Lucky Bean opened on 7th Street in 2011 and has been a fixture of Melville's social life ever since. That longevity says something. Melville is a neighbourhood that rewards consistency over novelty, and Lucky Bean delivers both in equal measure. The bar occupies a double-storey space with exposed brick, mismatched vintage furniture, and enough local art on the walls to hold your attention between rounds.
The main draw is the garden terrace. It runs along the side of the building, covered enough to stay open during light summer rain, and strung with warm-toned lights that make the space glow on weekend evenings. About 60 percent of the clientele head straight for the garden — the other 40 prefer the more intimate bar counter inside. Both work well.
The cocktail list is approachable rather than ambitious, which suits the vibe. You will find well-made standards alongside a handful of South African twists. The brandy-and-spiced-honey sour has been on the menu since opening and remains the signature drink. The craft beer selection runs to 12 taps and changes monthly — ask the bartender what has just come on.
Lucky Bean draws a genuinely mixed crowd: Melville regulars, students from the nearby university, creative professionals, and the occasional visiting journalist who got the recommendation right. Nobody is out of place. The bar opens daily at 4pm and keeps going until 2am — later on weekends. For a full picture of what Melville and its surrounding neighbourhoods offer, the after-work bars of Johannesburg page covers a dozen strong options across the city.
