Best places to watch the rugby

15+ bars perfect for families, mates, couples or big groups

Last updated: Tuesday, 30 July 2024

If there’s one thing South Africans can agree on, it’s the love we have for rugby and how it unites us as a nation. We’ve rounded up some epic bars and restaurants that are as crazy about rugby as you are. Whether it’s a family affair or a night out with your mates, you’ll find something among these spots that will suit your needs.

DO A BEER TASTING AT A BREWERY

Easy-does-it comfort foods and craft beer on tap – what more do you need for the big game? Woodstock Brewery’s Beerhall has three TVs and a 2.5m x 4m screen for major sporting events. Every table can spot one of the TVs or the big screen. Plus, celebrate everything Rock ‘N Hops at Woodstock Brewery with a live music and beer festival. And get a taste of the craft beers at Woodstock Brewery.

Sound On/Off: On

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 10pm; Sundays, 11am - 6pm

Cost: From R80 for Rock ‘N Hops festival; find out more on Facebook

252 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery

CATCH THE GAME AT A REAL SPORTS BAR

Owned by South African rugby star Bob Skinstad and friend Dougie Boyes, The Toad in the Village is made for sports fans, by sports fans. The bar has five screens, a beer garden, affordable pub grub and lager on tap. You can get anything from lamb vindaloo to butter chicken, a variety of pizzas and burgers, plus the special Toad Ribs (made of pork, not toad). 

Sound On/Off: On

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 11pm

Village Lane & Noordhoek Main Road | Noordhoek | @thetoadsa | Image: The Toad

PLAY A GAME OF DARTS

There’s something for everyone at Happy Folks. You can watch the big game (there are multiple TV screens across the restaurant), challenge your friends to a game of darts during half time, and grab a quick bite to eat in between.There’s a great selection of food and drinks, including 15 burger options (veggie too), sushi, pizzas, salads, poke bowls, seafood combos and more. 

Sound On/Off: On

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11am - 11pm; Friday + Saturday, 11am - 12am

Eden on the Bay | Big Bay Blvd | Big Bay | @happy_folksza | Image: Happy Folks

GET A TASTE OF PORTUGAL

Established back in 1972, Vasco’s Tavern has been serving Portuguese cuisine and selling litres of Castle’s finest tank beer to go with it. Vasco’s has more than 15 TVs across the bar, bringing you all of the hottest live sports (and it’s big on rugby). The vibe before, during and after a game is lekker. Reservations can be made directly on the website. 

Sound On/Off: On

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am - 10pm

3 Alfred Street | De Waterkant | @vascos_tavern | Image: Vasco’s

CATCH THE GAME AT THE OFFICE

"I'm at the office till late babe". No, not your office, THE Office. This swanky bar in Sea Point has all the right vibes for rugby. Besides the Friday night DJs and date night specials, The Office has great drink specials that you won’t want to miss (on Thursdays you can get a free beer). You can watch the game from inside or outside the bar. Plus, you can play fussball during major tournaments like the Rugby World Cup.

Sound On/Off: Yes

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am - 11pm; Sunday, 11am - 10pm

315 Main Road | Sea Point | @theoffice_cpt | Image: The Office

JOL ON A ROOFTOP DECK

The rooftop deck of Oblivion Bar & Kitchen in Claremont is a festive spot to watch the games, but leave the kids at home – it's for over 23s only. There’s an extensive wine and cocktail menu, or simply enjoy an ice-cold craft beer on tap. You can also grab a pizza or burger if you’re feeling hungry. Other options for watching the game are on the projector screens downstairs or big-screen TVs in the intimate upstairs dining room.

Sound On/Off: On

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7.30am - 11pm; Saturdays + Sundays, 8am - 11pm

22 Chichester Road | Claremont | @oblivion_capetown | Image: Oblivion Bar & Kitchen 

WATCH THE GAME IN A GERMAN BAR

Café Extrablatt is a vibey sports bar, just a 2-minute walk away from Green Point Stadium. It has four big TV screens and features all the big sporting events, including rugby. Watch downstairs with the family ( there’s a kiddies’ corner) or upstairs in the shisha lounge. The menu has everything from pasta and grilled foods to German dishes, and there are epic weekend buffet specials. 

Sound On/Off: On

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9am - 1am; Fridays + Saturdays, 9am - 2am

Exhibition Building | 79 Main Road | Green Point | @extrablatt_cpt | Image: Café Extrablatt

PARTY DURING THE GAME

Rands Cape Town is a popular bar, entertainment and grill spot, serving traditional South African cuisine with the best vibes. Rugby games are shown on one major screen (5 by 2 metres) in the outdoor area. DJs will play their set while the game is on (the sound will be turned off), but the good times are at an all-time high.

Sound On/Off: Off

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, Closed; Thursday to Saturday, 10am - 11pm; Sunday, 10am - 10pm

6 Makhabeni Road | Khaya Bazzar | Khayelitsha | @randscapetown | Image: Rands

TREAT THE KIDS WHILE WATCHING A GAME

If you want to watch the game with the whole family, Furley’s Bar & Grill in Newlands is a great choice. It’s a welcoming space, with an indoor kids’ play area along with some great food and a bar. Happy hour is every weekday from 4pm to 6pm. Enjoy some smoked jalapeno poppers, buffalo wings, beer battered onion rings or fiery steak strips – the perfect rugby snacks – while watching on one of the 5 large screens with full surround sound.

Sound On/Off: On

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday; 11am - 11pm

1 Dean Street | Newlands | @furleysbarandgrill | Image: Furley’s

ENJOY DRINKS SPECIALS

Van Hunks is a favourite among Capetonians. Not only is it based on a legendary local fable (Devil’s Peak and Van Hunk), it’s also known for its daily drinks specials (3pm - 7pm) and bustling vibe during big sporting events. You’ll find everything from your typical bar food and beers to banging Espresso Martinis and Long Island Ice Teas. Book a table beforehand to secure your spot. 

Sound On/Off: Yes

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10am - 11pm, Friday, 10am - 2am, Saturday, 10am - 12pm

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