Categories > Guides and Tips
The Best-Kept Bars in Sandton…Shh, Don’t Tell Anyone!
Get ready to mix, mingle, and make memories at some of the most buzzing bars in the city! Because who knows? Your next best friend or love interest could be waiting for you at one of these fantastic hangouts.
Don’t be shy. Start a chat and see where the night takes you!
Let’s raise a glass to the nights that turn into mornings and the strangers who become our squad at these fine bars.
San Deck, Bar & Restaurant
Media from savage__kicky
Website: https://www.southernsun.com/sandton-sun-hotel/dining/san-deck
Address: Sandton Sun Hotel Corner Fifth Street and, Alice Ln, Sandhurst
Phone: +27 11 780 5000
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 12 PM to 11 PM
Situated atop the five-star Sandton Sun Hotel, the San Deck is the biggest and most elaborate rooftop bar in Joburg.
It’s truly something special, with fire pits, cosy seating, and even a small swimming pool. The atmosphere is just perfect for soaking in a stunning sunset right in the heart of the bustling city.
Each private nook provides an intimate experience. The cocktails here are sophisticated and complement the high-class setting.
| Pro Tip: If the evening brings a chill, the ambience is kept cosy with a welcoming fireplace. |
Alto234
Website: https://www.alto234.co.za/
Address: 75 Maude St, Sandown
Phone: +27 87 536 0051
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM
When I stepped into Alto234, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the sight of the entire city from this vantage point atop The Leonardo, Africa’s tallest building.
The bar offers an impressive selection of Moët & Chandon champagne and delectable gourmet nibbles such as oysters, Wagyu beef biltong, and langoustines.
One of my most memorable moments here was witnessing the sun setting behind the majestic Magaliesberg while enjoying a glass of champagne.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring a jacket, as the elevated location can bring cooler temperatures, especially after sunset. |
Island Bar
Website: https://www.southernsun.com/southern-sun-hyde-park-sandton/dining
Address: Southern Sun Hyde Park Sandton, 1st Road, Hyde Park
Phone: +27 11 341 8080
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6 AM to 11 PM
Island Bar is a fantastic spot situated atop a shopping mall, offering amazing views of the leafy northern suburbs. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of shopping or just looking to relax with friends, it has the perfect ambience.
The small plates here are a fantastic way to try a variety of tasty options. Do yourself a favour and try the BBQ pork ribs and dunked wings. They’re my top recommendations!
Oh, and a heads up about the signature cocktails: the Gintonica may look innocent, but it definitely has a kick!
| Pro Tip: Time your visit to catch the golden hour. Check the local sunset time and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier to secure a prime spot. |
Social On Main – Bryanston
Website: https://socialonmain.co.za/
Address: 1 Posthouse Street Corner Main Road and, Posthouse St, Bryanston
Phone: +27 76 609 5585
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday – 12 PM & 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM & 1 AM
Social On Main is a slick, bare-brick cafe and bar, offering BBQ dishes, craft beers, and cocktails.
On a recent visit, my friend and I were guided by the friendly waitstaff to try the tacos, which turned out to be the best we’ve ever had. Additionally, the vibe was lively with good music playing at a fair volume, allowing for easy socialising.
The mist cooling outside added a nice touch, and the prices for both food and drinks were decent.
| Pro Tip: Elevate your Sunday brunch experience at the bar with their irresistible offer of bottomless mimosas for just R195. |
011 Sandton Gin-Eatery
Website: https://www.011jhb.co.za/
Address: 27 Minerva Ave, Glenadrienne
Phone: +27 10 020 9946
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 7:30 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday – 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM
- Friday – 8 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
011 Sandton Gin-Eatery has a gorgeous decor and a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere. It offers an impressive cocktail selection and great beer deals!
I recently visited it for a dinner with friends, and the food was absolutely fantastic. I had the bacon-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with spinach, and it was absolutely delicious.
The service was top-notch, with attentive and friendly staff. Our waiter took great care of us, adding to the overall fantastic experience.
| Pro Tip: Head to the bar on match day. It’s the perfect spot to experience the game with fellow fans, enjoy exclusive deals, and soak in the communal spirit of sportsmanship. |
The Brazen Head Sandton
Media from myriadbranding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrazenHeadSandton/
Address: Linden Pl, Strathavon Ext 25
Phone: +27 11 326 6654
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 11 AM to 9 PM
I recently visited The Brazen Head, a cosy and inviting Irish pub. I appreciated that it wasn’t too crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
The pub offers a variety of classic dishes such as stew, pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. Additionally, it has an extensive selection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails.
It’s also worth noting that it’s the official hangout for Arsenal fans, making it an energetic spot, especially during football season.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their Facebook page for exclusive meal deals for their best menu items all under R200. |
The Landmark Cocktail Bar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandmarkcocktailbar/
Address: Cnr William Nicol & Ballyclare Dr Bryanston Shopping Centre, Bryanston
Phone: +27 11 463 0207
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
The Negroni at The Landmark Cocktail Bar is a delightful blend of Tanqueray gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, creating a balanced mix of herbal, bitter, and citrus flavours.
The food here is also a highlight. They offer crispy base pizzas, spring rolls, polenta chips, chicken wings, and skewers that make delightful accompaniments to your drinks.
The staff are not only friendly but also knowledgeable about their craft. They’re great at offering drink recommendations.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for a bolder adventure, the Zombie cocktail offers a potent mix of rum, liqueur, and fruit juice that promises a tropical kick. |
News Cafe Sandton
Website: https://www.newscafe.co.za/
Address: 140 West St, Sandown
Phone: +27 64 615 9950
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 6:30 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
News Cafe Sandton has a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The music there sets the perfect tone for a night out, and the food is definitely noteworthy.
I highly recommend their cocktails. The virgin strawberry daiquiri is a personal favourite of mine for its smooth texture and its combination of sweetness and zest.
Furthermore, the culinary creativity here is truly exceptional, particularly evident in the bacon beef cheeseburger I tried. This standout dish showcases a combination of quality ingredients and expert flavour balancing.
| Pro Tip: Elevate your midweek by indulging in their half-price steak Wednesdays. Savour a high-quality steak without breaking the bank. |
The Greenhouse
Website: https://www.greenhousejhb.co.za/
Address: 6 Gwen Lane &, Fredman Dr, Sandown
Phone: +27 79 179 7362
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
The Greenhouse is an ideal spot to while away the hours sipping on a gloriously refreshing glass of wine or cocktail.
When we visited, it had a great vibe with fantastic music that had us dancing all night. The DJ played a mix of old and new hip-hop, R&B, and some classic dance.
The bar’s tapas menu offered fresh and simple options perfect for sharing and nibbling. If you fancy a cocktail, I highly recommend the coconut tequila for its rich, tropical flavour or the classic pina colada for its refreshing blend of pineapple and coconut.
| Pro Tip: For an enhanced experience at a DJ night, don’t hesitate to approach the DJ with a song request that gets you moving. Just remember to be courteous and if possible, tip your DJ for their efforts in crafting a memorable night! |
Zioux Restaurant & Bar
Website: https://zioux.com/
Address: The Marc Corner Rivonia and, Maude St, Sandown
Phone: +27 10 594 5455
Operating Hours:
- Sunday & Monday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Zioux Restaurant & Bar offers a luxurious and inviting atmosphere, showcasing the alluring scents and flavours of Asia. The ambience is romantic, complemented by top-notch service, making it ideal for a special evening out.
For a standout drink, the Junmai Daiginjo sake is a highlight. It’s a premium sake brewed with highly polished rice, offering an aromatic profile that enhances the meal.
In addition to sake, the restaurant serves a variety of creative cocktails that incorporate unique ingredients like yuzu, wasabi, and dragonfruit, adding an exotic flair to your evening.
| Pro Tip: For the best sushi experience, lightly dip the fish side in soy sauce to enhance its natural flavours. Remember, it’s the fish that should touch the soy sauce, not the rice. |
Hard Rock Cafe
Media from lollyskosana
Website: https://cafe.hardrock.com/johannesburg/
Address: 10 & 10A, Mandela Square, 8 Maude St, Sandown
Phone: +27 11 784 3144
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Hard Rock Cafe offers a unique dining experience with American cuisine and rock n’ roll flair. It’s a place where food, music, and art meet.
We tried the Southern Rock cocktail. It’s a delightful choice due to its mix of peach-flavoured schnapps, citrus tartness, and a refreshing hint of mint.
As for the food, my friend and I opted for the Messi burger, drawn in by the juicy Angus beef patty paired with the creamy texture of the egg.
| Pro Tip: To avoid the frustration of slow table service during peak hours, it’s wise to approach the bar directly for your orders. |
Jozi Gin Bar – Bryanston
Website: https://www.jozigin.co.za/
Address: Cnr Posthouse and, Main Rd, Bryanston
Phone: +27 11 706 6373
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11:55 PM
Jozi Gin Bar impressed me with its unique vibe and a striking 10-metre retro brass-clad bar with an impressive selection of international gins.
The gin cocktails were thoughtfully made with craft tonics and garnishes, bringing out their vibrant flavours. Meanwhile, the sushi added a different but complementary taste, enhancing the overall tasting experience when enjoyed alongside the cocktails.
Moreover, the bar had a separate smoking area, which added to the comfort of the diners.
| Pro Tip: Purchase two Stella Draughts and you’ll receive a free chalice to enjoy your brews at home. It’s a stylish way to bring a piece of the pub experience into your own space. |
Maracanà
Website: https://maracana.co.za/
Address: 58 Wierda Rd E, Wierda Valley
Phone: +27 74 132 0229
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday & Thursday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Maracaná is a vibrant beach-bar-style venue that brings a taste of South America to Johannesburg. The highlight for us was the live DJ, whose infectious beats kept the energy high and the dance floor busy.
We started our evening with a shareable platter from their menu. That includes BBQ chicken wings, crispy chicken strips, fries, fried onion rings, and two dipping sauces, all paired with a bottle of Veuve Rich.
Moreover, the bar offers a range of drinks that cater to different tastes. You can choose from their bucket specials, like the tequila and Corona bucket or the Black Label bucket, which offer a variety of beers and spirits at a good value.
| Pro Tip: Plan your visit on a Wednesday to enjoy the buy one, get one free special—a perfect midweek pick-me-up. |
Nostra
Website: https://clubnostra.co.za/
Address: Posthouse & Link Building, Bryanston
Phone: +27 79 319 6740
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 AM to 5 AM
Nostra is a hidden gem in the underground parking lot of Bryanston’s Posthouse Link Centre. When I walked past the mirrored entryway and onto the black carpet, I was instantly captivated.
The atmosphere was electric with hand-held sparklers and illuminated Hennessy logos. The bar boasted top-shelf liquors like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, which I couldn’t resist trying.
DJ DBN Gogo was spinning that night, and later, rapper Nadia Nakai took the stage, making the night unforgettable. Before I knew it, the lights came on at 2 AM, and I couldn’t believe how quickly time had flown by.
| Pro Tip: Always club with a buddy system. Having a trusted friend with you ensures mutual safety and enhances the night’s enjoyment. |
Sir James Van Der Merwe at Katy’s Palace Bar
Website: https://katyspalacebar.co.za/
Address: 6 Desmond Rd, Kramerville
Phone: +27 72 607 4235
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – 12 AM to 2 AM, 4 PM to 12 AM
Sir James Van Der Merwe is a hidden gem, perfect for a mid-week escape. The bar is housed in a fascinating warehouse filled with antiques and quirky decorations from around the world, including old scooters, bicycles, and world maps.
It offers a stunning view of Sandton’s skyline. When we visited, the ambience was retro and lively, complemented by music that set the perfect mood.
I tried their Margherita pizza with chips and enjoyed it with a cold beer!
| Pro Tip: Arrive early, around 3:45 PM, to get a good spot before the rush at 4 PM for the buy one, get one free beer and wine deal. This offer is only available from 4 PM to 6 PM. |
