Cape Town
'Too drunk to punk' is the apt motto for this styled-to-the-max surfers' dive bar where the music is loud and the vibe edgy.
Must-see nightlife in Southern Africa
Cape Town
Tucked away in the courtyard of the Woodstock Exchange, these guys have a singularly appreciative hipster audience on tap to enjoy their single-origin and…
Bloemfontein
Bloem’s most popular long-standing pub and live-music venue provides an eccentric twist on Afrikaner culture – check out the psychedelic pictures of long…
Cape Town
There's a cafe and restaurant on the ground floor, but the big attraction lies on the roof where they've created one of the city's less pretentious…
Cape Town
A stylish new addition to Cape Town's growing cocktail-bar scene, Cause Effect trains its alcoholic focus on brandy – some 70 different types, all South…
Johannesburg
One of Melville's classier drinking spots, the Lonely Hearts Club boasts overstuffed leather bar stools, a stylish outdoor courtyard, and a mouth-watering…
Johannesburg
Impi Brewing Co, which is decorated with a Zulu warrior theme, was the first dining/drinking establishment to open in Victoria Yards, an innovative arts…
Cape Town
The popular Woodstock-based brewery has opened a second taproom in the student-filled suburb of Observatory. Taste their whole range on tap, including the…
Cape Town
With entrances on both Kloof St and Rheede St, and a large courtyard in between, this branch of the Tiger's Milk chain is proving to be one of its most…
Cape Town
Although it's a barbecued-meat restaurant in true township style (line up to order a platter of chicken wings, sausages or steak with various sides),…
Cape Town
On one side of this cafe-bar they serve 'libations' – hipster-speak for anything from an espresso to a glass of wine – and on the other 'victuals': grub…
Cape Town
Eye-popping displays of fresh fruits and vegetables lure in the Long St passing parade for the super-healthy and tasty juice mixes and smoothies here. Try…
Cape Town
Siki Dibela, an ex-employee of the Vida e Caffè chain, is the business brains and barista behind the township's coolest cafe. He sells his own blend of…
Pretoria
Far from sophisticated, brash and breezy Eastwoods is popular with locals, especially at lunchtime and after work hours. There’s a large outdoor deck, and…
Johannesburg
A mural of Queen Elizabeth II with a Ziggy Stardust makeover greets you at this cute bar specialising in gin. It has around 50 different and mostly South…
Cape Town
Here since 1906, the Fireman’s is a Capetonian institution. Inside, the Rhodesian and old South African flags remain pinned up alongside a collection of…
Sunshine Coast
Set back from the seafront, this atmospheric bar set in an old fish factory is a good place for getting a bit of local vibe. It has a small selection of…
Cape Town
Cape Town is gin-crazy and the two complex gins at this family-run distillery are some of the best. You'll taste them neat before adding just a splash of…
Johannesburg
Wines, craft beers and classic cocktails with a twist are the stock in trade of this speakeasy-style cocktail bar that's part of the Argentine grill…
Johannesburg
Elevate Rooftop Bar, at the top of the Reef Hotel, is a true Jo'burg secret. Most locals have no idea this venue is open every evening to the public and…
Cape Town
For those not familiar with the conventions of British theatre, this elegant bar is named after pantomime dame Widow Twankey – which also happens to be…
Free State
A wonderful little coffee stop and espresso bar on Clarens' main square that imports beans from all of the world's best coffee growing regions, and roasts…
Victoria Falls (town)
Popular with locals and backpackers alike, Shoestrings is the most lively spot for a drink in town. It's fairly laid-back during the week, but on Fridays…
Johannesburg
This hole-in-the-wall is famous for its perfectly brewed coffee, decadent banana bread, yummy croissants and killer shakes. Our favourite is the Macci…
Pretoria
Capital Craft are the brains behind this new, very welcome and large bar in the hip 012central precinct. The focus, as the name implies, is on local ales…
Mozambique
The dark, moody Xeirinho is the unlikely nexus of Chimoio's lively (for Mozambique) music scene. Gigs take place on Friday night, and the karaoke's…
Harare
Looking out to Harare's international cricket ground, this cheerful pub is the ultimate spot to watch a match. Other times it pulls a lively crowd of…
Cape Town
Knockout views of the city, mountains and harbour envelop this rooftop bar, restaurant and lounge. Exhibitionists should bring their swimming cossies, as…
Johannesburg
Forget which year it is as you enter this speakeasy-themed bar that has rooms hidden behind bookshelves and a tattoos and bikers vibe. An extensive…
Cape Town
There are around 30 local and international wines on the menu here, all available by the glass. It's a smart but unpretentious place with board games to…
Cape Town
It's a chain, but its flat whites certainly pass muster and this branch is one of the area's most vibey cafes, bringing some city buzz to the sedate …
Johannesburg
'Every cup matters' is the mantra of the friendly baristas here who know exactly how to coax the best out of the beans at this popular Norwood hangout…
Johannesburg
Metanoia offers a great terrace overlooking De Beer St (where the entrance is) for people-watching, an enticingly chic interior and a medley of alcoholic…
Johannesburg
Yes it serves burgers, but really what most people turn up here for are the hunky waiters and the campy drag shows and entertainment. Miss Holly Diamond…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
On a sunny day there are few better places to drink and eat (mains R100) by the sea than this local institution, which is lapped by the waves of False Bay…
Johannesburg
This place stands out for its impressive selection of craft beer from around the country. The bistro-style fare (try the maple-bacon and blue-cheese pizza…
Gaborone
This classy venue inside the Grand Palm Resort complex (it’s behind reception in the Walmont Ambassador) does a small range of cocktails (from P75)…
Green Point & Waterfront
Check all airs and graces at the door of this cosy pub, which serves as a taproom for South Africa’s oldest microbrewery (established in 1983 in Knysna)…
Cape Town
In the ground-floor taproom you can do a tasting (R30) of the eight seasonal beers produced here. If you'd prefer to pair the beers with food, there's a…
