Where to Watch the World Cup in NYC With People Who Swear They’ve Always Said “Football”
Courtesy of Unsplash, Photo by Nereid Ndreu
With the World Cup coming to the US for the first time in 32 years, suddenly everyone's a die-hard fan who's "always been into football." We see you, bandwagoners—and we respect the hustle.
Luckily, Pike, the ultimate discovery and guides app, helps map out the best bars in town to catch a match surrounded by people who'll swear they've called it "football" their entire lives.
1. Banter Bar
Courtesy of Unsplash, Photo by Manu
Best for: classic Brooklyn sports-bar vibe with tons of taps and CNN-recognized soccer energy.
Banter Bar has been a Williamsburg staple for over 15 years and remains one of Brooklyn’s go-to spots for catching a soccer match.
With 24 beers on tap, it’s an easy place to settle in for a game and a drink. It’s also been recognized by CNN as one of America’s best sports bars. Find Banter Bar on Pike for a quick snapshot, reviews, and similar Williamsburg sports bars to try.
📍Address: 132 Havemeyer st Brooklyn NY 11211.
2. Astoria Tavern
Courtesy of Pexels, Photo by Leonardo Delsabio
Best for: cozy Irish pub feel with pints, live music, karaoke, and match-days.
Astoria Tavern brings classic Irish pub energy with a cozy, come-as-you-are feel—an easy place to settle in with a pint of Guinness and catch a match on TV.
Beyond showing some of the best soccer games, it also keeps things entertaining with regular live music and karaoke nights, making it as much a night-out spot as it is a game-day go-to. See Astoria Tavern on Pike
📍Address: 33-16 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105
3. Smithfield Hall
Courtesy of Smithfield Hall
Best for: stadium-like setup with TVs everywhere, heated outdoor seating, and all-day sports.
Smithfield Hall is a dream setup for soccer fans—think TVs everywhere (almost one per table), so you’re never out of view of the game. With outdoor seating, two bars, and a packed indoor space, it’s built for catching matches from all over the world without missing a second of the action.
In addition to soccer, they keep the energy going all week long with NFL Sunday Ticket, NHL Center Ice, MLB Extra Innings, NCAA Gameplan, plus weekend brunch and happy hour to keep you fueled from kickoff to the final whistle. Discover Smithfield Hall on Pike.
📍Address: 138 West 25th Street New York, NY 10001
4. Slattery’s
Courtesy of Slattery’s
Best for: big-group watch parties in Midtown with 20+ HD TVs and classic pub food.
Slattery's Midtown Pub is set up for game day with 25 HD TVs throughout the space, so you can catch the latest matches from just about any seat in the house.
With room for up to 300 guests, it’s also a go-to for group watch parties and big celebrations. Whether you’re there for the screens or the classic pub food, it’s a reliable Midtown spot for a lively sports night out. Be sure to save Slattery’s on Pike.
📍Address: 8 E 36th Street, New York, NY 10016
5. Finn’s Corner
Courtesy of Finn’s Corner
Best for: all-sports neighborhood bar with pool, darts, and 13 HD TVs.
Finn’s Corner is the kind of neighborhood sports bar where the game is always on and something’s always happening. Beyond pool tables and darts for pre-kickoff entertainment, the space is lined with 13 HD TVs showing everything from soccer to the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, WNBA, and NCAA.
It’s a true all-sports, all-energies kind of spot—whether you’re locking in for a big match or just dropping by to catch whatever’s on, be sure to bookmark it on Pike!
📍Address: 660 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
6. The Football Factory
Courtesy of Pexels, Photo by Karl Rayson
Best for: hardcore football fan hub with 100+ matches/week, massive memorabilia, and supporter clubs.
The Football Factory at Legends screens 100+ soccer matches every week, making it a must-know spot for any serious football fan in NYC. With 20 big-screen TVs to choose from, you can jump between fixtures while soaking up what’s widely considered one of the largest football memorabilia collections in the country.
It’s also a true supporter hub, backing 30+ NYC supporter clubs so you’re always watching it with a crowd that cares just as much as you do. Find The Football Factory on Pike.
📍Address: 6 W. 33rd Street, New York, NY 1001
Want more match-day picks? Download Pike to explore our full NYC soccer bars guide, save your favorites, and browse other curated lists across the city.
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