Cheers! Pretoria's best bars for 30 somethings

Here are some choice spots, conveniently located in the suburbs, to satisfy any 30-something looking to party or have a mellow drink with friends

ROCKET 88

Next to Groenkloof Butchery is Rocket 88 Bar and Braai, serving traditional food and drink. Opened by Lorraine and Hennie Venter in December 2014, it was created in honour of Eddie van Niekerk, Lorraine’s father, the founder of Groenkloof Butchery and an avid car collector, who passed away in July 2014.

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The name “Rocket 88” reflects Eddie’s rocket-engine-powered Oldsmobile and the year of his granddaughter Monique’s birth: 1988. Lending the bar character is a mural painting of an Oldsmobile, a yellow vintage Fiat, traffic lights, posters of bands, and a Jukebox loaded with rock and other old-school numbers.

There’s no set menu: guests create their own plates from a selection that may include a chicken flatty, steak, lamb, mielie pap, potato bake, and pampoen koekies.

These can be washed down with a Bacardi frozen strawberry daiquiri, 88 Juice (the house cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, Bacardi, Blue Curacao and lemonade), craft draught or a jam jar. Rocket 88 Bar and Braai is a great spot to watch the latest sports or enjoy the quiz nights on Wednesday evenings. Call 012-348-1558.

SQUARE TIME CAFE

Nestled beneath the trees and overlooking the tranquil Boardwalk Lake, Square Time Cafe at Boardwalk Office Park will make you feel as if you are relaxing in a European square.

The bar has been running for 14 years and serves delicious drinks, including cappuccinos, Dom Pedros, smoothies, sparkling wines, cocktails such as the Blaster and the chocolate Martini, as well as shooters, including the Picasso, the Nutty Angel and the Johannesburger.

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Young professionals can enjoy a convenient breakfast before work, a burger or steak for lunch and return in the late afternoon for sundowners and dinner with friends. The plush lounge upstairs with crystal glass chandeliers has a vibrant party atmosphere and a glass-encased seating area for private functions of up to 45 people.

On weekends there’s a breakfast buffet of cereals, pastries, bacon and eggs, and a lunchtime carvery of roast lamb, beef and pork belly, all offering great value for money. Call 012-991-6912.

This article was originally published in Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Pretoria. Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter.