The Best Bars In Chicago To Watch The World Cup
By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 12, 2014 8:30PM
Soccer is the world's most popular sport and its most zealous fans across the globe make meathead Bears fans seem rational, by comparison. The quadrennial World Cup is the apex of soccer fandom, even as the organization responsible for producing the tournament, FIFA, faces increasing criticism for how it handles its affairs and Brazilians—for whom soccer is what hockey is to Canadians—have grown more vocal about how they'd rather have the tournament anywhere but in their country.
The tournament is now under way which means for scores of bars across Chicago this is a great opportunity to do some amazing business and earn new customers along the way. Chicago is not lacking in soccer bars; these are a few of our favorites. For an exhaustive list of places to view the World Cup we'll refer you to Huffington Post Chicago's list
The Globe Pub
The North Center favorite is rabid about its soccer, regularly screening English Premier League games, Chicago Fire contests and being nationally recognized as one of the best soccer bars in America. Their kitchen turns out some pretty hearty pub fare, to boot. Getting into the World Cup spirit, The Globe will display flags from all participating nations in this year's tournament and will bring them down as each nation is eliminated. —Chuck Sudo
The Globe Pub is located at 1934 W. Irving Park Rd.
SmallBar Division
Small Bar Division has always been a supporter of soccer with regular early morning showings of the Champions League and US Team games. Their coverage of the World Cup will be just as enthusiastic as they will be showing all 64 World Cup Games. What sets them apart from other places, however, is their incredible food and beverage (especially beer) programs. If you are cheering your country on, do you really want to be drinking stale beer and mediocre bar food? — Paul Leddy
SmallBar Division is located at 2049 W. Division St.
AJ Hudson's Public House
With 25 high-definition flat screen televisions inside and a tented patio with even more TVs ready to screen the Cup, there's no excuse for you to miss your favorite teams or the favorites to win the tournament. AJ Hudson's is offering $4.50 Trumer Pils and Shiner drafts and $4 Bridgeport family and Shiner family cans/bottles, along with daily food and drink specials. —Chuck Sudo
AJ Hudson's Public House is located at 3801 N. Ashland Ave.
Cleo’s
While not an avid soccer follower myself, it is impossible to claim Cleo’s as one’s favorite neighborhood bar and not often find yourself amongst the most rabid fans in the city. The most charming thing about this bar’s soccer-loving patrons is that you’re likely to see at least three different types of jerseys on an average evening. Whatever your allegiance, you’ll be accepted here. The place usually fills up fast for games but there are enough TVs to satisfy all angles and views, even on Cleo’s pleasant patio (weather permitting). And that chili? Can’t beat it. — Katie Karpowicz
Cleo’s is located at 1935 W. Chicago Ave.
DANK Haus
The Lincoln Square German-American cultural center is ga-ga about footy dating back to its days supporting the NASL Chicago Sting. For the World Cup they'll be hosting daily viewing parties (expect the German national team to get much airplay) along with daily food and drink specials. —Chuck Sudo
DANK Haus is located at 4740 N. Western Ave.
Fado Irish Pub
The River North Irish pub is a great place to watch World Cup games and has some decent food from its kitchen to tie you over during marathon viewing sessions. Best of all it's conveniently located near the Red and Brown Lines, so you don't need to drive downtown. —Chuck Sudo
Fado Irish Pub is located at 100 W. Grand Ave.
Pl-Zen
We're fans of the food and drink options at this Pilsen gastropub but they should be busy cheering on the Mexican national team during the tournament. Their brunch options are amazing so get there early, grab a seat and hold on to it for dear life. —Chuck Sudo
Pl-Zen is located at 1519 W. 18th St.