When it comes to watching the big game, nothing beats the vibe of a proper sports bar. Cape Town has no shortage of watering holes where you can grab a cold one, enjoy a lekker burger, and cheer for your team with a room full of passionate fans. Whether you’re into rugby, football, cricket, or F1, there’s a spot for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best sports bars in Cape Town, each with its unique flavour. So grab your mates and get ready for a tour of Cape Town’s top places to catch the game.
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
1. The Fireman’s Arms, CBD
If you’re looking for history and sport in one place, Fireman’s Arms in the city centre is a must. This pub is one of the oldest in Cape Town, dating back to 1864, and it wears its age with pride. But don’t let the vintage charm fool you; this place is built for modern-day sports fans. With more than a dozen TVs, including a massive projector screen, you’ll never miss a moment. They show everything from local rugby to English Premier League games. It’s the kind of bar where regulars mix easily with tourists, all shouting at the screen during a Springboks test match. Their wood-fired pizzas are a crowd favourite, and the beer selection is decent, with local and international options. The Fireman’s Arms feels like your old faithful, dependable, buzzing on game day, and always ready for another round.
The Firemans’s Arms opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11 am to 12 am, Sundays 12 pm to 8 pm
Address: 25 Buitengracht St &, 25 Mechau St, Cape Town
Website: www.firemansarms.co.za
Contact Number: +27 21 419 1513
2. Jerry’s Burger Bar, Observatory
You might think of Jerry’s as more of a burger joint, but make no mistake, their Obs branch doubles up as an awesome sports hangout. The vibe is young, energetic, and unpretentious, the kind of place where you can watch a match with a milkshake or a tequila shot, depending on how your team is doing. There are multiple screens around the bar, and they usually feature major sporting events, from Super Rugby to UFC. The burgers are seriously next level. Go for the “Jerry Bomb” or “Moaning at Midnight” if you’re in the mood for something messy and delicious. It’s a great place to start your night, especially with Lower Main Road just outside if you feel like carrying on after the game.
Jerry’s Burger Bar Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30 am to 11 pm
Address: 98 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre
Website: www.jerrysburgerbar.co.za
Contact Number: +27 21 569 1355
Rascals Pub, Kenilworth
Rascals is a proper southern suburbs local, no frills, no fluff, just a good time and even better sport on TV. If you’re looking for a genuine Cape Town sports bar without a hipster attitude, this is it. There’s a pool table, jukebox, cheap drinks, and regulars who treat you like you’ve been coming there for years. The crowd here is loyal primarily to locals, especially on weekends when the rugby’s on. Expect banter, heated debates, and people who know their sport inside and out. They also host quiz nights and karaoke, but match day is where the place truly comes alive. Prices are very reasonable and the barmen know how to pour a drink. Just don’t rock up wearing your rival team’s jersey unless you’re ready for some chirping.
Rascals Pub’s Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 am to 12 am
Address: 2 Meyer St, Claremont, Cape Town
Contact Number: +27 60 555 4771
NNK Sports Bar
Out in the northern suburbs, NNK Sports Bar is a bit of a hidden gem. Attached to the NNK Rugby Club, this place is steeped in sporting tradition. It’s a great spot to catch a Stormers or Springboks match with a more down-to-earth crowd who live and breathe the game. The bar has a couple of big screens and a proper braai area outside, which gets fired up on big match days. It’s the kind of place where people arrive early to get a good seat and stick around long after the final whistle. The drinks are cheap, the crowd is loyal, and the atmosphere is proudly local. Plus, there’s often live music or a DJ after the match, turning game day into a bit of a jol.
NNK Sports Bar Opening Hours: Monday 11 am to 11 pm, Tuesday 11 am to 12 pm, Wednesday 11 am to 1 am, Thursday 11 am to 12 am, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 1 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 10 pm
Address: H De Grendel Road, Jan Burger Sportscomplex, Parow North, Cape Town, 7500
Contact Number: +27 66 019 4656
Golden Oldies Sports Bar
Golden Oldies lives up to its name with a healthy dose of nostalgia. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see classic Springbok jerseys framed on the wall, old-school sports memorabilia, and maybe even a few grey-haired legends having a beer at the bar. Located in Table View, Golden Oldies is ideal for sports enthusiasts who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, yet still crave a vibrant vibe. The bar is spacious, featuring numerous screens and comfortable booths. It’s popular for rugby and cricket, but you’ll also find NFL and even a bit of motorsport playing. They serve pub classics, think schnitzels, ribs, and big baskets of chips, and you’ll often find drink specials running during big games. It’s low-key, but always lively.
Golden Oldies Sports Bar’s Opening Hours: Sunday to Tuesday 9 am to 1 am, Wednesday 9 am to 1.30 am, Thursday 9 am to 1 am, Friday 9 am to 1.30 am, and Saturday 10 am to 1.30 am
Address: 5 Strand Rd, Belgravia, Cape Town
Contact Number: +27 21 949 6161
The Athletic Club & Social
For a more upscale take on the sports bar scene, The Athletic Club & Social offers something completely different. It’s not your typical shouting-at-the-screen kind of place, but rather a stylish venue with a vintage speakeasy vibe and a cocktail list to match. That said, don’t let the velvet couches and jazz music fool you; they do screen significant sporting events, especially the big internationals. It’s a great place for when you want to dress up a little, enjoy good food, and still catch the match in an atmosphere that feels grown-up but still fun. Ideal for a date night where you don’t want to miss the football but also don’t want to be surrounded by guys in flip-flops and vuvuzelas.
The Athletic Club & Social’s Opening Hours: Monday and Tuesday 4 pm to 11 pm, Wednesday 4 pm to 12 am, Thursday to Friday 12 pm to 2 am
Address: 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Website: www.theathletic.co.za
Contact Number: +27 84 087 5566
The Scrumpy Jack
A true southern suburbs institution, The Scrumpy Jack has been keeping the locals well-fed, well-hydrated, and well-entertained for years. It’s a classic British-style pub with a proper community vibe, known for friendly service, regulars who know your name, and a good selection of beers on tap. There are TVs at just about every angle, so you’re never far from the action, whether it’s Proteas cricket, Premier League, or the URC. The food is hearty and reliable, think bangers and mash, burgers and toasties. You won’t find any flashy cocktails here, just cold drinks, good sport, and even better company.
The Scrumpy Jack’s Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 am to 12 am
Address: 45 Trill Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Website: www.thescrumpyjack.co.za
Contact Number: +27 21 448 8243
Van Hunks
Perched on vibey Kloof Street, Van Hunks might not be a traditional sports bar, but it’s a great place to watch a game with a beer in hand. The inside is warm and cozy, with dark wood finishes and moody lighting, but the real win is the outside seating area, perfect for summer matches. They’ve got screens scattered around, a solid drinks menu, and a laid-back crowd. This spot attracts a diverse crowd, students, professionals, and even a few tourists, so the atmosphere can vary depending on the night. But during major events like World Cup games or big derbies, it’s packed with fans shouting for their teams. The food menu leans towards a gastro-pub style, and their beer selection includes some local craft brews that pair well with a bowl of wings.
Van Hunk’s Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 am to 11 pm, Friday 10 am to 2 am, Saturday 10 am to 12 am, and 10 am to 11 pm
Address: 1 Upper Union St, Gardens, Cape Town
Website: www.vanhunks.co.za
Contact Number: +27 21 448 8243
Each of these spots offers something different, from the old-school charm and loyal regulars to gourmet burgers and trendy vibes. No matter where you land up, the important things are always there: good screens, cold drinks, lekker food, and fans who are just as into the game as you are. So next time there’s a match you have to watch, skip the couch and check out one of the best sports bars in Cape Town. You’ll find the gees, the goals, and maybe even a few new mates along the way.
