Entertainment in South Africa
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A
Monk Bar
Work your way through the many bottled Belgium brews, or the Hoegaarden, Leffe and Stella beers on tap, at this stylish DJ bar over the trendy 0932 Belgian restaurant.
reviewed
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B
Café Caprice
The bronzed and beautiful gather at this café-bar, which is as popular for breakfast as it is for sundowner drinks. Grab a pavement table for the best view.
reviewed
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C
Ruby Blue
Plays a mix of hip hop, R&B, commercial house, ’80s and ’90s, to students and young professionals who come for the unpretentious vibe and the cheap shooters.
reviewed
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Turffontein Race Course
There are several horse-racing tracks, but the best known is Turffontein Race Course, 3km south of the city. There are race meetings most weeks.
reviewed
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D
Table Bay Hotel
At Waterfront, the Table Bay Hotel has a spread that comes with or without sparkling wine in a plush lounge with a view towards Table Mountain.
reviewed
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E
Cubaña
This is one of a chain of Havana Lounges around South Africa, and a good one at that. This laid-back, yet stylish, spot is a great place to chill Latino style.
reviewed
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F
English Pub
Offering plenty of rough-and-tumble action and an English pub-style ambience, this is a good spot on the weekends for determined drinking and lively banter.
reviewed
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G
Caffé Verdi
This handsome café-bar, set in a 110-year-old house with a pretty courtyard, is a pleasant place to retire for a drink after exploring Chelsea Village.
reviewed
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Imax
If it’s a large screen that you’re seeking, the grandest addition to Jo’burg’s entertainment scene is the Imax.
reviewed
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H
Caveau at the Mill
Some 400 different wines, 70 by the glass, are served at this pleasant wine bar and restaurant in the historic Josephine Mill near the stadiums in Newlands.
reviewed
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I
Berlin Bar
Retro-chic bar full of floral ’70s-style sofas and tasselled lamps, like a funked-up version of grandma’s living room. Arty types flock here.
reviewed
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J
Sundeck Bar
Popular with pathological people-watchers, the upstairs terrace bar at this place is the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and watch Norwood slowly drift by.
reviewed
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Maloney's
As if to prove the old corporate adage that you can never have enough Irish pubs, here's another. And it's worth another night's drinking all to itself.
reviewed
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K
Baraza
Inspired by the chilled vibe of Zanzibar, this cocktail bar overlooking the beach continues to be a top spot for sundowners and drinks into the night.
reviewed
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L
Crystal Bar
The place to come to join an attitude-free crowd of locals sipping cocktails in faux Roman–themed glory. There’s decent food here too.
reviewed
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M
Snap
The Cape Flats comes to the city at this urban African club with a welcoming, predominantly black audience. Dance to music from across Africa.
reviewed
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Workshop Roadside Cafe
A large, raucous pub with loud music, a big-screen TV and a reputation as a bit of a bikers' hangout, it's a good place to sink a few beers.
reviewed
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N
Tagore
Candles, cosy nooks and crannies, and avant-garde music set the scene at this tiny café-bar, a favourite with the Obs alternative set.
reviewed
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O
Rosie's
There's no room for airs and graces, or need for fashionable attire, at this cosy pool bar, which attracts an older, racially mixed crowd.
reviewed
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St Tropez Sofa Lounge
An older crowd get their groove on to R&B and popular house at this fun, lively place. There are regular theme nights and live bands.
reviewed
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P
Don Pedro’s
This is a long-time favourite with white liberals for a boozy late-night out, and is now popular with the yuppies moving into the area.
reviewed
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Q
Crowded House
Late-night boozers head here, where 'Pigs Night' means you can down as many drinks as you can stomach in two hours for only around R30.
reviewed
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R
Springbok Bar
Big-screen sports, drink promotions, cheesy theme nights and inebriated students are the name of the game at this big, raucous joint.
reviewed
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S
Market Laboratory Theatre
An offshoot of the Market Theatre that acts as a showcase for community talent, with free local-theatre shows every Saturday at 1pm.
reviewed
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T
Tilt
This place shares DJs with the Hilton's Rivets bar. Friday is often the big one, with quality music from deep house to chunky bass.
reviewed