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The 21st quadrennial World Cup kicked off this morning in Russia, and even though the US won’t be playing, soccer fans are still pumped to watch soccer on the world’s biggest stage. With games scheduled through June 28 and elimination stages lasting through July 15, there are plenty of opportunities to watch the matches throughout NJ.
Amsterdam Alley
9 West Price St., Linden
908-925-4166
This spot serves Manhattan vibes and European fare. Known for screening any and every sport, pair your viewing with dishes like Polish kielbasa with onions, borscht with meat dumplings, potato pancakes or pierogies.
Ale House Sports Bar and Grille
Asbury Park, Brielle, Toms River
Each locale boasts more than 40 TVs showing every sports game imaginable. After the match, hit the arcade games or grab another one of 60 brews on tap.
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten
527 Lake Ave., Asbury Park
732-997-8767
This 900-square-foot ode to German festival halls keeps to tradition with communal tables, more than 90 beers n draft and bottle and old school staples like Bavarian pretzels with mustard and liptauer cheese, oysters braten with sauerkraut, pretzel crumbs and herbs and wiener schnitzel complete with potato and cucumber salat, lingonberry and lemon. Head here for any game in the World Cup to take advantage of beer specials and early openings.
The Blarney Station Pub
258 Park Ave., East Rutherford
201-531-0001
Catch any international soccer match at this authentic Irish pub on one of 10 HD big screens. Scarf down corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie or bangers and mash while you cheer on your team.
Blitz Sportsbar
5317, 179 Wilson Ave., Newark
973-465-1313
Custom sports photos and paintings make this soccer-loving spot a go-to for diehard fans. Portuguese and Brazilian influence shines through menu items like picadinho a casa, bolinhos de bacalhau and picanha salad.
Club Espana
180 New York Ave., Newark
973-589-5544
Rooting for Spain this year? This cultural club made by and for Spanish immigrants in the Ironbound District is all about soccer, as well as tapas (chorizo frito, anyone?), lemon tilapia and tartufo.
The Cottage Bar
178 Cedar Ln., Teaneck
201-692-0016
Have a particular match in mind? Call this local spot for morning soccer opening hours. While you’re there, snack on bar fare like buffalo wings and potato skins, or indulge in Irish entrees like Dublin-style fish and chips or Gaelic steak with whiskey cream sauce, onions and mushrooms.
D’Arcy’s Tavern
310 Main St., Bradley Beach
732-774-9688
Catch every match here, and pair with summer sips like Beach Haus Ole IPA, Brooklyn Summer Ale and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, plus traditional homemade bar pies. Head here on June 16 and wear your best jersey for the World Cup Parking Lot Party at 5:30 pm, and for another on the day of the final.
The Dublin House
30 Monmouth St., Red Bank
732-747-6699
Come here for plates, spirits and more during the Cup. You’ll find Irish-inspired dishes here like Irish Surf and Turf with bangers and mash and fish and chips on one plate, seafood signature like the Maryland crab cake sandwich or bar bites like panko-crusted chicken fingers.
Grasshopper off the Green
41-43 Morris St., Morristown
973-285-5150
This Morris County gem opens early for international soccer, but call ahead before you go. Game day specials include $5 Guinness pints, plus rotating food and drink specials. Oh, and while you’re there in the morning, go for the full Irish breakfast: eggs, Irish sausages, rashers, pudding, grilled tomato and baked beans.
Mother’s Ale House
95 Mountainview Blvd., Wayne
973-633-7400
Does it get better than 100 HD TVs spread between two floors? With more than 50 beers on tap and signatures like the Notorious P.I.G nachos (pulled pork, black beans, tomato, jack, cheddar, jalapeno slaw and BBQ sauce), you’ll be good to go all month long.
Mulligan’s Pub
159 First St., Hoboken
201-876-4101
Every NJ soccer fan needs to have this place on his or her bucket list. Showing every World Cup game, Mulligan’s also specializes in traditional pies (this cornish pasties, sausage rolls and the chicken madras soccer pie), next-level bar apps (curry fries, anyone?) and all-day Irish breakfast.
RiRa Irish Pub
The Tropicana, Brighton and Boardwalk, Atlantic City
609-348-8600
Make the trip for early matches, special breakfast offerings and more. Buy a glass of Guinness while the match is on and you’ll get a shot at over 1,000 prizes via scratchcard.
Scots American AC
40 Patterson St., Kearny
201-991-9816
This haven for Scottish immigrants has been around since 1931, and continues to sling beers to soccer fans and locals alike. Don’t miss shuffleboard, darts and billiards while you’re there. Follow this spot on Facebook for updates on World Cup screenings.
Triumph Brewing Company
138 Nassau St., Princeton
609-924-7855
Through July 15, take advantage of the special upstairs screening room complete with an 80-inch screen, surround sound and $5 pints. This brewpub serves ratatouille tarts, chicken and sausage gumbo and Korean BBQ chicken sandwiches.