Joburg's second-oldest bar (1906) in Braamfontein — closed in March 2024, then rescued and relaunched in January 2025 under Play Braam with a pizzeria next door. Still the spot for cheap drinks, DJs and a young, arty crowd. Caveat: it's a refreshed version of the old dive, so expect more polish and bigger weekend queues.
Key facts
| Hours | Wed–Sun 11:00–22:00 Thu–Sat 11:00–02:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Rea Vaya BRT stops on the Braamfontein loop a block away; Park Station (Gautrain/Metrorail) is about a 15-minute walk |
| Time needed | 2-4 hours (evening) |
| Best time to go | Thursday to Saturday from about 21:00 for DJs; weekday afternoons for a quiet historic-pub pint |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value7.5
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is Braamfontein safe at night for a visit to Kitchener's?
- Juta Street itself is busy and reasonably well-watched on weekend nights, but don't wander side streets alone or flash your phone. Take an Uber directly to and from the door — that's what most locals do.
- Can I eat at Kitchener's?
- The old carvery is history, but Little Kitchener's Pizzeria opened right next door as part of the 2024-25 revamp, and it does a proper job. Otherwise Braamfontein has plenty of eating within two blocks.
- How old is Kitchener's really?
- The building dates to 1906, making it Johannesburg's second-oldest bar. It's named after Lord Kitchener of Anglo-Boer War fame, and the pressed ceilings and wood panelling are original.
- What kind of place is Kitchener's Carvery Bar?
- By day it's a Victorian-era pub with a beautiful old wooden bar; by night it turns into one of Joburg's best-loved small music venues with DJs and dancing. It's where Braamfontein's students, artists and music heads have gathered for generations.
- Is Kitchener's in Braamfontein still open?
- Yes. It closed in March 2024 after economic troubles, but Play Braamfontein took it over and relaunched it in January 2025, complete with Little Kitchener's Pizzeria next door. It's fully operating again.
- What are Kitchener's opening hours?
- Roughly Wednesday and Sunday 11:00-22:00, and Thursday to Saturday 11:00 until around 02:00. It's generally quiet or closed early in the week, so check their Instagram before making a special trip.
- What music can I expect at Kitchener's?
- Anything from house, amapiano and hip-hop to indie and experimental electronic nights — it's long been a launchpad for Joburg DJs. Line-ups change weekly, so check @BarKitcheners before you go.
- Is there a cover charge at Kitchener's?
- Weekday drinks usually mean no cover, but event nights with DJs or live acts often charge a modest door fee, typically announced on their social media. Bring some cash or a card either way — drinks are among the cheapest in the area.
Nearby in Ask Johannesburg
- BraamfonteinNeighborhood0.05 km · 1 min walk
- Untitled Basement BarBar0.16 km · 2 min walk
- Wits Art MuseumMuseum0.18 km · 2 min walk
- The Blind PigBar0.6 km · 7 min walk
- Origins CentreAttraction0.66 km · 8 min walk
Where to stay near Kitchener's Carvery Bar
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