Always a popular social destination, Illovo Muse and surrounds has long been a hotspot, with a slew of popular spots including the Asian-inspired restaurant Momo Soko, a unique combo of food and footwear at The Frog Boot Bar (at Courtyard Illovo, previously the Post Office Centre), and the lively Hogshead sports bar, keeping things abuzz. Anchoring the nightlife scene in Illovo is Babylon, which for over 12 years has been a staple of Joburg’s suburban gay nightlife, offering a space to let loose and dance the night away.
While this stalwart has been around since 2009, we decided to see what all the fuss was about the new kids on the block, so we hit the town to check out Democracy Bar and Bad Manors. (We visited in March 2025.)
People's choice at Democracy Bar
Born from boardrooms and big dreams, Democracy Bar in Illovo is the result of two corporate escapees, Herman Visser and Dr Ewoudt Cloete, who decided that spreadsheets just weren’t spirited enough. Trading suits for shots, they pooled their life savings to open the kind of bar every guy thinks about starting but rarely does. After the wild success of their first interactive spot, Karaoke Kong in Melville, they doubled down on fun with a new concept where the people have the power – literally. At Democracy Bar, you vote for the music, the drink specials, and the vibe. It’s nightlife by the people, for the people.
Walking into Democracy Bar feels like stepping into a space where brutalist cool meets pop-culture flair. The walls are splashed with cheeky, satirical voting posters and bold art, setting the tone for a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously – except when it comes to style. There’s no official dance floor, but the tables and chairs look ready to make way when the music calls. A small stage anchors the room, with just enough space up front to dance. Cloete describes the aesthetic as "alternative, up-market underground" – a rare aesthetic in the Rosebank/Sandton orbit, complete with cube-shaped light fixtures that wink at polling results and the political theme.
At Democracy Bar, it's up to you to get involved. Want margaritas on the menu or your favourite artist on the speakers? Cast your vote. This clever system puts the crowd in control, turning every night into a fun, choose-your-own-adventure. As a result, it's an interactive nightlife playground where very few nights are the same. One evening might be a full-on Beyoncé or Nicki Minaj tribute, the next a punk-rock night (like when we visited).
Democracy Bar regularly hosts theme nights and other forms of live entertainment, with drag shows to Dungeons & Dragons, quiz nights to burlesque, and even a tea-and-cocktail fusion event in the works. "We have been partnering with a diverse range of event partners. We are also truly blessed that the eventing community has been extremely excited by the space, and we’ve had the opportunity to work with many event partners since opening," shares Cloete.
The bar’s calendar is a glorious mash-up of the unexpected. The crowd is just as eclectic – on punk night, we spotted die-hard fans alongside casual drinkers and nightlife hoppers making the rounds between the three main spots in the centre – Democracy Bar, Babylon, and Bad Manors. "Our demographic is quite diverse," says Cloete, "appealing to everyone from young professionals to groups of friends and creatives looking for a more interactive nightlife experience."
SAMPLING THE MENU: FOOD AND DRINK AT DEMOCRACY BAR
At Democracy Bar, the menu is as democratic as the name suggests – vote-driven, ever-changing, and always offering variety. On our night out, we tried the crowd favourite, The Chief Whip, a cocktail made with Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin, Strawberry Gin, and lime juice. It was fruity and light, with a little bit of a kick. Other popular drinks include the Mexican Junta; a refreshing mix of tequila, watermelon syrup, lime juice, and soda.
When it comes to food, think small plates with big flavours. Standout dishes include the mouthwatering Old Brown Sherry pork belly bites with mango atchaar mayo and the spicy buffalo cauliflower wings. Also on the menu are Bo-Kaap chilli prawns, Malaysian fried chicken, smoky ribs, and Moroccan lamb meatballs. It's a solid lineup of vegetarian-friendly and globally-inspired options.
For more information on Democracy Bar's menu, visit here.
DEMOCRACY BAR OPERATING HOURS
Open Tue – Thu from 12:00 – 00:00 and Fri from 12:00 – 02:00, Sat from 14:00 – 02:00, and Sun from 15:00 – 00:00.
Find Democracy Bar at Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo.
Contact the restaurant on +27 10 446 0280 or book a table online via Dineplan here.
Rebels unite at Bad Manors
Our second stop of the night was significantly busier Bad Manors, a food and music bar with a rebellious streak – and a story to match. It all began in a grand old manor (hence the name), where entrepreneur and property developer Chris Van Den Berg created a space for friends to gather. What started as a laid-back hangout soon grew into a movement – a welcoming community of diverse cultures and unique characters. After a year in Parkhurst, Bad Manors found its latest home at Illovo Muse in December 2024, bringing along its signature blend of elegance and playful rebellion.
Bad Manors offers the best of both worlds with its spacious indoor and outdoor seating, with a deck and garden providing some much-needed fresh air on a night out. The space also proves to be versatile, perfect for hosting birthday parties and events by night or serving as a relaxed workspace during the day. Inside, lush greenery cascades from the ceiling above the bar, while vintage mansion-style touches add a timeless charm. The library area features a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that doubles as a dance floor – and yes, you can borrow a book or two.
The music and lineup are a major drawcard for Bad Manors. "We explore various blends of music or genres, focusing on sounds that aren’t easily accessible through radio or mainstream platforms; we curate each evening for the feel we would like to create," says Shane Hickson from Bad Manors, and it shows. From house, disco, and downtempo to the occasional swirl of hip hop, soul, and R&B, every night is crafted to match a specific mood.
Regular events include Detention Radio, a monthly Saturday session (don’t worry, no actual detention), and Night School on the first Thursday of the month, where emerging DJs get to show off what they're learning. Then there’s the Chess Klub on the last Wednesday of the month – it’s exactly what it sounds like: tactical chess moves set to good grooves. On our visit, we caught Groove City night, a DJ-led house night with lush beats and slick transitions that kept the dance floor full.
FOOD AND DRINKS AT BAD MANORS: THE MENU
While we didn’t indulge in much food at Bad Manors, firm favourites among regulars include the chicken wings, chicken wraps, and the signature Bad Manors burger. What we did enjoy was the Drunken Horse cocktail, a delicious mix of gin and tonic, which was part of a tempting 2-for-1 special that night. Great value for your buck.
BAD MANORS OPERATING HOURS
Open Wed – Sat from 15:00 – 02:00 and Sun from 14:00 – 00:00.
Find Bad Manors at Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo.
After a night of mixing, bar-hopping, and dancing to an eclectic mix of genres, it’s safe to say that the addition of Democracy Bar and Bad Manors has solidified Illovo Muse as a place to visit in Johannesburg’s nightlife scene. It’s conveniently located and an easy place to navigate; soaking in the different vibes without the chaos. Not too rowdy, but with just the right buzz and activity to keep your attention. Whether you're gearing up for an event later or looking for a laid-back spot to chill, it’s great for pre-drinks – and if the night calls for it, you could easily stay and party till the am. It’s definitely a spot we’ll be revisiting.
Written by Unathi Nkhoma and Ruvesen Naidoo, who visited Democracy Bar and Bad Manors in March 2025.
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