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10 Of The Coolest Bars In South Africa

10 Of The Coolest Bars In South Africa

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South Africa has become known worldwide for its spectacular nightlife, and it is no easy task to pick the coolest bars, clubs, and trendy after-dinner spots throughout the country. Regardless, here is an attempt to pick out some of the most popular and unique spots South Africa has to offer, from major cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, to tiny taverns in the mountains. Here are 10 of the coolest bars in South Africa.

Sources: CapeTownMagazine.com, SouthAfrica.info, SafariNow.com, Food24.com, WorldsBestBars.com, Getaway.co.za, Elle.co.za

ThirtyOne.co.za
ThirtyOne.co.za

31

For those looking for a nightclub in Cape Town that doesn’t let you forget exactly where you are, look no further than 31. Situated 31 floors above the city center, the club offers a trendy and sophisticated venue with breathtaking views of the waterfront, Table Mountain, and more. International and local visitors are both likely clientele at 31, and while the drinks don’t come cheap, the experience is worth it.

Elle.co.za
Elle.co.za

Gino’s Sky View Bar

Located in downtown Durban, Gino’s Sky View Bar sits on the rooftop of the famous Roma revolving restaurant in the John Ross House, and offers top-notch views of the city. The bar itself is sleek and stylish, and is perfect for after-dinner drinks or a romantic evening out.

OnlyMissM.Wordpress.com
OnlyMissM.Wordpress.com

Tjing Tjing

Tjing Tjing, a cocktail and tapas bar located in the heart of downtown Cape Town, offers both an indoor section with unique Japanese decorations, as well as a rooftop area decked out in eclectic décor. Offering top shelf cocktails, craft beers, varied music, and one-of-a-kind fusion food, Tjing Tjing is not to be missed while in the Mother City.

CapeTownMagazine.com
CapeTownMagazine.com

The Assembly

The Assembly has quickly become known as one of the hottest nightclubs in Cape Town, with a varied and popular line-up of musical talent and a retro, lively atmosphere. With acts ranging from electronica to punk to pop, and the occasional comedy set, The Assembly has something to offer an array of clientele.

BillKnight.co.za
BillKnight.co.za

Cottage Club

This intimate venue is the place for local folk music, nestled on the slopes of the Kommetije mountains. Created and managed by famed local folk musician-singer-songwriter Bill Knight, the Cottage Club stays true to its roots and highlights the best of what the region has to offer. The homely décor ensures that attention remains on the talent, and the bar ensures that no patron ever goes home thirsty.

GeoGypsyTraveler.com
GeoGypsyTraveler.com

Ronnie’s Sex Shop

Though the name suggests otherwise, Ronnie’s Sex Shop isn’t actually full of bedroom toys,. It’s a rather unique and eclectic bar with management that refuses to take life too seriously. Tourists, locals, bikers, and those simply curious about the name frequent Ronnie’s, making for a mix of patrons that is as varied as the décor. The pub can trace its history back to the day Ronie’s friends stopped by a farm stall for a brew, and decided to open the place up to the public.

BDB.co.za
BDB.co.za

Star of the West

Located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, Star of the West opened its doors back in 1870 to serve the diamond miners who flocked to the region in the midst of the rush. The original materials that make up the pub itself have been almost perfectly restored, preserving the old-style feel of the place. Luckily, the bathrooms and the drink menu have been slightly altered since the 1870s, giving visitors indoor plumbing and a drink choice beyond moonshine.

Explorer.TimesLive.co.za
Explorer.TimesLive.co.za

The Jolly Roger

This Cape Town staple in Plumstead gets down to basics, but in the best way possible. Big screen TVs, jukeboxes, live bands, slot machines, pool, and the cheapest beer in town make the Jolly Roger a favorite with locals. The Jolly Roger offers basic-but-filling pub food (presumably to soak up all the beer), and a lively atmosphere any day of the week you might wander in.

FlowSA.net
FlowSA.net

Pig ‘n Whistle

The famous Pig n’ Whistle pub in Bathurst, Eastern Cape, is on the list if only for its impressively long history of serving up beer in South Africa. In operation since 1832, it is the oldest continuously licensed pub in the country, and offers live music, open markets, and other events. It will soon be renamed The Historic Pig & Whistle Inn, and will operate an attached inn, presumably for customers who have had a few too many to make it home.

SA-Venues.com
SA-Venues.com

Khuwana Tavern

This Pretoria staple, named after the Tonga word for “beer pot,” stays true to its name. Khuwana Tavern is one of South Africa’s largest beer outlets, selling more beer annually than any other pub in the country. Located just north of Pretoria, the tavern is also known for its extensive menu featuring regional specialties such as peri-peri chicken roasted over an open flame.