Where To Watch World Cup 2018
After four long years, another FIFA World Cup is upon us, and soccer (ahem, football) fans know just how important it is to plan where they'll cheer on their favorite clubs. Though the tournament certainly takes center stage, some of NYC's best restaurants are serving up various World Cup specials should you need a break from the action.
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Whether you're looking to chant for your club from the comforts of a private dining room or sling your arms around fellow hooligans at the bar, we've rounded up seven spots for your World Cup-watching pleasure.
Boqueria
The Spanish tapas restaurant is kicking off the World Cup and the opening of its newest location on W. 40th St. with daylong coverage. While every location will stream matches during regular hours, Boqueria's Midtown West outpost will open its doors at 6:30 a.m. Pit being to work on time against a Tortilla Española in the morning, then head back in the afternoon for sangria and free beer if Spain wins.
Miss Favela
Brooklyn's Miss Favela is the spot where celebratory dancing will undoubtedly be the rule. The Brazilian restaurant promises "Music! Samba! Dancers!" in honor of the games beginning Thursday. Start your celebrations with fare and festivities typical of Rio. With cans of guaraná in hand, expect crowds to spill out onto the sidewalk.
The Smile
The kitchen at this Noho stalwart, helmed by Melia Marden, will be serving its full menu to fans in its private dining room where the matches will be on all day during business hours. Munch on a Manouri Cheese & Fig sandwich with house-made pickles to calm the nerves, while the referees decide on a call.
Finnley's at Seamore's
Finnley's—the private dining room at Seamore's in Dumbo—will become Finnley's Game Room come Thursday. Inside, you'll have access to game viewing on a large projector and specials including Buffalo cauliflower, Modelo shrimp and fried seafood po'boys.
Clinton Hall
Enjoy drink specials at these brewpubs all month long, including $5 Bitburger beers and $20 Modelo and Corona buckets. Clinton Hall's newest location in Williamsburg will open its doors at 8 a.m. for morning-match viewers. Treat yourself to a 28-day-dry-aged burger after a win and keep the competition going with a game of Jenga or giant Connect 4. Loser buys next round?
Threes Brewing
This Brooklyn brewery will be airing all 64 matches at its Gowanus location. Start your day at Tiny Montgomery, Threes Brewing's indoor music venue, for coffee and pastries from Ninth Street Espresso. Beer service will begin a few hours after that, followed by lunch from The Meat Hook, complete with sausages from every country participating in the World Cup. The weekend schedule includes all this plus a full bar serving cocktails and wine. Not enough? You can bring your vuvuzela and up to 10 friends to your reserved table for $850. Your spread will include draft beer, bottomless mimosas and a sausage tower.
Ribalta
Watch every match on a 16-foot projector screen with beer and Neapolitan-style pizza at Ribalta. The restaurant's specials include getting your third beer on the house and the Special Pizza Margherita with tomato-vodka sauce, a World Cup-themed pie.
The Crown
Head to this Chinatown rooftop bar at the Hotel 50 Bowery to watch every match on three televisions and a large projector screen. Sip on Watermelon Margaritas and for $10 and $5 beers representing some of the participating teams.