Fast Facts 

Restaurant name: Best Friend Street Bar 

Address: 20 Gleneagles Road, Greenside, Johannesburg 

Contact Number:  

Opening and closing times: Monday to Sunday 11am to 10pm 

Average cost of a main meal: R120 

Corkage: No BYO  

Parking Situation: Kerbside parking 

Food Type: Street food, pub-fare 

 Best for: Casual gatherings with friends and family, casual date nights. 

Food 

Formerly occupied by Blondies, the same owner has bought Chinatown and reopened Best Friend street bar alongside. Tables are picnic-style tables with a faux sunflower in a vase to add a little cheer and colour to the parking lot location it’s situated in. Attracting a mainly student crowd, which Greenside is known for, pop music blared from the bar speakers and patrons sit about ordering shots, hubbly (from a neighbourhood shop) and have the option of ordering either from Chinatown or Best Friend.  

Both menus are placed on the tables. The menu comprises what might be termed French-inspired drunk food with a French Twist, but sadly it is rather average. There is a missed opportunity to make excellent street food that could attract a cult following. There are one or two interesting items such as the deep-fried oysters, which were not available, despite visiting twice. 

 

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Still, the venue makes for a different offering from the usual Greenside and because all seating is outdoors, it feels like you could be chilling ekasi for a Sunday afternoon chillas. 

Drinks 

Nice cocktail menu for the young at heart such as the Jagermeister Mule, Henny and Cola Slush, and served in tumblers: The Paloma Tequila is a standout. The menu also includes nostalgic cool drinks such as Sparletta Raspberry and Stoney, as well as beers, spirits, sparkling wines. 

 

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Interestingly, there is a selection of unnamed wines on the list, with the exception of Steenberg Merlot and Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc, which are specifically mentioned; and you can also order shots of Clase Azul, the premium handcrafted Reposado Tequila. 

Service 

Waiters were friendly and accommodating but service is a bit slow as the clientele comprises predominately large groups of students. 

Ambience

This is an outdoor venue so the above question don’t really apply. There’s a bar window and several wooden picnic tables spread out in the parking lot space. 

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.