Review The Radium Beerhall - Johannesburg

How many years have I had beers here? How many people did I meet here for drinks and a pizza? Have a Tueaday half price pizza special. (R10 extra for a take away box) The beer is still ice cold and the vibe is still cool. Service is very friendly and good. As with most bars, smoking permitted (don't let the no smoking sign fool you). Be aware when parking (as everywhere in SA). Do look at the free beer massacre and the "the situation is vrot with danger" signs. Lekker vegetarian options for the pizza

Old school vibes. The live music was relaxed and fun, servi e was good. The pizza was apparently very good. I had the half chicken, which was nice, but nothing to rave about.

Best pizza in town! Friendly service and great atmosphere! Please support this local business. Tuesdays are half price pizza 🍕 (for sit-down only) and quiz night, too, where you can win a meal voucher.

Would not go there for the food. Although I enjoyed the Benoni Dagwood. But the Radium beer hall and venue is not for foodies. Its a wonderful treasure. And if you want to be reminded about a time past. By people who are still chasing their dreams. This is the place!

Nice little place. Lots of history and good vibe. Food is really good and well priced. Well worth the visit

Meet the locals on the east side of Louis Botha Avenue. Extensive Portuguese style menu with starters, mains and desert. Had the sardine starter as well as the calamari steak starter, good value for money. Pizzas are on half price special on Tuesdays, large selection. Mondays prego and chips with castle draught for R60, quarter chicken and chips for R35. Draughts a bit expensive for this establishment at R32. Recommended if you want to see the other side of the street

Very nice victorian bar from 1929, if I could remember correctly. The place got a lot of character and potential. Always nice just to stop and have a ice cold beer. They only had four beers on tap.

Old school bar that has survived the times. They play all the football, if that's what you're looking for. The food is all cooked the same way it was 30 years ago. If you're looking for a place to fill your stomach at a reasonable price, you won't be disappointed. 5 stars from me.

Fantastic Heritage Site, great music and great food.

Love this place! The gig today was awesome. Pops Mohamned, Neill Solomon and Greg Georgiades. Thank you guys🤗

The Radium has always been a what you see is what you get kinda place, the food not incredible but the price was fair. The music and the ambience also made up for whatever else might have been lacking. Since their reopening after lockdown the food prices has skyrocketed to ridiculous levels for a restaurant/ pub of their quality. Friday night jazz has also disappeared? Not recommended anymore.

Great place to unwind and have a beer. I’ve heard the prawns are great and I’ll have those next time. On Tuesday it’s half price pizza night and their pizza’s are really tasty!

the radium is a place to go for its Music Nights and not for their food. the espetadas and pizzas are great, but the rest is something that i personally would skip. Great Jazz nights and rock bands.

The Radium is a rustic and understated restaurant in the Norwood area. I really enjoy the state I had as well as the peri peri chicken liver stater. The space has decor that is witty and carries alot of history. It definately looks like a space where many come to kick off on a weekend.

Radium says it's a bar and that's exactly what it gives. Doesn't disappoint on the vibe, especially with the broad selection if live music events. Pizza's are great here too.

Meant to be a legit, unpretentious bar and eatery, dinner there tonight was a bust. Tough prego on a stale roll, bad prawns and dry peri peri chicken. Bad. And at R190 for prawns and R150+ for most main courses they can't get away with the 'cheap and cheerful' argument. It's an institution, Joburg's oldest surviving pub. Fix the fare, we want to support you.

The Radium is full of surprises....😁 seriously, this is not your typical bar.... Being the oldest running bar in Joburg, they know how to get it right. <br/><br/>They have a wood fired pizza oven and the pizza is above standard. Pasta is also a good option... And everything else it seems.....<br/><br/>Live music every Saturday evening hosting some of SA's best 😁😁. <br/><br/>Awesome experience!!

The Radium is a very special place to @SirNoid and I. We have visited countless times over the past decade.<br/><br/>Being the oldest pub in Joburg alone makes The Radium worth the visit. Unfortunately the area is not the greatest. Parking is on the street with car guards present, but don't let that put you off!<br/><br/>The Radium holds a precious atmosphere with nostalgic decor, very tongue in cheek. 😊 The food is authentic Portuguese and the Chef is not shy with portions. <br/><br/>The garlic bread is a favourite of ours. Rare steak with egg on top with crispy chips is a sure winner. I also enjoy the prawns. <br/><br/>There are often specials and every so often live performances. Some with a cover charge so find out before.<br/><br/>The variety of dessert has never been great, but the cuppacino's are very decent. <br/><br/>Awesome spot to go and watch a game of football or rugby. Make sure not to be seated close to the door as the reflection on the TV can be distracting. <br/><br/>I've had a birthday party on the upstairs deck and one of my sons enjoyed his 18th birthday there - so we clearly love The Radium.

Really love the history of this old pub. Got the feel of old Joburg. Good atmosphere, regardless of what time you go. The menu, Portuguese based, is pretty good. My favorite is the Espetada, but all steaks are pretty darn good. I've taken friends here a few times in the last couple of years and they've enjoyed the food and experience of the ol Radium

Just go there for the history. Sometime I can even smell a cigar from 1982 and that is something you can't really say about places in Johannesburg because Jhb loves what's hip and in.... oh, and the beer was cold and the waiters are friendly. Don't leave any valuables in the car. Living on the edge!

This Johannesburg institution has been around since forever.. <br/>IGNORING the surrounding streets go enjoy a cold beer in this Johannesburg institution. Never a dull meal.<br/>

I would definitely say that The Radium Beer Hall is better known for its ambience and live music than for its food. Although the pizzas are good and affordable.

With a vibe that's hard to describe, The Radium is a true classic! <br/>It was an absolute treat being able to listen to the jazz band while enjoying an authentic Portuguese meal. <br/><br/>The Portuguese steak was filled with flavour, and the sardines, fillet and espatada were also tried, All of which were tasty options. <br/><br/>A great hideaway for a drink, chill and dinner.

Best bar in the city, definitely my favourite bar/restaurant in Joburg. Love the environment: chill and familiar, and there's very often live music. The food is delicious. My favourite is the trinchado. Pizzas are very good, half price on Tuesdays. Other days there's other specials. Very recommended!

Granted it's not the most glam place ever, but it's authentic, atmospheric and the food is GREAT and reasonably priced. Half price pizza on Tuesday is good value. My favourite thing on the menu is the trinchado (saucy beef steak cubes). Plus a good jazz / live music venue.

The Radium Beerhall gives me the same feeling as my favourite pair of slippers. A little worn, but in all the right ways with lots of good memories and comfort thrown in! <br/><br/>Radium, established in 1929, is the oldest surviving bar in Johannesburg and as such, immediately commands my respect just by virtue of the fact that it has survived (and stood the test of time) in harsh African climates and political changes. <br/><br/>Their menu offers typical pub grill fares with a Portuguese influence. Decent prices, friendly service, a good line up of live music, friendly patrons who have practically grown up at this bar and lots of good beer on tap... I like it! <br/><br/>*Recommendation: For a pub that made a name for itself in the 20's selling liquor to black customers (who in that time were barred from drinking "white man's booze"), you'd be hard-pressed to find a more historic place for a pint!

Great vibe and great food. Just a pity about the bad location. Also I felt that the portion of LM Prawns was a little small. A word of warning though, Friday is live jazz so don't go there expecting to have any decent conversation.

Great bar, really good trinchado. If you want a good old-fashioned solid pub, this is the place. The food is quite good as well.

History always adds a sense of charm and the Radium has this. There food is good, I can't complain. I have a couple of favorites on the menu and tend to stick to them. Service can be slow but that doesn't affect the experience.

This place is more of an institution than a restaurant or pub. Not in the best area but I went at lunchtime and the place was quiet aside from the few regulars having drinks. There were a few flies around and a lady who looked like she was on drugs walked in with her child went from table to table asking for money because the father abandoned them. Anyway, we were there for the food and the full experience, so not too many complaints although I hate it when eating establishments let people in to beg or sell you something whilst you eat. <br/>The food luckily was good. I had the half piri-piri frango which was tender and flavourful and right up there when it comes to Portuguese chicken. <br/>For some reason there are no prices on the menu, so the amount on your bill is a lottery when it arrives. <br/>

My hubby and best friend's favourite meeting spot, I too absolutely love this iconic Jozi spot (which is also Joburg's oldest pub), filled with characters from all walks, the food is as iconic as the venue and is well priced and delicious, definitely a must for all visitors to Joburg. The framed headlines from over the years are very amusing and take one beautifully down memory's lane and the live music is awesome

The epitome of a hidden gem, one of Joburg's oldest bars is a must visit! From the second you step foot through the door this place grabs you. The decor is one of kind organized chaos and vibe is just incredible. Having been the setting for many of the Savanna adverts you cant help but feel the urge to drink one. <br/><br/>The service is good and the staff are very friendly and welcoming. The menu has something for everyone. Their chicken is my favourite and their pizzas are a close second.<br/><br/>I look forward to coming back here again and again.

Situated on Louis Botha, the Radium Beer Hall looks very dodge from the outside. Once you get inside though, it's a warm and typical old school pub. Their pizza deals are fantastic value for money and are pretty good. A perfect place for a catch up with old friends.

Very nice atmosphere with good food @ great value for money. If a pub vibe is not your preference then stay away however if you enjoy friendly service & drinking beer then this the place to go to!

One of the longest standing bars in Joburg, the history of the bar is immediately felt as you walk in the door! Well known for its half price pizza special on s Tuesday. We tried 4 different kinds - the Neil Soloman, Lauri Levine, Mafia and Luigi Vegetarian- they were all delicious! The service was excellent! Just note that on a tuesday the kitchen does tend to get a little backed up. drinks are reasonably priced. Great venue for a birthday! The only negative is parking in the street, sometimes you end up parking quite far from the entrance, there are usually parking gaurds and although the area seems a little dodgy - in the years i have been coming here i have always gotten to my car safely.

Radium beer hall is historical I've been told and was established in 1929. Legend has it that the black cat that roams the restaurant is in fact the original owner incarnate. <br/>When is the last time you've been to a restaurant with a truly authentic history and not the made up brand story you often read in the front page of a menu? <br/>For this alone the restaurant scores on appealing history.<br/><br/>The food was delicious! we all ordered pizzas with interesting and characterful names such as Jim Neversink. Pizzas were a nice variety of vegetarian and meaty ones. Also quite a number of beers on tap including black label which u haven't come across on tap in my whole life of beer drinking. Other items on the menu include lots of Portuguese options like trinchado. Prices are a bit expensive but worth it. <br/><br/>Decor and ambience is original. Very pub like but also warm and welcoming. Cool for couples and a friends night out. Dress is very casual which is refreshing . <br/><br/>Very down to earth spot that I would definitely frequent.

The Radium has been around for years and used to be THE place to go. Unfortunately now the area is not the greatest and parking isn't the easiest. Went there on a Thursday night so no live entertainment I believe you have to go there either on a Friday or Saturday night for that.<br/>I must say I haven't been to the Radium in a while but boy have their prices soared. They are now charging what top restaurants charge and not what a bar type restaurant should be charging or the reasonable prices they used to charge.<br/>I ordered a Portuguese steak with veggies and mash. The steak was a nice size and the meal was enjoyable, the beans and carrot veggies were a bit bland.<br/>After the meal I read on their menu that they have the best chocolate mousse in town but unfortunately there was none available so that was a bit disappointing. They did have other desserts available but none that I was interested in.<br/>Nice place to be if you are into a very casual atmosphere but I think overpriced.

For all you pub lovers out there, you have to stop by here, the place inst in the nicest place but the pub itself is pretty cool, it has an old English pub feel to it, and surprisingly enough the food is crazy good. If you havent been here yet, i suggest you go, its one of those must do's for the bucket list.

This is one of my favourite pubs in Johannesburg. It's a bit of an oasis (with beers instead of water) in a part of JHB that was widely abandoned many years ago. Service is friendly, but on a packed night it can get a bit slow.<br/>The food is great, consisting of Portuguese classics and really good pizza.<br/>Beer selection is decent, though the craft revolution has not reached here (somewhat fittingly I might add).<br/>The vibe and decor is absolutely excellent! My favourite is reading all the crazy newspaper headlines they've collected over the years. It's a place that really makes an impact. No one forgets a night spent at the Radium (even if they drink a lot).<br/>It's also a great place to watch the rugby!<br/>I will definitely be coming back soon.

I have been here a number of times and I really enjoyed each visit! It's based in a not so great part of town but it's definitely worth going to. As the name suggests, don't expect something fancy but rather a 'beerhall' feel. It's rustic and has a lot charm with the pressed ceilings and old newspaper headlines on the walls. They also have music evenings, last night it was Jesse Clegg.<br/><br/>The service can be pretty slow so definitely go with the expectation that this will be the case. The food is enjoyable, we had the mussels to share, followed by pizzas and malva pudding. All were equally delicious! Overall we had a lovely evening and i will continue to recommend it to other people.<br/><br/>

Radium is honestly one of the most iconic places in Johannesburg. Located on Louis botha in what was a nice area but now not so much radium has properly stood the test of time. Its the location of the old savanna adds and some of the best local bands play there. Needless to say, ignore the slightly crummy outside and do yourself a favour and go it. <br/><br/>I've come here a good few times over the years and have never had a bad night out. Radium has surprisingly good food with the pizzas being my favourite due to the wood fired ovens. Also do try the trinchado which was surprisingly good as well! They also service a wide selection of beer, including their own in house craft beer which was assume to be honest. The service is a little slow at the best of times but that seems to be OK in an iconic place like this. What really really makes this place is the ambiance. Its right up there with the best. They've collected newspaper headlines over the years and they're truly hilarious! As mentioned also check out the bands that role through here. They awesome too. <br/><br/>Just come here. Don't think about it, just get in your car and go. Do it now.

We love Wednesday's at Radium. Our local for what either turns out to be an early tidy night or the best party EVER !!! Food is always excellent - beers cold - great venue for an after work chill. Caution the spirits are "watered down " - they know me now so they open bottles at the table for us ......In general we unanimously love Radium !!! - this is an add on after last night ....the owner came to find me and assured me that they do not water down their spirits and should she find that the staff are she will deal with the issue immediately ......thanks Lena - this is why We ❤️ Radium Beer Hall Robyn Jacobs

After getting a bit ruffled about a cover charge due to the live music and not being able to order a take away with out the cover charge, we settled in to listen to the last of the live set while we waited for the pizza. In the end, it was great..music was awesome and pizza excellent. A definite do over as always.

I just had lunch here and found another of Johannesburg's gems. Unassuming and clean but serving good food. Worth a visit when you in the area. Portuguese food and bar.

The oldest Bar in Johannesburg used to be one of the best places to go to with its vibey, jazz bands and good food. Many a Savannah advert has been shot on location here, but over the years this place has suddenly got unfriendly bar staff and the food quality in general has gone down. If you're passing through close to home for a quick sundowner after work, then I recommend this place, otherwise this is not the place for you.

If you want well priced draught beer on tap with a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere in site of a good quality TV, this is the place. Went for a rugby and beer afternoon over the weekend. Service was adequate, quality was good and had a great time. Look forward to going back.

The charm about this place is its history. If you're into a more "in" vibe this would not be a great recommendation. Regardless, I love the vibe here. It feels authentic to Joburg. The area is dodgy so beware.

Decor dusty and dirty.<br/><br/>No parking and on a really busy road.<br/>Services is none existent.<br/>No place to take a lady .<br/>It's a dirty pub and that's it.<br/>Area is scary

Love the food but be ready to wait or order ahead. Waited for almost 1.5 hours for chicken but it was worth every minute once it arrived. Love the vibe, decor, pizzas, prawns and chicken. Drinks very reasonably priced. Definitely can't go wrong every time any time!

Great atmosphere and selection of beers/ draught. The chicken wings were a huge let down though. Get the food basics right and the ratings will rise. Will come back hopefully foodwise will be improvements there.

The oldest pub in Joburg and its lasted for one reason and one reason only- awesome vibe!!! It's one of the few places I can go to in Joburg any time of day and it's still got character

I can only assume nobody who has written these good reviews of Radium ever ordered a pint of Guinness. <br/>That makes total sense when I realise how long it must have been since the last pint of Guinness was pulled.<br/>And with the long and clearly illustrious history of the Radium, I can only estimate at 1986:<br/>In the aged carbonation I could taste the Chernobyl Explosion on April 26th.<br/>In the senescent metallic taste I could detect Gorbachevs Perestroika & Glasnost.<br/>In the antediluvian aromatics I found undertones of Top Gun.<br/>Lingering in the aftertaste was the worlds first identification of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease.<br/>And perhaps the bar staff were still grieving over the 175 Gold Miners who died in Kinross mine in the Eastern Transvaal, such was their moody disposition.

In such a dodgy area, still one Johannesburgs last places for some good fish or easy meals. If its a band night all the better. loud and leery, but a vibe.

We used to live in Norwood and this was our local so we have eaten a few meals here. Their Prego roll only has the softest buns in Johannesburg! On our last dinner there before we moved I ordered the prawns I had been told about by a few people...they were well worth the price and wait. Im going to miss the different vibe of the Radium so will probably drive all the way across town when we start missing it too much!

Radium Beer Hall is such a great dodgy beer hole. Great beer. Good selection of draft beers and delicious pizza. Great for a chilled after work drinks :)

The Radium Beer hall is one of those places where you have to go at least once. The pizza is always good, and you will meet some interesting caracters there. Place is quite dirty tho, needs serious attention.

Great Vibe and Great Food! The only negative I can say is the scruffy location... But as soon as you enter the place you totally forget where you are. Will definitely be back! Prawns to die for!

This is our spot - my wife and I - try the peri peri chicken, can't go wrong. Miguel, the boss man, will look after you.

Good food, live music, great vibes. If you remotely have some balls and go out to Braamfontein, you'll easily survive this one. Not the best area but Ferraris and Porches are no strangers to the tight Street parking. Relaxed and highly casual.

After hearing about this place for years I finally found myself there to watch a friend perform. I have driven past Radium many times so I was prepared for the area. Although it is "dodgy" you don't get that sense once you are there. I would suggest you park on 9th street - it is a well-lit street with security guards, which should provide you with some comfort. <br/><br/>Somehow in my mind I imagine it to be bigger, maybe its from the name "Beerhall" but it is quite cosy and intimate inside and has a really great vibe and atmosphere. Just this is enough for me to go back. You immediately forget where you are and you can imagine all the parties that have been here. <br/><br/>The food is mostly Portuguese inspired, but also a great variety of Pizza's. Their Pizza's are well priced (and I see they have Half Price Pizza's on Tuesdays) however I felt the other food was quite pricey. A trinchado for about R125 is a bit steep considering it is a pub.<br/><br/>With that in mind the Pizza's were fantastic, nice thin crispy base. The trinchado was delicious - something not commonly done well at restaurants. Tried out my wife's Chorizo pasta which was bland - although the Chorizo was good quality - there was not much flavour in the sauce. <br/><br/>Radium's downfall is the service. Or rather the lack thereof. We waited over an hour for the food - this was fine considering we were drinking and chatting - but we waited a very long time for our food to arrive and they all arrived in different intervals. My wife got her pasta and I received my pizza about 20 minutes later. Number 1 rule for a restaurant is that all the food should arrive at the same time. Some people on our table were also given the incorrect pizza's - in the dark this was not noticed immediately until they began eating.<br/><br/>I would go back again - the vibe and experience is great. The food is good but the service really needs to improve. Maybe just go for drinks.

Went for a bite to eat and discovered Tuesday was half price pizza night .. Hard to beat pizza and beer for laid back pub evening .. I haven't been to the Radium beer hall for years but it hasn't changed much - relaxed atmosphere, little dark and noisy but what you would expect from a pub .. Service was a little slow but that could have been because they were busy - we weren't in a rush so it didn't matter although my stomach did begin to grumble ! The beers were cold and the pizzas were great, nice selection and happy to add on - my son had an enormous steak which was brilliant according to him. A great mix of after work beer drinkers to families popping in for a pizzas. We parked in the road and there were car guards. It was a good evening, but if you are looking for matching cutlery and white linen tablecloths then this is perhaps not the spot for you.

Travel back in time! One of the oldest pubs in Jo'burg. Definitely something to experience! Great blues and Jazz evenings. Awesome Portuguese food and well priced menu.

Great for a simple drink and an original pub experience.

I have not been here since 1995! It felt i was in a time capsule as it still feels the same and still has the original ceilings and wood panels! Was a great vibe watching the rugby - new zealand vs SA.. Pizza was great and it has that old english pub feel to it. Will definitely return to check out the live music they have lined up on fridays and saturdays. SA is in desperate need of good jazz and blues venues and i am hoping i have stumbled on a spot!

The Radium Beer Hall, or more commonly known as just "The Radium", is a warm and friendly place to go grab a post-work drink or a great bite to eat.<br/><br/>The venue itself is a bit smaller than most pubs but gives a warm and cozy feel to it, and you can bet its almost always filled with all types of interesting people. There are both a dining area and a bar area, so whether you feel like a full meal or just a pint with a mate, they cater for both. There is also an additional bar space upstairs with a couple tables to sit and enjoy a drink with some friends. The Radium has a very old-English pub feel to it (being one of the oldest pubs in Johannesburg) with various hangings and decorations on the wall. <br/><br/>The food is always pretty decent, and I personally have never had a bad meal there in all the years I've been frequenting the place. They also offer daily specials which are really great value for money. The same goes for the bar. Drinks aren't badly priced at all and the bar staff are usually very friendly and helpful. The overall service at The Radium is usually pretty good but can get a bit slow and choppy when the place fills up properly so try get there early to avoid this minor snag.<br/><br/>The last thing to mention is The Radium's fame for live music offerings. Every week they host live bands playing all types of music ranging from jazz to reggae to rock. It always offers a good night out for drinks, a good bite and maybe some partying.<br/><br/>Overall, I highly recommend The Radium Beer Hall to anyone looking for a tasty, value-for-money meal and some light entertainment.

One of the oldest bars in Jburg...I recently visited this place with my girlfriends and indeed it was a fun night! The place reminds me of London...It has a nice English pub feel with a nice decor..The decorated walls, the hangings and everything around the place just makes you feel good and gets you groovy...<br/><br/>Its particularly difficult to get in, so take that point into account while making your plans with this place...but once you get in, nothing can stop you from having a great night at this fun place...They also have some wonderful gigs happening, which is a good point of this place...<br/><br/>The place also has some amazing offers running on different days...You can try to place your order soon as the service is a lil slow,...given the amount of crowd, you cannot even complain...Better is order some drinks from the bar and enjoy your night<br/><br/>For more such Reviews, check out my blog http://genesrecoded.blogspot.in/

The radium is a place I often frequent where the draw card is the band that is playing rather than the food. It has a great old world English pub type feel to it. The decor has photos, posters and newspaper pages of old, telling a story of the colourful history of the country and the venue - as the radium is one of the oldest surviving bars in Joburg. There's even a resident cat, which I'm sure would be in contravention of some health code - but the locals don't seem bothered, and neither am I.<br/><br/>The menu offers good old pizzas as well as Portuguese food. Different days offers different promotions and specials, including ½ price pizza on a Tuesday, full Portuguese peri-peri chicken on a Monday etc. (call them to confirm what's on)<br/><br/>On nights when there is a gig, bookings are generally required - otherwise you'll have to perch on a bar stool around the bar and hope for the best. It's on nights like this when service starts to stumble. Apart from the fact that you're packed in tightly in the small area, waiters struggle to move around the tables, getting a beer becomes harder, sometimes you're better off going to the bar yourself, alternatively order a bucket of ice and order a whole lot of beers at once. Food service also slows down, so if you're like me that gets grumpy when hungry, have a snack beforehand on gig nights.