8 Great Places to Watch the World Cup

Don't make it a game-time decision.

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All eyes will be on the soccer ball when the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off this Friday. Even if Americans have no stake in the tournament this year, the global event still gives a great reason to cozy up to the bar, throw back a few drinks and cheer on your favorite team from afar. Here are a few top spots to watch from coast to coast.

Chicago: Fisk & CO

Chicago’s new Belgian-inspired eatery is adding European flair to the game-watches. Starting June 14th, they'll offer a gooey raclette and ham tartine, along with a beer flight that includes three-ounce pours of the popular Belgian beers Kwak, Tripel Karmeliet and Quadrupel. They're the perfect pairing for watching Belgium kick off against Panama on the 18th.

Chicago: Tallboy Taco

Grab a few brunch tacos — Nueske's bacon and egg or a 12-hour smoked brisket and egg — and cheer Vamos Mexico! at this taco joint that will show all of the games, but with special focus on the country that inspired their cuisine. Pair the tacos and corn fundido with $15 Modelo buckets, or for a real splurge, $65 Modelo buckets that come with tequila and Michelada mix. World Cup swag will also be handed out, so get your front seat on June 17th, when Mexico participates in its first match.

Las Vegas: Once

Peru takes on Denmark on June 16, but Peruvian chef Ricardo Zarate will host a World Cup viewing party at his restaurant (pronounced ohn-say) the entire first weekend, starting at 9 a.m. on the 15th. Games will be screened via massive projectors, and for $25, visitors get a hearty Peruvian brown rice quinoa breakfast bowl topped with huacatay cilantro pesto, mixed veggies and protein… and a cocktail to wash it all down.

Los Angeles: Frida Mexican Restaurants

If you want to score free food, get out of bed before 7 a.m. on the West Coast for free chilaquiles and prime seating at these Mexican restaurants to watch Mexico take on its latest challenger. If you can’t bother, you’ll still be treated with a special bar menu no matter the time. Specials include $5 margaritas and tequila shots, and your choice of tacos for $2.50 at the bar; multiple games will show on big screens across the restaurant.

Miami: Bar Collins Loews Hotel

It’s a soccer extravaganza at this Miami hotel where games will be shown on both the inside big screen TV and the flat screens that line the outside terrace. A whole menu is dedicated to the World Cup with cocktails spanning the globe – Moscow mules, caipirinhas, pisco sours. The food specials include the Messi sliders (named for Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi), which actually are a little messy, and come stuffed with ropa vieja, veiled with Swiss sheese and Cuban mustard and topped with housemade pickles on brioche, all paired with a locally made craft beer. Pizza, nachos, wings and quesadillas round out the special menu (pictured above).

New York: Boulton & Watt

This East Village gastropub will open early to kick off the starting game on June 14th, and will show all weekday games throughout the tournament. They’ll offer their soccer lunch special — a burger (or veggie burger) served with a pint of beer and jar of homemade pickles; 34-ounce Kelso pilsner steins will be on special for $10 a pop, and those who are there to cheer on their home team can show their passport for a second drink on the house.

New York: Gansevoort Hotel

Head to either the Chester or Plunge Rooftop + Lounge to grab a soccer-themed cocktail at this Meatpacking District hotel. The Red Card pays homage to the host city: a Moscow Mule with a touch of Kettle citron, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and ginger beer with a blackberry on top. The Yellow Card is their play on a French 75.

Philadelphia: aMuse

France may be the home team at this French brasserie but they’ll be celebrating the globe for the duration of the World Cup. If you can take a challenge, order the special Bloody Mary "Goals," a kicked-up version made with extra-spicy jalapeno-infused mix. If the heat gets to you, order it with an "assist," a beer sidecar. There will be buckets of beer (5 for $20) to complement dishes like short rib tarte flambé or steak frites and eggs.

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