Though the World Cup is more than halfway over, there's no sense yet that the fervor is dying down--particularly as the home team (that's 'Merica, y'all) is still in the running.
A few weeks ago, we compiled a list of some of the best spots in town to watch the games with a cold beer and (more often than not) a hot patio. Since then, we've continued to hear about new locales showing the games and new watch parties, particularly for the upcoming United States versus Belgium game this afternoon.
So bust out your American flag T-shirts, baseball caps, bikinis and whatever other obnoxiously American garb you have and head out to one of these spots to mix and mingle with your fellow fútbol fans.
Local Pour Local Pour has been showing the World Cup any time it's on, but on Tuesday, the bar is hosting a special watch party for the United States versus Belgium game. The doors open at 1 p.m. so you can get your drink on before the 3 p.m. kickoff. There will be a costume contest for the most patriotic fans (that's where that American flag bikini will come in handy), and Saint Arnold will be there to tap a keg of Homefront IPA. All of the proceeds from that keg will go to Operation Homefront, as usual. Also in attendance: Former U.S. national team member Brian Ching, along with Houston Dynamo captain Corey Ashe and player Mike Chabala. And just to be as patriotic as possible, Local Pour is boycotting all Belgian-style beers for the game.
Lucky's Pub Nevermind that Lucky's has what they claim is the largest HD-screen in Houston at 21 feet long. We're more excited to hang with the Houston chapter of the American Outlaws, a very enthusiastic group of soccer fans who have claimed Lucky's as their home base. This crowd is sure to be rowdy! Doors open at 10 a.m. for the U.S. versus Belgium game today, and a street party begins at noon in anticipation of the 3 p.m. kickoff. There will be a yet-to-be-determined panel of local celebrities broadcasting with Comcast SportsNet Houston and Koagie Hots food truck ready to feed the masses.
MKT Bar In addition to hosting watch parties for the Montrose rollerblader, Juan Carlos, as he competes on America's Got Talent, MKT Bar is a great spot to watch the World Cup with fans of all ilk. During games, pitchers of craft beer are $15, foreign bottles are $1 off and pizzas are $2 off.
The Phoenix on Westheimer The Phoenix host a rowdy party for soccer games--so rowdy, in fact, that part of the party gets moved outside into the parking lot. There's a tent with a big screen TV set up outside for guests to mingle indoors or outdoors. The bar opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday for the U.S. game, and, since the game falls during happy hour, there will be plenty of food and drink specials to go around.
Pub Fiction Pub Fiction expects to be at full capacity for the game on Tuesday, so get there early to nab a good seat. The bar, which Houstonia Magazine claims is a popular spot for French fans to gather (we'll take their word for it), is offering drink specials throughout the game. No word on what exactly the drink specials might be, but it's a Midtown bar. They're bound to be strong and cheap.
Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen Though a seafood restaurant might not be your first choice for watching the World Cup, Tony Mandola's happy hour deals might change your mind. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Mandola's is offering a food menu where all dishes are less than $5 and a drink menu featuring nothing more than $7. There's a big screen in the back room, and Tony Mandola's invites everyone to come and join them for the game.
Don't see your favorite place mentioned here? Check out our first list of World Cup hotspots for more options. And if you know of something we missed, leave a note in the comments. Maybe we'll meet you there!
