Top Spots To Watch World Cup Soccer In Philadelphia
The month-long 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 12 in Brazil. Many bars in our area support our professional soccer team, the Philadelphia Union, and one of our players – Maurice Edu – frequently plays for the national team. If you can't make it to Brazil for the matches but want to support the United States Men's National Soccer Team and maybe see Edu play, here are some places that are guaranteed to show all of the action.
Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 909-8814
www.brauhausschmitz.com
Brauhaus Schmitz might be known for its bratwurst and extensive list of German ale, but it's also bringing something else to South Street: soccer. With numerous TVs placed strategically around the restaurant, there isn't a bad seat in the house, and you won't miss a second of the game. Brauhaus Schmitz is so into soccer that it even has a bus to take you to every Philadelphia Union game for only $25 a person.
Cuba Libre
10 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 893-9700
www.cubalibrerestaurant.com
World Cup-inspired cocktails abound at this Old City Cuban eatery. From more traditional mojitos and caipirinhas to new creations like the Hot in Rio (cachaça, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Cynar, vermouth, lime juice, guarapo, pineapple juice and cayenne), there's something tasty to wet your whistle for all the cheering you'll be doing as you watch the teams compete for the Cup.
Fado Irish Pub
1500 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 893-9700
www.fadoirishpub.com
Fado Irish Pub is a popular spot year-round for soccer games. The restaurant usually turns the World Cup into an event and its central location in the city makes for a fun time. Fado has many TVs and quite a few different spots to sit and enjoy a brew, some Irish pub fare and a game or two. Check its website for game times. It also has monthly bus trips to Philadelphia Union games.
Nick's Roast Beef
16 S 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.nicksroastbeefbarandgrille.com
Watch the game at Nick's Roast Beef's Old City location, where you can expect soccer on the TV in both dining rooms, plus food and drink specials.
Philly Phaithful
737 N 4th St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
www.phillyphaithful.com
Northern Liberties' Philly Phaithful wants fans to put on their patriotic gear and head over for World Cup viewing parties on a 16-foot media wall. In addition to catching all the gametime action throughout June, soccer fans 21-and-up will get a free beer, and there will be store discounts on apparel for customers of all ages.
The 700
700 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 413-3181
www.the700.org
The 700 is the ideal place in Northern Liberties to watch soccer. In fact, it even started its own soccer team, the Philly Soccer Firm, and the bar invites all people to join them at the Northern Liberties Recreation Center on Tuesday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to play the game. "Footy on the Telly," as it is called here, shows all of the best soccer action and, for game times, you can check its chalkboard or sign up for its e-mail chain. It doesn't serve food, but it has a humongous bottle list with more than 80 varieties, 12 drafts and an impressive liquor collection. Head upstairs for some late night dancing following the game.
Tir Na Nog
1600 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 514-1700
www.tirnanogphilly.com
Tir Na Nog is an official sponsor and big supporter of the Philadelphia Union. It always has soccer games on and even opens early for matches. Numerous TVs of all shapes are found around the bar and for big events like the World Cup, it has a large protection screen that drops down for your viewing pleasure. Tir Na Nog serves traditional Irish fare (beer battered fish and chips, shepherd's pie), but also puts its own modern twist on food to create delicious "pubwiches" and entrees. The chef also creates what is called the "52 menu," which is a different menu each week. Drink and food specials change daily.
USA Soccer Passport to Brazil Festival
Piazza at Schmidt's
1050 N Hancock St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
www.atthepiazza.com
Cheer on the USA at this viewing party at the Piazza, when the home team faces off against Ghana. The party begins at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 16th, two hours before the match starts. Expect tailgating, food trucks, DJs and more at this epic outdoor party.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.