vuvuzelas and brews

June 9, 2010 11:31 AM

Bars/ pubs to watch the World Cup while in South Africa?

We would like to watch the other games (we don't have tickets for) in good company while traveling in South Africa this World Cup. Do you have any recommendations for good places to watch, drink, and mingle with locals in Johannesburg (Melville area especially), Bloemfontein, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town?

Google Maps has a "showing soccer matches" indicator below bar/ pub listings, but it doesn't seem comprehensive. Watching in the streets is on the to-do list, but something a little less crazy might be necessary on occasion. We are three girls and a guy and would like to get off the Lonely Planet/ guidebook track. If you know good establishments or entertainment (media) resources to look into for each city/town, please do tell.

posted by ch3ch2oh to Travel & Transportation around South Africa (1 answer total)

I'm going to go out on a limb here, and say that you're slightly underestimating the level of intensity surrounding the World Cup in South Africa right now. It's not overstatement to say that every bar, shebeen, and other place with a television will have the games on.

So, you're basically looking for good bars in ZA. A friend recommends Neighbourhood and The Fireman's Arms in Cape Town.

If you want to get off the beaten path - while you're in Cape town, you should go to Mzoli's in Gugulethu, a township just outside the city. It's a huge outdoor party on the weekends - cheap grilled meats, and guys selling a 6-pack of cold beer for R50. I'm sure there will be TVs to watch the matches, and a lot of people looking to have a good time.
posted by god hates math at 1:22 PM on June 9, 2010