Where to watch the World Cup around Chicago, IL
The FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s most highly anticipated sporting events, is right around the corner. Chicago is known for its exuberant sports fans and tantalizing foods, making it the ideal location to cheer on your favorite country. And what better atmosphere to watch an exciting soccer match than a lively sports bar with delicious refreshments? We’ve compiled a list of a few of the best sports bars to watch the World Cup in Chicago. Just make sure to leave the air horns at home.
Timothy O’Tooles
The kitchen offers an array of upscale bar food, including The Big Timmy Burger, featured on “Man Vs Food.” Also, you can’t miss out on the award-winning wings. O’Toole’s is a Chicago sports bar mainstay and one of the best places to catch kickoffs of every kind.
The Moonlighter
If you want a more laid-back location to watch the World Cup, then The Moonlighter is the place for you. This low-key neighborhood sports bar, located in Logan Square, provides a friendly and inviting atmosphere for sports fans. The Moonlighter has the ambiance of a family room, with cozy fireplaces, warm wood accents, and numerous TVs. There is even a dog-friendly patio so you can bring your little buddy along.
Pitchers of chilled cocktails, punch, or sangria are perfect for World Cup viewing parties with your friends. For food, you’ll find your typical assortment: tacos, nachos, fries, and mozzarella sticks. However, their burgers, available in six different varieties, are exceptional. In addition, the famous Roeser’s Bakery supplies delectable desserts. Overall, The Moonlighter offers a laid-back environment to relax and watch the World Cup, supplemented with delicious shareable drinks and food.
The Globe Pub
The Globe Pub is one of the city’s favorite international soccer bars and a soccer fanatics’ dream. The pub has a fun dive bar vibe with plenty of room for hosting World Cup viewing parties. Not far from Lincoln Square, the bar has several German beers on tap, as well as international scotch and wine.
They even offer breakfast specials for those early morning games, including a traditional English Breakfast and Guinness French toast. If you’re craving traditional English pub food, you can’t go wrong with their fish and chips or shepherd’s pie. The Globe Pub is the place to be for the most extreme soccer fanatics.
Joe’s on Weed Street
Joe’s on Weed Street is a large warehouse-style bar located near Lincoln Park. With over 20,000 square feet, there is plenty of room for you and all of your friends. They have 14 satellites,120 HD TVs, and several projector screens, ensuring that you won’t miss a World Cup match. Joe’s accepts reservations for large game watches and has five party rooms for private viewings, so make sure to snag a slot. Endless rows of tables and benches make it impossible to find a seat without a good view or an open space to eat and drink refreshments.
Speaking of refreshments, Joe’s has a large selection of craft beers and pub fare. There are rotating beer specials, and their bloody mary is locally renowned. Brisket nachos, fried cheese curds, and parmesan garlic fries are just a few of the menu focal points. Everything comes in large portions and is very shareable, encouraging you to bring your friends along. The food and drinks are decent, but the main highlight of Joe’s is its atmosphere. The large space filled with countless screens and endless rows of seating will get you in the mood to cheer on your favorite teams.
Parlor Pizza Bar West Loop
Parlor Pizza Bar brings together two favorite Chicago pastimes: sports and pizza. Although this bar is not specifically showing World Cup games, they will have a few TVs showing the matches throughout the bar. The bar is rather roomy, with a spacious patio and a rooftop bar. A variety of beers are on tap as well as several craft cocktails, including a frozen espresso martini.
The main highlight of this establishment is their food, as they are one of many amazing pizza spots in Chicago. The Sgt. Pepper Pizza is most notable, featuring fresh mozzarella with pepperoni and truffle oil. Another front-runner is the Brussel Shuffle Pizza, made with Brussels sprouts, pancetta, and lemon zest. If you are craving something other than pizza, the nacho bites, made with sweet BBQ pork, beans, and chipotle cream, are exquisite.
Parlor Pizza is not a designated World Cup sports bar, but they will be showing matches. This is the perfect place to come if you want to enjoy a variety of good foods and mellow drinks.
AJ Hudson’s Public House
AJ Hudson’s Public House is a local corner pub with serious soccer fever and is the official home of Chicago Liverpool fans. They will open early for games, screening all 64 World Cup matches. There are two large rooms and patios, providing plenty of space for large crowds. However, it can fill to capacity so make sure to head over well before the games start.
The bar has over 110 beers to choose from, with specials specifically designated for the Word Cup. They also have an outstanding whisky selection and a historical cocktail program. Their food menu boasts elevated British Pub fare with highlights such as the British BLT and the Hudson burger. The boneless wings are also a must-try, and the Buffalo sauce is known to be incredible.
Now that you are a World Cup sports bar aficionado, it’s time to go out and support your favorite country with delicious foods, lively libations, and your closest friends. Enjoy the best that Chicago has to offer while you cheer on your team. Did we miss an amazing sports bar? Do you know a better place to watch the World Cup? Contact us today with any comments or recommendations for our next list.
Photo Credit: Burger, Wine and Fries by Hybrid Storytellers is licensed with Unsplash License