Spain’s tradition of kicking back with a glass of wine and small plates of tapas has become a welcome culinary fixture here in Joburg thanks to the city’s bustling, hurried lifestyle. Social Parkwood, the new spot on Parkwood Corner, dishes out rustic morsels like braai broodjies with hummus and chakalaka dip, plump sriracha grilled prawns and, best of all, golden beer-battered avocado fritters. It’s our new favourite place to share a lusty spread of small plates!

The casually cool neighbourhood spot has taken the attitude of a shebeen and the essence of a canteen and flipped it on its head to bring you a colourful, contemporary African oasis in the heart of Parkwood. It’s neither what you’d expect a shebeen nor a canteen to be, but isn’t that what makes it fun?

The space has a similar look and feel to its sister restaurant, the ever-popular Social on Main in Bryanston, with a great selection of craft gins, craft beers, cocktails, wines, small plates and main plates. A long bar takes centre stage and there’s also indoor-outdoor seating that opens the corner restaurant out onto the street.

Sneak into the space along the counter before selecting a cocktail like the F’Rosé made with frozen rosé or the Ho Lee Fook shaken with mandarin-infused vodka. Then, supplement a dish of tapas touchstones like veggie spring rolls or jalapeño chilli poppers with a vivacious salted lamb rib or fritto misto number. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to drink as the clock hits five or you’re bar-hopping on the trendy corner, make a beeline for Social Parkwood – the clue is in the name!

Corner of Bolton Road & Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood

011 327 6104

Facebook: @socialparkwood

Instagram: @socialparkwood