Zoo Lake Bowls Club

Pictures by copyright blackjohannes. Pictures as is and was not edited or manipulated. The bowls club is not about bowls only. The bar and restaurant provided for decades long different experiences for different people. It went through times of cheap drinks and cheap budget meals where young and old hang out. These days you can still experience the same late back approach of 20 years ago as the green spaces and views are the same. You can get a great oven baked 40 cm pizza for less than R100. The drinks are not that "cheap" anymore and most meals are not your typical budget meals, unless you go after the specials. Service levels are laid back and food takes long. It is still worth it to give it a visit now and then. The "old mans' marble game" are not the main attraction. You can just sit back and enjoy the experience.

It would be my favourite hangout in joburg, but I must subtract a star because the bowls greens are a bit slow. (I've only played bowls there once.)

A place at the Zoo Lake where you get professional service, reasonably priced food and a friendly atmosphere

A pale reflection of what it was 3 years ago. Prices have rocketed up and the ambience has declined from the heady student days of a few years ago. That said, vivid must have also negatively impacted patron numbers. The menu also offers far less diversity these days. I hope that we could one day get back to the previous rustic set up with more competitive prices

Always a great experience

The staff are friendly, the parking is secure and the WiFi is fast if you want to work fron there.

I have memories of going to this bowls club when I was 16. I am now 26 and still head to the zoo lake for a midweek dinner once a week. The staff are incredible and the food is always a treat. Cannot get over how large and delicious the pizzas are.

Very chilled place. The food is excellent and the beer cold, and you don't often get a chance to have lunch next to a bowling green. Really feels like you're in the countryside.

The bowl game field is great! Had lots of fun.
The pizza and chips could be better.
Overall, the game is fun to play in a large group. The instructor was excellent at explaining the game for first timers.

Reasonable priced menu, typical bar menu - service friendly but on the slow side, other wise nice place to stop off.

I had an AMAZING cheeseburger here with delicious chips. Good, loud music. The outdoor area is shielded from the wind and you can smoke Hubbly Bubbly here. Good vibes.

They were out of all beer except for SA brewery stock when we went.the burger was tasty and the chips were crispy and the oil used was fresh.
But needs some work on the menu variety to restore it to its former popularity.

One of the most loveliest spots in Johburg. Very relaxed atmosphere. Very good food with a French touch for a relatively descent pricing. Very friendly and helpful staff.

How come they don't allow fellow zoo Lakers to use their bathroom facilities? I don't want to say the R word

Brilliant food at very reasonable prices - enjoy your meal with an ice cold beer and a view of Johannesburg's historic Westcliffe suburb!

A really nice place surrounded by the park. There you find yourself living the city life with music, drinks and good food while being in the heart of nature.

I would definitely recommend for a chilling afternoon with Friends. The place is so friendly that you can even bring your dogs.

Moreover, the service is very good and the price very affordable. I tried their pizzas and have to say those are tasteful.

What i like about the place was discovering bowling (south African version). People dont come only to eat and drink but really to share a moment of quality Time.

One of my best memory in joburg. Go for it.

Becoming too expensive. Had four beers last week for over 100 bucks. Service is very slow have to wait for over twenty minutes to sometimes get waiter or waitress attention. Things are changing there but not for the better.

Great view of the park. Huge portions on good food. Reasonable prices - especially on drinks. Why are you still reading this? Go already!

I'll spare you the gory details, but take it on good advice NOT to visit this place. It was a great place in its previous embodiment, but not so now.