
Streetbar Named Desire
A vibrant Rosebank bar known for its sensational cocktails, lively music, and energetic atmosphere, especially during 'Sorbae Sundays'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the popular Sorbae Sundays

Streetbar Named Desire
Best Time
Experience the popular Sorbae Sundays

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Rosebank bar known for its sensational cocktails, lively music, and energetic atmosphere, especially during 'Sorbae Sundays'.
"Sensational food, delicious cocktails, and cool, freshly tapped beer – that's all you need for a perfect evening."

🚗 Plan Your Transport
Parking is scarce; consider ride-sharing or public transport to avoid hassle .
💃 Embrace the Vibes
Known for its energetic atmosphere, especially on Sundays with Sorbae Sundays .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sorbae Sundays
Main bar area
Experience the ultimate Sunday vibes with great music, dancing, and a lively crowd. Guaranteed good times!

Sensational Cocktails & Food
Bar and dining area
Indulge in delicious cocktails, freshly tapped beer, and a menu that complements the vibrant atmosphere.

Unique Ambiance
Throughout the venue
Enjoy the cool, hip, and happening crowd with music that's always on point, creating an energetic vibe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vibe Check: When to Go
Navigating the Scene
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Plan Your Transport
Parking is scarce; consider ride-sharing or public transport to avoid hassle.
💃 Embrace the Vibes
Known for its energetic atmosphere, especially on Sundays with Sorbae Sundays.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
The internal staircase can be tricky, so be mindful, especially at night.
🎶 Music is Always On Point
Expect a great soundtrack, from R&B to hip-hop, catering to diverse tastes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Plan Your Transport
Parking is scarce; consider ride-sharing or public transport to avoid hassle.
💃 Embrace the Vibes
Known for its energetic atmosphere, especially on Sundays with Sorbae Sundays.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
The internal staircase can be tricky, so be mindful, especially at night.
🎶 Music is Always On Point
Expect a great soundtrack, from R&B to hip-hop, catering to diverse tastes.
💨 Shisha Quality Varies
While available, some reviews suggest inconsistent quality for shisha.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
A Streetbar Named Desire is celebrated for its sensational food, delicious cocktails, and consistently high vibes, making it a top spot for a great night out. The music is always on point, and the atmosphere is energetic and social, attracting a hip crowd. However, some guests have found the shisha quality to be disappointing, and parking can be a significant challenge.
"★★★★★ Perfect mix of great food, drinks, and vibe!
Sensational food,delicious cocktails, and cool, freshly tapped beer – that's all you need for a perfect evening. The staff is also super laid-back and friendly. A clear 5-star recommendation for anyone looking to have a great time"
Amerikanische Chiropraktiker & Sportmedizin
"Stumbled across this Bar whilst looking for a bar and chill spot in Johburg. Great music. Great vibe. And the Shisha for R250. The drinks were reasonable priced as well. Just a great night out."
SipswithSethBw
"I’ve now been to a streetbar named desire a few times, the service is generally great, the music is always on point, and the vibes are consistently high. It’s always busy, which adds to the energy and vibe of the place, but sometimes it can feel a bit overcrowded.
My only issue has been with the shisha. The last two times I’ve ordered, the pipes have been really disappointing. They’ve either tasted burnt, nothing like the flavour I requested, or just generally off. At R350 a pipe, you expect better quality and consistency. I really hope they look into improving this."
Tamika Singh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
A Streetbar Named Desire is located in Rosebank, Johannesburg. While specific public transport routes can vary, ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt are highly recommended due to limited parking. Many visitors find these services convenient for reaching the venue and getting back safely.
Parking is described as minimal to none, making it a challenge to find a spot. It's best to plan for alternative transportation such as ride-sharing apps or taxis to ensure a smooth arrival.
For a hassle-free experience, ride-sharing services are the most popular choice among visitors. They offer door-to-door service and are readily available in Johannesburg. Some may also opt for Gautrain to Rosebank station and then a short ride-share.
Depending on your accommodation in Rosebank, walking might be an option. However, always be aware of your surroundings and consider the time of day. For most visitors, ride-sharing is the preferred and safer method.
The Gautrain Rosebank station is a significant transport hub in the area, offering connections across Johannesburg. From the station, you can easily take a short ride-share to reach A Streetbar Named Desire.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there isn't a strict ticket requirement for entry to A Streetbar Named Desire, especially for regular evenings. However, for special events like 'Sorbae Sundays', it's always a good idea to check their social media or website for any potential cover charges or booking information.
The bar is known for its lively Sunday sessions, 'Sorbae Sundays', running from 3 PM to midnight. For other days, hours can vary, so it's best to check their social media for the most up-to-date information on opening times.
As a bar and restaurant, A Streetbar Named Desire typically adheres to South African legal drinking age, which is 18 years old. Identification may be required upon entry.
While the bar is often busy, especially on weekends and Sundays, making a reservation might be possible for larger groups or specific arrangements. It's advisable to contact the venue directly to inquire about reservation policies.
For regular nights, there's usually no cover charge. However, special events or themed nights might have a cover fee. It's recommended to check their social media pages for announcements regarding any entry fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The music at A Streetbar Named Desire is consistently praised, with a mix of R&B, hip-hop, and pop that keeps the vibe high. DJs often play a blend of old and new tracks, creating a singalong atmosphere.
Yes, it's frequently mentioned as a great spot to meet both locals and travelers. The lively atmosphere and popular events like 'Sorbae Sundays' make it a social hub.
The atmosphere is described as hip, happening, and energetic, with a consistently high vibe. It's a popular spot that often gets busy, adding to the lively ambiance.
The bar has a unique style and crowd. While not explicitly detailed, the 'treacherous' staircase suggests an interesting architectural element. The overall decor contributes to its distinct ambiance.
The vibe is generally casual yet stylish. Think smart casual or trendy evening wear. Given the lively atmosphere, comfortable shoes are a good idea, especially if you plan to dance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food is generally considered average by some, but the overall dining experience is enhanced by the great drinks and atmosphere. It's a good place for bar snacks and meals to accompany your drinks.
Absolutely! The cocktails are frequently highlighted as delicious and a key part of the perfect evening experience. They offer a wide selection to complement the bar's vibe.
Drinks are generally considered reasonably priced, adding to the overall value of a night out at the bar.
Yes, shisha is available, with prices around R250-R350. However, some patrons have reported inconsistent quality, with pipes tasting burnt or not matching the requested flavor.
While specific popular items aren't listed, the sensational food and delicious cocktails are consistently praised. The freshly tapped beer is also a good option.
📸 📸 Photography
The bar's unique style and ambiance offer many photo opportunities. The interior decor, vibrant crowd, and well-presented drinks are all great subjects. Look for interesting lighting and architectural details.
Yes, visitors often share their experiences on social media, indicating that photography and videography are common. Be mindful of other patrons' privacy.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be respectful of others. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of staff or private conversations.
Focus on capturing the lively atmosphere, the stylish cocktails, and the unique interior. Candid shots of friends enjoying themselves or the energetic dance floor during events like Sorbae Sundays can be very effective.
While not explicitly forbidden, using flash photography can sometimes disrupt the ambiance or bother other guests. It's generally better to rely on ambient light or use your phone's night mode for better results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you are looking for a place with a similar lively atmosphere but more suitable for a mixed-age group, you might consider venues that offer daytime dining with a more relaxed ambiance. However, for the core experience A Streetbar Named Desire offers, it's best enjoyed by adults.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make the most of a budget visit, focus on enjoying the music and the vibe. Consider sharing appetizers or sticking to drinks that offer good value. Utilizing ride-sharing services efficiently and perhaps traveling during off-peak hours might also help manage costs. Checking for any potential cover charges on special event nights is also advisable.
👫 Couples
For a more intimate experience, consider visiting on a weekday evening when it might be less crowded. You can still enjoy the great music and cocktails in a more relaxed setting. The active management and friendly staff contribute to a pleasant overall experience for couples looking to unwind and have a good time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vibe: Music and Atmosphere
The bar's popularity is amplified by events like 'Sorbae Sundays', which transform the space into a hub of dancing and good times. The crowd is described as hip and happening, a mix of locals and travelers drawn to the energetic ambiance. This creates a dynamic social scene, perfect for meeting new people and enjoying a vibrant night.
While the energy is a major draw, it's worth noting that the bar can get quite busy, sometimes feeling overcrowded. This is part of its appeal for many, contributing to the buzzing atmosphere, but those seeking a quieter experience might prefer a weekday visit.
Culinary Delights: Food, Drinks, and Shisha
While the food is often described as average, it serves its purpose as a complement to the drinks and the overall experience. It's a place where the focus is as much on the social aspect and the drinks as it is on a gourmet dining experience.
A point of contention for some patrons has been the shisha service. While available and priced around R250-R350, reviews suggest inconsistency in quality, with some pipes tasting burnt or not matching the requested flavors. This is an area where the venue could potentially improve to match the high standards set by its food and drink offerings.
Navigating the Venue: Tips for a Smooth Visit
Once inside, patrons are advised to be mindful of the internal staircase, which has been described as 'treacherous'. This is particularly important to remember after enjoying some of the bar's delicious cocktails. The unique layout contributes to the bar's character but requires a degree of caution.
The bar's popularity means it can get crowded, especially during peak times like 'Sorbae Sundays'. While this adds to the energetic vibe, it's something to be aware of. The management is noted for being visible and active, contributing to a generally good service experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit