The last two weeks have proved one thing for certain: football is life. The World Cup started the summer billed as the biggest sporting event on the globe and it has managed to even exceed those expectations. Now, the knockout stages have begun. The stakes are higher, which makes watching the games even more enjoyable.
Of course, much of what makes the World Cup unique compared to other sporting events is the camaraderie among spectators. While the Super Bowl tends to drive people home to watch commercials, the World Cup is an event that draws people to bars, to watch parties, to breweries – to any place they can join together and feel like they’re in the stadium with the teams.
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What’s great about it is that basically anywhere with a TV is going to be showing the games. Catching Premier League matches in fall and spring requires finding more specialized locales. This time of year, you have your pick of the litter. Plenty of places that don’t even typically show sports of any kind are bringing in big screens.
With that in mind, this is not a list of all places to watch the World Cup in and around St. Pete. That would amount to a list of every hospitality business in the city. Consider this more of a starting point to find some of the highlights or to offer some inspo if you’re not sure where to start.
We should also mention that the USA Soccer Watch Party Series is back for the knockout rounds, starting this Wednesday with a massive party at Al Lang Stadium for USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Traditional soccer bars for World Cup action
Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern – 29 3rd St N
This is the only place I know without a doubt will show all 104 games live and with sound on (though there’s likely at least one or two others), even the West Coast games that kick off at midnight. Plus, drink specials throughout the World Cup and activities with the American Outlaws for U.S.A games.
Dublin Drop – 129 1st Ave. N.
The newest Irish bar downtown is also likely the biggest, by square footage, dedicated to soccer. Expect a rowdy atmosphere, plenty of beer and shot specials, and hearty Irish eats.
Green Turtle Brewing – 534 Central Ave.
A small-batch craft brewery and traditional English pub, Green Turtle opens early every Saturday and Sunday so you can catch every match. It’s the only bar in town with cask ales, and it also has plenty of tasty eats.
The Horse and Jockey – 1155 Pasadena Ave. S.
Pinellas County’s original football-crazed bar, The Horse and Jockey delivers World Cup action, creamy pints of Guinness and excellent British food. It’s conveniently located near a SunRunner stop, making it easy to enjoy a mid-day pint or two.
Jack’s London Grill – 1050 62nd Ave. N.
The go-to for soccer action in North St. Pete, Jack’s has served some of the best fish and chips in town for more than a decade. It’s a laid-back spot to catch games every day.
Family-friendly World Cup options in St. Pete
Green Bench Brewing Co. – 1133 Baum Ave N
St. Pete’s first brewery is dedicating its beer garden to World Cup action the next month and change. They’ve erected a full tent to offer shade, with a bar and a big screen inside it to help catch all the action.
Colony Grill – 670 Central Avenue
Almost half of the massive, family-friendly restaurant is dedicated to social seating that’s packed full of TVs, booths and tables, and there isn’t a bad seat around. I once spent 12 hours here on a Saturday watching games and eating pizza.
Golden Isles Brewing Co. – 3000 MLK St N
You have two options at Golden Isles, which is great. The family-friendly spot will have games on all TVs during operating hours, so you can hang with kids outside, or pop inside the 21+ Golden Easy bar inside for adults-only action with sound on.
3 Daughters Brewing – 222 22nd Ave S
If you can convince the kids to go inside instead of playing games outside, all of the half-dozen TVs will have the games on during operating hours, with sound on for TVs in The Nook. Bonus points for the kids menu from the kitchen.
Cheeky’s – 2823 Central Ave
Cheeky’s is an underrated spot to watch sports as it is, with good TV views, great food, and ample family seating. Plus, 2-for-1 Mich Ultras, Michelob 0, and Stella during World Cup games.
Dog-friendly World Cup spots
Dog Bar – 2300 Central Ave
One of the only sports bars in Grand Central, it also happens to be one of just two bars in the city that’s also a dog park. TVs are everywhere, so there’s not a bad spot in the house, plus they quietly have one of the best beer selections in St. Pete.
Mutts & Martinis – 2900 Central Ave
Grand Central is for the dogs, and we mean that in an extremely complimentary way. Not only does Mutts & Martinis a water park for the dogs, but it will have sound on for World Cup games. Can’t beat that.
Sports bars you can catch most matches
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill – 1320 Central Ave
This is a weird thing to say about the biggest sports bar in Tampa Bay, but Ferg’s has been the breakout star of the World Cup. They’re better known for American football and gameday Rays parties, but it’s become a hub not just for games in general, but for fans hailing from specific countries. Anyone who experienced the packed out watch party for Colombia can attest to the experience.
Voodoo Brewing Co. – 220 4th St N
“Brewery” and “sports bar” aren’t often synonyms, but the hotspot downtown is perfect for gameday. They have tons of TVs (visible from any seat in the house), great wings and appetizers, a full bar, and, naturally, plenty of good beer.
Localz Sports Bar – 1 Beach Dr
Not only is Localz the only sports bar on Beach Drive, this place has more TVs than Best Buy. There is tons of room, very good food, and very friendly staff, with a massive paid parking lot about 30 feet away – 5 out of 5 stars.
Where’s Jubes – 277 Central Ave
Where’s Jubes has some of the cheapest drinks anywhere downtown (especially during happy hour), and their indoor/outdoor setup on the corner of Central Avenue makes it a natural gathering place. Stay for hours or pop in for a quick cocktail and score update.
Thirsty First – 515 Central Ave
Creative food, great drink specials, TVs filling every available space on the walls, and a perfectly central location. What’s not to love? The new iteration of Thirsty First (Thirsty Second?) is even better than the first, with all the things you loved before.
