Brews & Bites
Social On Main: Bryanston’s Go-To Spot for Food, Drinks, and Good Times
There is a certain kind of comfort you only get from a place that has become part of Joburg’s social DNA. Social On Main in Bryanston is one of those spots. It first made its name as a buzzing after-work favourite, but what keeps it alive eleven years later is something harder to define. It is the energy, the food you end up craving, the cocktail you tell your friends about, and that easy atmosphere that feels like summer even in the middle of winter.
Walk in on any afternoon and you will find the crowd that has become its signature. Media girls in sunglasses at four, tech bros comparing craft beer notes, couples sharing a pizza, and families pushing tables together for birthdays. Social On Main is the rare Joburg venue that feels both lively and welcoming, equal parts cool and comfortable.
Where the food hits the sweet spot
Social’s menu is huge but somehow still cohesive. It is the type of food that suits the space: unfussy, flavour-driven and meant to be shared. Their wood-fired pizzas use two-day fermented sourdough and come topped with everything from wild mushrooms and artichokes to jerk chicken with avo and lime yoghurt. The BFA pizza, loaded with bacon, feta, and avo, remains a crowd favourite.
The burgers are another strong point, especially the Social Bacon and Cheese Burger with smashed patties, maple bacon, and that signature sauce that regulars swear by. The South African Fried Chicken Burger is the one you order when you want crunch, heat, and a little pineapple sweetness.
Starters are tailored for grazing. Think tempura prawns with charred corn salsa, sticky pork belly bao, crackling zucchini fries, boerie bites, lamb kebabs, and coal-roasted broccoli finished with miso glaze. The Social Platter is the fix for group tables, packed with ribs, bao buns, spring rolls, lamb kofta, and wedges.
If you want something more substantial, the signature grills deliver. The 28-day aged rump, sirloin, or rib-eye comes simply seasoned and served with chips and seasonal veg. The slow-roast pork belly with butternut puree and cider sauce is one of the most comforting meals on the menu. And their proper fish and chips are classic in the best way, golden and generous.
Cocktails that keep Social… well, social
The drinks menu is massive and playful. The gin menu alone is a three-step adventure: choose your gin, your tonic, and your garnish. It is a favourite among Social regulars and makes the bar feel interactive.
Cocktails lean fun rather than pretentious. There is the Lotus, a litchi and bubbles crowd-pleaser that comes with sparkles. The Bloomin’ Good blends blood orange gin with limoncello. The Pornstar Martini arrives with its own shot of bubbles. And the Zombie, served flaming, is the drink that announces your night is officially going somewhere.
For those who want something fruitier, the strawberry daiquiri, ruby rose, and classic mojito are reliable hits. Beer lovers are also looked after, with several draughts, including Heineken, Stella Artois, Brewhogs Blonde, and Kings Blockhouse IPA.
Image 1: Facebook/Social on Main – Bryanston
A go-to venue for year-end parties and celebrations
Where Social On Main really stands out is in how easy they make group bookings. Their year-end and private function packages are clear and straightforward, which is rare in Joburg.
The steps are simple: pick your drinks package, pick a set menu, add extras like karaoke, DJs, or AV tech, and secure your date. The drinks tiers include silver, gold, and platinum, each covering beer, cider, wine, and spirits depending on the level. Vouchers or open bar tabs can be customised to suit your budget.
Food options cover sit-down menus, buffet-style spreads, or platter boards for cocktail-style events. Starters range from calamari and chicken tenders to veggie wraps and lamb kebabs. Mains include everything from dry-aged rump to pizza, pork belly, fish and chips, or butternut curry. Desserts keep it classic with sticky toffee pudding or a chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream.
Extras such as welcome drinks, Christmas crackers, photo booths, karaoke rooms, and themed dress-up boxes let you turn a normal function into something memorable. Minimum spends apply for large groups, but the system is transparent and explained clearly.
Why Social On Main continues to endure
There is something to be said for consistency. Social On Main has survived because it keeps evolving without losing its identity. It still feels like a casual hangout but with the polish of a venue that takes quality seriously. The food is better than it needs to be, the cocktails are creative, and the team knows exactly how to run a big night without losing the personal touch.
In a city where venues come and go quickly, Social On Main remains a Joburg classic. It is the place where you meet friends for one drink that becomes three, host a year-end party, or simply unwind on a warm evening with a pizza and a cold beer.
And honestly, that is exactly what Bryanston needs more of.
Also read: Gilroy’s Brewery: The Johannesburg Craft Beer Classic Pouring New Stories
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Source: socialonmain.co.za
Featured Image: Tripadvisor
