Top Bars in Johannesburg – Most Viewed (2025)

Tucked down a dark alley beside Coalition pizza, Sin + Tax is Johannesburg’s secret cocktail hideout offering an unpretentious yet refined drinking experience. Step through the nondescript metal door—no password, but be discreet—and enter a dim, low-lit room with a blue-tiled bar and plush leather seating. A small courtyard garden opens out the back, perfect for warm Jozi evenings. Under the guidance of renowned mixologist Julian Short, the bar serves seasonal, garden-to-glass cocktails that surprise with their originality—think turmeric gin French 75, fennel-spiced concoctions, oysters in cauldrons—yet always honour classic forms. Critics rave about their sizable and elegant drinks: “The first drink you have… is likely to be water”—a classy touch. Since launching in Rosebank in 2015, Sin + Tax has appeared on The World’s 50 Best Bars extended list (No. 94 in 2022, re-entering at No. 81 in 2024) and stands as Africa’s lone representative in 2019 at No. 88. Serving Tues–Sat (5 pm–late) and Sat from 3 pm, it offers an intimate, inclusive yet exclusive-feeling ambiance. Cocktails average around R95 (~US$7), reliable for premium quality without the inflated cocktail tax. With guarded parking, courtyard seating, and staff dedicated to flavourful storytelling, Sin + Tax balances edgy speakeasy allure with warm hospitality. Ideal for after-work drinks, date nights, or those craving discovery in Joburg’s vibrant cocktail scene.

Tucked into the bohemian heart of the Melville neighbourhood of Johannesburg, Smoking Kills Bar is a no-frills, high-spirits destination for drinkers who favour character over polish. With graffiti-tagged walls, punk-and-grunge aesthetics and a solitary vintage TV playing cartoons, the ambience says: “we don’t care about your cufflinks, just bring good energy.” The bar leans heavy on rum (and rum-based cocktails such as a Peanut Colada or Marsala Rum Sour) while also serving craft beer and affordable bar food. Live music and DJ-led nights are part of the draw — it’s more than a place to drink, it’s a genuine nightlife hangout. Its size is intimate; the vibe is social and laid-back rather than pretentious. Bartenders will chat you up, the playlist is carried by character, and you might just find yourself staying two rounds longer than planned. In short: if you’re looking for a stylish sundowner lounge you’re in the wrong place. But if you want character, live sounds and a genuine local Johannesburg bar experience — Smoking Kills Bar has you covered.

Located on the 2nd floor of the Trumpet building at 21 Keyes Avenue in the stylish Keyes Art Mile precinct of Rosebank, Johannesburg, MIX Cocktail Bar merges refined mixology, contemporary art and a vibrant social scene. Inside you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views across the treed northern suburbs of Johannesburg and a striking jade marble bar at the centre of the space. The drink menu is crafted with care and precision: signature creations like the “Net Nou Nie Negroni” (with sour figs) and a reinterpreted Paloma featuring vanilla and pink pepper highlight the bar’s inventive approach. Food-wise the menu features stylish small plates, such as fried prawns, arancini balls and tossed salads, designed to accompany the cocktails rather than dominate them. MIX is open to non-members though the bar is part of the stylish members-club ambience of MESH Club, meaning service is polished, the crowd creative, and the ambience trendy but approachable. Afternoon sundowners work especially well here: arrive before sunset for the best window seats, then stay on as the room transitions into an evening scene with DJ sets or live jazz on Wednesdays. For your directory listing: the vibe is first-class cocktail-lounge meets art-gallery lounge. While not a casual pub, MIX retains warmth and sociability — great for after-work drinks, a stylish date or gathering with friends who appreciate craft cocktails and design. Tip: Smart-casual dress helps, and arriving between 16:00–19:00 gets you the “sundowner” light and view before it becomes more club-style after 20:00.

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Rosebank, Johannesburg, Obscura Cocktail Bar & Eatery offers more than just drinks and plates—it delivers an atmosphere of curated discovery and style. Founded by mixologist and co-owner George Hunter and his partners, the venue is crafted with the idea that “the more you look, the more you see”. From the moment you arrive at 199 Oxford Road you’ll notice the bold décor—animal-print banquettes, rich textures, a splash of art-inspired spaces (including a “Dali Room”)—that set the scene for something out of the ordinary. On the drinks side, it’s clear this is not your average bar. Hunter and his team craft inventive cocktails such as “The Alchemy” (mezcal, lime juice, coconut syrup, banana liqueur, tonka bean) and other signature libations with complex flavours. Non-alcoholic versions are also given equal care. Food is served in a sharing-plate style with a contemporary edge: think Korean panko wings, sticky pork belly, charred broccoli with Cape Malay velouté, small-bite dessert creations like banoffee tartlets—all curated to complement the cocktail culture. The vibe is sophisticated yet playful: you might find a cocktail-flavour board game, indulgent late-night hours, and an attentive team that aims to treat you like a guest in their home rather than a one-time patron. With dinner-and-drinks in mind rather than a casual pub session, Obscura rewards those who linger: start with a few cocktails, share 2-3 plates per person, soak in the décor, and let the evening unwind. Bookings are encouraged, especially on weekends.