9 epic spots to enjoy after-work drinks in Joburg

15 April 2016 - 02:00 By Shanthini Naidoo
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Sir James van der Merwe bar in Kramerville, Joburg, boast an awesome view.
Sir James van der Merwe bar in Kramerville, Joburg, boast an awesome view.
Image: Supplied

Hey workaholics, 5 o'clock is downtime. Avoid the traffic and forget the stresses of the office with a glass, or two, of something special.

Whether you prefer champagne or craft beer, here's our lowdown on Johannesburg's top hot spots for after-work drinks.

1) SIR JAMES VDM BAR AT KATY’S PALACE BAR

Kramerville's design district is a treasure, and Katy's Palace Bar is one of its gems. It houses the Sir James van der Merwe bar, which is where the cool crowd meets to snack on meze while nursing trendy drinks. It's only open on Wednesday’s from 4pm or for occasional events on Fridays, so best get your name on their e-mail list. Katy’s Palace Bar also hosts long, lazy lunches on the first Sunday of every month.

Visit: 6 Desmond Street, Kramerville, 072-607-4235.

2) THE SAN DECK AT THE SANDTON SUN

Located in the heart of Sandton's business district, the San Deck is where the suits come to unwind. It boasts beach holiday-styled seating, fire pits on the open air deck and a good drinks selection, including local bubbly by the glass - you don’t need much more to forget the week’s worries.

Visit: 1st Road, Hyde Park, Sandton, 011-780-5000.

3) CHURCHILLS

Open until late, Churchills in Melrose Arch is a posh spot for the well-heeled. It offers a British gastropub experience complete with stylised Union Jacks, chesterfield-inspired booths, a VIP area with a cigar bar and varieties of whiskey for days. Try the Winston’s Board tasting platter - artichokes, spicy chicken livers flambéed in sherry, cold cuts, caper berries, tzatziki and ciabatta.

Visit: Shop 52 upper level, Galleria Piazza, Melrose Arch, 011-684-1040.

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4) SOCIAL ON MAIN

Bryanston's vibey Social On Main is where good food and drinks meet for a splendid time. G&Ts in specialised globe glasses and flavoured mojitos are firm favourites, and they keep them coming. Snacks like popcorn with parmesan, prawn lollipops with ginger firecracker dip and antipasti will keep you from landing on your ear.

Visit: 1 Posthouse Street, Corner Main Road and Posthouse Street, Bryanston, 011-706-7115.

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5) THE FOUNDRY

Craft beer and locally-inspired food are the order of the evening at The Foundry, one of Parktown North’s busiest venues. The crowd spills out onto the balcony and into the street on Friday afternoons, so don't go looking for a quiet drink. It's also around the corner from popular 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, with its many restaurants and bars, if further sustenance and raucousness are required.

Visit: Parktown Quarter, 3rd Ave, Parktown, 011-447-5828.

6) RANDLORDS

Don't be afraid of the city at night, Randlords is perfectly safe and secure, not to mention stylish and swish. The view of Johannesburg's cityscape from the 22nd floor is enough intoxication for some, but there are tapas and tipple aplenty too. Randlords is open for events as listed on their Facebook page.

Visit: 41 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, 011-403-1833.

7) VEUVE CLICQUOT CHAMPAGNE BAR AT 54 ON BATH

Unsurprisingly cocktails of the bubbly kind are a speciality at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar in Rosebank. It's a chic place to enjoy good city views - and mod bar snacks - with a flute in hand. There are also brilliant restaurant offerings if you decide to stay for dinner.

Visit: 54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, 011-344-8500.

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8) THE GRIFFIN

Not quite snobby, but not exactly your grungy local, The Griffin in Illovo is a gastropub that's all about the good stuff. Ethically good, that is. Seasonal and safe food matched with local and imported fine wine and beer, plus homemade ice cream. Cheers to that!

Visit: 5 Illovo Junction, corner of Corlett Drive and Oxford Road, 011-447-9842.

9) THE LIVING ROOM

In the hip Maboneng Precinct, The Living Room is intimate, green and open air, offering perfect views of the bustling city below. There's a reason the bar runs the length of this hipster-friendly space - it's not really a foodie haunt. Watch out for visiting Capetonians.

Visit: 20 Kruger Street, Johannesburg, 082-370-9284.

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