The Best Places to Watch the FIFA World Cup in Cleveland
The Old Angle Tavern
Ohio CityA real British feel & the most underrated kitchen in town
Considered Cleveland's go-to soccer bar, The Old Angle’s comfortably low lighting and mellow vibe nicely replicate the feel of a real UK pub. That chill goes right out the window when the World Cup comes around, though, and this place is sure to be a lively spot to catch the games. Be sure to enjoy an order of wings or a burger -- The Angle’s kitchen is among Cleveland’s hidden bar gems.
Parnell’s
Cedar FairmountReal Irish charm in new, improved digs
Since picking up and moving from its original Cedar Lee location, Parnell’s looks a lot more like a real Dublin tavern, and it has more space for revelers and hooligans. Though Ireland didn’t make the cut this year, you can still come here to enjoy a game and probably the best-poured pint of Guinness in the city -- in fact, you can probably root for any team here without fear of hooligan reprisals.
Hansa Brewery
Ohio CityGermany fans, weird wall art, great beer, and big TVs
With its charmingly dated decor and criminally underrated kitchen -- you will not believe how little has been written about that burger -- Hansa mostly lives in the shadow of its neighbor, Great Lakes Brewing Company. Pro tip: The smoked beer is an easy-drinking beverage for beer snobs and Bud drinkers alike. Germany is in the World Cup this year as well, so expect the bar to get going for those matches.
Merry Arts Pub & Grille
Downtown LakewoodLakewood’s oldest bar holds it down with tacos, and soccer
An Irish-ish pub with a specialty in making (what else?) tacos and quesadillas, Merry Arts is a Lakewood watering hole perfect for catching a match any time of day. Allegedly the oldest bar in the neighborhood, Merry Arts also boasts one of the area’s best patios and some nicely cheap domestic pitchers.
Becky's
Playhouse SquareA classic Cleveland neighborhood bar that unites all fans
With a wonderful mix of Cleveland State staff and in-the-know students, karaoke devotees, and devoted Cleveland barflies, Becky’s is a spacious, gloriously unpretentious establishment bringing Clevelanders from all walks of life together. The wings are super-cheap, and the TV screens, though not large, are numerous. You’re guaranteed to find at least a few hooligans at all times of the day.
PJ McIntyre's
West ParkHooligans abound in a Kamm’s Corners watering hole
The Kamm’s Corners district in West Park is a very walkable enclave of hard-partying sports bars and Irish pubs. PJ McIntyre’s has the most over-the-top Irish decor of all them, and the rowdiness for World Cup games should rise to that occasion. The bar claims to be “the most authentic” Irish pub in Cleveland -- a bold claim indeed! -- but they do have a $2.50 Power Hour for Guiness and other Irish beers on Fridays, so we’ll give it to them.
Winking Lizard
Various locationsA world of beers to go along with your World Cup
At this ubiquitous Cleveland-area chain known for their beer selection -- up to a hundred varieties or more, depending on the location -- you can enjoy a beer from just about every country competing in the World Cup, and then some. There's no better time than the Cup to begin the Lizard’s famed Tour of Beers, which awards customers for trying 100 beers in one year.
The Jolly Scholar
University CircleStudent-run brewpub on campus with great drafts
A student-run bar not afraid to experiment with brewing, The Jolly Scholar is a campus-area bar that’s friendly to outsiders. With a relaxed vibe and way-better-than-average bar food, this is a near-ideal spot to catch a late morning or afternoon match. Bask in the humble vibe, start some chants with the college crowd, and enjoy the 24 beers on tap.
Flannery's
Gateway DistrictIrish soccer beer in Cleveland’s crowded East Fourth Corridor
The World Cup has always been huge at Flannery’s. Perhaps Cleveland’s busiest Irish-themed bar, Flannery’s sits right at the mouth of the foot traffic-heavy East Fourth Corridor. It’s an excellent stop-off before and after Cavs games, so World Cup watchers can catch matches between (fingers crossed) Finals games. In addition to the Cup games, you'll also get to enjoy occasional live music (Irish, of course), as well as one of the best Irish whiskey selections in the city.
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