Five must-visit coffee shops in Johannesburg
In Johannesburg’s hustle and bustle, a good coffee house can be a sanctuary. Here are five of the best in the City of Gold.
With South Africa’s coffee boom, coffee lovers in Johannesburg are now spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a favoured joint.
While some base their preferences on service and ambience, remote working or a pitstop for a quick business meeting, the true ‘aficionados’ are led by coffee quality, flavour and varietals.
According to Getaway, the following coffee shops have the best balance of all the above criteria…
BEAN THERE, 44 STANLEY AVE, MILPARK
Bean There has successfully positioned itself as a pioneer in South Africa’s coffee industry. Established in 2005, it is the country’s very first Certified Fairtrade roaster.
At this charming café you can expect a fresh brew made from ethically sourced, single-origin African beans.
The ambience is inviting and brews can be accompanied by a fresh slice of cake.
Bean There is committed to sustainability and fair trade practices, while there are also opportunities to witness the roasting process.
FATHER COFFEE, THE ZONE, ROSEBANK
Located in the vibrant Rosebank area, Father Coffee is a specialty roaster and one of Johannesburg’s most-loved spots.
It’s a great ‘coffice’ – a place to get some work done, or simply catch up with a colleague or friend. The establishment boasts a beautiful, wood-panelled interior and an outdoor area for those sunny Joburg days.
Known for their meticulous attention to brewing techniques, Father Coffee is also a haven for true coffee aficionados.
“We seek out coffees that are exemplars of provenance, varietal, and processing and then we roast them. Our roastery releases around 60 or so each year,” their site says.
“We also like other things to be good, so we also have a bakery, a wine bar, some wine shops, and other things.”
BREEZEBLOCK CAFÉ, 29 CHISWICK ST, BRIXTON
Breezeblock is a stunning home-grown, owner-run café space in Brixton with top-notch coffee.
With a retro, designer interior, the establishment has become a favourite for Brixton locals and aims to draw other Joburgers to the diverse and artistic neighbourhood.
Breezeblock’s courtyard is an urban oasis with a succulent garden, fish pond and reclaimed tile mural. Coffee can be enjoyed while lingering over a chessboard, novel or newspaper.
With high-speed fibre internet, it’s also an ideal workspace. Breezeblocks offers great food including breakfast or brunch, as well as local craft beer on tap.
BOOTLEGGER COFFEE COMPANY, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Bootlegger has become a household name in South Africa after its humble beginnings in Sea Point, Cape Town.
The franchise has grown exponentially but it’s still managed to maintain a semblance of an independent coffee shop. Their extensive coffee menu that advocates double-shot servings aims to give the perfect balance in a brew.
With excellent, value-for-money food and the best WiFi in town, Bootlegger draws remote workers and is a favoured place for business meetings too.
BRIX COFFEE AND COMPANY, 28 CLARENCE AVE, CRAIGHALL PARK
Situated in Craighall Park, Brix boasts a serene setting with African-inspired decor. The establishment offers gourmet coffee and drinks made with seasonal produce, all complemented with some of the finest pastries.
Brix is perfect for remote working or solo dates, with friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
“My absolute favorite coffee spot. The staff are incredibly friendly, accommodating and kind. The place is gorgeous and ideal whether I want to work or catch up with a friend. And the coffee is just to die for,” reads a Google review.