Sometimes a beer or a glass of wine at your neighbourhood spot will do the trick –
but let’s be honest, there’s something irresistible about getting a little dressed up and sinking into the plush surrounds of a bar for a late-night drink. With pretty cocktails, delicious bites, and tasteful interiors, here’s our guide to 10 of Joburg’s sexiest bars.
Since the days of men-only bars, with their functional decor and certainly no cocktails gracing the menu, the bar scene in our city has experienced quite the glow up. The look and feel of these establishments is stylish and sophisticated, and exotic cocktails and tapas-style menus are the norm. Without a doubt, the very idea of what a bar can be has expanded and evolved over time.
Here’s your cheeky cheat sheet to some of our sexiest bars in the city.
Since the days of men-only bars, with their functional decor and certainly no cocktails gracing the menu, the bar scene in our city has experienced quite the glow up. The look and feel of these establishments is stylish and sophisticated, and exotic cocktails and tapas-style menus are the norm. Without a doubt, the very idea of what a bar can be has expanded and evolved over time.
Here’s your cheeky cheat sheet to some of our sexiest bars in the city.
In Rosebank, from Oxford Parks to Parkwood
1. OBSCURA COCKTAIL BAR AND EATERY
For those who like the sound of a cocktail bar that smells just as intriguing as it looks.
Headed up by mixologist and co-owner George Hunter, Obscura Cocktail Bar and Eatery in Dunkeld is a place that has been designed to be somewhat out of the ordinary, even just by the way it smells. Step inside this art-filled space where a living tree anchors the room and colourful graffiti contrasts the sophisticated décor. As the name suggests, the main attraction here is the cocktails. Signature drinks like the 'Soul Candi' and 'Clarified Pina Colada' are complemented by a range of very good virgin cocktails. The eats menu has been designed in a tapas style, with plates made to share. We're told the Cape Malay-inspired charred broccoli dish is the one to try. For something sweet? Go for the umqombothi banoffee tartlet. Book here.
199 Oxford Rd, in Oxford Parks, Dunkeld.
Open Tue – Sun,12:00 – 00:00. Closed Mon.
Photo: @ethos.sa.
For those who enjoy Mediterranean flavours and unusual, elegant interiors.
If you're in the mood for a touch of serenity reminiscent of the Aegean shores, look no further than Ethos. The bar is a showpiece in itself, set beneath sweeping arches with ceiling baffles made from a specially imported material from France, and framed by a sculptural Hennie Meyer installation crafted entirely from recycled materials. Here you'll find an exceptional wine list alongside a playful cocktail menu, with a range of options like the spicy 'Ethical Dilemma' or, for something fruity, 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico'. The dining at Ethos is Mediterranean-inspired, with standout dishes like Iberico pork neck skewers and lamb kofte. Book here .
199 Oxford Rd, in Oxford Parks, Dunkeld.
Open Mon – Sun, 12:00 – 23:00.
3. QLOUNGE BY QUION ROCK
For moody glamour, fine wine, and Cape-meets-Joburg sophistication.
Qlounge by Quoin Rock is a sultry, wine-soaked escape that blends Cape Winelands elegance with a distinctly Joburg edge. A hand-sketched mural of Simonsberg mountain greets you at the entrance, while a ceiling of softly lit Cabernet leaves, moody green marble, timber, and brass details create a rich, immersive setting. The standout brass-and-marble bar features a 3D silhouette of Stellenbosch’s mountain range, anchoring the space in its origins. Signature cocktails like the floral 'Kissing in the Orchard' and smoky 'Fluffy Mezcal' sit alongside a curated wine list featuring Quoin Rock, Knorhoek, and Namysto labels, including award-winning Cap Classiques. Book here .
199 Oxford Rd, in Oxford Parks, Dunkeld.
Open Tue – Sat, 12:00 – 23:00, Sun, 11:00 –15:00
4. MAMASAMBA
For jungle glam, fiery Latin flavours, and tequila-fuelled nights.
Mamasamba , in The Zone @ Rosebank , is a Latin American-inspired restaurant and bar featuring a two-storey indoor jungle complete with emerald tiles, lush greenery, and a winding green staircase leading to an upper-level bar. Guests can enjoy a lively ground floor with an open-fire kitchen and circular bar amid bright floral graffiti that creates a cool, carnival-like energy. The menu balances Central and Latin American flavours alongside a cocktail list boasting 26 tequila-infused cocktails and signature drinks. Book here .
The Zone @ Rosebank.
Open Mon – Fri, 12:00 – 23:00, Sat – Sun, 11:00 – 23:00.
5. PROUD MARY
For those who like brasserie charm and sleek velvet booths.
Proud Mary , a modern eatery located in The Bank , blends the charm of a European brasserie with the sleekness of a high-end hotel lounge. Think tall ceilings, plush velvet banquettes, terrazzo finishes, polished brass detailing, and moody lighting that transitions seamlessly from daytime café to nighttime cocktail bar. The drinks menu features boutique local wines like AA Badenhorst Papegaai Red and Krone MCC, alongside cocktails such as the Cucumber & Basil G&T or a classic Negroni. If you get hungry, we can vouch for the Seabass Crudo. Proud Mary has also recently revamped their patio area, so make sure to visit during the summer.
