Cape Town's best spots to watch the rugby

Big screens, game-day specials and the best spots for every Springbok Test

Last updated: Friday, 3 July 2026

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. With Springbok season upon us, we’ve rounded up some epic bars and restaurants that are showing the upcoming Test matches. Whether it’s a family affair or a night out with your mates, you’re sure to find something among these eight spots that will suit your needs.

WATCH THE BOKS WITH THE CROWD

If you’re after big screens and a crowd to match, Mojo Market is a winning choice. This Sea Point hub has something for everyone, with dozens of food stalls serving everything from burgers and pizza to tacos and sushi, plus multiple bars under one roof – perfect for fans who can never agree on where to eat. Choose between upstairs and downstairs seating, but get there early to secure your ideal spot and watch the market come alive at kick-off. Expect plenty of Springbok gees.

Hours: Daily, 11am - 11pm

35 Regent Rd | Sea Point | @themojomarket | Image: De leca Media
 

NO TICKETS? NO PROBLEM

First opened in Germany, Café Extrablatt has since established itself as one of Green Point’s liveliest venues when there’s a big game showing. Just a two-minute walk away from DHL Stadium, it’s the perfect place to be part of the action whether you have tickets or not. Catch all Springbok fixtures across four big TV screens in the downstairs restaurant with the family, or head upstairs to the shisha lounge with friends. There’s plenty to choose from on the menu, with familiar comfort food sitting alongside German dishes and weekly specials for your perfect match-day setting. 

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9am - 1am; Friday to Saturday, 9am - 2am
Specials: Happy Hour is Monday to Friday 5 - 8pm and includes R60 cocktails

Café Extrablatt offers brandy specials on game days plus a Heineken and Klipdrift combo

Exhibition Building | Green Point | 021 434 3759 | @cafeextrablattcapetown | Image: Café Extrablatt
 

TURN RUGBY INTO A NIGHT OUT

Harrington Street in District Six is bringing its signature party atmosphere to Springbok season. At this four-in-one nightlife destination, you can cheer on the Boks in their main area on the big screen, right before DJs take over later in the evening. Get there early to pair the action with plenty of pre-match specials and you’ll have a game-day experience that's anything but your average sports bar. Find out why Harrington Street is a go-to spot for any kind of night out.

Harringtons Cocktail Lounge: Wednesday, 5pm - 12am; Thursday to Saturday, 5pm - 4am
Surfa Rosa: Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday, 12pm - 12am; Thursday & Friday, 12am - 4am
Specials: Numerous, including double brandy & coke for R70; double rum & mix for R70; Burger, fries & pint of lager for R140
Book: Call 078 916 7903 or book via

• Dineplan
• Bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za

61b Harrington Street | District Six | 078 916 7903 | @harringtonsct | Image: Harrington Street

BIG-SCREEN RUGBY AND BEER TASTINGS

A giant 2.5m x 4m screen, four TVs, craft beer, live music, game-day giveaways and plenty of pub grub make Woodstock Brewery’s beerhall an ideal spot to watch the Tests – or any match, for that matter. Settle in with tasting mats of up to nine beers at R15 per taster, including experimental brews released every second Thursday, and tuck into favourites like brisket, burgers and chicken schnitzel. Whether you’re backing the Boks or just there for the atmosphere, it’s easy to see why rugby fans make a beeline for Woodstock Brewery’s beerhall and taproom.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 10pm; Sundays, 12pm - 6pm
Specials: See their Instagram for game-day specials

252 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
 

ROOFTOP RUGBY WITH A VIEW

Expanding from a much-loved Tyger Valley branch, Sessions is pulling out all the stops for Springbok season. Their brand-new venue in the CBD can be considered a top sports bar, literally, thanks to its seventh floor view of the city skyline – which even includes DHL Stadium. Add 11 TVs and two fully stocked bars and it’s a winning spot to shoot pool before kick-off or throw darts after the final whistle.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 1pm - 12am; Saturday, 12pm - 12am; Sunday, 12pm - 10pm
Specials: Ongoing brandy and shooter specials
Bookings: Bookings available for groups of 6 or more. Walk-ins are welcome

15 Lower Long Street | Cape Town City Centre | 060 205 5522 | @sessionsbilliards | Image: Sessions

BOK FEVER AT A MOWBRAY SPORTS BAR

Already a favourite among Cape Town's football fans, Bistro 74 in Little Mowbray is just as ready for rugby season. Springbok games will be screened across 10 TVs throughout the venue, meaning there's not a bad seat in the house. Add their weekend food specials to the mix, and you’re positively rugby-ready. You may even run into South Africa’s very own JamJam, a B74 regular.

Hours: Daily, 12pm - 10pm
Specials: 2x burgers for R299 on Fridays; 2x snack baskets for R299 on Saturdays; 2x pizzas for R299 on Sundays
Bookings: Call 073 365 8422 (bookings are strongly recommended)

74 Durban Rd | Mowbray | 073 365 8422 | @b74cpt | Image: Bistro74

SPRINGBOK-OWNED FAMILY SPOT

Co-founded by former Springbok Bob Skinstad and friend Dougie Boyes, The Toad is a family of restaurants across three locations where good food and a relaxed atmosphere come together. All upcoming Springbok Tests will be shown with full commentary across multiple screens at The Toad on the Road in Muizenberg, The Bay in Constantia, and The Toad at the Village in Noordhoek. Come for the cold beers, stay for the affordable pub menu that includes pizzas, burgers, curries and the famous Toad Ribs – made of pork, not toad. Read more about what makes The Toad a local favourite. 

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 11pm
Bookings: Strongly recommended via The Toad's website

The Toad on the Road | @thetoadsa | Image: The Toad

ENJOY TANK BEER AT THE TAVERN

Established back in 1972, Vasco Da Gama Taverna has been serving Portuguese cuisine and litres of Castle Tank Beer for decades. The De Waterkant favourite has more than 15 TV screens across the bar, bringing you all the Springbok action. Add a buzzing match-day crowd, and you’ve got one of Cape Town’s classic rugby-watching destinations.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 10pm; Sunday, 11am - 7pm
Specials: Castle Tank Beer for R35 during all matches shown at Vasco’s
Bookings: Call 021 425 2157

3 Alfred Street | De Waterkant | 021 425 2157 | @vascos_tavern | Image: Vasco’s

A SOUTHERN SUBURBS FAVOURITE

Nestled in the heart of Newlands, Foresters Arms (“Forries” to its regulars) has been a go-to on game day for generations. With multiple TV screens both inside and outside, you can catch all the upcoming Test matches while enjoying a range of drinks and classic pub fare. Whether you're watching from the bar or the garden, this Southern Suburbs favourite is all about good food, cold beers, tasty cocktails and plenty of Springbok gees.

Hours: Monday, 11am - 10pm; Tuesday to Thursday, 11am - 11pm; Friday, 11am - 12am; Saturday, 9am - 11pm, Sunday, 9am - 10pm
Bookings: Call 021 689 5949 (bookings are strongly recommended) 

52 Newlands Ave | Newlands | 021 689 5949 | @forries_sa | Image: Lara van Zyl

By Jodie van Heerden