Best Sports Bars To Watch World Cup Soccer In Baltimore

For diehard football fans, better known as soccer, there is no more exiting time than the FIFA World Cup, especially since the championship is held only every four years. The host nation for the 2014 tournament is Brazil, and for followers in Baltimore, the World Cup could not feel any farther away. However, you don't have to travel anywhere but to your local sports bar to join in the camaraderie and cheer for your favorite team with fellow football fanatics at your side. With drink and food specials plus live coverage of all of the matches, these top five bars are your ticket to a memorable and unforgettable World Cup.

Sláinte Irish Pub and Restaurant
Historic Fells Point
1700 Thames St.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 563-6600
www.slaintepub.com

Known for the slogan, "Where Soccer is Religion," it's easy to see why Sláinte Irish Pub and Restaurant tops this list as the No. 1 place to watch soccer in downtown Baltimore. Watch all of the soccer matches live from one of the pub's 18 HD TVs, which feature all of the soccer channels, including MLS Direct Kick, Fox Soccer Plus and NBC Network. There's even a special USA vs. Turkey Bus Trip planned for June 1, 2014 to Red Bull Arena to catch the antepenultimate match before the U.S. team heads to the World Cup in Brazil (visit the website for more details and to buy a ticket). In addition to its soccer devotion, Sláinte has been voted as Baltimore's Best across a number of categories from corned beef and cabbage to best pint of Guinness. Stop in on game day and before you know it, you'll be raising a pint, or three, with fellow fans to celebrate your favorite team and love of the game.

Related: Best Irish Pubs In Baltimore

Claddagh Pub & Restaurant
2918 O'Donnell St.
Baltimore, Md. 21224
(410) 522-4220
www.claddaghbaltimore.com

Catch all of the Cup action at Claddagh (pronounced "klahda") Pub, where friendship, loyalty and love abound, especially when it comes to soccer. Happy hours run even on Saturdays and Sundays and feature some unbeatable deals like $1 Natty Boh Drafts or 30 wings and a pitcher of domestic beer for $16.95. Add in the extensive bar menu, including appetizers like firecracker shrimp and Irish smoked salmon to cream of crab soup and prime rib sandwiches, and it's easy for fans to sit back and enjoy the pre, live and post-game here. No matter where you sit, the pub's ambiance is full of energy and excitement. Most importantly, strategically placed HD TVs promise an optimal viewing experience even if it's crowded.

No Idea Tavern
1649 S. Hanover St.
Federal Hill, Md. 21230
(410) 685-4332
www.noideatavern.com

Sobo's finest sports bar, No Idea Tavern, always shows every Liverpool match with the sound on and has Setanta Sports (European Premier League) available on TV. So it should come as no surprise that the tavern will also be playing World Cup matches live for fans as they browse an extensive beer and wine list that suits any palate. The pub-style bar area and relaxing lounge area make this destination a home away from home, where fans can express both their love and frustration of the game without judgment. During breaks, relieve some stress by playing shuffleboard, ping pong and Megatouch. There's also wireless Internet available so you can check team stats and get other World Cup updates at any time.

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Amiccis
231 S. High St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 528-1096
www.amiccis.com

In recent years, Amicci's of Little Italy has become a great venue to watch sports, especially international soccer matches. The bar has four large HD TVs and for the 2014 World Cup, there will be special pricing on beer, wine and cocktails for guests. Additionally, great prices on appetizers, salads and other food will be offered during all World Cup matches. Call ahead to inquire about specific deals for that day and to make a reservation to ensure your seat. Amiccis serves tasty, homemade Italian-American cuisine in a very casual atmosphere, so even if your team doesn't win, you'll quickly find comfort in good food and company.

Pickles Pub
520 Washington Blvd.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 752-1784
www.picklespub.com

Pickles Pub is a well-known sports bar in Baltimore that can always be counted on when it comes time to watch your favorite team play. Celebrating 25 years of service, the pub has countless TVs to ensure that no moment of the World Cup goes unnoticed and it will have sound on for all USA games. Lots of local and craft brews are always available and the pub will be running happy hour prices for World Cup games (except when the Orioles are home). There's also a variety of snacks and full size meal options to satisfy any appetite, such as burgers, salads, sandwiches and snacks. Since Pickles Pub is also a popular destination for Orioles fans before, during and after games, be prepared for a crowd if the match time should coincide with a baseball game.