New York, NY: Smithfield Hall
A stone's throw from Madison Square Garden, Smithfield Hall isn't just a bar that shows soccer; it's a cathedral of the sport in NYC. With a dozen screens and a projector, there isn't a bad seat in the house. It's the official home for supporter groups
of Chelsea, West Ham, and a host of others, so the energy during a match is electric and authentic. The place is packed with knowledgeable fans who live and breathe the game. During a major cup, expect the crowd to spill out onto the street. Their food menu is solid pub grub, perfect for a long day of matches. Get there early. Very early. It’s an institution for a reason, and it fills up fast with fans who know this is the place to be.
Chicago, IL: The Globe Pub
In Chicago's Northcenter neighborhood, The Globe Pub is a legendary destination. It opens its doors at ungodly hours for European matches and transforms into a city-wide party for big tournaments. The bar boasts more than 20 screens and an encyclopedic list of beers from around the world. The atmosphere is less about a single club and more about a universal love for the game, making it an incredibly welcoming spot for neutrals or fans of smaller nations. The space is sprawling, with multiple rooms that each develop their own unique vibe. When the USMNT is playing, the entire pub becomes a sea of red, white, and blue, with chants echoing from every corner.
Los Angeles, CA: The Greyhound Bar & Grill
While LA has many great British-style pubs, The Greyhound in Highland Park offers a more modern, California-cool take on the soccer bar experience. It's the official home of the LA chapter of the Arsenal America supporters' club but draws fans of all stripes. The food menu is a step above typical pub fare, and their craft beer selection is excellent. During the World Cup, they often expand their viewing space into the parking lot, creating a massive indoor-outdoor festival of soccer. It’s a slightly more relaxed, less cramped vibe than some of the older-school pubs, but the passion is just as intense when a goal goes in.
Seattle, WA: The George & Dragon Pub
Seattle is a city that loves its soccer, and The George & Dragon in Fremont is ground zero for that passion. This is a proper English-style pub, complete with dark wood, a cozy fireplace, and an unwavering commitment to showing The Beautiful Game. It’s been a Seattle staple for decades, and its authenticity is its biggest draw. During a big tournament, the pub and its attached patio are overflowing with Sounders fans and expats alike. It feels less like a sports bar and more like a community gathering place that just happens to be obsessed with soccer. For an early morning kickoff, there's no better place to be, sharing a pint and a full English breakfast with people who are just as dedicated as you are.
Philadelphia, PA: Fadó Irish Pub
Located in the heart of Center City, Fadó (pronounced fuh-doe) is part of a small national chain, but the Philadelphia location has a spirit all its own. It's a massive, multi-level pub designed and built in Ireland before being shipped to Philly, and it’s the official home for a dizzying array of supporter groups. The sheer size of the venue means that even on the busiest match days, you can usually find a spot with a good view of one of its many screens. The bar becomes a hub for the city’s international communities during the Cup, with fans from different nations creating pockets of noise and color throughout the building. It’s a loud, high-energy environment that perfectly captures the global scale of the tournament.
Miami, FL: Fritz & Franz Bierhaus
In a city as international as Miami, you'll find passionate fans everywhere. But for a truly unique tournament experience, head to Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Coral Gables. This German-Austrian beer garden becomes an unofficial headquarters for Team Germany, but its festive, open-air atmosphere attracts fans of all nations. During the World Cup, they set up massive projection screens, and the long communal tables create an incredible shared experience. There’s nothing quite like cheering for a goal with a stein of German beer in one hand and a bratwurst in the other, surrounded by hundreds of fans under the Miami sun. It's a party, and soccer is the guest of honor.
