Sports bars are there so you can celebrate a win, commiserate a loss or simply to be a place where you can hang out with your friends. These places are built to entertain, with the best ones having the perfect mixture of great food, better service, and all the live sports you could want.

Malaysia, being a football country, has never been short of sports bars. When it is matchday, you can be sure that the capital’s sports bars are going to be buzzing with energy. There is no better place to be during any sport’s world cup. With the beer flowing and the snacks keep on coming, you could spend hours talking, socialising, and having fun, even if the result did not go your way.

Here are 10 spots in Kuala Lumpur that we can recommend if you are in the mood for some live sports.

The Dark Horse

The Dark Horse in Kuala Lumpur is for everyone. The interiors will appeal to young sports fans who prefer open spaces, and the lounge booths are most definitely for the sit-down crowd. There is also al fresco seating where you can soak up the city or people-watch. Everything in The Dark Horse, from the food to the crowd and the live sports, is worth a visit.

Location: The Dark Horse, Lot G-05, Life Centre, 20 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250, Kuala Lumpur

GRIDiRON Sports Cafe & Lounge

Convivial is the word that best describes GRIDiRON Sports Café in Bangsar. When the crowd’s team is winning, you will feel the energy even if you are still metres from the place. They play all kinds of live sports, from football and F1 to cricket, so there is a booth with your name on it in GRIDiRON. The variety in their food selection is nicer than most and worth coming back for, as well as the good beer in here.

Location: GRIDiRON Sports Cafe & Lounge, Jalan Telawi 2 11 & 15, Kuala Lumpur

MST Golf Arena

Despite its name, MST Golf Arena caters to everybody. The system here is a bit more exclusive, as you need a reservation to get a table, but it is a must-visit for tourists and locals. They have friendly rates so casual enjoyers can try a spot of digital golfing, and there are executive-level suites for people with deeper pockets. Either way, there is plenty of great service and sumptuous food to keep your friends and family entertained.

Location: MST Golf Arena, S-214, Level 2, The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City / Ground Floor 01-A, Tropicana Gardens Mall, Tropicana

Havana Bar & Grill

This Cuban-inspired sports bar in Bukit Bintang is a tropical paradise with plenty of outdoor seating and live sports. Havana Bar & Grill does cocktails better than most, though. They also have the best liquors available, alongside some typical bar fare done a little better. In addition, this place being in Bukit Bintang, do not be surprised if a party breaks out because the atmosphere here is built for fun times.

Location: Havana Bar & Grill, 2 & 4, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

H.O.F.

When H.O.F. says it is “Everyone’s Sports Bar,” you can see it in how the place is built. The whole area has a food hall, elbow-to-elbow atmosphere, making it a place where you can bring your friends and family. The feel of unity is strong, which will sway from good to bad depending on whether your team is winning or losing.

Location: H.O.F., G-2B, Ground Floor, Nexus Bangsar South, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar

Healy Mac's Irish Bar & Restaurant

Any athletic event is a cause for celebration at Healy Mac’s, a true Irish outpost in Southeast Asia. If premiership football, Aussie football, or fighting sports is your speed, this is the place for you. In addition, if you have ever wondered how a St. Patrick’s Day goes, the timeless Irish tradition, a pint of Guinness at Healy Mac’s is about as close as you can get to the real thing without having to fly across the world.

Location: Healy Mac's Irish Bar & Restaurant, Jalan P Ramlee Crown Regency, No.12 Ground Floor, Kuala Lumpur

The Sticky Wicket

If you did not already know it by the name, The Sticky Wicket is a cricketer’s joint. The racing green interiors might as well be the hallowed turf at Lord’s. This place is pure class, and it reflects not just in their décor but also in their menu and service. This is where sports lovers go and enjoy good innings, good beer, and good bar food.

Location: The Sticky Wicket, 34, Plaza Damansara,, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur

Bounce

If traditional pub-style sports bars are not your speed, Bounce has you covered. Heavy on the neon lights and party atmosphere, this is the place if your friends like the idea of dancing while winning. While it is on the outskirts of KL, you will not be missing out on any of the fun you can have in the city.

Location: Bounce, Golf & Country Resort, Menara Lien Hoe, Lot 1.1, 1st Floor, No 8, Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya

The Beer Factory

The Beer Factory is a happy place, whether you have a reason to be happy or not. The beer is copious, and so are the friends you can make in this place. This place is a veritable bierhall in Kuala Lumpur, a sight to behold. It has the food and drink to match any celebration, or to save you from the sadness of a last-minute conceded goal.

Where: The Beer Factory, E-6-6, Block E, Setia Walk, Persiaran Wawasan, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Rock Bottom Changkat

A sports bar in the most traditional sense, this place has all the good European munch to go with your matchday mood. Depending on the crowd, Rock Bottom is somewhere you can chill out with friends or scream for your team.

Location: Rock Bottom Changkat, Changkat Bukit Bintang 42, Kuala Lumpur