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Great Hums and Yums: The Best Live Music Spots in Johannesburg
The late hours of a Friday night is usually my time to go to a bar with nice live music. I just love singing along to music (and not getting judged for it) with an ice-cold beer in my hand. I first go for a satisfying greasy meal from a fast food restaurant then settle down at a bar for a live performance.
I’ve stumbled in and out of a handful (probably more, my head was fuzzy) of bars that have amazing live bands. Here are my favorites that I’ve visited with buddies!
The Marabi Club
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Website: https://hallmarkhouse.info/dine/marabi/
Address: Maboneng Precinct, 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein
Contact Info: (+27) 10 5912 879
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM
The Marabi Club is one of my snazziest stops if I want whiskey with some of my close buddies. They play live jazz here, and it feels like a throwback to the golden era since they also offer a selection of good cigars and whiskey.
My go-to snack and drink when I’m here are Marabi chicken sliders and Dragon Fiery ginger beer—the perfect bar duo. The savory taste of fried chicken slightly mellowed by the slaw is a great accompaniment to the tangy taste of the Dragon Fiery ginger beer.
| Pro tip: The food portions are a bit small (or maybe I just eat a lot), so order more than one if you’re with a group or if you’re extra hungry! |
Katzy’s Live Rosebank
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Website: https://www.katzyslive.co.za/
Address: 17, Shop 2 The Firs, Hyatt Shopping Centre, 19 Biermann Ave, Rosebank
Contact Info:
(+27) 11 880 3945
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
There’s always something fun happening in Katzy’s, and I’m always up for it! I dance the night away with Dr. Victor’s music or go for a more chill vibe with Blu BamBoo.
If you’re on a date (congrats), I suggest their special set menu that costs ZAR 500 per person. You get to pick your choice of starters, main course, and dessert.
I recommend the calamari, filet steak, and hot malva pudding combination. It’s my go-to!
| Pro tip: Don’t bother going if you’re below 25, as Katzy’s Live doesn’t accommodate people under that age. Also, secure the best place in the bar by booking a table through the phone number above. |
The Radium Beerhall
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiumbeerhall/
Address: 282 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove
Contact Info: (+27) 11 728 3866
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The Radium Beerhall is the oldest running bar in Johannesburg. It was founded in 1929, and it still serves good food and amazing live music. Their live band focuses more on jazz and old-school music, which adds to the vintage charm of the place.
Honestly, I love the classic pizza and beers here. I highly recommend their Miguelitos pizza along with a glass of cold beer of your choice. The saltiness of bacon and the slight sourness of olives on a bed of melted cheese can make anyone drool!
| Pro tip: Pizzas here are half-price on Tuesday, so take advantage of the deal and try out all the classic pizzas. This won’t work if you order it to go, so invite all your buddies and make sure you work up an appetite! |
Native Rebels
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063578109874
Address: 1345 Kadebe Street, Central Western Jabavu, Soweto
Contact Info:
(+27) 10 023 6110
Operating Hours:
Sunday and Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
If you want to discover new singers, DJs, and bands, Native Rebels is my favorite suggestion for a chill music session with buddies. Aside from their live bands, they also have stand-up comedy if you want a night full of laughter.
As for their grubs, I recommend their wings and fries and Locrate Market cocktail (a pretty heady mix of Bacardi rum, lime, mint, and lemonade). Their wings are tangy and crispy, and Locrate Market burns but in a good way!
| Pro tip: The place is small, so by night it’s packed to the brim with eager customers. I suggest going around 6:00 PM to get the best listening and dining experience. |
Bailey’s Live Bedfordview
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Website: https://www.baileyslive.co.za/
Address: 61 Van Buuren Rd, Bedfordview
Contact Info:
(+27) 66 268 2803
Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
From karaoke to live music, you’ll definitely have fun at Bailey’s Live. They have a variety of up-and-coming artists of different genres performing at night.
If you want something else to do, they also have a sports bar downstairs with a laid-back vibe. They also have game nights and comedy shows for those who enjoy a good laugh.
The food I recommend here is the classic Margherita pizza. Its melty mozzarella and herby basil are a perfect balance to any beer you choose.
| Pro tip: Don’t bother hiring a dog sitter since Bailey’s is a dog-friendly restaurant. Enjoy good food with your pup (and meet a few good dogs, too!) |
Theatre in the Park
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Website: https://theatreinthepark.co.za/
Address: Delta Park, Intersection of Rd No. 3 &, Rd No 5, Victory Park, Randburg
Contact Info: [email protected]
Event Schedule Info: https://theatreinthepark.co.za/shows/
Theatre in the Park is one of Johannesburg’s artsy affairs and food experiences. With singers and storytellers, it’s a great treat to cap your night.
Moreover, the open space is beautifully lit by fairy lights and candles.
The last time I was there, I had the butter chicken curry, which was creamy. The chicken itself was tender and smokey, so I suggest trying it!
| Pro tip: Check out their website’s ‘Tickets’ tab before visiting. Find a show or event that you’re interested in, as the performances and schedule aren’t fixed. |
Chicago’s Piano Bar
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Website: http://chicagospianobar.com/
Address: Shop 15, Honeycrest Centre, Beyers Naudé Dr, Randpark Ridge
Contact Info:
(+27) 063 542 2355
Operating Hours:
Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday and Thursday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday to Sunday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
The Chicago’s Piano Bar is a fun Gatsby-themed bar where everyone is friendly and there’s always live music. You can also dance your night away on their two available dance floors!
I always go there with friends, and we usually order their chicken schnitzel and The Englishman (beer-battered hake served with a side of fries and tartar sauce) to get started.
The tangy taste of the hake soaked in tartare sauce and the savory, smokey taste of chicken schnitzel is a great pair for strong beers.
| Pro tip: It can get crowded and the music can be a bit loud, so I suggest eating a proper meal before going to Chicago’s Piano Bar. It’s definitely more of a place to socialize and listen to music rather than a place for a meal. However, they do offer good food. If you really want a meal, go there earlier and secure a table first! |
Social on Main
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Website: https://socialonmain.co.za/
Address: 1 Posthouse Street Corner Main Road and, Posthouse St, Bryanston
Contact Info: (+27) 76 609 5585
Operating Hours:
Sunday to Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
This hip little corner is a pleasant place for live music performed by budding South African artists. This cozy space is decorated with plants, and its alfresco area is my favorite place to chill with my closest mates.
For their menu choices, I recommend their chicken taco and jalapeno poppers and a glass (or a few, I won’t judge) of mojitos to jumpstart your night. The jalapeno poppers aren’t just spicy; they have a hint of sweetness and savory goodness in every bite!
The mojitos, however, are icy, a tad bit sweet, and minty—a refreshing contrast to the jalapeno poppers.
| Pro tip: If you want to listen to The Motherland (a popular indie folk band) make sure you drop by Sunday at around 2:00 PM. Check out the place at least thirty minutes before 2:00 PM to secure a good table! |
