The 7 best pubs and bars in Pretoria

This craft beer mecca offers Pretoria’s broadest beer selection and plenty of vibes to go alongside it (and yes, the vibes get better with each pint too). There are over 200 brews ranging from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, as well as plenty of other options. There’s a huge wine list, some flavoured ciders, and a whiskey menu to make the most patriotic Scotsman jealous. Sprawled out across Menlo Park’s Greenlyn Village, Capital Craft pairs its pints with hearty eats like sticky BBQ ribs, loaded burgers and spicy wings. 

For those who aren’t initiated into the world of beer, the knowledgeable staff will happily guide you to your perfect pint. There’s loads of seating and plenty of long communal tables so it’s perfect for birthdays or gatherings. As a result though, it’s always buzzing on weekends…so be sure to book ahead because it gets packed. 

Address: Shop 20, Greenlyn Village Centre, Corner of Thomas Edison & 12th Street East, Menlo Park

A quintessential neighbourhood hangout, Rafters Pub is equal parts family-friendly restaurant and lively bar out in the far east of Pretoria. It’s a proper local spot, but one where you’ll find sokkie, music, and brandies and coke flowing freely. Inside, wood-paneled walls and barrel tables give a rustic charm, while outside a thatched lapa and even a boma fire pit set the stage for social nights.

 Sports fans flock for big-screen rugby and soccer matches, and there’s live music or karaoke pumping through the evenings. The menu is typical hearty pub food (after all, this is farming country!). You’ll find 700g T-bone steaks (their fillet & T-bone special is a, juicy burgers, and baskets of chicken strips and ribs to soak up the arms-length list of drinks specials.

Address: Corner of Garsfontein Road &, Blesbok St, Mooikloof Ridge

The Jolly Roger is Hatfield’s legendary party pub, a carefree dive beloved mostly by the student populating from nearby University of Pretoria (or Tuks, as the locals call it). If you stumbled upon it by day you’d be underwhelmed; a simple space with pool tables and cheap pints. But by night it transforms into a raucous dance den which attracts a crowd of early 20s and students who want to party the whole night.

An awesome lineup of campus DJs, events, and themed parties keeps the crowd moving all night. Prices are famously student-friendly, there are always themed parties and events going on, and it’s a solid choice if you want a ‘one for the books’ kind of wild night.

Address: 285 Lynnwood Road, Hatfield

Step into a slice of Dublin in Pretoria. Machics is widely recognized as the Irish pub to visit when you’re in town. The interior is exactly as you’d expect; all dark wood, Guinness posters, and cozy nooks. Basically, it’s set up for to you nurse a pint of stout or a dram of whiskey. Regulars gather at the long bar for sports on the telly (Six Nations rugby nights here are a blast) and hearty comfort food. The menu sticks to pub classics like beef and Guinness pie or fish and chips. 

It’s good for a quiet drink with mates or a weekend lunch, but if you’re only going to visit once a year, make it for the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Address: Simon Vermooten Rd, Die Wilgers

Affectionately known as “Lucky’s,” this offbeat bar and eatery in Menlo Park started out over a decade ago as a tiny, not-well-frequented back alley with great burgers. Over time, Pretoria locals have become pretty fond of this low-key hangout spot.

The vibe is delightfully quirky: inside you’ll find retro couches, graffiti art, and shelves of vinyl records all nodding to the owners’ love of rock ’n roll and Afrikaans alternative culture. Daytimes at Lucky Rodrigo are surprisingly chill, with a sunny patio offering refuge from the city’s bustle.

Come evening, Lucky’s cranks up the volume. With three eclectic seating areas – including a greenhouse-like patio hung with plants – you can choose a cozy corner or join the lively crowd at the bar. Best part? It’s also a great spot for a recovery brunch…and they serve it till late.

Address: The Hillside Street, Alpine Way, Lynnwood

For a more upscale night out,Rockets Menlyn is the bar-lounge everyone is talking about. Opened in 2021 at Time Square, Rockets brought Jo’burg-style glitz to Pretoria with its multi-level design: an elegant restaurant on the lower level and Lolitas Champagne Bar upstairs and panoramic city views.

But Rockets isn’t just looks – the cocktails are top-notch (their mixologists are known for creativity) and the DJs are excellent, spinning deep house and Afro-house as the night goes on. There’s a small dance area in Lolitas Bar, and as the bubbles flow, the vibe turns into a classy club. Downstairs, the restaurant transitions to a lounge with a live DJ too, so you have multiple zones to enjoy. Service is very attentive – expect courteous bouncers, smiling waitresses, and managers ensuring all is well. While prices are higher than your average pub, most patrons feel it’s worth it for the "premium dining".

Essentially, Rockets Menlyn offers Sandton chic in the heart of Pretoria, and has quickly become the go-to for birthdays, graduations, or just a swanky Friday.

Address: Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Menlyn

A long-time Pretoria watering hole reborn, Eastwoods Lounge has transformed from a sports pub institution into an upmarket lounge that still knows how to have fun. By day (especially on Bulls game days at nearby Loftus Versfeld, a mere 100m away) you’ll find fans on the big terrace downing frosties and the famous 1kg T-bone steaks off the braai. Come night, though, the vibe shifts to Afro-chic nightlife: leather couches and velvet ropes, dim lighting, and the smooth sounds of R&B and amapiano set the scene for Pretoria’s young professional crowd to mix and mingle.

Expect a dress-up crowd, DJs spinning deep house and amapiano sets, and a polished interior with velvet booths and moody lighting. Bottle service is popular, and the cocktail list now includes everything from fruity mojitos to serious whiskey sours. There’s still a casual outdoor area if you prefer something low-key, but the energy ramps up quickly as the night wears on. If you’re looking for a fun night out in the capital without heading to Joburg, Eastwoods is your spot. 

Ultimately, this is not the spot for a quiet night out – but if you crave a joyful, rowdy gathering with hearty food and high spirits, Eastwoods Tavern is a Pretoria legend for good reason.

Address: 391 Eastwood St, Arcadia