What started out in 1994 as a small concert venue is now one of the most happening entertainment centers in Johannesburg, hosting many of South Africa's jazz legends. In 2003, Bassline was remodeled and renovated and now it can captivate nearly 1000 music fans with top-of-the-range acoustics. It has hosted over 3000 concerts of local and international music artists in the past. Apart from concerts, Bassline can also be rented for corporate functions and rehearsals. For complete details, call ahead or check the website.
Sway to some well-curated live music gigs and dig on some delicious burgers and pizzas at Rumours Lounge, a hip venue in the heart of Johannesburg. Found in the city's Weltevredenpark, this laid-back spot offers cozy lounge-style seating areas and an excellent choice of alcoholic drinks to its guests. The stage is graced by a number of established as well as emerging South African musicians and indie bands who specialize in genres like contemporary, metal, jazz and rock 'n' roll. Large TV screens play live sporting action, inviting all sports buffs to watch their favorite personalities in a relaxed setting.
Dating back to 1901, Kitcheners is one of the oldest bars in the city. What makes this place popular among locals and tourists alike is its well preserved charming old decor, scrumptious food and foot tapping music. Kitcheners offers a typical pub fare and their delicious Prego rolls, loaded Joburger and crumbled pork chops cannot be missed out on! An elegant pub in the day and a lively place in the evenings, Kitcheners is known for its talented mix of local DJs who play soul, funk and old school numbers.
The Radium Beer Hall in Orange Grove is a happening jazz bar and restaurant. The restaurant has live jazz bands playing on most days. The Radium is practically a tourist attraction and has a Joburg feel to it owing to its long history—it was started as a tearoom in 1929 and turned into a bar in 1944. The bar also serves snacks and spicy Portuguese food which you can enjoy on the long bar just like in the old days of mining!
Koi Restaurant entices your palate with devouring Asian delicacies as you dine here. The restaurant is known for offering a range of Pan Asian variety along with an impressive list of beverages. Enjoy some steaming dimsums or opt for sushi rolls or choose from the variety of delicious noodles and curries. You can pair your meal with the unique African cocktail offerings or enjoy fine wines and other beverages from their menu. Its elegant interiors and cozy furnishings complemented with warm hospitality make this a great spot to catch up with your friends as you unwind after work.
The Brazen Head offers a unique dining experience in Johannesburg. The casual restaurant/pub blends the lively atmosphere and impeccable draft selection of a typical Irish pub with a South African spirit. The spacious restaurant opens up into a charming veranda with picnic seating and a private library where guests can browse that also hosts intimate musical performances by local artists. Sip on original concoctions like the Brazen Head Tropical Tonic or a classic with a twist like the bitter apricot whisky sour. Savor house specialties like the beef and Guinness pie or the balsamic marinated lamb chops and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Come here on game night for heaped snack platters, pints of beer and to cheer on your favorite team. Kids are welcome during the day, and the restaurant offers a special kids menu as well.
The Atrium, is cozily tucked on the ground floor of classy and chic Inter-Continental Sandton Sun & Towers. It truly represents the hotel in terms of good service and quality standards. Relaxed and casual atmosphere add to the experience. Enjoy the sumptuous breakfast or the delicious dinner. The fresh and fine ingredients enhance the taste; jazz music is a good accompaniment. Grilled Sea Bass and Open Lasagna being the favorites. Complete the meal with a glass of Chardonnay. Do drop in for a perfect meal.
Having collaborated with Rock Daddy Karaoke, Rhythmic Knights Karaoke is a trendy karaoke venue in the heart of Johannesburg. Cutting edge karaoke consoles and equipment combined with talented singers and hosts welcome budding crooners at this hip live music spot. The venue's playback tracks feature studio-like sound quality and come close to mimicking the original sounds. Also, the chosen song's lyrics are displayed on a big LCD screen which is kept close to the singer's viewing range. Rock Daddy boasts of a massive database of nearly 300,00 numbers spanning across genres like classics, rock and pop. Rhythmic Knights proves to be a locale of choice for corporate and private events, allowing its guests relive the magic of a live-in concert.
And Club is located conveniently in Newtown and is one of the most happening nightclubs of the city. Known for playing techno music and hosting some great DJ nights, the club is popular among EDM lovers. Be mindful of their strict door policies with respect to age, camera use and fake IDs.
With TVs showing the latest game and speakers blaring out music which ranges from 80's specials to trance, Ratz Bar is a great place to spend a night out on town. The main attraction in this bar remains the zippy, delicious cocktails. You can nibble on some bar snacks to go along with your drinks as you enjoy the up-beat ambiance, interesting conversation and eclectic music. For more information, check out their website.
A big cafe in the middle of the shopping arena, with a large, oval cocktail bar off to one side. Customers range equally between up-market youngsters and hungry tourists. Choose anything from early breakfast to late coffee after your movie experience just around the corner. Jazz justifies the name, called, as it is, after an old blues/jazz man; but after five years, live music has given way to acid-jazz CD's. If, as a tourist, you find yourself in Cape Town (and who doesn't?), there's also a branch in Cavendish Square.