 10 PM
Paddy’s Corner Restaurant in Ferndale is a lively spot featuring pool tables, dart boards, and arcade machines—a perfect hangout for friends. Additionally, they have a large-screen TV that broadcasts major sporting events.
You can indulge in their selection of beers, wines, and cocktails and their delicious menu of burgers, pizzas, salads, and more.
Paddy’s is a great hangout spot during the day, but it also gets lively at night, especially when there’s a big game or a live band playing.
| Pro Tips: After your meal, take a short 3-minute drive to nearby Denise Park for a relaxing stroll or outdoor activities such as jogging, picnicking, and playground fun for kids. |
Molly Malones
Website: https://mollymalones.co.za/
Address: Cnr Forest Rd and Sunset Blvd Pineslopes, 2191, Johannesburg, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 467 8052
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 11 AM to 12 AM
Molly Malones is a classic Irish pub known for its tasty pub grub and cosy vibe. From their signature Molly’s Chicken to the hearty Molly Malone’s burger, there’s plenty to satisfy your hunger.
With a great selection of drinks, including fine wines and cocktails, Molly’s ensures you’ll have a fantastic time whether you’re a regular or a first-timer.
They also have fun quizzes every Tuesday to keep you entertained while you enjoy their home-style meals.
| Pro Tips: You can catch a flick at Molly Malone’s Roadhouse Drive-in Movies for just R60 per person. Park, tune in, and indulge in dinner, snacks, and drinks served straight to your car for a hassle-free movie night. |
McGinty’s
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Address: Domestic Airside, O. R Tambo International Airport, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, 1627, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 390 3394
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 11 AM to 12 AM
McGintys is a cosy, standalone Irish pub with traditional decor and comfortable seating despite being in a mall. It’s great craic with its friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and variety of beers.
The food is also generous and tasty with options ranging from traditional Irish fare to contemporary dishes like ribs, surf and turf, steaks and nachos. The prices are reasonable too, so you won’t break the bank while having a good time.
| Pro Tips: Pair your delightful pub experience with a stay at the nearby City Lodge Hotel. It’s the perfect way to enjoy great food, drinks, and Irish charm while ensuring a comfortable night’s rest just steps away from the airport. |
Kitchener’s Carvery Bar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarKitcheners/
Address: 71 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South AfricaPark, 1627, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 403 0166
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday; Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 4 AM
- Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 11:59 PM
Kitchener’s Carvery Bar is one of Johannesburg’s oldest hangouts, doubling as a laid-back pub during the day and a lively dance spot at night. They offer a range of simple European food, like burgers and sandwiches, all at fair prices.
The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming with old-fashioned décor that makes you feel right at home. Plus, they play a great mix of music, from indie to Afro-beats.
| Pro Tips: Kitchener’s Carvery Bar is conveniently accessible from Gautrain Park Station. |
Jakomely’s Pub & Grill
Media from pho_phos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JakomelysPubNGrill/
Address: Cnr of Hendrick Potgieter Street and, 10th Ave, Edenvale, Johannesburg, 1609, South Africa
Phone: +27 83 785 5747
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 3 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 2 AM
Jakomely’s Pub & Grill offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The pub is known for its great vibe, making it an ideal spot for socializing and unwinding.
The bar’s kitchen remains open all night, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings at any hour. The friendly owners and top-notch bar personnel contribute to the overall positive experience.
As for the menu, expect a delightful array of dishes, including chicken, meat, poultry, cheese, salads, pork, burgers, beef, seafood, fish, pizza, bacon, steaks, rice, prawns, lamb, and sandwiches.
| Pro Tips: Make sure to check out Horwood’s Farm Market, held on the first weekend of every month just a 4-minute drive away from the pub. It offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and family-friendly attractions. |
Hogshead Illovo
Website: https://www.hogshead.co.za/booking-illovo.html
Address: 10 Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 72 877 8441
Operating Hours:
- Sunday & Monday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Wednesday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Hogshead Illovo, although situated in a typical suburban shopping area, has plenty of room for guests. You can sit outside on the big patio or inside where there are lots of TV screens showing different sports.
Here, you’ll find a wide variety of craft beers and creative cocktails to enjoy. Their menu features tasty burgers, savoury pies, and spicy peri-peri chicken perfect for sharing with friends.
| Pro Tips: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a short walk to the DP World Wanderers Stadium. You can catch a match or simply take a tour of the site. |
Gilroy’s Brewery
Website: https://www.gilroysbrewery.co.za/
Address: Achter Rd, Paulshof, Johannesburg, 2157, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 796 3020
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Gilroy’s is a delightful microbrewery with a cosy pub and outdoor area. At the helm is Steve Gilroy, an Irish brew master known for his unique style—bowtie, apron, and pipe—which reflects the character of his acclaimed brews.
At Gilroy’s, you’ll find a variety of handcrafted beers, ranging from light and crisp options like Gilroy Lager to robust choices like Gilroy Serious. Plus, they’re all natural and packed with good stuff like vitamins and antioxidants.
| Pro Tips: Book a tour with Steve Gilroy and learn the secrets of beer making. You can smell, taste, and explore the ingredients and the process that make Gilroy’s beers so delicious and award-winning. |
Brazen Head Edenvale
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Website: https://brazenhead.co.za/
Address: Terraces Shopping Center, Corner Terrance & Van Tonder Street, Edenglen, Edenvale, Johannesburg, 1610
Phone: +27 (011) 609 0273
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 10 AM to 10 PM
The Brazen Head Edenvale is an authentic Irish restaurant and pub that brings the best of Ireland to South Africa. It’s part of the Irish Pub Concept, a global network of over 1,850 Irish-themed venues.
The pub offers classics like stew, pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash as well as a variety of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails. Plus, it’s the official hangout for Arsenal fans, so you can expect a lot of energy, especially during football season.
| Pro Tips: Try their Murphy’s Mixed Basket meal combo for a generous serving of chipolatas (sausage), chicken strips, samosas, and chips with honey mustard dip. And to wash it down, you’ll also get a bottle of Heineken Silver, a refreshing and smooth lager. |
