The FIFA World Cup really dropped the ball by skipping over Baltimore as a host city for soccer’s premier tournament.
The snub, however, won’t stop local bars from embracing the globe’s most-watched sporting event, which began Thursday. The U.S. men’s national team’s highly anticipated opening game is 9 p.m. Friday against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium.
Can Christian Pulisic, America’s great soccer hope, and the rest of the rising young squad shock the world? It’s sure to be a tense, drama-filled ride, so you might as well make friends and grab drinks along the way.
Just remember to drink responsibly — it’s a six-week tournament, folks. Here are some of the best Baltimore-area bars if you’re in search of an exciting atmosphere.
Baltimore
Slainte Irish Pub & Restaurant
- 1700 Thames St., Fells Point
This Irish spot has been the city’s go-to soccer bar for years, opening daily at 7 a.m. to accommodate fans of all leagues and tournaments.
Naturally, Slainte will be tuned in — with the sound on, meaning the game’s live commentary and not some dance soundtrack — to every World Cup game. It’ll offer a themed food and drink menu with items such as Rio yucca fries and the vodka-based Strawberry Striker served in a “jumbo soccer chalice.”
SOBO Soccer Fest
- 321 E. Cromwell St., Baltimore Peninsula
It’s a full footie takeover at Baltimore Peninsula this weekend. There will be outdoor watch parties on the Pier on Friday (USA vs. Paraguay) and Saturday (Qatar vs. Switzerland at 3 p.m., Brazil vs. Morocco at 6 p.m. and Haiti vs. Scotland at 9 p.m.).
The Maryland State Youth Soccer Association will host youth games, skills challenges, giveaways and other World Cup-inspired activities. Each day is free but requires ticket reservations.
Claddagh Pub
- 2918 O’Donnell St., Canton
I’ve never had a bad time watching soccer at this O’Donnell Square corner bar. (OK, maybe it’s been bad when my club, Tottenham Hotspur, loses, but I digress.)
With its veteran bar staff, underrated wings and outdoor patio — which just added another large flat-screen TV for the matches — Claddagh’s will be a prime spot to lock into each day’s games. A spirited bonus: It is giving away a World Cup-edition bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila.
Guilford Hall Brewery
- 1611 Guilford Ave., Station North
Since opening in 2021, this brewery inside the old Crown Cork & Seal factory has emerged as a soccer haven thanks to huge, European-style beers and its 22-foot TV screen. Friday’s opening night USA match will feel like a real party with live music, $18 select beer pitchers and food specials.
Baltimore Brewers’ Haven
- 1 N. Haven St., Highlandtown
The home of Monument City Brewing and Key Brewing will host watch parties for every USA game, plus weekend matches, all tournament long.
It’s a community affair with nearby businesses including Motte Restaurant and Old Line Spirits selling food and crushes. Expect games, giveaways and large reusable cups that get you $1 off pints and crushes. Register free here.
Another nearby option: The arts hub Creative Alliance is joining the World Cup fun with its own happy hour-priced viewing parties in its Marquee Lounge. They’re also free to register.
Abbey Burger Bistro
- 811 S. Broadway, Fells Point
- 1604 Kelly Ave., Mount Washington
This casual sports bar offers a fun twist. Buy a World Cup cup for $10 and refill it with a beer of your choice for $5 during any match throughout the tournament. Even better, the first one’s on the house. Cups are available while supplies last at the Fells Point and Mount Washington locations.
Liv’s Tavern
- 1113 S. Charles St., Federal Hill
Mother’s Grille is gone, but its successor, Liv’s Tavern, has arguably upgraded the famous Purple Patio. The game-day viewing destination boasts an 18-foot TV screen, 25 other flat-screens and Adirondack chairs. Expect drink specials such as five Corona bottles for $25 and $6 Guinness, and the sound on for every USA match.
The Worthington
- 2900 O’Donnell St., Canton
The Worthington, another O’Donnell Square staple, will have the sound on for all World Cup matches on its many TVs. Drink specials include $4 Michelob Ultras, $6 NÜTRL Vodka Seltzers and $12 shots of Casamigos Blanco tequila.
The Canton bar is also the World Cup home of the Baltimore Blaugrana, the local FC Barcelona fan club. Fans will be cheering teams including the USA, Spain and Brazil.
Club Volo
- 1201 S. Haven St., Brewers Hill
Club Volo is hosting watch parties all tournament — including a major kickoff Friday for USA vs. Paraguay. Attendees will dance to a DJ before watching the match on its 20-foot TV. You can also play soccer Skee-Ball for your chance to win World Cup tickets. The event is free; registration is required.
Throughout the tournament, beers will cost $1 during the first half of any matches hosted by the United States, Mexico or Canada. Doors open an hour before kickoff each match day.
Impact Hub
- 10 E. North Ave., Station North
Entry to this Friday night watch party, cohosted by Baltimore Queer Soccer Club, includes a free drink, snacks and a coworking day pass. Early bird tickets are $7.18, and day-of tickets are $12.51. Buy them here.
Union Craft Brewing
- 1700 W. 41st St., Suite 420, Medfield
Union Craft Brewing — which celebrates its 14th anniversary this summer — will show World Cup matches on the big screen in its spacious taproom. As usual, Carroll & Son Fine Foods will sell burgers, sandwiches and snacks on-site.
After this weekend …
M8 Beer
- 1399 S. Sharp St., Spring Garden Industrial Area
Looking for fellow Australia fans? Local brewery M8 Beer, which specializes in gluten-reduced brews, will be the spot to cheer the Socceroos, who take on the U.S. on June 19 at 3 p.m.
Peabody Heights Brewery
- 401 East 30th St., Abell
Also on June 19, the longtime Baltimore brewery will open early at 2:30 p.m. ahead of the 3 p.m. kickoff of USA vs. Australia.
Baltimore County
Top Hat Sports Bar & Grill
- 8809 Satyr Hill Road, Parkville
Want to play pool while matches are on? Top Hat offers billiards by the bar. Drink specials during World Cup matches include $12 buckets of domestic beer, $25 seltzer buckets and $1 Natty Bohs.
Anne Arundel County
Dark Horse
- 985 Bay Ridge Road, Annapolis
Soccer fans have long been going to Dark Horse to get their fill of Premier League action, and the World Cup will be no different.
Another Annapolis option for World Cup viewing is West End Sports Bar and Grill (2049 West St.).
Howard County
Union Jack’s
- 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
Grab fish and chips at this British-style pub, which will have the sound on for all World Cup matches.
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