Soccer in the United States isn't nearly as famous as it is in Europe, even though Americans are watching the World Cup more and more often. USA is a very large country and tastes here vary greatly from place to place, for example football and the World Cup in the Big Apple is an important matter.
My tip - The three best bars:
1. Smithfield Hall
Tons of TVs, quality pub fare (Jameson wings and rosemary fries) and lots of high tables - what more do sports fans need? Chelsea's Smithfield Hall is a bar for all sports fans, but it's football that reigns supreme here. Several New York fan clubs are based here.
2. Football Factory at Legends
The Football Factory may seem a bit like a den of glowing televisions, boiler room-like plumbing, framed jerseys and blaring victory chants, but it's among New York's premier temples of football worship.
3. Bounce Sporting Club
Bounce has more flat screens than a Best Buy store, red leather seats and a few black and white photos of old sports teams. The menu serves up some old standards: hamburger with Gruyere and a fried egg. It's hard to go wrong with the food here.
My tip - The best bars for Germany fans:
1. To the tailor
It's all about the "gigantic" Bavarian Krug and Bavarian culture in this affordable East Village "piece of Munich" that's a rollicking "home away from home" where every day is a party. It's not just a football pub during the World Cup, Bundesliga and DFB Cup games are also broadcast here.
2. Bavaria Beer House
The German beer house in the financial district offers the after-work crowd a nice atmosphere with European beer enjoyment and Bavarian food such as white sausage. Tucked away on a cobbled street, the two-story beer hall is outfitted with wooden bars and seating shipped from Germany.
You are in the melting pot, the Big Apple, and every New Yorker is excited about a specific place with their compatriots. Here are the best football bars depending on the country, here you can experience something if you want to watch an international match with a specific ethnic group.
-
Argentina
WHERE: Boca Juniors Restaurant
81-08 Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst, Queens
WHEN
-
June 16th at 9 a.m. against Iceland
-
June 21st at 2 p.m. against Croatia
-
June 26th at 2 p.m. against Nigeria
It would be hard to find a wilder soccer atmosphere - not just for Argentina, but for any nation - than at this steakhouse named after a popular Buenos Aires team. Elmhurst has been a center of Argentine culture since the 1960s. You can expect a lively crowd on the streets before every game, with some fans adding homemade musical instruments to the celebration. If the party is crowded at Boca Juniors, try in La Esquina Criolla , at 9467 Corona Avenue (or just walk two blocks in any direction).
-
-
Australia
WHERE: The Australian NYC
20 West 38th St., Midtown Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 16th at 6am against France
-
June 21st at 8 a.m. against Denmark
-
June 26th at 10 a.m. against Peru
Australian fans will have to get up early to support their team: the 22 TVs in this two-story bar will all be showing the games. Australian beer is available, as is a traditional Australian breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes and baked beans, as well as toast with vegetables. When Australia scores, vodka shots are given out.
-
-
Belgium
WHERE: BXL Zoute
50 West 22nd St., Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 18th at 11 a.m. against Panama
-
June 23rd at 8 a.m. against Tunisia
-
June 28th at 2 p.m. against England
BXL Zoute ("BXL" is the airport code for Brussels, Zoute is a wealthy area on the North Sea) is a home base during major tournaments for fans of all stripes, not just the Red Devils. For the early games, you will receive one Gaufre - an authentic Belgian waffle - that goes well with any of the Belgian beers on tap fits . If you're stuck in Times Square, Zoute's sister bar is BXL Cafe on 43rd Street, a good choice.
-
-
Brazil
WHERE: Miss Favela
57 South Fifth Street, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 17th at 2 p.m. against Switzerland
-
June 22nd at 8 a.m. against Costa Rica
-
June 27th at 2 p.m. against Serbia
This bistro next to the Williamsburg Bridge opens at 6 a.m. during the World Cup. The televisions will remain on throughout the tournament, and in addition to the live music every week on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Miss Favela will have live Brazilian music for each of the country's matches. In Manhattan you can Sounds of Brazil (SOB) at 204 Varick Street try.
-
-
Colombia
WHERE: D'Antigua
84-16 Northern Boulevard, Jackson Heights, Queens
WHEN
-
June 19th at 8 a.m. against Japan
-
June 24th at 2 p.m. against Poland
-
June 28th at 10 a.m. against Senegal
This bar-restaurant has five TVs and two projectors showing every game, but the liveliest crowds are expected for Peru and Colombia games. Especially when Colombia plays it's incredible, people are emotional and afterwards if the game goes well there's a DJ so people dance. If you're there in the morning, you can Arepas and Tostones for breakfast enjoy . You can too El Basurero , also a wild bar , in Astoria at 32-17 Steinway Street.
-
-
Costa Rica
WHERE: Bogotá Latin Bistro
141 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 17th at 8 a.m. against Serbia
-
June 22nd at 8 a.m. against Brazil
-
June 27th at 2 p.m. against Switzerland
This Park Slope restaurant has additional televisions throughout the restaurant - at the bar, in the main and secondary rooms, and on the patio. They will show every game, but plan to be early for the Latin American games (especially Costa Rica and Colombia).
-
-
Croatia
WHERE: Cafe Baltazar
43-03 Broadway, Astoria, Queens
WHEN
-
June 16th at 3 p.m. against Nigeria
-
June 21st at 2 p.m. against Argentina
-
June 26th at 2 p.m. against Iceland
There are very few bars in the city where you can sit with a drink for an hour and hear nothing but Croatian; This is one of them. Eat in advance as there is no kitchen here. Nearby is the Studio Square , a beer garden where there is usually a large Croatian community and where all tournament games are shown.
-
-
Denmark
WHERE: Danish Athletic Club
725-741 65th St., Sunset Park, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 16th at 6 p.m. against Peru
-
June 21st at 2 p.m. against Australia
-
June 26th at 4 a.m. against France
It's no surprise that this 126-year-old sports and social club will be the venue of choice for Denmark fans, all in one Neighborhood that was once full of Danish immigrants . All games are shown on two 55-inch screens in the main restaurant and bar. Aquavit cocktails and Carlsberg Elephant beer will be available during all three games. Another option is the Scandinavian-friendly sports bar Tonic Times Square .
-
-
Egypt
WHERE: Jasmin Lounge
25-50 Steinway St., Long Island City, Queens
WHEN
-
June 15: Lost to Uruguay, 0-1
-
June 19th at 2 p.m. against Russia
-
June 25th at 10 a.m. against Saudi Arabia
Here you can sip an Egyptian tea or enjoy a shisha in this lounge, in the heart of Little Egypt. If you can't find space here, try this Taj Mahal Lounge , dem Café Istanbul , the Rose Hookah Lounge, or one of the other hookahs that stretch along Steinway from 25th Avenue to 32nd Avenue.
-
-
England
WHERE: Highbury Pub
1002 Cortelyou Street, Ditmas Park, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 18th at 2 p.m. against Tunisia
-
June 24th at 8 a.m. against Panama
-
June 28th at 2 p.m. against Belgium
Highbury Pub is filled to the brim when North London club Arsenal have a game. Expect the same for England games - or most matches. This place is tiny, and when someone orders a meat pie the aroma quickly fills the pub. It's in Brooklyn on the South Slope Black Horse Pub .
-
-
France
WHERE: Le Baratin
26 Greenwich Avenue, Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 21st at 11am against Peru
-
June 26th at 10 a.m. against Denmark
There is no shortage of French boîtes showing Les Bleus on television. This West Village bistro will have both a TV and a screen, and every time France scores a goal, guests will be treated to champagne. A longstanding Francophone venue in Brooklyn is the Bar Tabac , a bistro in Boerum Hill open daily for breakfast.
-
-
Germany
WHERE: Goethe Institute
30 Irving Place, Gramercy Park, Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 17th at 11 a.m. against Mexico
-
June 23rd at 2 p.m. against Sweden
-
June 27th at 10 a.m. against South Korea
The non-profit cultural organization will pack its library with around 200 Germany fans to watch whether the reigning world champions can defend the World Cup title. German beer and Riesling are served, representatives of the institute discuss German culture, whether sporty or not. A slightly different option is To the dressmaker , an East Village beer garden, always full when Germany plays.
-
-
Iceland
WHERE: Bloom's Tavern
208 East 58th Street, Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 16th at 9 a.m. against Argentina
-
June 22nd at 11am against Nigeria
-
June 26th at 2 p.m. against Croatia
When Iceland played in Euro 2016 and made it to the quarterfinals in their first major tournament appearance, the consulate organized a viewing party at this classic Irish pub. The bar is now so strongly associated with Iceland that the country's flag has pride of place on the ceiling. Iceland's World Cup debut coincides with Bloomsday, the celebration of the events of James Joyce's novel Ulysses, so expect a unique atmosphere. Reykas Vodka, Iceland's first vodka distillery, is also sponsoring a series of events in Sports bars around the city, including in the Beer Authority , 300 West 40th St., for the Croatia game.
-
-
Iran
WHERE: Colbeh
32 West 39th St., Midtown Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 15th at 11 a.m. against Morocco
-
June 20th at 2 p.m. against Spain
-
June 25th at 2 p.m. against Portugal
Colbeh may be fancier than most of the other places on the list, but Iranians swear by this well-established Persian restaurant, where the games are shown on three 42-inch TVs. Lamb, beef and chicken kebabs are served.
-
-
Japan
WHERE: Izakaya / Samurice at the Canal Street Market
265 Canal St., Lower Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 19th at 8 a.m. against Colombia
-
June 24th at 11 a.m. against Senegal
-
June 28th at 10 a.m. against Poland
The small East Village restaurant Izakaya will be cheering on Japan. Yudai Kanayama, one of the owners, has organized public viewing parties just a short walk south. At Canal Street Market, the restaurant will share a booth with Samurice, where it will offer a miso soup and chicken katsu special during Japan's games. (Bonus quiz: Katsu means "victory" in Japanese.) Doors open 30 minutes before each Samurai game. Another option is Azasu on the Lower East Side, 49 Clinton Street.
-
-
Mexico
WHERE: Cantina Rooftop
605 W 48th St., Midtown Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 17th at 11 a.m. against Germany
-
June 23rd at 11 a.m. against South Korea
-
June 27th at 10 a.m. against Sweden
A safe bet to get a barstool during a Mexico game is Cantina Rooftop , a rooftop terrace in Midtown. Or for a more authentic experience, head to Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, where you'll be hard-pressed to find a bar or restaurant offering the game not be transferred . But it might be difficult to find a place. Tried the Juan Bar, located at 96-15 Roosevelt Avenue in Corona, which is attached to the restaurant Tortas Neza is attached . Or watch the game on one of the four televisions in the Tacos Morelos at 94-13 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights. In Brooklyn, head to the restaurants and bars on Fourth and Fifth Avenues in Sunset Park visit , like Tacos El Bronco and Tacos Matamoros .
-
-
Morocco
WHERE: Arabesque
4 East 36th St., Midtown Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 15th at 11am against Iran
-
June 20th at 8 a.m. against Portugal
-
June 25th at 2 p.m. against Spain
Morocco's games are shown on a large screen in the private room of this popular restaurant and bar. One of the owners has promised shots with every goal Morocco scores.
-
-
Nigeria
WHERE: Buka
946 Fulton St., Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 16th at 3 p.m. against Croatia
-
June 22nd at 11 a.m. against Iceland
-
June 26th at 2 p.m. against Argentina
Along the Crown Heights border, this restaurant attracts a lively Nigerian crowd - especially for Super Eagles games. While "buka" is a slang term for a hole in the wall, expect excellent food here with an adventurous menu including entrees like istiwu (goat's head) and nkwobi (cow's feet). Also in Brooklyn, the Afro Carib Network and Nollywood NYC are hosting a cover-free party for Nigeria's opening game in Milk River , a two-story restaurant and lounge on Atlantic Avenue, near the Barclays Center.
-
-
Panama
WHERE: Michelle's Cocktail Lounge
2294 Bedford Avenue, Flatbush, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 18th at 11 a.m. against Belgium
-
June 24th at 8am against England
-
June 28th at 2 p.m. against Tunisia
Michelle's, a longtime jazz club, has recently become a popular pre-show spot since the reopening of the nearby Kings Theater, but remains the local hub for all things Panamanian.
-
-
Peru
WHERE: Mancora Restaurant and Bar
97 First Avenue, East Village, Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 16th around midday against Denmark
-
June 21st at 11 a.m. against France
-
June 26th at 10am against Australia
Famous for its ceviches and rotisserie chicken, Mancora will show the games on two 70-inch televisions. Customers can nibble on homemade plantain chips and drink caiparinhas, Peruvian beer and purple corn juice - a Peruvian specialty. Shots of tequila when Peru scores a goal.
-
-
Poland
WHERE: Christina's
853 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 19th at 11 a.m. against Senegal
-
June 24th at 2 p.m. against Colombia
-
June 28th at 10 a.m. against Japan
Christina's is a Polish restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn's longtime Polish enclave. There are delicious pierogi and a TV for every Polish national team game. In addition to the many Polish options in Greenpoint, Ridgewood and Maspeth in Queens offer alternatives. Try this Rogner Café & Lounge in Ridgewood at 63-59 Forest Avenue.
-
-
Portugal
WHERE: Chaurascaria Raizes
39 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 15th at 2 p.m. against Spain
-
June 20th at 8 a.m. against Morocco
-
June 25th at 2 p.m. against Iran
Although Raizes won't be open for Portugal vs Morocco (too early), it will show the other two games: you'll be able to watch the games on the six TVs in the cavernous restaurant, as well as on a large projection screen. Expect Portuguese beer specialties, Mozambique shrimp and cod. For the intrepid fan, there's no better place to see Portugal than in Newark's Ironbound District. In addition to the many bars and restaurants along Ferry Street, also visit Sport Club Portuguese , a cultural center at 55 Prospect Street.
-
-
Russia
WHERE: Russian baths
1200 Gravesend Neck Rd., Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 14: Beat Saudi Arabia, 5-0
-
June 19th at 2 p.m. against Egypt
-
June 25th at 10am
This is about as authentic as anywhere in the middle of Russia without having to take a flight to Moscow. The Russian baths are part sports bar, part bathhouse. Your team just lost? Cool off in the pool, relax in the sauna or steam room. Free entry to the sports bar; $45 to use the bathrooms. A reasonable replacement is Café Max Kebeer , near Brighton Beach, which will show every game. Expect a minimum fee of $30 per seat.
-
-
Saudi Arabia
WHERE: Bai'Dar Cafe and Restaurant
6810 3rd Avenue, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
WHEN
-
June 14: Lost to Russia, 0-5
-
June 20th at 11am against Uruguay
-
June 25th at 10 a.m. against Egypt
Although not a Saudi hangout, this hookah lounge caters to a wide variety of Arab clientele in the large Bay Ridge community. The 24-hour lounge will broadcast every World Cup match and serve a selection of drinks and Middle Eastern delicacies.
-
-
Senegal
WHERE: The Senegalese Association
121 St. Nicholas Avenue, Harlem, Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 19th at 11 a.m. against Poland
-
June 24th at 11 a.m. against Japan
-
June 28th at 10 a.m. against Colombia
The area around 116th Street in downtown Harlem is known as Little Senegal, and at its center is this cultural center where all the games are shown. Many fans will watch the matches Pursue Ataya , a Senegalese tea traditionally served in a ceremony lasting several hours. Try the Dakar Chicken Wings at Ponty Bistro Harlem , located at 2375 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard.
-
-
Serbia
WHERE: Kafana
116 Avenue C, East Village, Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 17th at 8 a.m. against Costa Rica
-
June 22nd at 2 p.m. against Switzerland
-
June 27th at 2 p.m. against Brazil
Kafana, usually only open in the afternoon and evening, opens at 7:30 a.m. to cheer on its team and serves a traditional Serbian breakfast . Another option is the Serbian Association of New York , a cultural center and social club in Glendale, Queens, at 72-54 for 65th place.
-
-
South Korea
WHERE: Kum Gang San
138-28 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens
WHEN
-
June 18th at 8 a.m. against Sweden
-
June 23rd at 11 a.m. against Mexico
-
June 27th at 10 a.m. against Germany.
The festivities at this 24-hour Korean barbecue restaurant are hosted by the Korean Sports Association of New York sponsored, which will have an expert on hand to provide commentary and demonstrations (in Korean) for the South Korean Games. There are numerous venues in Manhattan Koreatown including Soju House , MK Karaoke and Bangia .
-
-
Spain
WHERE: O Lavrador
138-40 101 Ave., Jamaica, Queens
WHEN
-
June 15th at 2 p.m. against Portugal
-
June 20th at 2 p.m. against Iran
-
June 25th at 2 p.m. against Morocco
Iberian restaurant O Lavrador will show Spain's games in both the 65-seat bar and event space. Special offers on sangria pitchers. Meanwhile, all locations of Boqueria , a small chain of tapas bars, plays games during regular restaurant hours. If Spain wins, Boqueria will offer guests a beer on the house. At the new venue on West 40th Street, Boqueria opens its doors at 6:30 a.m. for all games, even when Spain isn't playing, and breakfast is served.
-
-
Sweden
WHERE: Tonic Times Square
727 7th Ave., Midtown Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 18th at 8 a.m. against South Korea
-
June 23rd at 2 p.m. against Germany
-
June 27th at 10 a.m. against Mexico.
Expect a large contingent of Swedes (and Danes) at this centrally located sports bar. During the World Cup, revelers bring their own Scandinavian food and pastries - while the bar serves a full menu and breakfast for the early games. A rather reserved venue is the Church of Sweden in Midtown Manhattan. Both the church and the cultural center, the institution at 5 East 48th Street, are showing the game against Germany. Coffee and cinnamon rolls are served.
-
-
Switzerland
WHERE: Café Select
212 Lafayette St., Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 17th at 2 p.m. against Brazil
-
June 22nd at 2 p.m. against Serbia
-
June 27th at 2 p.m. against Costa Rica
This festive Swiss spot in SoHo keeps Christmas lights on the ceiling year-round. You 'll be able to watch every World Cup game on a TV above the bar and a big screen in the background.
-
-
Tunisia
WHERE: Cafe Borbone
25-07 Steinway St., Astoria, Queens
WHEN
-
June 18th at 2 p.m. against England
-
June 23rd at 8 a.m. against Belgium
-
June 28th at 2 p.m. against Panama
The stretch of Steinway Street south of Grand Central Parkway is known as Little Egypt but is home to a mix of people from North Africa and the Middle East. Of all the options on this strip, an unassuming Italian cafe is a popular stop for Arab soccer fans. Don't expect to be able to sip your macchiato in peace when a local national team is playing. In general, a walk along Steinway Street is a good way to discover other hookah bars with flat-screen TVs, some of which may even open early for the World Cup.
-
-
Uruguay
WHERE: Charrúa
131 Essex St., Lower East Side, Manhattan
WHEN
-
June 15: Beat Egypt, 1-0
-
June 20th at 11 a.m. against Saudi Arabia
-
June 25th at 10 a.m. against Russia.
There are only 40 seats in this Uruguayan bistro, but during games the owners throw open the windows and serve South American street food. Expect a raucous crowd at Argentina and Brazil games. For early games served Tabare , a Uruguayan restaurant in Williamsburg, a breakfast featuring ham and cheese medialunas, a traditional sweet pastry similar to croissants and a full menu of traditional dishes for later games.
-
public viewing
28 Liberty Street - The World Cup games will be broadcast live on 28 Liberty's newly installed 40-foot LED screen on the west side of the property, which can be viewed through the lobby's floor-to-ceiling windows. You can find all information and the transmission schedule here. CLICK
Other public viewing locations are usually announced at short notice. Follow us and I will keep you updated as always on Facebook and Instagram .