One of South Africa’s three capital cities, Pretoria is known for a much slower-paced life than others like Cape Town. However, it is definitely far from boring and offers plenty of opportunities to have fun, especially at night. The city has several bars and restaurants that are the perfect choice for you if you are craving an electrifying night out after a day of work or sightseeing. They are known for their lively ambience, frequently hosting DJ nights and dance parties and serving tasty drinks and food. And if you’re in the mood for something a little less exciting, you can chat with friends or family or watch live sports.
The following are 15 bars in Pretoria that you should visit:
1. The Globe Bar
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One of the first names that pop into mind when thinking about the nightlife in Pretoria, The Globe Bar at the Times Square Casino is surely a must-visit for fans of mixology and molecular gastronomy. It is a classy establishment with a dome-shaped ceiling, leather seats, glass panels, lots of gold accents, a massive bar and orange and purple lighting. You can enjoy live performances while you enjoy their delicious finger food. The Globe Bar is also known for offering Cuban cigars. Make sure to dress up in formal or semi-formal clothes, as this place has a dress code.
Address: 209 Aramist Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa Timings: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM Popular drinks: Louis XIII, Red Bull V&G, Trad Cosmo, Chocolate Martini, Don Julio, Bombay Sapphire, Johnny Walker Blue etc. Average cost: Approximately R 350 - R 400 for two (including drinks)
2. Picasso’s Pub and Pizzeria
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The Picasso’s Pub and Pizzeria serves various pizzas and drinks and is a great place for a casual night out with friends or family. Spread out across two floors, it boasts of very minimalistic decor, which features wood panelling on the walls, wooden furniture, neon signs and posters on the walls and also a pool table. Some of the most popular dishes on their menu include the Focaccia pizza, Picasso pizza, Porco e Fungi pizza, and toast and eggs, ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, salads, etc. You can also watch live football and cricket matches here or attend live music performances.
Address: Villieria, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa Timings: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM Popular drinks: Nederburg Baronne, Johannisberger Rosé, Gin Iced Tea, Squadron Rum, Jaggermeister, Amarula, beer etc. Average cost: Approximately R 250 - R 300 for two (including drinks)
3. Springbok Bar
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Famous for its casual vibes and lively ambience, the Springbok Bar in Pretoria is ideal for hanging out with friends. The bar has simple decor, including dark grey walls, wood panelling, wooden chairs and tables, and a few posters and neon signs. There is also an outdoor seating area. Moreover, it features a small stage area which is used for live music performances. You can choose from various delicious dishes such as cheeseburgers and chips, cheese and bacon sandwiches, Referee burgers, Spare ribs and the Springbok platter. And if you’re in the mood for some fun, you can rent one of its pool tables or simply enjoy the live sports telecasts!
Address: 495 Hilda St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa Timings: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Monday, Thursday, Saturday), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Tuesday to Wednesday, Friday), 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Sunday) Popular drinks: Guinness, Graça Rosé, Overmeer Red, Irish Car Combo, Smurfberry, Movie Delight, 4X4 etc. Average cost: Approximately R 150 - R 200 for two (including drinks)
4. Aandklas
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Aandklas is one of the most popular bars in Pretoria and is known for its affordable drinks, food, and lively ambience. It guarantees its customers a fun time in its trendy establishment which features dark green walls with multiple graphics and posters, a fully stocked bar lit up with neon lights, a staging area and a couple of pool tables. If you’re in the mood for some dancing, make sure to visit during the weekends since Aandklas frequently hosts music performances. You can find various delicious dishes on their menu, including chicken wraps, the Silence of the Ham pizza, budget beef burgers, chip baskets, Russian rolls and more.
Address: 494 Hilda St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa Timings: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM Popular drinks: Apocalypse Now, Flatliner, Lollie Pop, Turkish Delight, Firetruck, Hurricane, Potent Russian, Screwdriver etc. Average cost: Approximately R 250 for two (including drinks)
5. The Blue Room Hatfield
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A sports bar during the day and a happening club during the night, The Blue Room Hatfield is the perfect place for a party night with friends! This two-storeyed establishment has a copper-coloured ceiling, brown walls filled with pictures, neon signs, leather chairs and couches, hanging lights etc. You can watch live sports here during the day while sipping on beer or dance the night away to lively music; The Blue Room Hatfield plays hip-hop and pop music along with organising DJ nights. Moreover, if you opt for their VIP Experience, you can watch their live shows from the best spots in the room! Don’t forget to try something from their food menu; the Waka Waka Russian meal, pork platter, fried rice, man cave steak etc. are quite popular.
Address: 1057 Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa Timings: 11:00 AM - 4:00 AM Popular drinks: Red Square, Dom Pérignon Vintage Rose, Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada, Sledge Hammer, Hand Grenade etc. Average cost: Approximately R 450 - R 500 for two (including drinks)
6. Thirst At 28° East
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Known for its casual vibes, Thirst At 28° East is a popular bar in Pretoria with minimalistic decor. Its interiors feature wooden chairs and stools, beige walls with exposed brick in certain places, hanging lights, a massive bar and neon signs. The bar is great for hanging out with friends or family and watching live sports while sipping drinks or munching on delicious food. Alongside their beverages, you must try out their popular dishes like deep-fried mac & cheese balls, lamed grilled wings, nachos, pulled pork sandwiches, Margherita pizzas etc. If you’re unsure what to get, you can always ask them for samples!
Address: Selikats Causeway &, Graaff Reinet St, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa Timings: 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM (Monday), 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Wednesday to Sunday), 11:00 AM - 11:59 PM (Tuesday) Popular drinks: Nederburg, Sauvignon Blanc, Strawberry Daiquiri, Kraken Mai Tai, Cherry Berry Mojito, Ink Bomb, Devil’s Peak etc. Average cost: Approximately R 300 - R 350 for two (including drinks)
7. Eastwoods
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Another popular bar to visit if you’re a sports fan, the Eastwoods tavern has been around for about 2 decades and is synonymous with an exceptional atmosphere. The pub, opposite the Durbanville Hills, is known for its constantly changing interiors. It usually features bright decor like colourful chairs, hanging plants, grass on the walls, neon signs, minivans with names of beverages etc. You can also choose to sit out on the terrace. There are about 20 screens here that telecast live sports matches that you can watch while sipping on a drink or feasting on their yummy food like lamb chops, burgers, calamari, pork ribs etc. Moreover, they are also known for selling premium cigar brands, including Montecristo, Cohiba Robusto, Black Stone Cherry etc. Different live events like music shows are often organised here too!
Address: 391 Eastwood St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa Timings: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Monday to Saturday), 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Sunday) Popular drinks: Bernini Blush, Heineken, Pina Colada, Frozen Margarita, Mojito, Ding Dong Cocktail, Ciroc, Castle Lager etc. Average cost: Approximately R 200 - R 250 for two (including drinks)
8. Rafters Pub Pretoria
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The Rafters Pub Pretoria is an excellent pub and restaurant to visit if you’re looking for a fun night out with family. Located in East Pretoria, it has simple decor, including wood panelling on the walls, wooden benches, long tables and round tables over barrels, a small bar and an outdoor seating area with a thatched roof. The pub is famous for playing fun music and for hosting DJ nights on Fridays and Saturdays; there is a small dance floor where you can bust a move to the vibrant music. And if you’re in the mood for something relaxing, you can sit and watch a live sports match. Don’t forget to get something to eat since their extensive menu includes short ribs, chilli cheeseburgers, grilled chicken wings, Mexicana pizzas, steak, fettuccine alfredo etc.
Address: Corner of Garsfontein Road &, Blesbok St, Mooikloof Ridge, Pretoria, 0145, South Africa Timings: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Sunday to Monday), 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Tuesday to Saturday) Popular drinks: Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Singapore Sling, Jagermeister, Sledge Hammer, Black Meteor, Caramel Vodka etc. Average cost: Approximately R 200 - R 250 for two (including drinks)
9. The HangOver Sports Bar
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The HangOver Sports Bar in Pretoria is an upscale pub and a must-visit for those who wish to watch live sports with a crowd! It is popular for its lively ambience and has very simple decor, including black chairs and wooden tables, neon signs and posters on the walls, and a massive bar with countless bottles of alcohol. You can also try your hand at their slot machines or dance to the lively music that plays in the background. Moreover, The HangOver Sports Bar is renowned for its ever-changing food menu, which includes mouth-watering dishes such as beef espetada, hangover burgers, the seafood basket, mussels, pasta ala rafa and much more.
Address: Shop 30, Moreleta Lifestyle Centre, 620 Spes Bona Drive, Moreletapark, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa Timings: 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM (Monday to Thursday, Saturday), 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Friday), Sunday closed Popular drinks: Bells Whiskey, Tipo Tinto Rum, Tokara, Beyer Skloof, Raspberry Bramble, Vodka Martini, Gin Berry Fizz etc. Average cost: Approximately R 200 - R 250 for two (including drinks)
10. Rockets
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Situated within the Times Square Casino, Rockets is an upscale bar and restaurant that boasts exquisite decor, a vibrant ambience and a happening nightlife scene. Its industrial-style interiors feature tiles floors, chandeliers and hanging lights, lots of plants, chairs and stools, purple lighting during the nighttime and more. There is also an outdoor seating area. Along with their wide variety of beverages, you can choose from a wide selection of mouth-watering food like chicken pesto pasta, golden fried halloumi, Thai green curry, crême brûlée, cheesecake etc. It is also known for playing great songs and frequently organising DJ nights that only add to all the fun! Make sure to check their dress code before arriving.
Address: 209 Aramist Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0010, South Africa Timings: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Monday to Wednesday), 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Thursday to Sunday) Popular drinks: Blue Haven, Tequila Sunrise, Maiden’s Crush, Oscar Winner, Spier Secret, Dom Perignon Rose, Shiraz etc. Average cost: Approximately R 1,000 - 1,200 for two (including drinks)
11. Hogshead Hazelwood
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The Hogshead Hazelwood is a well-known smokehouse pub in Pretoria and is synonymous with tasty craft beer. Open throughout the day, it is a great spot to hang out with friends and watch live sports as it has a casual ambience. The pub has simple yet charming interiors with wooden chairs and tables, hanging lights and plants. You can also choose from a variety of delicious dishes such as spicy pulled pork mini burgers, buffalo wings, tacos, fish & chips, trinchado, and desserts like chocolate brownies and salted caramel waffles etc. They also have a children’s menu!
Address: Corner Dely and Pinaster Roads, Hazelwood, Pretoria Timings: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Sunday to Monday), 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Tuesday), 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM (Wednesday), 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Thursday to Saturday) Popular drinks: Heritage Lager, 2 Duck Blonde, Brewhogs Bitter, Nederburg, Haute Cabriere, The Rainbow, Amortentia, Psychopath etc. Average cost: Approximately R 300 - 400 for two (including drinks)
12. Propaganda Pretoria
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The bar at Propaganda Pretoria, one of the city’s most well-known entertainment destinations, is a must-visit for party lovers! Situated on the third floor, it overlooks the beautiful city and boasts colourful decor and relaxed vibes. It features red chairs, couches, a swimming pool, pool beds, pebbled walls and a retractable roof. You can dance to your heart’s content at the DJ nights are often organised here or simply sit and enjoy the music while munching on delicious food.
Address: 271 Struben St, Pretoria CBD, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa Timings: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Popular drinks: Don Julio, Corona, Moet, Hennessy, Veuve Riche, Jagermeister, Grey Goose Vodka, cocktails etc. Average cost: Approximately R 400 - 500 for two (including drinks)
13. Summit Grill & Skybar
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An upscale cocktail bar and restaurant in Pretoria, the Summit Grill & Skybar is open from morning till late at night and is known for its gorgeous interiors and exquisite vibes. The establishment’s decor includes wood panelling on the ceiling with green ducts, hanging lights, leather couches and colourful chairs and mood lighting that is turned on at night. There is also an outdoor seating area which overlooks the city. You must try out something from their cocktail menu and tasty food like garlic mussels, cajun chicken burger, beef espetada, lamb loin chops and sushi. Their dessert menu includes fried Lindt chocolate, malva pudding and summit sundae. If you’re interested, you can also buy Cuban cigars here. Summit Grill & Skybar also organises weekend live events that add some excitement to your experience.
Address: Shop D(G)001, Building 5, Summit Place, 221 Garsfontein Rd, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa Timings: 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Monday to Friday), 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Saturday), 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Sunday) Popular drinks: Dom Pérignon, Krone Night Nectar, Spier Signature, River Garden, Brandy, Bloody Mary, Mai Tai, Sex on the Beach etc. Average cost: Approximately R 300- R 350 for two (including drinks)
14. Hard Rock Cafe
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The Hard Rock Cafe is one of the most popular bars in Pretoria that also doubles as a cafe. It boasts not only mouth-watering food and tasty drinks but also rock-star style interiors, including chequered floor tiles, hanging lights, wooden chairs and tables, a massive bar with neon accents, cool collectables on display and neon signs. You can also choose to sit in the outdoor area. It is an absolute treat for those who love attending live music shows since the Cafe is known for regularly organising various shows. Don’t forget to try out some of their food like BBQ bacon cheeseburgers, boneless bodacious wings, Cuban sliders, New York strip steak, twisted mac, chicken and cheese etc. They also serve various desserts such as cheesecakes, homemade apple cobblers and ice cream. You can also buy some fun merchandise at The Rock Shop!
Address: Atterbury Road & Lois Avenue, Shop G167, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa Timings: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Monday to Thursday), 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Friday to Sunday) Popular drinks: Passion Fruit Mai Tai, Bahama Mama, Southern Rock, Purple Haze, Manhattan, Richelieu, Gin & Tonic etc. Average cost: Approximately R 500- R 600 for two (including drinks)
15. Lucky Rodrigo
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Lucky Rodrigo is a famous bar in Pretoria with trendy hipster-like decor that is synonymous with casual vibes. A great place to hang out with friends or family during the day or at night, its quirky interiors feature leather couches, wooden chairs and benches, off-white walls, lots of hanging plants, a big bar with several bottles hung up and much more. You can also sit in the outdoor area, which comprises cute garden furniture. Lucky Rodrigo is known for serving scrumptious American diner food like fried buffalo wings, hot dogs, nachos, chicken tacos, grilled chicken hamburgers, BBQ pork ribs etc. Their dessert menu consists of waffles, chocolate cake, churros and more.
Address: c/o The Hillside Street and Alpine Way, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa Timings: 10:30 AM - 1:30 AM (Tuesday to Saturday), Sunday to Monday closed Popular drinks: Mixed Berry Daiquiri, White Russian, Blue Frog, Mojitos, Cosmopolitan, beers, whiskey, Jungle Juice etc. Average cost: Approximately R 400- R 450 for two (including drinks)
Pretoria is home to several bars that are known for their lively ambience, dance parties, live DJs and, of course, a wide selection of drinks. Whether you are a local seeking to wind down after a busy day or a tourist craving to experience the city’s nightlife, there are countless bars to choose from!
