World Cup 2022: Where to watch in Brooklyn

By Erin Felgar

Are you ready for some football?

The World Cup is back and roughly 227 million fans worldwide are expected to tune in to watch 32 teams compete in this season’s 64 tournament matches over the next 29 days. Brooklyn is ready for the beautiful game.

Beer may be banned in Qatar stadiums, but here at home you can enjoy a frosty cold (or toasty hot) beverage at a wide array of neighborhood spots. There will be no shortage of bars to passively take in a game or two.

But for the diehard (or strong seasonal) fans who want a little more viewing action, here is a thoroughly unofficial and incomplete roundup of local bars and restaurants — in no particular order — that are primed to host you for real-time game viewing. “Working from home?” We’ve got you covered.

Check in with each establishment for further information about scheduling as the tournament progresses, especially for those early morning and holiday hours.

The Soccer Tavern (a.k.a. The Soccer Bar)
6004 Eighth Avenue, Chinatown
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn’s Sunset Park, this beauty has been delighting Brooklynites with its Irish hospitality and glorious dive bar vibes since 1929. ’Tis the season for The Soccer Tavern to shine. The Soccer Tavern will be airing all games, early morning and afternoon, with sound on. Plan to spend the day chatting with friendly bartenders, sipping perfectly poured pints, playing darts, and enjoying neighborhood Chinatown eateries. Rooting for England? This is an Irish joint. You’ve been warned. Erin go Bragh!

Black Horse Pub
568 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope
A beloved pub that Brooklynites have come to rely on for all of their soccer needs, Black Horse Pub is a large, open brick-walled space with plenty of TVs, games aired with sound on, cold pints of imported beer, and a kitchen serving up nachos, mac and cheese, and yes, bangers and mash. Black Horse will air games starting at 8 a.m.

Highbury Pub
1002 Cortelyou Road, Kensington
This Kensington soccer staple has branded itself the “World Cup 2022 HQ” on Google, and they seem to be determined to live up to the title. Opening for all 5 a.m. games daily, bartender Soren tells us a local eatery will gladly deliver breakfast and lunch to the bar. He notes that although everyone in Brooklyn is rooting for a good showing from Team USA, fans from all over the soccer spectrum are welcome.

Monro Pub
481 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope
For the first week or so, the Liverpool-leaning Monro Pub will only be showing U.S. and England games for the most part. Deeper into the tournament they’ll up their viewing calendar. Snack options include crisps (chips) and “pot noodles” (microwave ramen) Enjoy a bucket of five 16-ounce Carlsberg cans for $24, and cross your fingers in hopes of winning free merch like hats and t-shirts.

Leland Eating and Drinking House
755 Dean Street, Prospect Heights
World Cup fans and foodies unite at this cozy Prospect Heights bakery-eatery-bar. Join them for games on the big screen — sound on — alongside brunch or lunch, house-baked breads and treats, plus cozy cocktails like their hot “Fireside Negroni” or “Fresno Chili Spiked Cider.” The Leland is closed Monday and Tuesday, but will open for 2 p.m. games Wednesday through Friday and for 11 a.m. games on weekends.

Paddy’s of Park Slope
273 13th Street, Park Slope
Sip a proper pint of Guinness as early as 8 a.m. every game day in this divy and ultra-friendly Irish pub. Sound will be on, and they plan to be busy so snag a seat early. Paddy’s doesn’t have a kitchen, but you’re welcome to pick up something to eat on your way over to enjoy while you cheer along your team.

Union Grounds
270 Smith Street, Cobble Hill
Union Grounds won’t be showing the 5 a.m. games, but they say they’ll provide bagels for the 8 a.m. crowd. The Smith Street staple will be airing all matches with sound on and a full kitchen starting at 11 a.m.

Roebling Sporting House
225 N. Eighth Street, Williamsburg
All games will be aired on large screens with sound on starting at 8 a.m. at this Williamsburg haunt. Their kitchen serves what looks to be a variety of bar eats including wings, smothered tater tots, fried mac & cheese balls, and chicken schnitzel sliders. Large enough to accommodate groups.

Greenwood Park
555 7th Avenue, Greenwood Heights
For the Covid-conscious, this 13,000-square-foot beer garden is offering outdoor seating (and viewing) on their large heated patio. They’ll begin their day with 2 p.m. games — sorry, diehards — Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. games Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including the first USA game on Monday 11/21. Spread out and enjoy 24 craft beers on tap plus burgers, salads and fried share-able snacks.

Banter Bar
132 Havemeyer Street, Williamsburg
Banter’s motto is “football never sleeps” so it’s no surprise they have extremely thorough World Cup 2022 plans. All games will be shown live with sound on. Sip on a big, spicy Bloody Mary or a warming Irish coffee, while the kitchen doles out breakfast sandwiches and international sausage platters. Banter is offering a “World Cup Beer Passport” which unlocks access to gift certificates and swag while you imbibe international beers from all countries competing in the tournament. Reservations are strongly recommended (Team USA’s first game against Wales is already booked solid). Banter also encourages donations to @Soccerwoboarders and scholarships for @Triborounitedsoccer.

Floyd
131 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights’ favorite bocce bar knows a thing or two about balls. Their viewing schedule is available on their website; they’ll be open for some 8 a.m. games and sound will be on for all matches. Happy hour drink pricing will be offered as well as a limited menu. Guests are also welcome to bring in outside food. Bocce lanes will be open for play on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kent Ale House
51 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg
Another Soccer-centric spot in Williamsburg, Kent Ale House will open at 8 a.m. for games, and will be slinging brews from every country in the tournament — a list organized efficiently by group — which will pair perfectly with a full Irish breakfast or traditional fish and chips.

Clara’s Bushwick
53 Wilson Avenue, Bushwick
A year-round soccer oasis in a North Brooklyn sports bar desert, Clara’s boasts large TVs, affordable prices ($5 beers, $7 beer and shot specials) and a full kitchen serving up ribs, gumbo, and fried chicken sandwiches. Clara’s will open at 11 a.m. 7 days a week and will be open for Thanksgiving games. For American football fans, your Sunday NFL viewing will not be sacrificed — they’ll show both.

Bar Tabac
128 Smith Street, Cobble Hill 
A haven for fans of Team France, Bar Tabac will open for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. games — but be sure to arrive early as this cozy Smith Street stalwart fills up quickly, especially for the French games. Your cheers of “Allez!” will pair perfectly with moules-frites or salade niçoise and a cold bottle of Kronenburg 1664. Reservations for 8+ guests are recommended and available by calling the restaurant.

Black Forest Brooklyn
181 Smith Street, Cobble Hill 
733 Fulton Street, Fort Greene
If Team Germany is your preferred crew, Black Forest Brooklyn is your HQ for this tournament. Both locations will be selling tickets for all games except 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. games, however they will show the 8 a.m. Germany-Japan match on November 23. Tickets range from $10 to $20 depending on the game, and that gets you a beverage and a guaranteed seat. Full schedule and ticketing info is available on their website.

TailGate Outdoor Sports Bar
86 N. 11th Street, Williamsburg
TailGate is a 24,000 square foot self-styled “Adult Playground” featuring plenty of outdoor seating, heated cabanas, 20+ outdoor TVs, food trucks and half-price draft beers during World Cup games. This Williamsburg mecca caters to large groups and individual soccer fans. Check their viewing schedule on Instagram as timing is varied throughout the week.