Where to Watch Soccer in NYC: The Top 10 Best Soccer Bars
Watch out for the next NYC Footy party popping up at a bar near you.
Did you struggle to find a proper soccer bar to watch the Euro Cup and Copa America Finals? Desperately searching for this side of the pond’s official Liverpool F.C. headquarters?
While you don’t need any one reason to seek out a bar in New York City, we know finding authentic soccer bars across town isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 10 best soccers bars in New York (along with some bonus options) so you’ll always have a trusted place to get loud when the game is on.
1. Smithfield Hall (Flatiron, Manhattan)
The first rule of being a legitimate soccer bar is to let your patrons know you know when the game is on. Smithfield Hall makes sure its football schedule is front and center on its website, and from club friendlies to the upcoming Paris Olympics, this Flatiron spot packs in the crowds no matter who’s playing. If you’re a Manchester United ultra, this is the bar you need to seek out.
2. The Football Factory at Legends Bar NYC (Midtown, Manhattan)
A three-level Irish bar in the vicinity of Koreatown, The Football Factory lives up to its namesake as a place that pumps out soccer matches with mechanical precision. The home of over 30 supporter groups in NYC, you’re just as likely to find a friendly face cheering on your team of choice as you are delicious wings and pints.
3. Carragher’s (Financial District, Manhattan)
Liverpool fans flock to this Financial District spot to support The Reds, though it also serves as the home of NYCFC for their away games too. We love their dedicated game day menu featuring traditional dishes like baked beans and Irish bacon, and its location one block away from The Fulton Center makes this an easily accessible landing spot for many.
4. Floyd NY (Brooklyn Heights/Cobble Hill, Brooklyn)
Premier League games with a round of bocce during halftime? We’re not sure who came up with that pairing but it is genius and one of the many reasons NYC Footy players love heading here. Though all are welcome, supporters of Newcastle United know this is their spot, so tread lightly if you enjoy chanting “I’m Sunderland till I die.”
5. Chuzo Culture (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
Looking to switch up your game day eats routine? This new Ecuadorian sports bar is becoming well known for its grilled meats, salchipapas and sweet plantains, which is a nice change of pace from the typical sliders and fries driven menu we’ve come to expect out of our hometown. A more intimate, family friendly setting than other locations on this list, you’ll still find plenty of energy here when a Premiere League match is being played onscreen.
6. Kent Ale House (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Ales and athletics are a tried and true formula, which makes Kent Ale House the ideal location for a post game drink, especially after an NYC Footy match at nearby Bushwick Inlet Park. As their website states, “We can show ALL soccer games,” so don’t be shy about asking to put on the match you care about the most.
7. Rivercrest (Astoria, Queens)
Where do you watch soccer when visiting the World’s Boro? Rivercrest is making the rounds as one of Astoria’s top destination to watch soccer which says a lot for a neighborhood known for its diverse bar scene. A full menu of flatbreads and shareable plates also make this an easy decision to answer the “Where to Dine With a Group” question.
8. The Soccer Tavern (Sunset Park, Brooklyn)
Sometimes you just want to watch a game in a historic dive bar adorned with memorabilia. For those moments, The Soccer Tavern is the first place that should appear on your radar. In operation since the Prohibition era, you’ll want to take into account this is still a cash-only business.
9. Bodega 88 (Upper West Side, Manhattan)
Though there’s a strong chance you’ll find a game on when walking into your local bodega, there typically isn’t a place to sit down and stay for awhile. So what’s a good (and perhaps better) alternative? Bodega 88, a revamped corner store, is now one of the Upper West Side’s hottest spots for soccer fans. You’re likely to catch everything from La Liga to MLS matches here and in true bodega fashion, you’ll find a little taste of everything on the menu here too.
10. Banter (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
With a name like Banter, you better believe soccer plays a big part in this bar’s identity. Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, the list goes on as to what game you might find when walking in. Regardless of your allegiances, you can expect to find an exciting line up of craft brews and sausages that have been to known to bring peace during the most heated of rivalries.
Keep Your Eyes On: McGarry’s Sports & Social (Opening Soon)
What happens when the owner of the The Dead Rabbit decides to expand his empire by opening a sports bar? Though we don’t know all the details just yet, especially the location which would be super helpful, we do know McGarry plans to pay homage to Irish sports culture. While “no red cards” is one of the slogans they’re promoting across social media, you can expect the same commitment to excellent drinks, food, and live music that has made The Dead Rabbit an award winning destination.
And Don’t Forget About: NYC Footy’s Bar Program
Though members of the NYC Footy Bar Program aren’t soccer bars in the traditional sense, they instantly become thriving hotbeds of football excitement whenever our players arrive. Below is a list of our partners where you can expect to find NYC Footy members only food and drink deals:
The Perry Club for private NYC Footy members only watch parties
Tampico for ongoing NYC Footy player only drink deals
Bondi Sushi for special NYC Footy only events
Neighborhood Spotlight: Bedford Armory
The Skinny on NYC Footy's Newest Indoor Turf Location
We want to take advantage of this rather quiet week to feature a few of our winter locations and the surrounding area that offers up a bit more than footy.
Today, we are excited to feature only our second ever indoor turf location: Bedford Armory, a brand new facility that is quickly becoming the talk of the town. Just take a look at the photo below.
BEDFORD ARMORY: CROWN HEIGHTS
For its opening season, NYC Footy is going to host a couple of programs, including two 5v5 leagues and one training & development class.
Available NYC Footy Leagues:
Tuesday Night 5v5 Coed (9 Teams Currently. 1 Spot left.)
Sunday afternoon 5v5 Coed (5 Teams Currently. 3 Spots left.)
Location:
Just to the left of the visible area of the above map is the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the NE entrance to Prospect Park. The facility itself is situated right off the 2/3/4/5 trains, as well as major bus routes.
Photo Credit: Timeout.com | Brooklyn Botanical Garden
The Neighborhood
If you're looking for some insights into the neighborhood, first take a note that if you fancy a lazy Sunday after your game, you not only have bars & restaurants to choose from, but you're just 2 blocks from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the rest of Prospect Park.
If you're interested in the bar and restaurant scene, be sure to click the links below, which will take you to a map of the top rated spots nearby.
Featured Restaurant: Ix
Guatemalan fare + coffee, tea, baked goods and the like.
Photo Credit: The New York Times | Ix
Here's a list of top restaurants nearby
Featured Bar: Branch Ofc.
Fully equipped with cocktails, pinball and, thankfully, a patio out back.
Photo Credit: USA Restaurants | Branch Ofc.
Here's a list of top bars nearby
That's the feature for today. We'll be back later in the week with Sunset Park and our two winter locations.
For all other leagues, visit www.nycfooty.com!