sin & taxes

where mystery & mixology meet.

late last evening with a few new found friends and at the recommendation of award winning mixologost maynard booyzen we found ourselves at sin+tax.

the name hints at what to expect but standing at the hidden black door, we had no idea of the adventure that lay inside. what followed was a feast of conversation with local bartenders from jozi and durban.

alex behind the bar stimulated our senses with incredible artisinal cocktails - the saffron saff off and crème brûlée threw us into a world of tastes only aplacelike this can offer.

sin+tax is a little on the pricey side but rightfully so. this is not your everyday drink spot. it's a speakeasy for the decerning drinker.

the menu changes with the season and current mixology trends. we enjoyed the current #tasseomancy high tea with elephants experience.

do yourself a favour and indulge in a night out you won't soon forget.

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a really cool hole in the wallplacewith tasty and unique cocktails. the bartenders are also very experienced and knowledgeable. definitely a must try!

soni have been amongst the first person, along with my partner, to go to this place. i was there the evening where it was not even opened yo the public! now, i do say that theplaceis stunning and the cocktails are amazing. problem: their attitude litterally sucks, especially at the door. they behave like they make you a favour... this happened few weeks ago and yet again last night we had a terrible experience. my partner and myself went in for a drink at around 8.30pm. at the door we were told to wait 30 seconds as they needed to inspect the place!!!!! once in, with theplacealmost empty (i counted 10 clients at the time)they told us we could sit only in one specific place. of course i went to another couch and we were told that the couch is a 6 seaters and we should move in case a group comes in!!!! at that point we left and went nextdoor to coalition which, with a full bar, welcomed us in the best manner. now, let me explain you something guys: we are european andnwe have been amongst the top cocktail bars in the world: milan, paris, madrid, london, amsterdam, new york, hong kong, bruxelles and i can go on. we certainly don't need to come to yourplaceand by not coming our life won't change a bit. we, and our circle of friends, will support your nextdoor bar. on the contrary your life is going to change by lacking people coming and spending big money with you. things don't last and when in 12 months time you are going to struggle for people coming to you, you will definitely regret the way you treat your clients in good times. also, your cocktail prices are the same as marble!!! marble is a super upmarketplacewhere plenty of money have been invested. please remember that you need to justify those prices (yourplaceis very nice but not even close to the investment the guys from marbles put in). i however wish you good luck and you definitely will not see me again until such time you will change that superior attitude of yours....

i was so happy to come across such hidden gem, until i decided to go back few times....at least i tried. the second time i had to queue - theplacewasn't even full, my friends were not allowed though so i left and went to the always full but welcoming bar at collection, so did the couple waiting behind me for the same reasons. it was cold to wait for half an hour to go into a half empty bar. very disappointing.
the next time i tried i was told that i need to wait so they can check if there is enoughplaceinside. there was one table and me and my friends - i ended only showing them theplaceas we no longer had time to order. shocking.
the third time - last night..again the same politics.
it is a bar. great concept, some of the cocktails reach over r150 surely they can apply less politics and be happier to see a vibey crowd... i did speak to management, every time there is a vague explanation. writing this review with the hope that this poor attitude changes, it would be sad for such cosyplaceto close down.

i came here for a late night drink with some friends . we had just been around the corner at a different spot .

the area where thisplaceis quiet dodge and i’d advise one to be careful of their belongings .
from the moment i stepped into thisplace,i was blown away . it didn’t even feel like i was in joburg .

it felt like those bars you see in the movies . a few words to describe thisplace: sexy ,mysterious ,intimate and sensual .

the service was really good and our waiter did a great job by constantly checking on us . i appreciated how they constantly refilled the water glasses on our table and replenished the popcorn tubs . i wasn’t too happy with the popcorn,it was a bit too spicy .

the drinks here are on the pricey side of life ,so just a heads up .

an amazing spot that’s definitely a must visit !!

thisplaceis kinda mind blowing. tucked away in an alley, you'd never expect to find this beautifully modern chic bar. the atmosphere is quite classy but mysterious with the dim lighting and black decor. because the menu is constantly changing, a visit is always exciting cause you never know what you gonna get! the service is great and you get water and some popcorn when you arrive (how cute!). all drinks can be customized for you and they allow orders in from coalition so you aren't left hungry! they only recommendation i have is to make a reservation because they're always packed!

what a great time! it’s completely hidden, no sign whatsoever but that doesn’t stop it from being distinctively busy as well as vibey. the wholeplacereminds one of prohibition period, with a well stocked bar and a great understanding of alcohol and it’s relationship with other flavors. the menu is well thought out, daring and works well. food options are pizzas from coalition which is never a bad choice. their gin selection is both wide and impressive. amazing flavor profiles, great ambience and good service.

a smallplacehave best cocktails i ever have had in joburg.a little bit tucked behind. may not easy to find for first time visitors. you also can order the best pizza from next door

thisplacefits the bill of a hidden gem. no signage outside. what a great place. some of the best cocktails i have ever had. very skilled barmen really made the evening. and a great pizza added the final aspect

what a treasure. it is so rare to find aplacethat cares so much about their art.

from the second you walk in you get the distinct feeling that you're in for an adventure.

the highlight to our evening out. loved the decor and ambiance. our waitress was more than helpful when it came to picking our cocktails. 5 people 5 different cocktails and each one was moreish. definitely aplacethat deserves to be visited again

a real old fashioned prohibition bar. thisplacewas incredible. i took my boyfriend there for date night and it was an amazing evening. wednesday night. not to packed and such a good vibe. the bar tenders were extremely knowledgeable about their product and make excellent recommendations. i would highly recommend sin & taxes. i know i will be visiting again. well done on an amazing venue.

best cocktail bar in jhb!!! if you are looking for a speakeasy bar that is similar to hidden speakeasy bars in europe then this is theplaceto go. amazing cocktails. perfectplacefor a date.

this "secret bar" is amazing! it's completely hidden away down an alley through a door you would never think to enter (ask the coalition dudes to direct you). it's a mixology cocktail bar! each drink is a a taste sensation unlike any other. the service is phenomenal! i was seated and immediately brought a jug of ice water. the cocktails on the limited menu are themed (they change monthly i think) and i tried the no.9 from the travel themed menu which i highly recommend! a very strong smokey flavour which i absolutely loved! number 14 was also really tasty. the friendly waitress brought complimentary popcorn, twice :) i look forward to going back to try more! take a look at the menu to see the awesome variety. the lighting is nice and dimmed - the candles lit create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. there are coaches and high tables. awesomeplacewith a great energy!