The vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and sports passion of Johannesburg make it a famous city. The Springboks in rugby, Bafana Bafana in soccer, or your favorite F1 hero, Johannesburg has it all. Sports bars in the city offer not only great views of the action, but also a lively atmosphere.
Here are the top live sports bars in Johannesburg and beyond. For unmatched sports viewing, these venues combine excellent food, great drinks, and large screens.
1. Octo Bar at The Leonardo
Location: The Leonardo, 75 Maude St, Sandton
Hours: Daily, 12pm to 10pm
If you’re looking for a sports bar with a twist of luxury, Octo Bar at The Leonardo should top your list. Situated on the rooftop of one of Johannesburg’s tallest buildings, this bar offers more than just a place to watch sports. With a 25-meter swimming pool, chic loungers, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, Octo Bar provides the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
The menu features wood-fired pizzas with gourmet toppings and a variety of tapas to enjoy with friends. While watching the game, you can sip on an ice-cold beer or indulge in one of their signature cocktails. The large screen displays both movies and live sports events, making this spot an all-around entertainment hub.
Highlights:
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Stunning city views from the rooftop.
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Sophisticated atmosphere with a pool.
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Great selection of tapas and wood-fired pizzas.
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Ideal for small groups (30 inside, 15 outside).
Contact:
Website: Aurum Restaurant
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 087 536 0100
2. Benchwarmers Sports Bar
Location: 2 Bolton Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 12am
Benchwarmers Sports Bar has earned its reputation as one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant spots for sports fans. Whether you’re watching the Springboks take on international rivals or following the fast-paced thrills of Formula 1, Benchwarmers has everything you need for an immersive sports-watching experience. The buzzing atmosphere, with plenty of screens and a lively crowd, makes this place perfect for catching all the action.
While the sports are front and center, the drinks menu doesn’t disappoint either. From cocktails to craft beers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while cheering on your team.
Highlights:
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A buzzing atmosphere that’s always lively.
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A go-to place for rugby, F1, and soccer fans.
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Excellent selection of drinks and bar food.
3. SIX Cocktail Bar
Location: Corner of 7th Street and 3rd Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg
Hours: Daily, 12pm to 2am
SIX Cocktail Bar is known for being “famous for being infamous,” and it’s easy to see why. Located in Melville, a trendy Johannesburg neighborhood, this bar serves up more than just cocktails. It combines a laid-back sports-watching environment with an active nightlife scene. From a happy hour (12pm to 7pm) featuring over 60 different cocktails to vibrant Salsa Sundays, SIX is an excellent place to unwind with friends after watching a match.
Their cocktail menu is one of the largest in Johannesburg, and if you’re in the mood for music, their Wednesday Jazz Jam sessions are an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
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Over 60 cocktails to choose from.
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Salsa Sundays and live jazz events.
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A lively crowd with a mix of sports and nightlife.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 482 8306
4. 011 Gin-Eatery
Location: 31 Minerva Ave, Glenadrienne, Sandton
011 Gin-Eatery is an ideal choice for those who want to combine watching sports with gourmet dining. Offering hearty food, live music, and even gin festivals, it’s a great venue for both sports fans and non-sports fans alike. The bar area features high stools, giving you the perfect vantage point to catch every moment of the match on one of their strategically placed screens.
The ambiance here is sophisticated, with upmarket décor, and it’s an excellent spot for a relaxing evening out while watching live sports.
Highlights:
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Ideal for both sports fans and foodies.
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High-definition screens for optimal viewing.
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Great for group events or intimate gatherings.
5. The Troyeville Hotel
Location: 1403 Albertina Sisulu Rd, Troyeville, Johannesburg
One of the hidden gems of Johannesburg’s sports bar scene is The Troyeville Hotel. Famous for its Portuguese cuisine and laid-back atmosphere, The Troyeville is an excellent spot for watching soccer, rugby, and cricket matches. The bar offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing you to enjoy the game in a cozy environment while savoring hearty Portuguese dishes.
It’s not just the food that draws people here; the friendly service and relaxed vibe make it a go-to for those looking to catch the game in a less commercialized environment.
Highlights:
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Authentic Portuguese cuisine.
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Relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
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A great space for both indoor and outdoor viewing.
6. Milk Bar
Location: 11 Holt St, East, Sandton
Milk Bar is an African-inspired sports bar that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly venue or a place to unwind with friends, this spot delivers. The outdoor seating is perfect for sunny days, while the high-definition TVs ensure you won’t miss a single moment of the match.
It’s also a great place to grab a coffee, have breakfast, or enjoy a lively dinner after work. The food here is top-notch, and the drinks menu is extensive, with something for everyone.
Highlights:
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African-inspired décor and food.
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Plenty of outdoor seating for a relaxed vibe.
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Great spot for families and groups.
7. Molly Malone’s
Location: Sunset Ave, Pine Slopes AH, Sandton
If you’re looking for an authentic Irish pub experience with a Johannesburg twist, look no further than Molly Malone’s. This well-known establishment provides a traditional pub setting with multiple screens placed strategically around the venue, ensuring you can watch your favorite sports from almost anywhere in the bar. Their Guinness on tap and classic pub grub make this a cozy spot for sports fans looking to enjoy the game in a relaxed setting.
Highlights:
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Traditional Irish pub vibe.
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Guinness on tap and great pub fare.
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Cozy atmosphere with multiple viewing angles.
8. Hogshead
Location: 10 Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg
Douglasdale Village Shopping Centre, cnr. Leslie Avenue & Douglas Dr, Douglasdale
Rock Cottage Shopping Centre, cnr. John Vorster & Christiaan de Wet Rd, Weltevredenpark
Hogshead blends the best of vintage glamour with classic hospitality, making it a fantastic venue for sports lovers. Their retro brick interior and quirky lighting add a touch of nostalgia, while the wide selection of craft beers and incredible burgers make it the perfect place to settle in for an afternoon of soccer or rugby. The large screens around the venue ensure that you won’t miss any of the action.
Highlights:
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Retro-chic décor.
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Great craft beer selection and burgers.
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Large screens for sports events.
9. Kapstadt Brauhaus
Location: 130 Akkerboom St, Zwartkop, Centurion
13A Greenlyn Village, Cnr Thomas Edison & 13th Street, Menlo Park, Pretoria
Kapstadt Brauhaus offers a perfect blend of sports and relaxation. With large screens and high-definition clarity, you won’t miss any of the action, whether you’re watching tennis, rugby, or Olympic games. The beautiful views of the harbor from the deck add an extra touch of luxury to your sports-watching experience. It’s also a great spot for post-match celebrations.
Highlights:
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Large screens and high-definition clarity.
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Beautiful harbor views.
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Cozy indoor seating with a warm atmosphere.
10. Rafters Sports Bar
Location: Corner of Garsfontein Road & Blesbok St, Mooikloof Ridge, Pretoria
Rafters Sports Bar is the ultimate venue for both sports and live music. With ‘real-life-size’ screens, you’ll never miss a moment of the action, while the outdoor braai area lets you enjoy traditional South African grilling during your favorite matches. The venue also boasts a gourmet menu and craft beer selection, ensuring a top-notch experience for sports fans and food lovers alike.
Highlights:
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Huge screens for optimal viewing.
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Outdoor braai area for a uniquely South African experience.
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Great for group events.
Final Thoughts
Johannesburg and its neighboring areas are filled with exciting, vibrant sports bars that offer a great mix of entertainment, delicious food, and of course, a fantastic atmosphere for watching live sports. Whether you’re in Sandton, Rosebank, or Centurion, there’s always a spot to catch the action with friends or fellow fans.
FAQs
What are the best sports bars for watching rugby in Johannesburg?
Benchwarmers Sports Bar and Hogshead are both top choices for rugby fans, with large screens and a lively crowd that adds to the excitement.
Where can I find a great sports bar in Sandton?
Octo Bar at The Leonardo and 011 Gin-Eatery are both excellent spots in Sandton, offering not only great views and delicious food but also high-definition screens for watching sports.
Are these bars family-friendly?
Milk Bar is a great choice for families, as it offers an African-inspired menu and ample outdoor seating. It’s perfect for enjoying a meal while catching the game.
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.
