Honorable mentions go to the home bars of Spain’s two most decorated clubs, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. For 90 minutes, one of football’s fiercest rivalries takes a back seat as supporters unite behind La Roja in pursuit of a second World Cup title.
Playwright Irish Pub (Midtown, Manhattan): Home bar of Peña Madridista NYC, the city’s official Real Madrid supporters’ club. Doors open on the earlier side at 11 a.m. Walk-in and reservations both welcome.
Smithfield Hall (Chelsea, Manhattan): Home bar of Penya FC Barcelona NYC, the official Barça supporters’ club since 2001. Founded by a small group of expats and now one of the biggest Barça penyas in the country. No reservations for the final; doors open at 10 a.m.
The best NYC sports bars, regardless of who you’re supporting
Some of the best matches I’ve watched in this city were ones where I had no tie to whichever flag was on the wall. I didn’t need a team’s colors or a room full of chanting supporters. Just good food, a cold drink, and enough screens that you aren’t on tiptoe trying to see. If that sounds like your speed too, consider these to be reliable bets:
Brooklyn Backyard Bar (Greenpoint, Brooklyn): If the weather cooperates, you can’t beat this place. Think mini festival, tons of open-air space (dress accordingly—it’ll be hot!), lawn games, a tiki bar, and most importantly, over a dozen TVs plus a giant projector broadcasting the biggest match of the year. Reservations are available, but most people just show up early and grab a standing spot. Doors open at 12 p.m.
Berry Park (Williamsburg, Brooklyn): Less a dedicated soccer bar, this is more of a proper destination with a big rooftop, sprawling indoor space, and multiple screens going at once. Reservations fill up fast, but honestly, half the fun here is just grabbing standing room and making it work. They also take a lot of walk-ins, since it’s mostly a standing crowd anyway, so just come early, as they hit capacity quite fast. A few tables are available for booking, but walk-ins are welcome; doors open at 11 a.m.
Industry City / House of GOAL (Sunset Park, Brooklyn): This free soccer festival ran through the tournament and will have its final watch party on July 19th. This means music, pickup games, and food, all in the open-air Industry City courtyards. Just grab a free ticket online and aim to arrive early, as it fills up quickly and the ticket doesn’t guarantee entry. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Intrepid Museum, Pier 86 (Midtown West, Manhattan): It’s an unexpected setting but who could complain with 15 large screens set up on the pier for more than 50 matches across the tournament, plus food and drink for purchase. Great if you want a view of the Hudson with your match instead of a wall of TVs, or if you’re an out-of-towner who wants to see the museum anyway. It’s open to the public, but if you want a great viewing spot, show up early.