With the ongoing third wave and adjusted level 3 lockdown restrictions, you may need an extra incentive to dine out. These restaurants offer the full experience package with entertainment options, such as live band performances, comedy nights, quiz nights, drag brunches and cabaret shows, to be enjoyed while tucking into tasty grub. 

The Anti Social Club (Melville) 

This hip and happening spot in Melville is known for its youthful vibe, creative cocktails and lip-smacking bar food. However, every Thursday evening from 6pm to 8:30pm, The Anti Social Club buzzes with a different kind of excitement in the form of quiz night. Participation is free and prizes include enticing vouchers. Booking is essential and reservations can be made via email on bookingsantisocial@gmail.com or by calling 063 064 4200.

The Anti-Social Social Club. Photo by Kate Liquorish.

Chief’s Boma (Fourways)

Known for its truly African dining experience, complete with a braai set-up, Chief’s Boma restaurant at Indaba Hotel also hosts live jazz performances featuring the marimba band. The performances are usually held daily, but due to ongoing lockdown restrictions, the band performs only on Saturdays during lunch and dinner and on Sundays during lunch. The restaurant also hosts a solo jazz musician like a saxophonist or violinist during Sunday brunch. There is no cover charge, but reservations are required, so for bookings, call 011 840 6600.

Kitchener’s Carvery Bar (Braamfontein)

This 100-year-old bar is known as much for its platters as for its wide range of groovy live music. On Tuesdays, Kitchener’s also hosts comedy nights from 6:30 to 8pm, with a R30 entry charge. Only patrons aged 18 years and above are allowed. Bookings are essential, so for reservations, call 011 403 0166.

The Artisan (Greenside)

This cocktail and tapas bar promises to help patrons unwind and shake off those Monday blues with its weekly comedy nights. A slew of local stand-up comics take the stage at The Artisan every Monday and various acts are performed between 6 and 8pm. Entry is free, but reservations are required, so for bookings, call 072 227 3117. 

Molly Malones (Fourways)

Since last year, this popular Irish pub has garnered rave reviews for its Roadhouse Drive-In Diner. This pop-up cinema experience available from Thursday to Sunday allows patrons to watch movies in the Roadhouse parking lot, while ordering dinner and drinks to their cars. But that’s not all. Every Tuesday, Molly Malones also hosts quiz nights from 6:30 to 8pm. There is no charge for the quiz, but bookings are essential, so for reservations, call 011 467 8052.

Bailey’s (Bedfordview)

Offering a variety of live entertainment, from stand-up comedy laughathons to quiz nights, karaoke and live music performances, Bailey’s has something for everyone. The diner’s stage doubles up as an entertainment platform for live music performances by popular bands or solo artists on Fridays and Saturdays. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Bailey’s alternates between comedy nights, quiz nights and karaoke. All acts usually take place between 6 and 8pm. There is no cover charge for entry, except for major band performances, which can be viewed and booked through the restaurant’s Facebook page. Bailey’s also offers food and drink combos, in sponsored partnerships with the respective performances.

Choo Choo Junction (Linden)

This train-themed restaurant known for its global menu gets into brainy mode with quiz nights every Thursday. Usually held between 6:30 and 8pm, participation is free. As an added incentive, Choo Choo Junction offers a special on nachos and tequilas for the quiz nights. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 072 910 3000.

Decor features a touch of steampunk – and a touch of steam trains. Photo supplied.

A Streetbar Named Desire (Parkwood)

Otherwise a trendy tapas bar, A Streetbar Named Desire gives patrons something exciting to look forward to twice a month, with its drag quiz nights and drag brunches. The brunches feature a special Middle Eastern-themed menu. The restaurant also offers a “Saturday late afternoon session” with guest DJs playing from 4 to 7pm. There are no cover charges, but bookings are essential and no patrons under 23 years are allowed. For reservations, call 011 268 6485. 

Beefcakes (Illovo)

Popularly known for having the wildest queens and burger buns in town, Beefcakes hosts live drag and cabaret shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday between6 and 7pm. The shows are clubbed with a “burger-and-unlimited coffee” special and the whole package costs R300 per person. Only patrons over 18 years of age are allowed. Reservations are required, so for bookings, call 011 447 5266.