TAVERN AND RESTAURANT REVIEWS

SPOTS TO WINE & DINE Xoli’s Pub and Restaurant opened its doors in 2006 in Zola 1, selling only pap and chicken livers from a small family kitchen. Seven years later, the business has expanded significantly and is now called a place where local flock to, to enjoy their favourite dishes and drinks. Xoli’s Pub and Restaurant owner, Mpho Zondi, proudly explains how she expanded her business and property: “It was after my successful application for a liquor license that I decided to extend my house and turn a part of it into a restaurant. Before we expanded, we used to sell pap and chicken livers for takeaway only, and currently we have a variety of dishes and fries, such as T-bone steaks and fish and chips.” Zondi says that extending her house was a great achievement for her because she no longer had to use a gazebo to provide shade for her customers. “Now that we’ve got resources for the business, the sky is the limit. I am proud of myself as a woman that I have provided the people of Zola 1 with a place that they love and where they can hang out and have fun.” At Xoli’s Pub and Restaurant there’s food and drinks at a reasonable prices. XOLI’S PUB AND RESTAURANT

BILLY’S PLACE IN KATLEHONG

(Standing) is the owner of Billy’s Place in Katlehong, Billy Thapelo Mokoena and his customers.

Billy’s Place in Katlehong, Phake Section, is an awesome tavern with a unique and priceless township experience that you can’t get anywhere else. Located on Sotonga Street, the spot is owned by an astute businessman, Billy Thapelo Mokoena. Billy’s Place, is one spot where there’s everything for everyone, this is the reason it’s always packed to capacity over the weekends.

If you find yourself lost in Ekurhuleni, check in at Billy’s Place for unforgettable serenading company and friendly service from both the staff and customers. With this experience guaranteed, there’s absolutely no way you can feel lost or out of place. Most of the people who frequent Billy’s Place are regular customers and they reside right there in Katlehong but new faces are welcomed and no one is treated like a stranger. Billy has been described by some of his customers as an honest man who listens to his customers and also cares about their wellbeing.

JESSIE’S TAVERN IN SPRUITVIEW

WEST SIDE TAVERN IN ELDOS

Joseph Yehlo, Steve Mahlo, Clement and Owner Joey Louw(sunglass)

The owner of West Side Tavern in Eldorado Park Ext 2, Joey Louw, affirms that managing a tavern is a tough task — just like running any business. Louw speaks out about how his business went through ups and downs for the past 10-years since its inception but he never thought of giving up and today he sees himself as one of the successful businessmen in the area. “It is exciting for me to be one of the upcoming business owners here in my community,” Louw exclaimed. He says his passion for what he does, has driven him for all the years that he has been running his tavern. Louw says he does not focus much on making money but rather focuses on doing what he enjoys most, and that is running a nightlife business. One of his goals is to brand West Side as one of the most appealing taverns to hang out in, in Eldorado Park, though he accepts that it’s every business owner’s aspiration to draw more customers through their doors each day in order to make money. Louw who is a Rock and Roll music fanatic says he keeps his customers entertained all night long with good music and that is the reason they keep coming back.

Jessie Sitsila, owner of Jessie’s Tavern in Spruitview

If you’re familiar with Spruitview, you should know that Jessie’s Tavern has been around since 2005. Jessie’s Tavern owner, Jessie Sitsila, who grew up in Spruitview, says before opening her business she was working at a restaurant as a chef. Jessie says there are many reasons that people to come to her tavern, and it’s not only to drink beer. There is entertainment on offer and the tavern features costume karaoke on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. Jessie says she opened her tavern because she wanted to create a lively place in Spruitview where everyone would feel comfortable.

There are flat screen TVs on the wall around the tavern and the popular video game, Big Buck Hunter is available too.. The locals love the tavern, a place where they can get drinks at reasonable prices.