Every four years, most of the world comes to a virtual halt for a month in the summer, to observe the FIFA World Cup. International soccer’s biggest stage, the World Cup has been known to reduce grown men to tears, and incite slightly manlier grown men to violence. On this side of the pond, the World Cup isn’t quite as powerful a force. After all, there’s baseball on. And the NBA Finals and Draft. And NFL training camps are on the horizon. And there’s probably some NASCAR races, too. But the World Cup does offer a great excuse to drink early on a weekday while also showing your patriotism. Who knows, you may even pick up a greater appreciation for the beautiful game. Here are some area bars where you can catch the world’s best.
Bavarian Inn
700 W. Lexington Blvd., (414) 964-0300
Proud of its Bavarian heritage, the Bavarian Inn says it's the World Cup headquarters. With a 108" television screen, it's like you're actually at the game. It has 17 beers on tap and will give you $1 off. There's also a Bloody Mary Bar available for $4.50 during the games. If you're lucky, the Bavarian Soccer Team may challenge you to a game since the Inn is located on the grounds of Heidelberg Park which has three soccer fields.
Carleton Grange
3807 S. Packard Ave. (414) 747-9669
A brand new pub with old English charm, Carleton Grange brings the feel of a traditional London watering hole to St. Francis. Doors open a half hour before the first game every day, with a traditional English breakfast (apple bacon, "banger" sausages, fired seasoned tomatoes) if you want to eat like a true footy fan. With drink specials to coordinate with certain games (specials on Pilsner-Urquell during Czech Republic games, hard-to find English beers during England games) you can get a taste of what drives the world crazy every four years in more ways than one.
County Clare
1234 N. Astor St. (414) 272-5273
Even though Ireland didn’t qualify for this year’s Cup, those with a fondness for the Emerald Isle can enjoy the games in true Irish fashion at County Clare. Open at 6 a.m. during the Cup, enjoy Milwaukee’s best pint of Guinness while checking out the action on a 10-ft. television. And if you’re not Irish, just cheer drunkenly at England’s eventual collapse and you'll be fine.
The Highbury Pub
2322 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. (414) 294-4400
Named after famed English club Arsenal’s (former) home pitch, this Bay View pub is arguably Milwaukee’s premier soccer bar. With three projection screens showing live games, as well as tape-delayed matches for those who couldn’t catch their favorite squad live, Highbury’s got your viewing needs covered. There also might be some three-on-three street soccer for those who want to do more than just watch Ronaldinho light it up.
Hi-Hat Garage
1710 N. Arlington Pl. (414) 220-8090
The Golden Boot, given to the top goal scorer in the World Cup, may be incredibly prestigious, but it has one fatal flaw; it’s not filled with beer. For that, check out the Hi-Hat Garage, which will have $5 glass boots filled with German beer throughout the World Cup. You can also enjoy specials on premium liquor and top-notch imported beers while catching the games on two giant screens. FIFA, take note; boots are always better when they have beer in them.
Hooligan’s Super Bar
2017 E. North Ave. (414) 273-5230
Long considered one of the East Side’s premier sports bars, Hooligan’s is ready for some futbol. With special hours to accommodate early morning die-hards, stop by and wake up to the sight of the world’s game on flat screen TVs. While you’re there, try one of the 30 different tap beers available if you need something to do when you’re not screaming at the ref.
Moct
240 E. Pittsburgh Ave. (414) 273-6628
Serbia-Montenegro may not be one of international soccer’s traditional powers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t celebrate the world’s game. So stop by the Serbian-themed Moct in the Third Ward, open at 7:30 a.m., where they’re airing all of the games on a projection screen. With complimentary food and barbecue during select games, line your stomach while enjoying $3 taps of Pilsner Urquell.
The Nomad World Pub
1401 E. Brady St. (414) 224-8111
Aside from being open early enough to televise any game you want to see, The Nomad also offers the chance to win a free TV, four Summerfest tickets and a limo ride. And while the high profile matches will likely draw crowds everywhere else, The Nomad will also reward those who show up at 8 a.m. for a Togo/Switzerland match. That’s dedication.
Bavarian Inn
700 W. Lexington Blvd., (414) 964-0300
Proud of its Bavarian heritage, the Bavarian Inn says it's the World Cup headquarters. With a 108" television screen, it's like you're actually at the game. It has 17 beers on tap and will give you $1 off. There's also a Bloody Mary Bar available for $4.50 during the games. If you're lucky, the Bavarian Soccer Team may challenge you to a game since the Inn is located on the grounds of Heidelberg Park which has three soccer fields.
Carleton Grange
3807 S. Packard Ave. (414) 747-9669
A brand new pub with old English charm, Carleton Grange brings the feel of a traditional London watering hole to St. Francis. Doors open a half hour before the first game every day, with a traditional English breakfast (apple bacon, "banger" sausages, fired seasoned tomatoes) if you want to eat like a true footy fan. With drink specials to coordinate with certain games (specials on Pilsner-Urquell during Czech Republic games, hard-to find English beers during England games) you can get a taste of what drives the world crazy every four years in more ways than one.
County Clare
1234 N. Astor St. (414) 272-5273
Even though Ireland didn’t qualify for this year’s Cup, those with a fondness for the Emerald Isle can enjoy the games in true Irish fashion at County Clare. Open at 6 a.m. during the Cup, enjoy Milwaukee’s best pint of Guinness while checking out the action on a 10-ft. television. And if you’re not Irish, just cheer drunkenly at England’s eventual collapse and you'll be fine.
The Highbury Pub
2322 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. (414) 294-4400
Named after famed English club Arsenal’s (former) home pitch, this Bay View pub is arguably Milwaukee’s premier soccer bar. With three projection screens showing live games, as well as tape-delayed matches for those who couldn’t catch their favorite squad live, Highbury’s got your viewing needs covered. There also might be some three-on-three street soccer for those who want to do more than just watch Ronaldinho light it up.
Hi-Hat Garage
1710 N. Arlington Pl. (414) 220-8090
The Golden Boot, given to the top goal scorer in the World Cup, may be incredibly prestigious, but it has one fatal flaw; it’s not filled with beer. For that, check out the Hi-Hat Garage, which will have $5 glass boots filled with German beer throughout the World Cup. You can also enjoy specials on premium liquor and top-notch imported beers while catching the games on two giant screens. FIFA, take note; boots are always better when they have beer in them.
Hooligan’s Super Bar
2017 E. North Ave. (414) 273-5230
Long considered one of the East Side’s premier sports bars, Hooligan’s is ready for some futbol. With special hours to accommodate early morning die-hards, stop by and wake up to the sight of the world’s game on flat screen TVs. While you’re there, try one of the 30 different tap beers available if you need something to do when you’re not screaming at the ref.
Moct
240 E. Pittsburgh Ave. (414) 273-6628
Serbia-Montenegro may not be one of international soccer’s traditional powers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t celebrate the world’s game. So stop by the Serbian-themed Moct in the Third Ward, open at 7:30 a.m., where they’re airing all of the games on a projection screen. With complimentary food and barbecue during select games, line your stomach while enjoying $3 taps of Pilsner Urquell.
The Nomad World Pub
1401 E. Brady St. (414) 224-8111
Aside from being open early enough to televise any game you want to see, The Nomad also offers the chance to win a free TV, four Summerfest tickets and a limo ride. And while the high profile matches will likely draw crowds everywhere else, The Nomad will also reward those who show up at 8 a.m. for a Togo/Switzerland match. That’s dedication.
