The Best Live Sports Bars in Johannesburg and Beyond

Looking for the perfect live sports bars in Johannesburg to catch the latest games with mates or colleagues? As a proud supporter of any South African team, we stand behind you… so we thought we’d lend our support to YOU by putting together this beautiful list.

Whether you’re a rugby fan, soccer supporter, or cricket crazy, you’ll find the best live-screen setups, superb food and festive atmosphere at these sports pubs.

Octo Bar at The Leonardo

This rooftop bar in Johannesburg serves up ice-cold beer on tap and signature cocktails. Once the sun goes down, you get some pretty sweet skyling views and a balmy atmosphere. There’s a 25-metre swimming pool surrounded by comfy loungers and seating and a large screen where guests can enjoy movies and sports matches.

The menu at Octo Bar features a selection of woodfired pizza with gourmet toppings and a tapas menu for lighter shared plates. Octo Bar can accommodate up to 30 guests inside on the lower level and up to 15 guests on the upper level.

When: Daily, 12pm to 10pm
Where: The Leonardo, 75 Maude St, Sandton

Website: aurumrestaurant.co.za | Email: bookings@aurumrestaurant.co.za | Tel: 087 536 0100

Benchwarmers Sports Bar

Ask a Joburger for sports bar recommendations in Joburg and Benchwarmers Sports Bar will make the list. The bar is easily one of the most action-packed sports bars in Johannesburg and pulls a vibey crowd cheering on the Springboks or F1 heroes on game days.

When: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12pm to 12am
Where: 2 Bolton Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg

SIX Cocktail Bar

Situated in the heart of Melville, the Six Cocktail Bar claims to be ‘famous for being infamous’. It securely marks its notorious and cherished status by being open daily with a happy hour, or rather hours, from 12pm to 7pm, with 60 different cocktails to choose from.

Join in on the fun as Wednesday nights offer audience members the opportunity to partake in the Jazz Jam sessions. Sit back and enjoy the performance of many local students and professionals as they show off their grit and skills on stage. If playing along to music isn’t your forte, then perhaps you’d prefer to dance to music. Six Cocktail Bar also has Salsa Sundays from 8pm, where all are welcome to glide on the dance floor.

With a vibrant atmosphere, Six Cocktail Bar permeates the entire area and attracts hundreds to Melville nightlife.

When: Daily 12pm to 2am
Where: Corner of 7th Street and 3rd Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg

Email: sixcocktailbar@gmail.com | Tel: 0114828306

011 Gin-Eatery

011 Gin-Eatery offers hearty food, a friendly atmosphere and impeccable service. With its upmarket décor, live music, DJs, and gin festival events, it should appeal even to friends who aren’t sports fans. The seating arrangements include high stools at the bar for those who prefer a more casual and interactive experience, while standard tables and chairs as well as an enticing lounge area set the scene for a relaxed viewing experience. The restaurant has several screens set up for live game days.

Where: 31 Minerva Ave, Glenadrienne, Sandton

The Troyville

The Troyeville Hotel is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Portuguese cuisine. This establishment offers a casual and interactive experience with quick access to the bar and is a popular spot for watching soccer, rugby and cricket. Troyville provides both indoor and outdoor seating, with ample space and a great set-up for catching live games in real time.

Where: 1403 Albertina Sisulu Rd, Troyeville, Johannesburg

Milk Bar

Milk Bar is an African-inspired restaurant serving sublime coffee as well as breakfast, lunch, after-work drinks, and dinner. The venue is a great spot for sports-crazy families and friends. Its ample outdoor seating and high-definition TVs are placed strategically throughout the venue ensuring good visibility from any seat. The venue also hosts live music occasionally.

Where: 11 Holt St, East, Sandton

Molly Malone’s

Molly Malone’s is a well-known Irish pub in Johannesburg offering a cosy atmosphere, traditional pub fare, and a great live sports setup. Multiple screens are set up to view matches from various vantage points and outdoor seating arrangements. Soak up a game with a pint of Guinness or a mouth-watering Irish speciality in hand.

Where: Sunset Ave, Pine Slopes AH, Sandton

Hogshead

Hogshead incorporates a fusion of traditional hospitality and vintage glamour through its retro brick interior and quirky light fittings. The menu boasts incredible burgers, and a wide range of craft beer is served on-tap. This is also an authentic smokehouse – so you might want to indulge in something from the grill. The seating arrangements include outdoor seats and comfy indoor seating. Catch soccer, rubgy, and other sports events on screens throughout the establishment.

Where: 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

Kapstadt Brauhaus

Kapstadt Brauhaus offers large screens with high-definition clarity and beautiful views of the harbour from its deck, making it perfect for post-match celebrations. The indoor seating offers a cosy and warm atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer a more intimate dining experience. Add a little luxury to your tennis or Olympic games days.

Where: 130 Akkerboom St, Zwartkop, Centurion | 13A Greenlyn Village Cnr Thomas Edison & 13th Street, Cnr Thomas Edison & 13th Street, Menlo Park, Pretoria

Rafters Sports Bar

Rafters Sports Bar is a fantastic live music entertainment venue that functions as an ideal sports-watching spot. The establishment boasts ‘real life size’ screens, perfect for those watching to catch every detail during live game viewing, and a large outdoor braai area with several braais allows for a really proudly South African day supporting our teams (note – braai facilities must be booked). This venue can also be booked out for big group events. A gourmet menu, craft beers, and tasty cocktails add appeal.

Where: Corner of Garsfontein Road & Blesbok St, Mooikloof Ridge, Pretoria