Ratz
Pub · Johannesburg Melville
Ratz is one of the oldest bars on 7th Street in Melville: unpretentious, a little trashy, queer-friendly and with the motto that everyone is welcome except the narrow-minded.
- ★ 4.2 on Google (461)
- queer-friendly
- Karaoke
- Tequila happy hour
- Address
- 9 7th Street, Melville
2092 Johannesburg - Opening hours
- daily 4 pm–2 am
- Drinks
- Tequila daily 11 pm–midnight 20 ZAR
Signature drink: Coco’s Sour Margarita - Crowd
- mixed and queer-friendly, mostly 20–35, students and creatives from Melville
- Flirt factor
- medium
- Programme
- Soulful house on Wednesdays
Retro R&B on Sundays
plus karaoke, game and comedy nights
What makes Ratz stand out
Ratz has been part of the nightlife in Melville, the nightlife neighbourhood in north-west Johannesburg, for many years. Since August 2025 a new team has been running the bar. Musically it ranges from alternative to retro R&B on Sundays and soulful house on Wednesdays.
For food there are peri-peri wings and fries. People enjoy dancing and karaoke here just as much as game or comedy nights.
Atmosphere and crowd
Johannesburg In Your Pocket explicitly calls Ratz queer-forward. The crowd is mixed, young and relaxed, and the mood is laid-back and loud. Guests praise the cheap drinks and the cocktails.
A good fit if you …
- are looking for a casual pub night with no dress code
- like singing karaoke or dancing
- want to party for a long time on little money
Not ideal if you …
- are looking for a chic cocktail bar
- expect an exclusively gay bar
Contact
Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Johannesburg In Your Pocket, Google reviews (4.2 stars, 461 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.
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