Uncle Merv's

Maboneng East Side Of Inner City, Kruger St, Johannesburg, South Africa
$$$ Cafe
(105 Reviews)

Welcome to Uncle Merv’s, a hidden gem located in the vibrant Maboneng precinct of Johannesburg’s inner city. This delightful café is perfect for those looking to indulge in high-quality coffee and delightful sandwiches, surrounded by the artistic energy of the area. With its inviting atmosphere, Uncle Merv’s isn't just a spot to grab a quick bite; it’s a place to savor life and appreciate the blend of great food and local culture.

At Uncle Merv’s, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, inviting you to take a moment and unwind. Customers rave about the “Great coffee with very welcoming service,” as noted by Niko, who also loves to sit back and soak in the people-watching experiences that this lively area offers. The café is not just a must-visit for caffeine lovers but also an opportunity to explore the captivating street art just next door.

The menu features an array of delicious offerings, but the standout has to be their Tuna Sandwich, as highlighted by loyal patron Tshepang Mahlangu. Described as an “artistic masterpiece,” this sandwich is crafted with exceptional ingredients, ensuring every bite is a treat, making the price well worth it. If you're in the mood for something sweeter, don’t miss the renowned French Kiss and banana bread combo, celebrated by Tim Jeanne as “the perfect balanced combo.” Each dish is a testament to Uncle Merv's commitment to quality and taste.

The ambiance is friendly and inviting, making it an ideal spot for casual meetings or a cozy catch-up with friends. As Malcolm Timberlake mentions, it’s a wonderful place to grab something quick before embarking on a Past Experiences tour of Maboneng to explore the neighborhood's street art. The cafe’s staff is equally praised for their warmth and hospitality, as highlighted by Lara Novo Rodriguez, who assures that the amazing coffee, delicious sandwiches, and even better service are simply not to be missed.

So if you find yourself in the bustling heart of Maboneng, make sure to swing by Uncle Merv’s. Sip on a rich cup of coffee, relish a thoughtfully prepared sandwich, and immerse yourself in the local art scene. It's not just a café—it's a celebration of community and creativity in every delicious bite.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
University students
Payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours

Monday

07:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

07:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

07:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

07:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

07:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

105 Reviews
Niko “Niko”

08 Oct 2025

Great coffee with very welcoming service. Great spot to people watch too. Check out the art next door while you wait.

Tim Jeanne

08 Oct 2025

Excellent French Kiss and banana bread, the perfect balanced combo, highly recommended!

Tshepang Mahlangu

01 Oct 2025

Been visiting Uncle Merv’s for some time now for some coffee and sandwiches. My favorite by far is the Tuna Sandwich. Firstly, the price of the Tuna might scare you but the quality is exceptional. The ingredients are high quality, and it takes some time to prepare due to the artistic process it takes to make the masterpiece. So it’s worth every Rand. The ambiance is great, the shop is situated at one of the busiest corners in Maboneng so the vibe is always fantastic. The service is great, it’s personal as Bongs makes sure to engage and know his customers well. I would recommend anyone to visit the place.

Lara Novo Rodriguez

16 Sep 2025

I love this place! Amazing coffee, delicious sandwiches and even better staff. Don’t miss it!

Malcolm Timberlake

06 Sep 2025

Uncle Merv’s is the spot to meet and grab a quick coffee or sandwich as we did before heading off on a Past Experiences tour of Maboneng this time to experience all the street art.

Emmanuel Olatunji

22 Jul 2025

Great place to stop for a quick coffee or milkshake, they also have pretty good crushers. The pastries left out in the open was a little questionable, but the café's setup is great and blends into the market on main really well. Would recommend for a quick stop or a takeaway drink.

Pierre Miglioli

02 Jul 2025

The coffee was really good and the owners really friendly and giving advices about places to visit in Maboneng. They are really passionate about art. I recommend it

Abel Agullo

26 Jun 2025

Ok coffee The coffee is just OK. You can probably find better coffee around in the area. For a capuchino I paid 40 rand, so also not the cheapest. The good thing of the place is that it has place to sit outside (no place índice and no toilet). Also some nice pastries, smoothies, croissants, sandwiches and omelets.

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