5 Best Places to Watch the World Cup
Soccer fans, unite!
Every four years, one of the biggest events in the world takes place: the World Cup. As the most watched sporting events in the world, the FIFA World Cup brings together a global crowd of spirited fans ready to watch their country compete in the soccer (aka football) tournament.
And with large sporting events come plenty of watch parties full of drinks, food and camaraderie. If you can’t make your way to Russia, where the tournament is taking place this year, here are five places on the Eastside where you can watch the matches go down, consume game day fare, and root for your favorite team with fellow fans.
Native Hostel
Consider Native Hostel your go-to for all World Cup happenings this year. From June 14 through July 15, they will be screening every game of the 2018 World Cup in their new 3,400 square-foot event space as well as hosting free game watch parties. Festivities will also include 1v1 soccer tournament and drink specials on Revolution White Russians, Irish Coffees, and select international beers throughout the duration. Full schedule can be found here.
807 E. 4th St | nativehostels.com
Licha’s Cantina
Licha’s is readjusting their schedule and opening their doors early exclusively for the World Cup. The bungalow will be open daily from 10am to 3pm for two weeks (June 14-28) of the World Cup and will offer a limited Copa Mundial menu. From the menu, guests can enjoy tacos, agua fresca, pitchers of margaritas, and buckets of Mexican beer, among other tasty, World Cup-appropriate eats and sips. A crowd is expected on Sunday, June 17, at 10am for the Mexico vs. Alemania match, so plan ahead! More details can be found here.
1306 E. 6th St. | lichascantina.com
Haymaker
If you’re looking to stake your spot at a casual sports bar during the World Cup, Haymaker has got you covered. Drink specials at Haymaker will include $3 pints of Whitestone Konverter Kolsch and $12 pitchers. As a bonus, any day that they open before 11am there will be a special breakfast menu available that includes breakfast tacos and breakfast sandwiches. Get there early to kick your day off with a hearty meal and plenty of camaraderie. More details can be found here.
2310 Manor Rd. | haymakeraustin.com
Takoba
The Mexican restaurant and bar closed back in January for renovations, but luckily they are temporarily reopening just in time for the World Cup! Join Takoba under their covered patio where they’ll be playing the games on the big screen. They have patio misting fans, so you can stay cool during the heat of the day (or during a heated match). Renovations aren’t yet complete so the menu will be limited but there will be food and drink specials. More information can be found on their event page.
1411 E. 7th St. | takobarestaurant.com
Nickel City
Situated on a corner on E. 11th, Nickel City is probably your go-to neighborhood bar for late night hangs. If Nickel City is your usual haunt, get there a little earlier than usual to partake in World Cup festivities. Nickel City will have the games on the big screen and will be serving up their usual crowd favorite food from Delray Cafe: Detroit-style hot dogs and sliders.
1133 E. 11th St. | nickelcitybar.com
