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Ratz Melville

Johannesburg, South Africa

Neighbourhood

Johannesburg

Category

Bars

Vibe

lgbtq, queer +6

Official website

About Ratz Melville

Ratz is one of Melville's longstanding nightlife venues and is now explicitly queer-forward under new management. The 7th Street bar mixes cocktails, food, karaoke, DJs and dancing in an informal setting.

What to expect

An unpretentious queer-forward bar that shifts from food and drinks into music and dancing later at night.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

On Melville's 7th Street nightlife strip.
Under new management since August 2025.
Check Instagram for current themed nights.

Gallery

Photos coming soon

Location

Ratz Melville

9 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.2

461 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • Google Maps
    4.2

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Tony Manavalan
Tony Manavalan

8 months ago

Epic Nights at Ratz in Melville Ratz is the unpretentious anchor of 7th Street—a true Melville institution. The vibe is 'good vibes only' with an incredibly inclusive crowd. If you're brave enough, try the legendary 'Ratz Poison' (with a Stroh rum float!)—it's a rite of passage. The new management has really polished the place up while keeping that classic, electric energy alive. A must-visit spot! If you are in Johannesburg.

Review from Google Maps

Justin Mushawatu
Justin Mushawatu

5 years ago

The place has such great energy. Kareokee nights Wednesdays and Sundays are worth trying. Drinks fairly priced. Bathrooms are clean as well The waitres n waitresses are very friendly and welcoming. The place is a bit small in area though

Review from Google Maps

Etienne Marais
Etienne Marais

3 months ago

Big please can Ratz Bar play more Christian and Gospel music like Hillsong Young and Free?

Review from Google Maps

Gavin Rose
Gavin Rose

6 years ago

Sunday karaoke is back and brilliant. The first Sunday of the month is karaoke night. We travel from Pretoria to take part. There are some really good singers, good atmosphere and a very mixed crowd. Half price cocktails till 8pm.

Review from Google Maps

What a Vibe. Definitely the place to visit in Melville, Johannesburg. The party really gets going at Ratz Bar. I had so much fun joling the night away at Ratz. The manager Chad made sure I felt like a VIP the whole night. DJ_floyed played a master set and had the whole bar on their feet the entire time. The Luxo Gin Girl and the Lavida Vodka Girl made sure the shots were flying and party was banging right from the start. Can't wait to get back to Ratz for another hectic party session. The crowd was so friendly and awesome I forgot I was partying with strangers who now are friends.

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
28 September 2026
Listed in
Johannesburg › South Africa
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google