The worst thing about the World Cup — the most widely celebrated event in the entire sporting world, along with the Olympics — is that it only comes once every four years.
Luckily, there are two of them. And the one that the U.S. actually has a chance of winning returns this summer.
We’re talking about the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in stadiums around France from June 7th-July 7th.
Below, find our picks for the best pubs around New York for taking in a game with some properly festive ambience, which we’ve put together with some help from our friends at TAG Heuer, the official watch and timekeeper of the U.S. Women’s National Team.
And for a primer on the tournament at large (and specifically on the ladies who will be representing the Stars and Stripes), be sure to check out our layman’s guide to the Cup.
Williamsburg
Our editorial team’s go-to for any and all things US soccer-related, Berry Park is so soccer-friendly that it actually adjoins an actual indoor soccer facility. The projectors come down for all games featuring the red, white and blue, and the family-style tables lend themselves to trading toasts and friendly banter with other guests. Plus: beers served in large steins that will actually last you until halftime.
4 Berry St.
(718) 782-2829
berryparkbk.com
Flatiron/Chelsea
The self-proclaimed “home of football in New York City” boasts tons of screens and seating, a rotating list of internationally sourced beers and tons of savory apps for sharing. Be sure to check their schedule to see what games will be on (note: probably all of them), and make a reservation if you’re traveling with a big group.
138 West 25th St.
(212) 929-9677
smithfieldnyc.com
Williamsburg
This Williamsburg haunt lives and breathes the beautiful game. It’s plastered wall to wall with the insignia of the world’s biggest clubs, and attracts a motley cast of die-hards on Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout the European club season. Expect that same crowd to be out in full force during the World Cup. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable crowd of fans whose interests go beyond pure Patriotism, Banter will be your oyster.
132 Havemeyer St.
(718) 599-5200
banterbrooklyn.com
Midtown
Football Factory is a three-level temple to football (the non-American kind). There’s plenty of booth seating if you get there early; otherwise, plan on going shoulder-to-shoulder with hooligans from all corners of the world.
6 West 33rd St.
(212) 967-7792
legendsff.com
Upper East Side
A quieter option, this old-school English pub serves a full English breakfast that’s second to none. And you’ll need it — with the World Cup taking place on French time, expect some early mornings if you want to catch all the big games.
401 East 76th St.
(212) 249-2700
joneswoodfoundry.com
Hero image courtesy of USWNT and TAG Heuer
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