Though the comfort of your own couch may seem like a good idea now, you know that when it’s time for the big game you’ll want to go somewhere with lots of friends and mouthwatering eats. At these Joburg spots, the quality of the food isn’t compromised by the size of the screen – or crowd.

The Artisan (Greenside)

As the name suggests, The Artisan takes its craftmanship seriously, so this is your destination for gourmet burgers, tasty tapas and decadent cocktails. Attempt and fail to resist bacon and cheese croquettes; bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers; and a beef burger with melted brie, bacon, cranberry sauce and avocado. (No, not everything contains bacon. Just the best stuff.)

A post shared by The Artisan (@theartisan_greenside) on May 10, 2018 at 4:08am PDT

Chariots Bar at Wanderers Club (Illovo)

Although it’s not exactly the most hip and happening place in Illovo, the Chariots Bar at Wanderers Club makes a mean saucy beef trinchado to slurp up while you watch your favourite team win. You’re unlikely to bump into anyone you know, making this the perfect place to secretly catch a game when you’ve told your colleagues that you’re taking the afternoon to work from home.

Hashtag Kitchen & Bar (Craighall Park)

Catch the game in all corners of this restaurant and bar, be it the sunny outside seating, the sprawling inside dining area, or the cosy downstairs bar. For a bite to eat, try the wood-fired pizza with a perfectly thin and crispy base.

A post shared by Hashtag Kitchen & Bar (@hashtagkitchenbar) on Nov 22, 2017 at 8:22pm PST

Hudsons The Burger Joint (Parkhurst and Bedfordview)

Chow down on your favourite gourmet burger while watching the game. Plus, throughout the FIFA World Cup, Hudsons will also be running a R20 Budweiser special. Pair that with burgers topped with biltong chilli cream cheese, bacon jam, deboned rib, or beer-battered jalapeños.

Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar (Melville)

Although this isn’t your average bar, it’s one of the cosiest brunch spots in the city. It used to be closed in the afternoons, but that was until the World Cup happened. This season, two neighbourhood favourites – Pablo and Glory – are collaborating on dinner and soccer screenings. Expect tasty Asian fried chicken and a whole lot of cheer.

A post shared by Eat Out (@eatoutguide) on Jun 9, 2018 at 3:37am PDT

Radium Beerhall (Norwood)

It’s one of the oldest bars in the city and a strong candidate to become your friendly local, if it isn’t already. Well-known among sports fans, the Radium’s memorabilia-lined walls, old posters and newspaper clippings set the tone of a historic pub with a familiar feeling. Word on the street is that the pizzas are surprisingly tasty.

A post shared by Gail Scott McDonnell Wilson (@dizzylexa) on Jun 6, 2018 at 6:16am PDT

Texan Wing Bar (Montecasino)

With 21 TVs screening four different channels at any one time, this is the spot for watching the game on comfortable leather couches. Enjoy a cold one with a plate of hot wings while you cheer on your favourites.

Troyeville Hotel (Troyeville)

If you like your soccer served with simple spicy Portuguese and Mozambican food, this is for you. Troyeville Hotel is famous for its classic prawns Nacional (call ahead so it’s available) and piri-piri chicken. The hotel is equally famous for bringing together a colourful mix of soccer lovers, so you’ll be in good company.

The Vault (Marshalltown)

Located inside Mapungubwe Hotel, the Vault is a comfortable cigar lounge focusing on cognac, champagne, whisky and wine, all housed in an intimate setting. They offer standard bar fare such as sticky wings, ribs and build-your-own vegetarian or meat platters with dishes from the cocktail snack menu. Expect to lose track of time.

The Vivace Lobby Bar and Pool Bar at The Radisson Blu Hotel (Sandton)

Not to be confused with the Radisson Blu Gautrain. The Vivace Lobby Bar (open to the public) and Pool Bar (for hotel guests only) are the ideal spots to watch the games in a calm sophisticated setting, especially if heaving sports crowds make you uneasy. Sip on some bubbles with a side of spring rolls.

Have we missed your favourite sport-friendly spot? Let us know in the comments below or download our new app and write them a review. (Plus you could win R5000 cash just for downloading and registering in June 2018!)