A Streetbar Named Desire
A literary-themed cocktail bar and tapas venue in Johannesburg, known for its unique drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and rooftop views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
A Streetbar Named Desire
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A literary-themed cocktail bar and tapas venue in Johannesburg, known for its unique drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and rooftop views.
Best Views from Upstairs
Opt for a seat upstairs on the balcony for optimal views and a more vibrant atmosphere.
Tapas Style is Key
Embrace the tapas-style dining to sample a variety of delicious flavors in small portions.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Tapas
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+27 11 268 6485
Address
144 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Randburg, 2193, South Africa
Website
streetbar.co.za/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Literary-Inspired Cocktails
Sip on creatively named cocktails like 'Epic Fornications' and 'The Kindness of Strangers,' inspired by classic literature.
Trendy Rooftop Ambiance
Experience a vibrant atmosphere on the first-floor balcony with beautiful street views and a 19th-century New Orleans mansion vibe.
Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Tapas
Savor a delicious selection of small plates, including smoked baba ghanoush and flatbreads, perfect for sharing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best Views from Upstairs
Opt for a seat upstairs on the balcony for optimal views and a more vibrant atmosphere.
Tapas Style is Key
Embrace the tapas-style dining to sample a variety of delicious flavors in small portions.
Weekend Crowds & Reservations
Weekends can be busy; consider making reservations to secure a table.
Consider Alternative Transport
Street parking may not be secure, so using Uber or other transport is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Best Views from Upstairs
Opt for a seat upstairs on the balcony for optimal views and a more vibrant atmosphere.
Tapas Style is Key
Embrace the tapas-style dining to sample a variety of delicious flavors in small portions.
Weekend Crowds & Reservations
Weekends can be busy; consider making reservations to secure a table.
Consider Alternative Transport
Street parking may not be secure, so using Uber or other transport is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
A Streetbar Named Desire offers an amazing atmosphere and energy, making it a popular spot for both dates and group outings. Diners rave about the delicious tapas, creative cocktails, and the vibrant vibe, especially from the upstairs balcony. While some note it can get busy, particularly on weekends, the attentive service and lively entertainment options like comedy nights and drag brunches contribute to a memorable experience.
"We stumbled by a street bar named desire whilst out with my wife in Rosebank. The atmosphere and the music was really great. With a great mix of people. I loved the service and the drinks were decently priced. They had shisha for R250 if I remember correctly. That was also good. I would definitely recommend if you want a good bar when visiting Johannesburg."
Tshepiso Makhamisa
"Great place for a date best bar in town
You try a Woodford old fashione cocktail
Nice and cozy place with balcony bar"
Mhlomuli Magadlela
"We visited A Streetbar Named Desire for the Drag Quiz and it was so much fun! The atmosphere was amazing, the food was delicious and the service was great. The staff were friendly and helpful. The tapas was delicious, we enjoyed sharing and having a taste of a few different things. The cocktails were delicious as well as beautiful. We will definitely be back!"
Catriona Eaton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant boasts a vibrant and trendy atmosphere, with a popular first-floor balcony offering street views and a cozy, 19th-century New Orleans mansion feel.
They specialize in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tapas-style food, offering small plates perfect for sharing, such as smoked baba ghanoush and flatbreads.
Yes, especially for weekend visits, as the restaurant can get quite busy. Making a reservation is advisable to secure a table.
The bar is known for its creatively named cocktails inspired by classic literature, such as 'Epic Fornications' and 'The Kindness of Strangers'.
Street parking may not be secure, so it's recommended to opt for alternative transportation methods like Uber.
A Streetbar Named Desire hosts various events, including drag brunches, comedy nights, and live music, contributing to its lively ambiance.
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Obviously named for the classic Tennessee Williams play, A Streetbar Named Desire is one of Jo’burg’s hottest Friday night hangouts. The first-floor balcony, which overlooks the busy corner of Chester Road and Jan Smuts Avenue, does have the feel of a 19th-century New Orleans mansion, although curiously the menu is Mediterranean tapas and bar snacks. (Go figure.) But Streetbar’s food is tasty, and the cocktail names – “The Kindness of Strangers”, “A Woman’s Charm”, “Epic Fornications” and “Coarse Behaviour”, to name a few – evoke Williams’ sultry prose.
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Enjoy gorgeous street views from the first-floor balcony of this Parkwood Mansions eatery while listening to foot-tapping music and nibbling on Middle Eastern-inspired bar snacks, such as smoked baba ghanoush, flatbreads, deep-fried olives and hummus with an edible veggie patch. Besides having a lip-smacking variety of seafood and meat tapas, you can also expect a vast array of vegetarian tapas. Choose one or more of the cheekily named cocktails (think Epic Fornications, Pearls of Wisdom and Coarse Behaviour to pair with your meal.
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A Streetbar Named Desire is a stylish cocktail bar and tapas venue inspired by the literary classic. The decor takes centre stage, with its emerald-green walls, marble accents and eclectic touches creating a space that is simultaneously modern and nostalgic. Designed by the creative duo Jana + Koos, the interior reflects a playful take on sophistication.
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For cocktails inspired by classic literature, visit A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood. This tapas hot spot has three bars on-site, as well as a two-page long cocktail menu. Taking inspiration from Tennessee Williams’ wicked personality and those of his delicate characters, their mixologists have crafted a variety of tantalising drinks.
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Apart from the attractive name, A Streetbar Named Desire bar is one of its kind and has Turkish Israeli and Lebanese cuisine like no other in Johannesburg. The emerald green interiors, marble-topped bar, and the luxury theme maintain inside are straight out of a movie scene. There is also an open terrace to enjoy the outside view.
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A post shared by A Streetbar Named Desire (@a.streetbar.named.desire). Address: 144 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Randburg, 2193, South Africa. Distance from JO: 22 minutes
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit