The place needs to be just right. You need the right lighting (low, scattered spotlit sections, easy on the strobe); the right music (ethnically appropriate but not kitschy); the right crowd (boisterous but not a borderline-riot); even the right outfit (for showy displays of swagger while celebrating victories). There’s a science to watching the World Cup 2014. Which is why Remezcla, like the go-to cultural first aid kit that we are, has compiled quite the list for you to peruse.
Here you can find some worthy venues where you can watch your dreams come true/get crushed. We’ve got plenty of Latino options — because we all want to be with the hinchas of our team — and some not. All pretty awesome. Whether it’s the cheap-as-dirt drink specials or the seemingly implausible amount of jumbo screens, there’s something for all walks of life. Chill, rowdy, uptown, downtown, big, small, etc. We’re celebrating variedad.
We’ll be updating as we find more great Mundial events, but we want to hear from YOU. Share your fun finds below in our Comments. Because after all, sharing is caring. Click your country below to find your viewing spot!
MEX | CHIL | COL | URU | ECUA | ARG | ESP | USA | HN | CR | BRA | OTHER
SI LE VAS A MEXICO
MÁS JÍPSTER OPTIONS:
La Superior – The food here arrives on plastic discs that we’re not entirely convinced aren’t frisbees. But when you serve some of the best tacos in northern Brooklyn, frills are unnecessary. And ever since Felipe Mendez’s taquería put down roots in the vicinity of Remezcla’s HQ six years ago, it’s been perpetually packed – even with hard-to-please D.F. and West Coast taco snobs. For World Cup they’ll have three screens where you can watch the games, and plenty of chelas to rehydrate you after all the nervous sweating.
295 Berry St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 388-5988
Cervecería Havemeyer – La Superior’s cousin, this spot is also owned by Felipe Mendez — what can we say, he knows his stuff — along with business partner Iris Avelar of Mex and the City. With its big communal tables, Cervecería is closer to the cantina vibes you’d find in D.F. and serves all the Mexico City drunk food you’d want to eat (volcanes, aguachiles, tacos). It’s also the first place to bring Victoria beer to NYC. They’ll be screening every game — but they’re the place to be for the Mexico ones.
149 Havemeyer St, New York, NY 11211
(718) 599-5799
Hecho en Dumbo– Danny Mena’s D.F.-inspired restaurant will be screening every game on a ten-foot screen and offering $2.50 two-for-one taco deals. Plus they’re holding a World Cup bracket contest — winner gets a party for themselves + 40 friends!
354 Bowery, nr. E. 4th St.(212) 937-4245
MÁS FRESITA OPTIONS:
Cafe el Presidente – Dario Wolos’ recently-opened Mexican Emporium really impressed us, and their huge space will be ideal to get a big, fun crowd going for the Mexico matches– especially because they’ll be offering shots of mezcal on the house for every goal Mexico scores, ajuaaa! For each game they broadcast, they will also be highlighting a favorite taco of the Mexican National Soccer Team, and will apparently have 3D surround sound high fidelity “Bri-Sonic” technology blasting every gol — whatever that means. We’re guessing it means loud. Very loud.
30 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010
(212) 242-3491
Cantina Royal – Watch Mexico matches of the 2014 World Cup in Cantina’s back room — known as La Sala — on 3 huge HD projectors with surround sound. The back room resembles a dark black-box theater, which is the perfect ambiance for those who want to shut out any semblance of the outside world during the games. Cantina will be screening all of the matches, and you can peep their full schedule here.
58 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(347) 763-2938
Papatzul -Papatzul is more of an upscale setting but it still gets packed with some pretty fervent fans. Just check out this video of the action at Papatzul during the last World Cup:
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55 Grand St, New York, NY 10013(212) 274-8225
MÁS BARRIO OPTIONS:
Corona in Queens and Sunset Park in Brooklyn will be bursting with places to watch matches — everywhere from bodegas to car repair spots to hole-in-the-wall eateries will have the games on, so you really can’t lose no matter where you end up. Plus, these neighborhoods are without a doubt the most legit (and easiest on the wallet) places to get Mexi food. A highlight:
Tortilleria Nixtamal – Widely regarded as some of the best, authentic Mexican food in Corona (the tamales are amazing), this colorful little spot will be packed to the gills with fans of El Tri.
104-05 47th Ave., Corona BK718-699-2434
SI LE VAS A CHILE
MÁS BARRIO OPTIONS:
San Antonio Bakery II is the classic spot to watch Chile matches while filling yourself with the most delectable Chilean hot dog concoctions you could ever dream of. They also have killer desserts – don’t miss the alfajores.
3620 Astoria Blvd Astoria, NY 11103(718) 777-8733
Tierra NY Cafe is another Woodside option where Chilean fans are sure to be gathering. Their food is similar to San Antonio, but they’ve got an edge: a liquor license!
63-16 Broadway Woodside
(718) 424-4114
MÁS PITUCO OPTIONS
Puro Chile – This SoHo spot is actually a retail store that sells high-end Chilean products (jewelry, handcrafts, textiles, etc.) and wines. In fact, it’s the first exclusively Chilean wine store in the U.S., with over 150 labels in stock. Last go-round they hosted World Cup viewings in the store (and served breakfast!). This year, word from their manager is they won’t be screening the Friday, June 13 match but there is potential for later games so stay tuned.
221 Centre St
New York, NY 10013
SI LE VAS A COLOMBIA
Colombia is back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998 — a Cup that ended with the infamous and tragic murder of Andres Escobar. Being back on the world stage is a huge deal for Colombianos and they’ll be celebrating in a major way. Parceros preparense!
MÁS BARRIO OPTIONS:
The majority of NYC’s 75,000 Colombian immigrants live in Queens, so this borough will be the heart of the action (and in our opinion, the most fun place to be).
Roosevelt and 37th avenues as well as Northern Blvd in Jackson Heights – Walking along these streets is basically like being in Bogotá, and anywhere you choose to watch is the right choice.
El Basurero – Restaurant by day, salsa-spot by night, this Astoria spot is floor-to-ceiling kitsch in the best way possible, featuring mannequins wearing jerseys, hammocks hanging from the ceiling, old pots and pans, etc. The food is only okay, but the atmosphere is what makes this a go-to.
32-17 Steinway St, New York, NY 11103(718) 545-7077
La Fonda Antioqueña – Right next door to El Basurero, you can hop over to this spot to line your stomach with a bandeja típica and a bomb lulo licuado.
3225 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103(718) 726-9857
Las Margaritas – The Village Voice reports that this spot is Colombian New York Red Bulls player Michael Bustamante’s spot of choice. It’s technically a “Mexican” restaurant, but according to him a lot of Colombians hang out there to watch matches, and manager Franklin González tells El Diario NY that he’ll be prioritizing the Colombian games, which will be screened on seven giant screens.
83-22 37th Ave, Queens, NY 11372718) 205-1705
MÁS JÍPSTER OPTIONS:
Cafecito Bogota – This hidden gem is one of the only Colombian spots in Northern Brooklyn. It’s cozy and will be serving up its usual arepas montadas and refajos for World Cup.
1015 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222(718) 569-0077
Bogata Latin Bistro – Popular Park Slope spot Bogota Latin Bistro will be offering happy hour specials until 5pm on weekends (and longer on weekdays) so you can drink as much Aguila as your heart desires. World Cup matches will be playing on three flat screens in their back patio.
141 5th Ave., nr. St. John’s Pl., Park Slope(718) 230-3805
Los Perros Locos – It may be too small to house any real viewing parties, but Colombian hot dog joint Los Perros Locos doesn’t want to miss out on the action. For the duration of the World Cup, they will be offering a free “World Cup Gringo Beer” to all Remezcla readers!
201 Allen St, New York, NY 10002(212) 473-1200
SI LE VAS A URUGUAY
MÁS BARRIO OPTIONS:
We have it on good authority – from no less than the Cosmos Copa Uruguay Team President – that all real fans of La Celeste watch matches at La Gran Uruguaya Bakery, where a replica of the World Cup trophy is featured behind the bar. You can enjoy the games with some empanadas, dulce de leche filled churros, and – in case of food coma – some cups of strong yerba maté to wake you up.
85-06 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372(718) 505-0404
El Chivito de Oro — This joint is named after Uruguay’s crowning glory: chivitos, aka the South American king of steak sandwiches. Slabs of tenderloin are topped with melted mozzarella, ham, bacon, fried eggs, and a few veggies (you know, for those vitamins & nutrients), all precariously balanced between a bun. Stuff your face with one while you cheer for Luis Suárez.
8402 37th Ave, Flushing, NY(718) 424-0600
MÁS JÍPSTER OPTION:
Tabaré – With its cozy, wooden-planked cabana vibe, this place is puro Williamsburg. It’s run by charming ex-pats, who will be rallying their friends to root for La Celeste with viewing parties complemented by their menu of Uruguayan classics (and yes, they serve chivitos completos).
221 S 1st St, Brooklyn, NY 11211(347) 335-0187
SI LE VAS A ECUADOR
Ecuadorians are the largest South American immigrant community in Queens, so fans of La Tri will be going strong in this borough.
At Roosevelt Tropical, you can get an extensive variety of ceviches and fruit shakes to go with your Antonio Valencia cheers.
6722 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377(718) 205-6027
Barzola is another Ecuadorian classic, located on the edge of Jackson Heights. Its East Williamsburg counterpart may have closed, but this location is still thriving and drawing crowds of Ecuatorianos who come for the comida tipica. Plus at night they offer karaoke, so you can sing corta-venas pasillos if the games don’t go your way.
92-12 37th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11372-7922(718) 205-6900
Sabor Latino – This will probably be the biggest party of the bunch. Owner Juan Inga reports that he’ll be dedicating both floors of his restaurant to World Cup viewing, with 14 plasma screens and three big projectors. Dishes will be named after beloved Ecuadorian players, which might be the only time you get to try a dish called “Jefferson.”
95-35 40th Rd, Elmhurst, NY 11373(718) 457-3966
SI LE VAS A ARGENTINA
MÁS BARRIO OPTIONS:
Boca Juniors Restaurant – The Boca/River rivalry may divide many Argentinos, but they try to put their differences aside when it comes to cheering for the home team. The Boca Juniors Argentinian Steakhouse is the place to watch all the Argie matches alongside some parrilladas mixtas, Quilmes, and a roomful of Argentinian football cumbia goons who like to get rowdy. Get here early, it will get packed.
81-08 Queens Boulevard Elmhurst, NY 11373(718) 429-2077
La Esquina Criolla – Where’s the beef? At Corona restaurant and social club La Esquina Criolla. The no frills atmosphere here is reminiscent of small joints in Buenos Aires, and it will definitely be packed with Argentinos yelling “VAMOS LOS PIBES” during matches.
9467 Corona Ave, Flushing, NY 11373(718) 699-5579
La Fusta – This is NYC’S oldest Argentinian restaurant, and it doesn’t get more authentic than this. During Argentina matches they’ll be serving free pitchers of sangria.
8032 Baxter Ave., at Layton St., Elmhurst(718) 429-8222
MÁS CHETO OPTIONS:
Novecento: Four years ago, this hot spot had so much demand that they started charging a cover during Argentina matches. This year they are raffling tickets to South America (including Rio!). They’ll be showing matches on two screens, and opening their second floor for World Cup. Show up early; diehard fans arrive roughly two hours before games.
343 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013(212) 925-4706
El Almacen & Cafe Argentino – These Williamsburg spots have that vintage-inspired old time shop atmosphere that seems to be so popular in this neighborhood. Their prices are definitely higher than Elmhurst’s steakhouses, but they still throw a good party. Last World Cup, Cafe Argentino’s bartender soaked his bar rag and spritzed the entire restaurant in celebration every time Argentina scored a goal; his energy was so infectious passersby couldn’t help but poke their heads in.
557 Driggs Ave; 499 Grand St. Brooklyn, NY 11211(718) 218-7284; (718) 782-9477
Tonic Bar & Restaurant – This place is more of a bro/tourist crowd, but they’ve announced they will be supporting Argentina, and will be specifically reserving space for fans during those matches. With giant HD TVs and dozens of beers on tap, this will be a packed house.
727 Seventh Ave. nr. 49th St.(212) 382-1059
SI LE VAS A ESPAÑA
Casa Galicia – This is a private Spanish social club but if you can work your way in, it’s worth it. Its 2,000 members go HARD during World Cup matches.
3709 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103(718) 932-1114
La Nacional – The second floor of this tapas and paella restaurant will get converted into a small “theater” with a large projector to screen matches of La Furia Roja. Judging from the scene there last World Cup it’ll get packed super early, so show up at least two hours before matches if you want to get in.
239 West 14th St., Manhattan(212) 243-9308
Boqueria – Munch on tapas and drink beer sangrias (sounds dubious, but tastes delicious) at both Boqueria locations, while watching matches on numerous HD screens.
53 W. 19th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 171 Spring St., nr. Thompson St.(212) 255-4160; (212) 343-4255
100 Montaditos – This place already offers great deals: only $1-2.50 per montadito — crunchy Spanish rolls baked to order and jam-packed with traditional ingredients as Serrano ham, Spanish tortilla, chorizo sausage and Manchego cheese. For World Cup they’ll be piling it on with drink specials, including super cheap pitchers and beer buckets.
176 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012(646) 719-1713
SI LE VAS A USA
Jack Demsey’s— The official bar of fan club American Outlaws, this spot will be packed with flat screens and USA fans. Part of ESPN’s documentary Inside: U.S. Soccer’s March to Brazil was shot here, so you know it’s legit.
36 West 33rd Street, Manhattan(212) 629-9899
SI LE VAS A HONDURAS
Los Catrachos — Honduran venues in NYC are few and far between, and Los Catrachos is one of the onl spots where fans can come together and enjoy some comida tipica. The main dining room only has one flat screen on the wall, but they do advertise games on their facebook page, and will be offering a special during matches: $50.00 for all you can eat & drink from 30 mins before the match until the end of the game.
125 Beach St, Staten Island, NY 10304(718) 448-4820
SI LE VAS A COSTA RICA
We know we listed Bogota Latin Bistro in the Colombian section (after all, it has Bogota in its name…) but it actually also serves as a gathering place for Ticos, serving Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto.
141 5th Ave., nr. St. John’s Pl., Park Slope
(718) 230-3805
Favela Cubana – This place may be technically Cuban, but that didn’t stop the Costa Rica Networking Group of New York City from selecting it as their official meeting place. The loyal fans will be loud and proud here during World Cup.
543 LaGuardia Place, Manhattan(212) 777-6500
SI LE VAS A BRAZIL
NYC’s Little Brazil is on West 46th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, and we recommend a stroll along there for good viewing options. Other suggestions:
MÁS JÍPSTER OPTION:
Miss Favela – Williamsburg’s go-to Brazilian spot is always a party, with its colorful ambiance, live music, and STRONG Cachaça-based drinks.
57 S 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249(718) 230-4040
MÁS BARRIO OPTION:
Rio Market – A grocery store meets churrascaria, this Astoria market has everything you need to enjoy Brazil matches properly: meat sold by-the-pound, Neymar shirts and jerseys for sale, and a fun party vibe during games.
32-15 36th Ave Astoria, Queens(718) 706-7272
MÁS BOUGIE OPTION:
Fogo de Chão – This one is more of an upscale swanky venue, but the bar will be throwing five viewing parties and offering multiple versions of classic Brazilian drink caipirinhas (including a fancy Bellini version with peach puree).
40 W 53rd St.(212) 969-9980
OTHER COOL//CLASSIC OPTIONS
Victory Journal Clubhouse at Kinfolk 94 – Can you have a crush on a magazine? If so, we have a crush on Victory Journal, the quarterly sports publication that takes an arty, culture-focused approach to sports storytelling. They’ll be taking over Williamsburg hotspot Kinfolk’s new room — which just happens to basically be shaped like a geodesic dome reminiscent of a soccer ball — during the entirety of World Cup, and will be sure to draw the cool kid crowd.
94 Wythe Ave., nr. N. 11th St., Williamsburg 347-799-2956.Twisted and Smash’d – This Astoria spot boasts nearly 50 flat screen TVs — no matter where you’re standing you’ll be able to see the game. Pitchers of beer are only $12. Bonus: it attracts a big Colombian crowd!
34-02 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11101 (718) 806-1542Upper 90 Soccer Truck by Adidas – This one is definitely the coolest mobile-viewing party. Soccer shop Upper 90 has outfitted a truck with a 60-inch LED screen so they can take the matches all over the city.
Follow @u90soccertruck for locations.
Studio Square and the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden – Both of Astoria’s massive beer gardens will be huge parties during all of the World Cup matches — they also draw a large Latino crowd.
35-33 36th St, New York, NY 11106; 29-19 24th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11102(718) 383-1001; (718) 274-4925
Woodwork – This one is a classic and a no-brainer, since its Brooklyn’s most popular soccer bar. It will even be showing MLS games in between World Cup matches! During the next month of mundial madness they will be offering a drink special they’ve charmingly titled a “Fuckit Bucket” ($15 for 6 of their $3 beers), as well as country-specific specials for each of the matches.
583 Vanderbilt Ave., at Dean St.(718) 857-5777
F.C. Gotham – Inspired by old British soccer club-houses (think rich mahogany, leather bound couches, etc.), F.C. Gotham will have 28 HD TVs for watching games. Yeah, we said TWENTY EIGHT.
409 W. 13th St., nr. Ninth Ave.(212) 255-5344
The Paley Center for Media Screenings – A bar is the usual decision for World Cup watching. But when you have the option to watch it on the big screen, why wouldn’t you? The Paley Center for Media in Midtown will be screening all the games in their 200-capacity movie-style theatre. Usually going to a movie theatre in NYC is like reaching into the eternal abyss of your pocket. Painful. Luckily, watching the Cup in style won’t cost you a dime!
25 West 52 Street, New York, NY 10019(212)621-6600
Nevada Smiths – Their website tagline is “Where Football is religion,” and really there isn’t much more to say than that. This one is just a classic. Lines to get in wind around the block though, so very early arrival is recommended if you want to watch here.
100 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003212) 982-2591