The World Cup begins this month and if you’re a soccer fan, you’ll want to find a place to watch the action. While watching matches in the host country of Qatar is the ultimate experience, the competition will be televised worldwide. In the event you can’t make it to Qatar, have you decided upon an America sports bar to see the world’s most watched sporting event? If not, here is a list of recommendations of some of the best U.S. sports bars to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The event begins November 20 and ends with the final match at Lusail Iconic Stadium on Sunday, December 18.
Brewhouse Café
401 Moreland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 525-7799
www.brewhousecafe.com
For soccer fans in Atlanta, the Brewhouse Café is the place to go for World Cup telecasts. Known as the city’s ultimate soccer bar, Brewhouse Café will show all of the daily games beginning at 5 a.m. You can order breakfast at that time and watch the game of your choice across 27 large screen TVs. Brewhouse Café has a great food menu, along with a large selection of draft and bottled beer. Also on the drink menu are premium wines and spirits, including their famous “Painkiller”. You can find this British-style soccer bar in the heart of Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood.
Finn McCool’s Irish Pub
3701 Banks St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 486-9080
www.finnmccools.com
Everyone knows that the hot spot for a night out on the town in New Orleans is in the French Quarter. But if you want to visit the best for a soccer match, go to Finn McCool’s in the Mid-City neighborhood. Sure, it’s a few miles away from Bourbon Street and sports like Finnegan’s Easy and Pat O’Brien’s. However, Finn McCool’s has it all, from multiple TVs to enough beer, wine and cocktails while watching non-stop soccer games. That’s not to mention an outdoor space to accommodate large crowds for the World Cup. Keep checking back with their website or their social media for updates for their soccer schedule in the coming days or weeks. Insider tip, try one of their burgers with their spicy, NOLA seasonings.
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George and Dragon Pub
206 N. 36th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 695-2768
www.theegeorge.com
Once the World Cup begins, you won’t have to wait long for George and Dragon to open. That’s because this lively pub might be open before you wake up. In fact, they’ll be open at 4:30 a.m. for the Group Stages, including the England-Iran match on November 22. Set in Seattle’s lively Fremont neighborhood, it serves traditional British pub fare and has a good selection of spirits, wine and beer. During the World Cup, the popular pub will broadcast soccer matches outside to accommodate large crowds. Check out their pub calendar for additional details on upcoming sporting events on their tellys.
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Grails Miami
2800 N. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33127
(786) 870-4313
www.grailsmiami.com
Unlike West Coast soccer fans, you won’t have to get up early to watch World Cup soccer matches. That’s obviously because of the three-hour time difference between the West Coast and East Coast cities like New York and Miami. In this case, Grails will be open before 10 or 11 a.m. for early round matches and reservations remain available. Featuring over 70 HDTVs, the sports bar has an extensive food and drink menu. Set in the colorful Wynwood neighborhood, Grails is known as the world’s first sneaker-themed restaurant and bar. One cocktail particularly worth noting is The Holy Grail ($250) for a minimum of four guests. There is plenty of room both indoors and in the patio, where there is a giant TV. Grails calls itself Miami’s best bar for sports and entertainment so you’ll have to see for yourself.
K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill
14850 N. Northsight Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
www.kodonnells.com
No information is currently available for World Cup soccer telecast at this popular Scottsdale sports bar. However, you can be certain K O’Donnell’s will draw soccer fans once the matches begin. After all, KO’s has more than 70 TVs, both indoors and outdoors and 16 beers on tap. That’s not to mention a nice assortment of bottled beer, premium wines and signature drinks. If that’s not enough, the sports bar has an outstanding food menu, including some of the best pizza in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Tables reservations may be booked online through the bar’s Open Table link. A schedule of World Cup game will be available as it gets closer to the kickoff. K O’Donnell’s is led by Jenn O’Donnell, who took over ownership from her well-known father-champion poker player Kevin O’Donnell.
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Mulligan’s Pub
159 First St.
Hoboken, NJ 0703
(201) 876-4101
www.mulligansonfirst.net
Like any other top spot in America, there is bound to be more than a few great sports bars to watch the World Cup. Yet, Mulligan’s Pub isn’t just any ordinary spot in New Jersey or elsewhere. What sets this popular Hoboken bar above most others is its service along with a tremendous food and drink selection. That’s not to mention their very passionate soccer fanbase, array of TVs and sports memorabilia. With regards to food choices, try the chicken madras soccer pie, Cornish pastie or the fish and chips. For drinks, you’ll have a full bar, with about 40 draft or bottled beers, wine and spirits. While the World Cup will be televised all day, you might have time to play pool or darts. Mulligan’s Pub is in the lively downtown section, just a short walk from the Hoboken PATH station.
O’Brien’s Pub
4646 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 715-1745
www.obrienspub.net
Just how good is it to watch a soccer match at O’Brien’s in eastern San Diego? Well, it’s so good that U.S. Soccer was named it America’s best soccer bar. In other words, it’s a top choice for soccer fans in California’s second largest city. If you visit for World Cup soccer, you’ll have outstanding food, craft beers on tap like Pliny the Elder and bottled beers, ciders and more. Right now, there is no information on upcoming World Cup telecasts. However, you can visit O’Brien’s website or their social media hubs like Facebook and Instagram. You can find the pub in Convoy Court, a strip mall in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego.
Ojos Locos
5809 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 448-5626
www.ojoslocos.com
Also known as La Casa de la Balón, Ojo Locos is your place to watch World Cup soccer matches in San Antonio. In fact, this sports cantina has locations throughout Texas, including Austin, Dallas and Houston. Like any other location, Ojos Locos San Antonio features wall-to-wall TVs, outstanding Latin cuisine and great bar. For example, on the food menu, you can have made-to-order dishes like sopas, ceviche, street tacos and fajitas. As for drinks, among the items you can order are beer, specialty drinks and premium tequila like Don Julio and Patrón. The San Antonio sports cantina is right off Highway 410, near the San Antonio Aquarium. A second location is at South Park Mall, off Highway 35.
San Francisco Athletic Club
1750 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 923-8989
www.thesfac.com
It’s not exactly what you’d call a classic soccer bar, but the San Francisco Athletic Club is well worth mentioning. As a matter of fact, it’s really an exceptional bar that covers most any type of sport. On the other hand, SFAC is already making preparations for what it describes as the world’s greatest sporting event. Indeed, there is a complete section on its website that covers the World Cup. For instance, it has a screening schedule, including games that begin at 5 a.m. and information on reservations. Equally important are the food and drink menus, as well as the sizable beer garden with tables and benches. While you’re at it, order one of the Bathtubs, with 24 bottles of beer that’s for groups of six or more. The San Francisco Athletic Club is in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood, near Japantown.
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Smithfield Hall NYC
138 W. 25th St.
New York, NY 10001
(212) 929-9677
www.smithfieldnyc.com
In America’s largest city, there are several sports bars where you can watch the World Cup action. However, if you had to pick and choose just one, it might be Smithfield Hall. Just blocks from Madison Square, Smithfield Hall has eight outdoor TVs and 26 more inside. In addition, Smithfield offers a food menu that is a step above your typical sports bar grub. Of course, there is a great selection of drinks, including draft and bottled beer, wine and crafted cocktails. Additionally, the sports bar stands out with its host of spirits, in particular its Scotch and Irish whiskeys.At the present time, the current TV schedule for the FIFA World Cup is not available. Nevertheless, you can check Smithfield Hall in a week or so for updates. Both the 23rd and 28th Street MTA subway stations are nearby.
Social Beer Garden Houston
3101 San Jacinto St.
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 636-9357
www.socialbeergardenhtx.com
With an exceptionally large outdoor section, Social Beer Garden will host one of Houston’s largest soccer parties. What’s more, it has a similarly large drink menu along with a rooftop patio. In fact, there is a full bar with over 200 liquors, along with 44 beers on tap. That’s to say nothing of the gourmet pizza you can get from the bar, in addition to food trucks who will be onsite. Social Beer Garden already has a World Cup schedule and games will be televised in English and Spanish. The outdoor section features a 20-foot HDTV and over 12 more across two levels. While you’re waiting for games to begin, you can also play pool, table tennis, play darts or arcade games.
The Banshee
934 Dorchester Ave.
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 436-9747
www.bansheeboston.com
If you want plenty of cinema-size TVs with plenty of space, go to WynnBet Sports Bar at Encore Boston Harbor. However, if you’re a soccer bar purist, you might prefer The Banshee instead. After all, The Banshee bar says it’s Boston’s best sports bar to watch soccer. Moreover, they back up that claim by the number of times they’ve been voted best soccer bar. If that’s not enough, there are 10 TVs across two levels, excellent pub grub and many of your favorite drinks. While there’s nothing wrong with WynnBett, you’ll be with faithful soccer fans at The Banshee. You can find this classic Irish pub in the Dorchester neighborhood near the JFK/UMass T station.
The Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 871-3757
www.theglobepub.com
Sure, there are plenty of other Chicago sports bars that are larger than The Globe Pub. But when it comes to World Cup soccer this soccer haven in Northcenter is among the best. In case you visit, you can watch the action across a few dozen HDTVs. From the 54-foot-long bar, you have 54 draft beers, along with some very affordable bottled beer, wine and cocktails. Equally important is the excellent pub grub, like shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash. Check back with The Globe Pub for updates on their World Cup soccer telecasts. To get to one of the city’s most authentic soccer pubs, take the Metro to Irving Park station.In 2014, The Globe Pub was named the Best Sports Bar in America by Nightclub & Bar Magazine.
Tir Na nÓg
1600 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 514-1700
www.tirnanogphilly.com
In one of America’s best sports cities, there’s no surprise that there many great soccer bars in Philadelphia. Among those that get plenty of attention is Tir Na nÓg, a classic Irish pub in Center City. While information is not yet available for World Cup telecasts, you can be certain that those games will be on their TVs. In addition, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a match, including great food, drink and passionate fans. For example, there are pub favorites like fish and chips, Irish breakfast and Irish coffee. That’s to say nothing of several beers on draft, wine and spirits that don’t cost you an arm and a leg. If for some reason you can’t find a seat, Rittenhouse Square has a cluster of Irish pubs. In case you’re wondering, Tir Na nÓg means “Land of the Young” and is the Irish “Otherworld”.
Ye Old King’s Head
116 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-1402
www.yeoldekingshead.com
From classic Irish pubs to sports mega-bars, you’ll have many spots to watch the World Cup in LA. Because of this, the problem really is, which one would you choose? After going back and forth a few times, the top recommendation is Ye Old King’s Head. For one, it’s in a convenient location near the Santa Monica Pier. Another reason to visit this British pub is its phenomenal food menu, as well as many options for beer, wine and cocktails. The pub also has enough TVs to watch the action, along with an outdoor section. Worst case scenario, if you can’t get into Ye Old King’s Head, there are some other sports bars nearby. For instance, Barney’s Beanery, Britannia Bar and Cabo Cantina are all a few blocks from one another.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, Radio.com and the CW. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.