Either you go to a bar with music where food is an afterthought, or you go to a restaurant with excellent food but with an iPod playlist as the entertainment. Here are three Joburg venues that get that elusive combination right: quality live music plus a food menu to please even the fussiest palate.
Stanley Beer Yard
With live music on Saturdays and old school vinyl DJs doing their thing on Sundays, this is the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon in the Joburg sunshine. Sit at a communal table outside under the olive trees, or laze on the comfy couches inside by the fireplace. Sample a great selection of wine and craft beers (and mescal if things get really festive), and simple but delicious pub food like chicken, pregos, kebabs and prawns.
The Orbit
From its roots as the Jazz Social Club in Troyeville, this new Braamfontein venue, owned by three passionate jazz lovers, is just over a year old and fits in perfectly with its hip surroundings. It’s not just a weekend thing though: top South African jazz musicians perform here almost every night and you can enjoy a great bistro-style meal and a drink before or during the concert. Best of all, their new generator means no more cancelled gigs when there’s load shedding.
Katzy’s
Next door to the Grillhouse in Rosebank, Katzy’s serves their neighbour’s superb grill menu, making this much more than just a live music venue. Fill up on steak and red wine before lounging on oversized leather couches to listen to resident bands performing five nights a week. While the food and drinks are worth going for, this is also purpose-built as a music venue, so committed musos will appreciate the great sound quality too.
See for yourself:
Stanley Beer Yard
011 482 4444
44stanley.co.za/beeryard.html
The Orbit
011 339 6645
theorbit.co.za
Katzy’s
011 880 3945
katzys.co.za
Words: Catherine Black
Images: Supplied
