World Cup 2010

Where to watch the World Cup in NYC

From neighborhood pubs to kickoff parties.

By Jonathan Shannon and Chris Schonberger

Black Horse Pub

Where to watch | Where to party

Best for: Anglophiles
Black Horse Pub
Windsor Terrace’s essential watering hole for English Premier League matches will cater to its football-loving crowd throughout the competition: All games will be shown on the bar’s four flatscreens, and during morning matches you can line your stomach with bacon rolls and other British snacks. Pints of Radeberger will go for four bucks during the games. 568 Fifth Ave at 16th St, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn (718-788-1975, blackhorsebrooklyn.com)

Best for: USA matches and pints of Guinness
Dempsey’s
This convivial Irish pub has been slowly gaining a loyal following of East Village soccer fans, and it plans to make the World Cup its official coming-out party. Every game of the tourney will be shown live on eight HD screens, and the morning games (which begin at 7:30am) will be accompanied by full audio—no one needs U2 that early—and breakfast specials. The boozing comes cheap too: Cash in on $3 pints and $10 pitchers of Coors Light throughout the competition, as well as $3 shots to calm your nerves during the nail-biting moments. 61 Second Ave between 3rd and 4th Sts (212-388-0662; dempseysnyc.com)

Best for: Early-morning matches
Felix
Considering this bistro has French and Brazilian owners, this place could turn into a madhouse come World Cup time. Felix is charging $20 for entry during the finals, but that does get you a gratis drink. Three TVs and one projector should ensure you can see all the action, although it’s best to reserve a table in advance. If you’re getting up early for the 7:30am games, spin through the breakfast menu of croissants, eggs and that very French a.m. dish: steak ($19.50). 340 West Broadway at Grand St (212-431-0021, felixnyc.com)

Best for: Meat-and-beer–fueled revelry
Loreley
You don’t have to be German to hang out here during the tournament—this restaurant and biergarten attracts a mixed soccer crowd that likes their schnitzels big and their beers bigger. Feast on staples like bratwurst with sauerkraut ($15) while watching a match—there are two TVs in the dining room and two in the bar—and order a dozen German drafts by the liter stein ($14–$16). The garden out back is perfect for taking a break to get some fresh air during those marathon sessions in front the tube. 7 Rivington St between Bowery and Chrystie St (212-253-7077, loreleynyc.com)

Best for: Serious drinks with casual fans
Louis 649
For the most part, scoring a decent mixed drink at a sports bars is about as likely as South Africa winning the World Cup. But those who prefer bespoke tipples to pitchers of Coors can find the best of both worlds at Alphabet City cocktail lounge Louis 649. Two big-screen TVs have been installed exclusively for the tournament (general manager Gianfranco Verga is adamant that they’ll come down “immediately following the championship game”), and they’ll be showing all the 10am and 2:30pm games, alongside top-notch cocktails and spirits. Food specials inspired by competing nations will complement a well-curated selection of specialties from local eateries, including Luke’s Lobster shrimp rolls and Sigmund Pretzelshop Gruyère- and salt-flavored pretzels. For fans who aren’t ready for the hard stuff in the morning, the bar will also be doling out coffee from Ninth Street Espresso. 649 E 9th St between Aves B and C (212-673-1190, louis649.com)

Best for: Feeling like you’re in South Africa
Madiba
If you can’t get to South Africa, Madiba’s shebeen decor is a good substitute: Park in front of the projectors at the bar, or spread out at your own table in the dining room. Proprietor Mark Henegan will be hooking you up with authentic street food like boerewors (South African sausage) rolls ($5), and bunny chow, crusty white bread hollowed out and filled with a veggie ($6), chicken ($7) or lamb ($8) curry. Plus, for every game there will be drink specials featuring beverages from the the competing teams’ nations. 195 DeKalb Ave between Adelphi St and Carlton Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-855-9190, madibarestaurant.com)

Best for: Getting outside and bringing the whole family
Manhattan Bridge Archway
Brooklynites looking to catch the Saturday games without being cooped up inside all day can head to the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge. Free alfresco screenings will begin at 9:30am and 2pm each Saturday on a massive screen—grab a picnic and stake out a good spot. The family-friendly locale will also host a viewing of the championship match at 1:30pm on Sunday, July 11. Manhattan Bridge Archway, Pearl St at Water St, Dumbo, Brooklyn (dumbonyc.org)

Best for: Getting completely faced
Mason Dixon
A faux-Texan saloon on the LES might not seem like the most likely World Cup headquarters, but don’t forget that the U.S. team’s best player, Clint Dempsey, is from the Lone Star State. Something else to keep in mind: This massive urban barn, which boasts ten HDTVs showing every match, knows its way around a booze special. Hooligan-baiting deals include a $40 all-you-can-drink wristband during any game, as well as two-for-one drinks all match long when you wear the jersey of one of the competing squads. If you’re rolling deep, e-mail thehonkytonknyc@gmail.com to snag no-fee table reservations for parties of eight or more—and don’t forget to ride the mechanical bull at halftime. 133 Essex St between Rivington and Stanton Sts (212-260-4100, masondixonnyc.com)

Best for: Good beer and elbow room
Matt Torrey’s
Relax with a craft beer and just enjoy the game, settle into this new bar, and watch any of the 10am or 2:30pm games on the 96-inch projector or one of the two flatscreens. Work your way through 18 New York–brewery beers on tap, like the Southern Tier Hop Sun ($6), a refreshing summer brew with hoppy and citrusy notes. Or chow down on the kitchen’s $7 pressed sandwiches, including the Number 18 combo, which comes with ham, cheddar, Granny Smith apples and honey mustard. 301 Ainslie St at Bushwick Ave, entrance on Bushwick Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-218-7646)

Best for: Rabid fans
Nevada Smiths
This pubby hub for die-hard footy fans is bracing itself for a soccer tsunami in June—staff are anticipating 100,000 fans during the World Cup and are removing all seating to make more room. If you can fight your way into the two-level space, you’ll be able to watch the matches on 14 plasma screens. (There’s also a 12-foot projection screen in the back.) Choose from 24 European and American taps, including U.K. favorites like Boddingtons and Newcastle. 74 Third Ave between 11th and 12th Sts (212-982-2591, nevadasmiths.net)

Best for: Dancing while you watch
Opia
If you’re looking for a respite from overwhelmingly American crowds, head to this Euro-heavy midtown lounge, which plans to air every match. The upscale digs draw a strong French and Argentine contingent, so expect the place to be seething during those showdowns. In addition to buckets of beer (six for $30) available at all times, the lounge will be whipping up themed drink specials for big games—like caipirinhas when Brazil kicks off, and Lillet martinis for France’s Les Bleus. Frequent entertainment, including dancers and DJs, will keep the spirit alive. Renaissance Hotel, 130 E 57th St between Park and Lexington Aves, second floor (212-688-3939, opiarestaurant.com)

Best for: A virtual-stadium experience
PlayBeautiful
This pop-up space is looking to re-create a stadium atmosphere, with 70 flip seats facing two projector screens. It’s free, but you need to book your tickets in advance through its website. Don’t worry if your team loses: World Cup cakes from How Sweet It Is bakery will cheer you up, as will copping a T-shirt from the retro FIFA Collection ($25–$70). PlayBeautiful is the only shop in the city to stock these designs from yesteryear’s World Cups; a gentler time when World Cup Willie didn’t have an alternative meaning. Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry St between Kenmare and Spring Sts (212-334-0288, playbeautifulnyc.com). June 19–July 11, daily 7am–7pm with extended hours for special programming. See website for more info.

Best for: Alfresco viewing
PUMA City temporary beer garden
Not only will the sports brand take over South Street Seaport, it will project matches on a four-by-seven-foot video wall in a temporary beer garden outside Red Tex-Mex restaurant. Screw the beer—you’re out in the sun!—so drink pitchers of sangria and frozen margaritas ($38 and $45 respectively) instead. At halftime, take a stroll to the two PUMA pop-up shops housed in transformed shipping containers and score apparel designed by artist Kehinde Wiley—frankly, we’re obsessed. 19 Fulton St at Front St (pumacity.com). June 11–July 11.

Best for: Fans of the samba boys
Sushi Samba
Make a beeline to either location of this Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian haunt for Brazil’s matches so you can cheer the samba boys on with live drummers. Pitchers of Leblon caipirinhas are only $25 if you need any more reason to go. 245 Park Ave South between 19th and 20th Sts (212-475-9377) • 87 Seventh Ave South at Barrow St (212-691-7885) • (sushisamba.com)

Best for: Footy-loving, beer-guzzling Brooklynites
Woodwork
This dedicated soccer bar is going all out, with giveaways from brands like Havaianas and a selection of international craft beers—during every game, it will feature two brews from each nation playing, and patrons can vote for their favorite brew.”. Since this will be one of the hottest spots to watch the face-offs ($3 beers and a five-cheese truffled macaroni and cheese have a draw of their own), big matches like USA vs. England will cost a $20 cover to watch—but that guarantees you two drinks. 583 Vanderbilt Ave at Dean St, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-857-5777, woodworkbk.com)

Best for: Resting your head in your neighbor’s armpit…and loving it
Zum Schneider
Alphabet City’s Bavarian brauhaus will be even more raucous than usual as the nations of the world face off on a projection screen and two additional flatscreens. Nourish yourself with a limited breakfast menu during early games, and lubricate your vocal cords with steins of German beers ($10–$14), including a lineup of specialty summer brews. Caveat emptor: Unless you’re a diehard (or you love being sandwiched between guys named Hans), steer clear during Germany matches—the place will be an absolute shit show. 107–109 Ave C at 7th St (212-598-1098, zumschneider.com)

Best picnic spots in NYC

Bring a blanket and some snacks, and set up camp at these spaces.

Alley Pond ParkThere are plenty of things to do in this gigantic park, which covers more than 600 acres in Queens. In addition to standard park provisions (ball fields, playgrounds), the park also features a wetland area (the Urban Park Rangers occasionally lead tours), as well as free fitness classes and an adventure course for kids. Three barbecue areas are available, but the one on Springfield Boulevard is farthest from the sounds of the highway. Union Tpke at Winchester Blvd, Bayside, Queens (718-846-2731, nycgovparks.org)

Brooklyn Bridge Park
This park-in-progress recently opened Pier 1, which overlooks Manhattan and the landmark Brooklyn Bridge. The Picnic Peninsula at Pier 4 isn’t open yet—construction is scheduled to begin this year—but visitors still have their choice of picnic spots. After arriving via Water Taxi, snag a bench on the playground at the park’s northern edge, or set up camp on the steps of the Granite Prospect, which faces north and is made from granite salvaged from the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Main St at Plymouth St, Dumbo, Brooklyn (brooklynbridgepark.org)

Central Park
Sheep Meadow and the Great Lawn will inevitably be crowded with people when the weather is nice; luckily, Central Park is big enough to offer plenty of other, more secluded spots that are perfect for vegging out. Head to Cedar Hill, a quiet, gently sloped field near 79th Street and East Drive, or, take the footpath down to the Glade Arch, formerly used to get carriages across to Fifth Avenue. Enter at Fifth Ave and 79th St (centralparkconservancy.org)

Fort Greene Park
This enormous green space, located in one of Brooklyn’s prettiest neighborhoods, is the borough’s oldest park. (It was founded in 1847.) A barbecue area is open in the northwest corner of the 30-acre space, while picnickers can also eat in a nearby playground that offers plenty of shade and fewer crowds. Washington Park between DeKalb and Myrtle Aves, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-222-1461, fortgreenepark.org)

Fort Tryon Park
You may forget that you’re in Manhattan at all when you enter this idyllic green space, located in the upper reaches of the island. The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that focuses on medieval works, is located within the park; there are also plenty of spots to hunker down and have a picnic. Choose a patch of grass on the western edge of the park for stunning views of the Hudson River and New Jersey’s Palisades. Enter at Margaret Corbin Circle, Fort Washington Ave at Cabrini Blvd (ftpt.org)

Governors Island
On weekends, take the free ferry and have a sit at Picnic Point, which covers eight acres that are dotted with picnic tables, swings and hammocks. Beginning June 11, Bike & Roll will reinstate the Free Bike Fridays program, where you can ride around the isle on a loaner two-wheeler for free between 10am and 5pm. Governors Island (govisland.com)

Randalls Island Park
Talk about change: Randalls Island once housed institutions for quarantined smallpox victims and insane asylums; now, it’s home to Cirque du Soliel and the Randalls Island Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization that recently added more than 60 fields for a variety of sports. Visitors can picnic on many of the grassy areas in the 273-acre park, but a grilling area can be found at the south end near the Sunken Meadow baseball fields. Randalls Island Park, 1 Randalls Island (risf.com)

Riverside Park
This four-mile stretch of land along the Upper West Side is sandwiched between the Hudson River and the undulating curves of Riverside Drive. Meditate upon the beauty of the 91st Street Community Garden, and then make your way down to the South Lawn at West 74th Street. Team sports and dogs are not allowed in this Quiet Zone, so picnickers can relax in peace. Enter at Riverside Dr and 91st St (riversideparkfund.org)

Pelham Bay Park
The northernmost park in the Bronx is three times the size of Central Park—there are more than 2,700 acres of land, including beaches and marshes—so there’s no shortage of green space perfect for lounging. Orchard Beach offers visitors 13 miles of shoreline and barbecuing areas at both its north and south lawns, but beware: They fill up early in the day on weekends. 1 Bronx River Pkwy, Bronx (718-430-1890, nycgovparks.org)

Prospect Park
Head to the Long Meadow, along the western side of the park, for an abundance of green space: At more than 90 acres, Long Meadow is thought to be one of the largest uninterrupted meadows in a U.S. park. There are several grilling areas throughout the park—we like to set up camp at the one near the Grand Army Plaza entrance—and scattered trees along West Drive between 3rd and 5th Streets can provide shade on hot summer days. Enter at Prospect Park West and Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn (prospectpark.org)

Willowbrook Park
If you’re looking for a spot that’s off the beaten path, this Staten Island park—which is part of the borough’s greenbelt—would be a good choice. Enter at Eton Place for a barbecue area and picnic benches, then take the kids on the Carousel for All Children ($1.50) or let them act out their Robin Hood fantasies at the archery range. Enter at Eton Pl and Richmond Ave, Staten Island (718-667-2165, sigreenbelt.org)

On Saturday, June 12th, MCU Park will host the first annual Craft Beer Festival, and fans are invited to sample the beverages and enjoy live music.

The event will take place on the ballpark’s concourse level from 4pm-9pm on June 12th, and will feature an assortment of American craft beers.  Live bands will also perform throughout the event, which celebrates the craftsmanship of the brewers and the brewing process.

Craft beer is made using a traditional process of blending the sugars from malted grains (such as barley or wheat), with hop flowers and water. The skill of the Masterbrewer brings out the desired aroma, color, mouth feel, foam and flavor qualities of the hops and malt through formulation of recipes and the fermentation of sugars into alcohol, carbon dioxide gas and other characters. After careful aging at just the right temperatures the beer is packaged and delivered to the consumer.

For a cost of $40, you will receive:

• a souvenir plastic mug and lanyard
• 20, three-ounce craft beer samples
• one ticket to the Cyclones’ June 21st game against the Aberdeen IronBirds at 7pm

Tickets purchased in advance cost $40.  Tickets will cost $50 on the day of the event.  Fans who wish to attend the event, but NOT receive samples can purchase a $15 entry fee ticket.

MCU Park’s gates will open at 3:30pm on June 12th.

You MUST be 21 years or older to enter.  Identification will be required on the day of the event.

• Get your Craft Beer Festival tickets now!