Always a popular social destination, Illovo Muse and surrounds has long been a hotspot, with a slew of popular spots including the Asian-inspired restaurant Momo Soko , a unique combo of food and footwear at The Frog Boot Bar (at Courtyard Illovo, previously the Post Office Centre), and the lively Hogshead sports bar, keeping things abuzz. Anchoring the nightlife scene in Illovo is Babylon , which for over 12 years has been a staple of Joburg’s suburban gay nightlife, offering a space to let loose and dance the night away.
While this stalwart has been around since 2009, we decided to see what all the fuss was about the new kids on the block, so we hit the town to check out Democracy Bar and Bad Manors . (We visited in March 2025 .)
People's choice at Democracy Bar
Born from boardrooms and big dreams, Democracy Bar in Illovo is the result of two corporate escapees, Herman Visser and Dr Ewoudt Cloete , who decided that spreadsheets just weren’t spirited enough. Trading suits for shots, they pooled their life savings to open the kind of bar every guy thinks about starting but rarely does. After the wild success of their first interactive spot, Karaoke Kong in Melville , they doubled down on fun with a new concept where the people have the power – literally. At Democracy Bar, you vote for the music, the drink specials, and the vibe. It’s nightlife by the people, for the people.
At Democracy Bar, it's up to you to get involved. Want margaritas on the menu or your favourite artist on the speakers? Cast your vote. This clever system puts the crowd in control, turning every night into a fun, choose-your-own-adventure. As a result, it's an interactive nightlife playground where very few nights are the same. One evening might be a full-on Beyoncé or Nicki Minaj tribute, the next a punk-rock night (like when we visited).
Democracy Bar regularly hosts theme nights and other forms of live entertainment, with drag shows to Dungeons & Dragons, quiz nights to burlesque, and even a tea-and-cocktail fusion event in the works. "We have been partnering with a diverse range of event partners. We are also truly blessed that the eventing community has been extremely excited by the space, and we’ve had the opportunity to work with many event partners since opening," shares Cloete.
The bar’s calendar is a glorious mash-up of the unexpected. The crowd is just as eclectic – on punk night, we spotted die-hard fans alongside casual drinkers and nightlife hoppers making the rounds between the three main spots in the centre – Democracy Bar, Babylon, and Bad Manors. "Our demographic is quite diverse," says Cloete, "appealing to everyone from young professionals to groups of friends and creatives looking for a more interactive nightlife experience."
SAMPLING THE MENU: FOOD AND DRINK AT DEMOCRACY BAR
At Democracy Bar, the menu is as democratic as the name suggests – vote-driven, ever-changing, and always offering variety. On our night out, we tried the crowd favourite, The Chief Whip, a cocktail made with Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin, Strawberry Gin, and lime juice. It was fruity and light, with a little bit of a kick. Other popular drinks include the Mexican Junta; a refreshing mix of tequila, watermelon syrup, lime juice, and soda.
When it comes to food, think small plates with big flavours. Standout dishes include the mouthwatering Old Brown Sherry pork belly bites with mango atchaar mayo and the spicy buffalo cauliflower wings. Also on the menu are Bo-Kaap chilli prawns, Malaysian fried chicken, smoky ribs, and Moroccan lamb meatballs. It's a solid lineup of vegetarian-friendly and globally-inspired options.
For more information on Democracy Bar's menu, visit here.
DEMOCRACY BAR OPERATING HOURS
Open Tue – Thu from 12:00 – 00:00 and Fri from 12:00 – 02:00, Sat from 14:00 – 02:00, and Sun from 15:00 – 00:00.
Find Democracy Bar at Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo.
Contact the restaurant on +27 10 446 0280 or book a table online via Dineplan here.
Rebels unite at Bad Manors
Our second stop of the night was significantly busier Bad Manors , a food and music bar with a rebellious streak – and a story to match. It all began in a grand old manor (hence the name), where entrepreneur and property developer Chris Van Den Berg created a space for friends to gather. What started as a laid-back hangout soon grew into a movement – a welcoming community of diverse cultures and unique characters. After a year in Parkhurst , Bad Manors found its latest home at Illovo Muse in December 2024, bringing along its signature blend of elegance and playful rebellion.
Bad Manors offers the best of both worlds with its spacious indoor and outdoor seating, with a deck and garden providing some much-needed fresh air on a night out. The space also proves to be versatile, perfect for hosting birthday parties and events by night or serving as a relaxed workspace during the day. Inside, lush greenery cascades from the ceiling above the bar, while vintage mansion-style touches add a timeless charm. The library area features a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that doubles as a dance floor – and yes, you can borrow a book or two.
The music and lineup are a major drawcard for Bad Manors. "We explore various blends of music or genres, focusing on sounds that aren’t easily accessible through radio or mainstream platforms; we curate each evening for the feel we would like to create," says Shane Hickson from Bad Manors, and it shows. From house, disco, and downtempo to the occasional swirl of hip hop, soul, and R&B, every night is crafted to match a specific mood.
