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. 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: 199 Oxford Road, Oxford Parks, Dunkeld.
BENCHWARMERS, ROSEBANK
This American-style sports bar on a Jan Smuts Avenue corner typically has attendees spilling out the door, with many more angling their necks to catch a glimpse of games from outside. Benchwarmers 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.
Where: 2 Bolton Road, Rosebank.
FOUNDERS AT GILES, CRAIGHALL PARK
With numerous TV screens, the atmospheric, old-fashioned front bar area at Founders at Giles, a quiet neighbourhood pub in Craighall Park, is a popular place to hang out and watch sports no matter the event. If you need a big screen, the large restaurant area to the rear also has a projector.
Where: 9 Grafton Avenue, 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. Hogshead 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: 10 Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo.
MILK BAR, PARKMORE
The colourful, retro African-chic Milk Bar at Sandton Sports Club 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 the 2019 World Cup 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 Street, George Lea Park, Parkmore.
MOLLY MALONE'S, FOURWAYS
Molly Malone's is a popular option for those in the far northern suburbs; this Irish pub in Fourways always has plenty of beer specials and a full house on the deck where the biggest screen is set up. Bookings are recommended as the venue typically fills up for sports events and big match days. Book online via their website.Where: Cnr Forest Road and Sunset Boulevard, Pineslopes, Fourways.
PIRATES CLUB, GREENSIDE
There are plenty of sports clubs dotted around Joburg's northern suburbs, although Pirates Club in Greenside likes 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 big match days, so make sure to arrive early to get the best tables.
Where: 25 Braeside Street (4th Avenue), Greenside.
THE TROYEVILLE, TROYEVILLE
This historic hotel in Troyeville first opened its doors in 1939. In walking distance to Emirates Airline Park (formerly Ellis Park Stadium), The Troyeville 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 sports watchers with encyclopaedic knowledge, you'll most likely find them propping up the bar here. For busy game weekends make sure to book a table in advance.
Where: 1403 Albertina Sisulu Road, 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 sports fans, usually make for a lively atmosphere.
Where: 3 7th Street, Melville.
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