Bloemfontein nightlife – bars, pubs & clubs
Posted on 19. Apr, 2010 by admin in Bloemfontein
If you’ve been used to partying in Johannesburg and Cape Town, you may find Bloemfontein nightlife a little low key. The scene here isn’t particularly chic or hip, but there are plenty of places to let your hair down and sink a few. Clubs in Bloemfontein don’t really exist in the traditional sense, but there is a smattering of lively Bloemfontein bars and pubs to keep those who need it well watered. There’s even a couple of dance floors in town and a friendly and fun gar scene. Check out JF’s guide to Bloemfontein nightlife.
Best areas to go out in Bloemfontein:
Loch Logan Waterfront
Most of the upmarket nightlife in Bloemfontein is centred around the Loch Logan Waterfront. In a picturesque setting by a manmade lake, you will find a nice array and bars and restaurants here. Loch Logan Waterfront is the best spot for a romantic night out in Bloemfontein, but you’ll probably want to move on elsewhere after dinner if you’re looking for something lively.
Westdene
The suburb of Westdene in Bloemfontein has the city’s most lively assortment of pubs, bars and restaurants. On the weekends you can have a rip-roaring time with the locals here and things can get pretty busy. There are also a few bars with dance floors here where you can let your hair down with friends if the mood takes you.
Bars and pubs in Bloemfontein:
Cool Runnings
163 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Central Bleonfomtein, Tel: +27 (0)51 430 7364
Cool Runnings is part of a national chain of Caribbean-themed bar/restaurant with karaoke, live bands and DJs on the weekends. The music is generally rock and blues and not reggae as you might expect even the theme.
Mystic Boer
84 Kellner St, Central Bloemfontein, Tel: +27 (0)51 430 2206
Mystic Boer is probably the most popular bar in Bloemfontein with its live music and cool decor. Local bands pay here regularly with a big name gracing the stage at least once a month. There is also a scarily big collection of tequila here for those looking to really make things go with a bang.
Oolong Lounge
16A Second Avenue, Central Bloemfontein, Tel: +27 (0)51 448 7244
A young and trendy crowd generally frequents Oolong Lounge in Bloemfontein. There is a nice restaurant, space for dancing and many secluded corners to hang out and look cool in.
Workshop Roadside cafe
Corner of Second Avenue and President Reitz Street, Central Bloemfontein, Tel: +27 (0)51 447 2761
This bikers’ joint is the best bet for a truly raucous night out in Bloemfontein. The pub shows all the important sporting fixtures on a big screen and plays very loud music on the weekends.
Cubana Latino Cafe
Corner of President Reitz and Second Avenue, Tel: +27 (0)51 477 1920, Email: bloemfontein@cubana.co.za
Cubana Latino Cafe is a trendy chain and a great place to see and be seen. Cigar girls will help things go up in smoke and you can let your hair down to the funky music until late into the night. This is one of the coolest Bloemfontein bars.
Coobah
Bloemgate Centre, Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein
The Coobah restaurant and cocktail lounge is a great place for a bite to eat and a relaxed drink with friends. Don’t expect to be able to get too rowdy here, the vibe is strictly sophisticated.
Stones Pub and Pool Bar
Cedar House Building, 150 Zastron Street, Corner of Second Avenue
Stones Pub and Pool Bar is a real down-to-earth place, perfect for those looking to shoot some pool and smoke some cigarettes. The chain is popular with scruffy types all over South Africa and you will find nothing pretentious in any of them.
Orange Grove Farm
Ferreira Road, Bloemfontein, Tel: +27 (0)82 783 5684
The Orange Grove Farm is a straight-friendly gay bar with a nice garden and swimming pool on site. They music is commercial and care free and it is open until late on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Roxy’s Rhythm Bar
4 Ella Street, Willows, Bloemfontein
Another popular gay bar in Bleomfontein, Roxy’s Rhythm Bar is hip and happening on the weekends, especially Fridays. Doors open at ten and the paty lasts as long as there’s a crowd.
Rhythm Devine
Bloemfontein Showgrounds, Clover Hall, Tel: +27 (0)83 262 2393 or 082 338 8371
Located in Bloemfontein Showgrounds, Rhythm Devine has pool tables, a dance floor and a lively but relaxed vibe. This is a good night out in Bloemfontein if you have friends to catch up with as it offers a bit of everything.
