Johannesburg

Where to watch the game in Joburg – sports bars

07 Feb 2024
If you're looking for a spot to watch your favourite sport and team with a crowd that isn't exactly stadium-size, this bustling city has something to offer every sport enthusiast from lively sports bars with multiple screens displaying every game to trendy pubs with a friendly atmosphere. If you are a sports fan, looking to support your favourite team with a crowd in Joburg, here's our list of best places to go. 

011 Gin-Eatery, Rosebank

Rosebank's 011 Gin Eatery at Oxford Parks has quickly established itself as the go-to place to watch sports in the neighbourhood with a big screen TV and copious drinks specials on match days. If you're bringing a crowd, the bar has several large tables ideal for groups, although bookings are recommended. Whatsapp +27 63 636 0530 to book a table.
Where: Oxford Parks, Rosebank

Benchwarmers Sports Bar, Rosebank 

This American-style sports bar in Rosebank typically has attendees spilling out the door, with many more angling their necks to catch a glimpse of the game from outside. Benchwarmers Sports Bar is the ultimate sports lover's paradise with plenty of TVs showing games and highlights of a wide variety of popular sports, and it wouldn't be a sports bar without delicious food and beer on tap to match. Be sure to check out their menu offerings in between 
Where: 2 Bolton Road, Rosebank

Benchwarmers Sports Bar. Photo: Omer Kaovic via Google. 


Founders at Giles, Craighall Park

With numerous TV screens, the atmospheric old-fashioned front bar area at this quiet neighbourhood pub in Craighall Park is a popular place to hang out and watch sports no matter the event. If you need to see the game on the big screen, the large restaurant area to the rear also has a projector.
Where9 Grafton Ave, Craighall Park 

Hogshead, Illovo

​A suburban strip mall isn't the most inspiring venue for a pub, but it does afford lots of space. Seat yourself outside on the large terrace or in front of the bar inside – there are screens everywhere. This place has a boozy atmosphere and really fills up so expect things to get wild once the shooter girls with tequila bottles do the rounds. If there happens to be another sporting event you desperately need to watch at the same time as the rugby, this is also a good option as the pub is one of few venues that can screen multiple matches at once.
Where: Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo
 
Matchday on the deck at Molly Malone's in Fourways

Molly Malones, Fourways

A popular option for those in the far northern suburbs, this Irish pub in Fourways always has plenty of specials on beers and a full house on the deck where the biggest screen is set up. Bookings are recommended as the venue typically fills to capacity on big match days. Book online at mollymalones.co.za
Where: Cnr Forest Rd and Sunset Blvd Pineslopes, Fourways


Milk Bar, Parkmore

The colourful, retro African-chic Milk Bar at George Lea Park in Parkmore became a staple venue for sports fans when it launched its pop-up rugby village in the Milk Shed venue serving up breakfast and rugby during World Cup 2019 in Japan. There's always a great atmosphere and plenty of spaces inside and out to sit – although table bookings are highly recommended. To get you in the stadium spirit in the suburbs they also have match day specials on quarts of beer.
Where: Sandton Sports Club, 11 Holt St, Parkmore
 
The terrace at Milk Bar in Parkmore

Pirates Rugby Club, Greenside​​​​​

There are plenty of sports clubs dotted around Joburg's northern suburbs, although Pirates Rugby Club in Greenside like to claim they are the greatest in the city. Certainly, if you are looking for cheap beers, you'll hardly find better bargains than this clubhouse. There are plenty of screens inside the bar, although seating is limited. There are no bookings taken on match days so make sure to arrive early to get the best tables.
Where: 25 Braeside St (4th Ave), Greenside 

The Troyeville Hotel, Troyeville

The bar at this historic hotel in Troyeville first opened its doors in 1939. In walking distance to Ellis Park Stadium (now Emirates Airline Park) the restaurant and bar is loved by hardcore rugby fans who usually like to drop by for pre and post-match beers when there are big matches on at the stadium. If you are searching for the company of serious rugby watchers with an encyclopaedic knowledge of every player on the team, you'll most likely find them propping up the bar here.
Where: 1403 Albertina Sisulu Rd, Troyeville 

Xai Xai, Melville

One of the oldest bars on Melville's famous 7th Street bar strip, the Mozambican bar Xai Xai may be a little rough around the edges, but special drinks offers on the classic brandy and coke and Springbok shooters plus a dedicated crowd of passionate rugby fans usually makes for a lively atmosphere.
Where: 3 7th St, Melville 

Related Events

Friday Mar 8 - Sunday Mar 31
Blessing Rooi with The Manor: 'REKAOFELA' at 44 Stanley

Where to watch the rugby in Joburg

Comments

Connect via social media
google sign in button
Leave a comment using your email This e-mail address is not valid
Please enter your name*

Please share your location

Enter your message*
Put our app in your pocket
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Top