South Africa is not just big on sport, we love it! From the local PSL to the Cricket World Cup, our blood pumps victory and rivalry into every artery. With some big sporting moments coming up here are some of our favourite bars to watch the game.
Rugby Fan Park at Melrose Arch
Looking for a palce to ctach the classic clash between New Zealand and South Africa?Gather your friends and come celebrate the Springboks on Saturday at the Piazza & the Square. Enjoy live streaming, delicious food, and unforgettable moments. Wear your green and gold and let’s show your support together.
Contact: 011 684 0000 | The Piazza, Melrose Arch.
Throbbing Strawberry
Are you wondering where to catch the game? Why not head to The Throbbing Strawberry in Douglasdale for game day specials and big screens. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the excitement of the match with friends and fellow fans.
Contact: 011 704 6982 | Shop 1, Douglasdale Village Shopping Centre, corner Leslie and Douglas Drive, Douglasdale, Johannesburg.
Springboks vs All Blacks at Kaapstadt Brauhaus
Seats are filling up fast for the highly anticipated Springboks vs. All Blacks match. Join Kaapstadt Experience for a live screening on their giant screens. Enjoy mouthwatering food, refreshing drinks, and the electrifying atmosphere as you cheer on your favourite team. Secure your spot now!
Contact: 072 047 3612 | 130 Akkerboom Street, Zwartkop, Centurion.
Springboks vs All Blacks at Picolinos
Witness history in the making as the Springboks clash with the All Blacks. Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live rugby at Pincolions. Join passionate fans united in their support for South Africa’s national heroes. Don’t forget to don your green and gold!
Contact: 064 695 0079 | picolino@mweb.co.za | 42 Witkoppen Road, Sandton, Gauteng.
German Edenvale Club
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The opening game of the Rugby Championship is upon us, and it’s time to show our support for our beloved Springboks. Join The Deutscher Verein – Edenvale – German Club, the ultimate destination for rugby enthusiasts, as they create an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Edenvale establishment boasts two outdoor massive big screen TVs and ALL TVs in their fully serviced sports bar, with sound that will make you feel like you’re right at the stadium!
Contact: 081 640 7298 | Plantation Road, Eastleigh, Edenvale.
Molly Malone’s
Breakfast and rugby? Yes please! With its many plasma screen TVs, Molly Malone’s in Fourways is the quintessential Irish pub to catch the big game. The grub is also rather good with Eisbein, Steak & Guinness pie and lazy-aged steak. Molly’s also offers good quality live entertainment, check their page to find out about events. Definitely a spot to visit if you’re into Irish pubs in Johannesburg.
Contact: 011 467 8052 | mollymalones011@gmail.com | Where: Sunset Avenue, Pine Slopes AH, Fourways.
La Parada
Calling all sports fans and F1 enthusiasts! Craving the thrill of the big game or the high-octane action of the F1 Grand Prix season? Look no further!
They will keep you cool with ice-cold drinks and tantalise your taste buds with delicious cocktails and a variety of mouthwatering tapas. It’s the perfect place to gather with your friends and experience the action in style!
Contact: 010 745 2282 | Where: Shop 22 & 23, The Firs Shopping Centre, Cradock Avenue, Rosebank.
The Station
Join The Station Parkhurst for an unforgettable evening of sports on their big screen. Please note that you need to reserve a table. Come for the match, stay for the fantastic food and drinks!
Contact: 087 808 4793 | Where: 24, 4th Avenue and 10th Street Parkhurst.
Bannister Hotel
Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking for a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy the game, The Bannister Hotel offers a welcoming environment with ample seating and large screens strategically placed for optimal viewing. Be sure to order some snacks from their menu while immersing yourself in the excitement of the game.
Contact: 011 403 6888 | Where: 9 de Beer Street, Braamfontein.
Tigers Milk
Tiger’s Milk isn’t just renowned for its delectable menu; it’s also a premier spot to catch the game. With ample screens strategically placed throughout the venue, sports enthusiasts can enjoy an immersive viewing experience while indulging in their favorite dishes and drinks.
With a menu showcasing handcrafted goodness, Tiger’s Milk takes classics like pizza, grills, and burgers to the next level. You’re sure to find a vibrant atmosphere and excellent service at Tiger’s Milk ensure that every game day is a memorable one.
Contact: 010 035 6707 | Where: Locations.
Chariots Bar- The Wanderers Club
The recently revamped Chariots in Illovo, Johannesburg, is more than just a spot to catch a game, enjoy some drinks, or savour a meal. It’s a gathering place for you and your pals to share laughs, shout, and cheer for your cherished team.
Boasting a spacious, winding bar, plasma screens, a large-screen projector, and a generous covered deck, along with amiable staff and an impressive menu, few bars can rival this inviting atmosphere.
Contact: 082 458 2019 | Where: 21 North Street, Sandton.
Benchwarmers
Located in Rosebank, Benchwarmers Sports Bar is a sports enthusiast’s haven, boasting an array of TVs broadcasting games and highlights across a wide range of popular sports. Of course, no sports bar would be complete without delectable food and a selection of tap beers to complement the experience.
Contact: 072 084 3221 | Where: 2 Bolton Road, Rosebank.
Milk Bar
Immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of sports matches at the Milk Bar in Parkmore, where passionate fans come together to cheer, celebrate, and witness the beautiful game in all its glory. Experience the excitement and all the action with friends at their indoor and outdoor seating area. Catch all the games with an ice cold lager surrounded by fellow supporters! The Milk Bar is described as an African-inspired adventure that serves breakfast, after-work drinks and dinner and known for their quiz nights! It’s great for families, functions, and boasts lots of outdoor seating.
Contact: 072 641 8977 | Where: 11 Holt Street E, Parkmore, Sandton.
The Playground Market
The Braamfontein based market, will be livestreaming upcoming rugby games to the public! Head over earlier to enjoy some delicious artisanal street food from one of their vendors and then enjoy the match in the company of fellow Springbok supporters! Doors are open at 10:00 until 18:00. There is free entry to the market before 12:00. However, the opening and closing times will change to accommodate the sports games.
Contact: 060 890 4501 | Where: 73 Juta Street Braamfontein.
Raddison Red
It’s bold and red! Chances are you’ve driven past this upscale hotel in Rosebank. Raddison Red is ensuring that local supporters don’t miss the upcoming World Cup Games! They also have platters and drink specials perfect for game day appetizers. The venue is also perfect to enjoy after work sunsets on the RED Roof! Be sure to visit their OUI BAR + KTCHN for amazing, flavoursome meals.
Contact: 010 023 3580 | info.rosebank@radissonred.com | Where: 4 Parks Boulevard, Oxford Parks, Corner of Oxford and Parks Boulevard, Dunkeld.
Vineyards Beer Garden & Pizzera
Looking for a place with an amazing view, food and drinks specials? Then take a drive out to The Vineyards Beer Garden & Pizzeria. They generally show Formula 1 races, rugby and football games as well! The venue is perfect for those wanting to catch the game with family as well as enjoy the facilities that the outdoor restaurant has to offer. Located in Fourways at Chartwell Castle, the restaurant is child friendly and well-trained pets are allowed to join you for your outing.
Contact: 066 148 8754 | Ludwig@chartwellcastle.co.za | Where: Chartwell Castle and Guest House, Randburg.
The Filly
Where good friends meet, celebrate and watch a game together! The Sunninghill sports bar boast a big screen where you can comfortably support your team whether you’re a soccer, rugby or formula 1 fan. Game days also mean drink specials to pair with the delicious pub style food. The Filly also hosts weekly karaoke nights, quiz evenings and bingo events that you and your friends can enjoy.
Contact: 011 807 5589 | kegfilly@absamail.co.za | Where: 4 Tambach Road, Sunninghill.
The Greek Taverna
Do you consider yourself to be a soccer fanatic? Then pay a visit to Greek Taverna in Senderwood. You can catch the English Premier League action here as well as future FIFA World Cup fixtures. Enjoy some traditional Greek mezze platters and some beer and support your team with pride in this family friendly Greek Restaurant. View their website to take a peak at their menus and offerings.
Contact: 084 444 7335 | panodyros@gmail.com | Where: 7 Civin Drive, Senderwood.
011 Gin Eatery
It’s lights out and away we go! Yes, Joburgers can watch and support their favourite Formula 1 team at this eclectic bar! You can also view other sporting codes at the Sandton establishment such as rugby and soccer. They also have tasty meals on their menu such as beautiful salads, rump steak and a variety of sharing platters that are perfect for a table surrounded by other enthusiastic friends!
Contact: 010 020 9945 | sandton@011jhb.co.za | Where: 27 Minerva Ave, Glenadrienne, Sandton.
The Irish Club, Linden
Since its opening in 2002 by the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, The Irish (as it’s known to the locals) has been the go-to spot for cheap beer, cheaper whiskey and even cheaper comfort. The bar is stocked and a big screen TV is fitted right above it, showcasing major rugby, football and F1 events. The only problem you’ll encounter is visiting the Irish Club when South Africa plays Ireland, and the tension so thick, you could cut it with a knife!
Contact: 011 888 0420 | theIrishclub.co.za | Where: Corner of 5th Ave & Salerno Road, Linden.
Gilroy’s Brewery
Steve Gilroy’s beer is so famous that it somehow made its way into the James Bond novel, Carte Blanche, as Bond’s drink of choice while staying at a hotel in Cape Town. Even better, Gilroy’s Brewery is set right on our doorstep here in Johannesburg. Good news for sports fans – the bar counter is right opposite the big-screen TVs. The beer and food are good, and the vibe is something special, especially when master brewer, Steve Gilroy, addresses the crowd in the special way only Steve can.
Contact: 011 796 3020 | hannes@gilroysbrewery.co.za | Where: Rivonia Crossing, Achter Road, Paulshof.
Green and Gold
If there’s a place that can boast real pub food served in a gourmet style and enough TVs to make an appliance store jealous, it’s Green and Gold. Inspired by our men and women in green and gold, it’s often the number-one spot to be whenever our team takes to the field, track, pool or pitch.
Contact: 011 679 1015 | info@greenandgoldpubs.co.za | Where: 22 Vlakhaas Ave, Weltevredenpark, Roodepoort.
The Brazen Head Sandton
The Brazen Head Sandton is always a good option. It’s a restaurant that boasts a semi-private library and a separate bar that opens up onto the veranda, which has both smoking and non-smoking areas. The bar area and veranda is equipped with TVs for those sport enthusiasts and, last but certainly not least, guests are offered a choice of seven different beers on tap, as well as a wide variety of bottled beers from both local and imported sources. What more do you need?
Contact: 011 326 6654 | sandton@brazenhead.co.za | Where: Linden Place, Strathavon Exit 25, Sandton.
Know other pubs, bars or spots that are suited to watching sport? Let us know below!
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
