Smoking Kills Bar is Melville’s new hole-in-the-wall dive bar with an unpretentious look and feel. Having taken over a part of Mootee Bar next door, the seemingly unassuming new neighbour is all about the rum, with a few Cuban sandwiches thrown in.

 

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What’s better than 1 cocktail? Obviously 3 Cocktails. Come smash some with us tomorrow! #rumcocktails #rumbar #rumbitch #bar #bartender #cocktails #menu #newkidsontheblock #jointhegang #cubanfeels #rumfordays #shot #melville

A post shared by Smoking Kills (@smokingkillsbar) on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:06am PDT

Fast facts

Food type: Cuban
Cost: R95 average main course
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 3; Service: 5; Ambience: 3

Food

The small menu includes a build-your-own-sandwich option – choose either the cheese-only version or the one where you can choose one meat and two veg. If going for the former, choose blue, brie, swiss or mozzarella; while the latter is best enjoyed with pulled pork, juicy pickles and eggplant cooked in coconut. The meal is a generous portion the size of two fists, but don’t skip the perfectly seasoned curly fries to accompany it.

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Ready to get EF-D up? Good, we’re open tomorrow for your face filling needs! #smokingkillsbar #rumbar #rumcocktails #rumbitch #cuban #sandwich #drinks #vibes #efedup #facesmash #food #belly

A post shared by Smoking Kills (@smokingkillsbar) on Mar 25, 2019 at 9:45pm PDT

If you have the space, warm churros are a treat, especially in cold weather.

 

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We’re still in Easter mode, smashing churros like crack monsters! Come and grab some for yourself Wed-Sun 5-late! #churros #churbro #rumbar #foodporn #rumbitch #grabass #grabchurros #barfood #damn #tasty

A post shared by Smoking Kills (@smokingkillsbar) on Apr 23, 2019 at 12:49am PDT

Drinks

Anything goes here, which makes it a welcome haven for smokers and imbibers. Sit at the bar and chat to the friendly hostess, who can match your mood to one of the seven rum cocktails, like the Fresh to Death with pineapple, lime and bitters, or the Sweet Thrills with sweet vermouth, coconut, maple and cassia rum.

 

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Grab a seat, we’re keen to meet! #rumcocktails #rumbar #smokingkillsbar #newbar #melville #rumbitch #hang #chill #vibes

A post shared by Smoking Kills (@smokingkillsbar) on Mar 26, 2019 at 11:27pm PDT

Service

This could easily become your new hangout spot, with staff remembering your name and drinks order. All bar staff are warm, knowledgeable and welcoming.

 

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Meet the pirates behind the wheel @smokingkillsbar, running rum on a daily basis (except Monday’s and Tuesday’s when they’re counting their gold). #rumrunners #pirates #drinkrum #rumisgoodforyou #bartenders #duo #dreamteam #bar #rumbar #melville #comesayhigh #rumfun #shot

A post shared by Smoking Kills (@smokingkillsbar) on Mar 2, 2019 at 12:48am PST

Ambience

There’s little fuss or frill in this pet-friendly shabby-chic space. It’s simple, with a playlist of soulful music that allows you to still hear the person across from you and enjoy great value for money.

Best for…

Perching at one of the bar tables to catch up with friends after a hard day at the office.

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