When it comes to the game of soccer (“football” to us non-Americans), not all of us can bend it like Beckham. For most of us, sinking a ping pong ball in a Solo cup full of beer is just about the closest we'll ever get to scoring a goal in the World Cup. But lucky for us, there is no athletic skill necessary when it comes to enjoying the many 2010 World Cup festivities in New York City. The madness kicks off this Friday with the first two soccer matches of the series (South Africa vs. Mexico and Uruguay vs. France) and while the pro-footballers take to the field, the rest of us take to the bars to do what we do best: drink and cheer on our favorite teams. Lots of NYC pubs and sports bars will be hosting events for the 2010 World Cup, so for your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the best bars to watch the World Cup in New York City. Pick one place and make it your 2010 World Cup go-to spot, or test out a new place for every game – either way, you do not want to miss out on the many World Cup parties around New York City.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: Studio Square
35-33 36th Street | Astoria, NY 11106
We mentioned this spot last week in our list of top outdoor bars in New York City, but what we didn’t tell you is that the Studio Square beer garden makes for a perfect place to watch the 2010 World Cup. The ample flat-screens spread across the venue's indoor bar were enough to convince us that Studio Square is a well-equipped venue for any televised sporting event; but once we heard their plans to bring a 9 x 12 L.E.D. super screen to the outdoor courtyard, we knew right away that this would be a top spot to watch the games. Being able to enjoy the weather in one of the city's biggest outdoor beer gardens while cheering on your favorite team sounds a lot better than watching a soccer game in a dark and stuffy pub. Plus, the beer selection here is an added bonus. From old favorites to beers you've never heard of (and even pitchers of sangria if you want to switch it up), an ice cold drink in hand is the perfect accessory for a day full of World Cup madness.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: Esperanto
145 Avenue C | New York, NY 10009
Known for its beautiful women, wild parties and crazy soccer fans, Brazil is a country we’d love to experience during World Cup season. Although we can’t make it down there for the festivities, NYC is home to a number of Brazilian bars which will all be bursting with football fever during the 2010 World Cup games. Esperanto will be airing every Brazil match in addition to all the 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. games. We recommend coming here when Brazil takes to the field to experience a World Cup party like no other, featuring a live band every time they take the pitch and shots of cachaca every time they score. During matches, beer will be $1 off and to top it all off, all paying customers will be able to participate in a halftime shirt raffle.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: Nevada Smiths
74 Third Avenue | New York, NY 10003
Although including Nevada Smiths on a list of places to watch the World Cup seems obvious and a bit cliché, there is no way to neglect this NYC venue “where football is religion.” There is no doubt that this bar will be mobbed with soccer fanatics, but if you're a die-hard fan of the sport and want to surround yourself with other die-hard fans (lots and lots of them), then this is the month to make your pilgrimage to what many call the “Church of football.” A giant projection screen is the game-day staple for this two-level bar, and with 14 smaller plasma screens and tons of soccer paraphernalia you’ll be in the perfect zone to watch a game. Nevada Smiths plays up to 100 live soccer matches a week, so we trust that this New York City soccer bar will have the 2010 World Cup on lock.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: The Sunburnt Calf
226 W 79th Street | New York, NY 10024
The uptown sister location to the Sunburnt Cow (our favorite Aussie bar in the city) will be getting in on the World Cup spirit starting this Friday. At the Sunburnt Calf you’ll be able to view all 7, 9:30 and 2 p.m. games in the Ghost Gum and Simpson Desert rooms while enjoying $2 Buds and giveaways during matches. This spot will definitely be jumping for the bigger matches and even the smaller ones for those who are seeking out the cheaper drink deals in New York City during World Cup matches.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten
64 Frost Street | Brooklyn, NY 11211
It seems as though New York City has come down with a case of beer garden fever. The trend is eating up every summer event with an insatiable appetite, from weekday happy hours to Saturday night pregames, and of course the biggest sporting event in the world, the 2010 World Cup. Lorely Williamsburg is an extension of the LES Loreley and is the newest beer garden to hit Brooklyn (it literally just opened this week). The place is German and features German beers and wines on tap, so you can expect this place to get packed when Germany plays. The games will be aired live at Loreley Williamsburg and from what we’ve heard, they'll be serving up pretzel-dough “soccer rolls” filled with meats representing different participating countries, including pulled pork for the US and Serrano ham for Spain.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: Opia Restaurant & Lounge
130 E 57th Street | New York, NY 10022
When we first caught wind of Opia's plans to air every game of the World Cup, we questioned how rowdy, soccer-crazed fans could coexist with DJs, dancers and an array of alcoholic concoctions. At first, the concept seemed like an unlikely pairing, but contrary to what we see at most NYC bars on game day, sports fans are not all reckless boozehounds. Opia regularly attracts a decent amount of European guests (French being the main draw) so you can expect more French “football” fans for this Friday's match against Uruguay and less of the belligerent American crowd. While TVs air the games, live DJs will be performing along with dancers and other entertainment acts. For bigger matches, the bar will feature themed cocktails highlighting the teams and their countries of origin. A ciprihani in hand while watching Brazil kick off sounds to us like a nice added touch – a subtle way to make this World Cup viewing party stand out among the rest.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: Mason Dixon
133 Essex Street | New York, NY 10002
There are lots of reasons why we enjoy watching big sporting events in NYC bars, but our favorite perk is getting a break from the jacked-up drink prices we're forced to pay most other nights. The guys at Mason Dixon realize that one or two $9 beers won't last an entire soccer match (and especially not a double-header), so to avoid robbing customers of their hard-earned cash, the venue is offering a $40 all-you-can-drink special during games. Come as you are and soak up this bargain or just throw on a jersey repping one of the playing teams to receive two-for-one drinks throughout that entire game. If you plan on drinking during the matches, Mason Dixon is one New York City bar that will give your wallet a nice break.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: The Hill
416 Third Avenue | New York, NY 10003
We can't pinpoint the exact reason why, but when it comes to televised sporting events, dive bars are generally our go-to scene. However, there are only so many sticky footsteps and peanut shells we can handle before heading somewhere a bit cleaner seems like an attractive option. The Hill combines all of the necessary elements of a sports bar (flat-screen TVs, beer, bar food) with the comfort and cleanliness of a lounge (think: club level at a sporting arena with lower lighting and more candles). If you're itching for an upgrade from the grungy bar scene, head over to The Hill for some white coconut sangria and a clear view of the game from one of the 25 flat-screens around the venue.
Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC: Café Bar
3290 36th Street | Astoria, NY 11106
After taking a month off to renovate, Café Bar is back in action. The cozy Astoria haunt is wasting no time getting back in the circuit, advertising that “World Cup Madness” is about to strike their bar. Beginning this Friday, happy hour at Café Bar will be extended to include all World Cup games, so as long as a World Cup game is on, the happy hour deals are in play. Well drinks and house wines will be priced at $4, bottled beers at $1, and pitchers of beer will run between $16 and $20. However, if you’re looking for the typical sports bar scene and a wild and crazy happy hour, then you're looking in the wrong spot. With low-key art exhibitions weekly, an eclectic choice of music and colorful stained-glass windows, you wouldn’t typically think of Café Bar as a place to watch the World Cup. But with couches ready to sink into and waitresses ready to serve, Café Bar makes for an excellent alternative to your living room if you're just looking to watch a game in casual company.