NYC is famous for its huge bar scene – and for the fact that it is home to many internationals. This pretty much makes NYC one of the best places to follow the games – and discover new neighborhoods. Here’s our take on where to watch your favorite team and get the best feel for the playing team. Be sure, you’ll be chanting along in many languages soon.
Brazil
FelixBrazil and soccer are two inextricable words. This nation really is crazy about the game. Sure, most of the Brazilian World Cup parties in NYC will take place in the Little Brazil area on West 46th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue. But SoHo also has its Brazilian spot. Being a French-Brazilian bar, Felix is very likely to become one of the Brazilian World Cup hubs in NYC – and the waiters and crowd will also cheers for many other teams.Address: 340 West Broadway, ManhattanMiss Favela
For those who would like a more personal experience of the Brazilian matches, Miss Favela in Brooklyn, located right next to the Williamsburg Bridge, might be a good spot.Address: 57 South Fifth Street, Brooklyn
Eastern Europe / Russia / Greece
The Bohemian Hall and Beer GardenThis oldest New York beer garden in Astoria has become a soccer institution in Queens. Since Queens is too diverse to focus on any one nation, this beer garden simply puts up many screens, making sure that fans from different nations can watch in a specific “quarter.” We do expect to hear many cheers for the Greeks.Address: 29-19 24th Avenue, Queens
France
Bar TabacAllez les bleus! For all fans of the “Equipe tricolore,” Bar Tabac in Brooklyn with its authentic French ambience is one of the best locations to watch the games in the upcoming weeks.Address: 128 Smith Street., Brooklyn
Germany / Switzerland (and Austrian fans, supporting one or the other)
Black Forest BrooklynBlack Forest Brooklyn will make the World Cup 2014 its official coming-out party. German owners Ayana and Tobias Holle provide a state-of-the-art HD projector and sound system, blackout shades for the skylights, and one of the largest screens in the borough. In addition, you will find surprise events and game time drink specials.Address: 733 Fulton Street (Between S Elliott Place & S Portland Avenue), BrooklynZum SchneiderThis Lower East Side bar has become an institution for German soccer fans. Famous Bavarian Brezn and Weisswurst will be served alongside German beer. For special games such as the match between the US and Germany, Zum Schneider will organize a separate open air screening at SolarOne.Address: 107 Avenue C, ManhattanLoreleyLoreley offers the Cologne version of a brewery. 5 HD TVs and a big screen promise great views of all World Cup games as you enjoy one of their dozen imported German beers.Address: 7 Rivington Street (between Bowery & Chrystie), Manhattan
Ghana
Papaye RestaurantProviding every guest with a genuine African dining experience is the usual goal of Papaye Restaurant – but during the World Cup 2014 it will serve a genuine African soccer experience as well. With Ghana always playing an important role in big soccer tournaments, this might be the perfect spot to watch the World Cup games alongside Ghanaian soccer fans.Address: 2300 Grand Concourse, Bronx
Italy
Caffé RomeoSince Italy is always one of the contenders for winning the World Cup, this list would be incomplete without a tip on where to watch the Italian team’s games. With Italy winning the World Cup in 2006, Caffé Romeo turned into a colorful party spot. And who knows, maybe the team will come up with another surprising win.Address: 7111 20th Avenue, BrooklynSonny’s Soda ShoppeFor all those who prefer watching Italy’s games outdoors, Sonny’s Soda Shoppe at the Mondrian SoHo might be a good spot. Serving pizza and famous Italian Peroni beer, this rooftop cocktail bar will provide you with Italian flair and style.Address: Mondrian SoHo, 25th floor, 9 Crosby Street, Manhattan
Japan
Japas 27During the year, Japas 27 attracts its customers with tasty, food delivered by conveyor belt, karaoke nights, and lots of food and drink specials. With the World Cup coming up though, the bar also turns into an authentic spot for supporters of the Japanese team.Address: 336 Third Avenue (between East 26th and 27th Street), Manhattan
Netherlands
TonicTonic is not only a magnet for Dutch soccer fans during big tournaments, it’ss always a hotspot when it comes to watching sports. 25 plasma TVs and large projection screens in combination with the selection of 30 draft beers create the perfect environment for watching the World Cup.Address: 727 Seventh Avenue (Between 48th & 49th Street), Manhattan
Spain
DonostiaLocated near Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Donostia is a Basque bar and restaurant. Head here to watch the Spanish team as they defend the World Cup.Address: 155 Avenue B, Manhattan
UK
Chip ShopFootball’s coming home! Not only Fish and Chips and a wide range of British beer brands make all “Three Lions” supporters feel they’re spending an afternoon in the motherland of soccer.Address: 129 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
US
Nevada SmithsThey call it “New York’s footie headquarters” – and when you go to Nevada Smiths you will easily see why. Soccer fans from all nations flock to the bar every week to watch their club’s games. And the World Cup is no exception.Address: 100 3rd Avenue (Between 12 & 13th Street), Manhattan Berry ParkRooftop bar, skyline view, and soccer: Sounds like the perfect mix for you? Then Berry Park might be your spot. Located on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the bar describes itself to be as diverse as its Brooklyn neighborhood.Address: 4 Berry Street, BrooklynLegendsLegends is proud to nickname itself “The Football Factory.” It is located just next to the Empire State Building and attracts a variety of soccer fans with its TVs on all three floors. Wherever you sit or stand in the bar, there will be numerous screens around you so you don’t have to crane your neck to see your favorite team score.Address: 6 West 33rd Street, ManhattanCentral BarIn case you prefer watching soccer matches in a more spacious bar (which doesn’t mean you won’t find a lively and passionate atmosphere), Central Bar is your best option. All games are being shown on several plasma screens.Address: 109 East 9th Street, Manhattan Wherever you go just remember: this is New York and we treat the each nation’s fans with respect. Hang around longer and you’ll meet new friends from new places.