Great Dane
Bar · Johannesburg Melville
The former cult bar from Braamfontein is back: Great Dane reopened in Melville in August 2025, and on Saturdays it’s still known on the scene as “Gay Dane”.
- ★ 4.3 on Google (4)
- “Gay Dane” on Saturdays
- DJs
- Long Islands
- Address
- 8 Main Road, Melville
2109 Johannesburg - Opening hours
- Wed–Sat 2 pm–2 am
Sun–Tue closed - Crowd
- mixed and easygoing, mostly 20–35, many queer regulars on Saturdays
- Flirt factor
- medium, high on Saturdays
- Programme
- “Gay Dane” with DJs on Saturdays
House and breakbeat
What makes Great Dane stand out
For years Great Dane was one of the most popular bars in Braamfontein. It was known for its dim lighting, a packed courtyard and a floor covered in five-cent coins. It closed in 2023 and came back on Main Road in Melville in August 2025.
The reopening featured DJs playing house and breakbeat. The bar is also known for its Long Islands.
Atmosphere and crowd
Great Dane was never an exclusively gay bar. On Saturdays, though, a loyal crowd of queer regulars comes in, which is why the night is called “Gay Dane”. Otherwise the crowd is mixed, and it’s busiest at weekends.
A good fit if you …
- are looking for a casual party bar with queer history
- want to party in a mixed crowd on a Saturday
- like house and breakbeat
Not ideal if you …
- expect an exclusively gay bar
- want to go out from Sunday to Tuesday
Contact & links
Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Johannesburg In Your Pocket, Resident Advisor, Google Maps. Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.
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