The 2018 World Cup hosts its first games on June 14, with the finals scheduled for July 15. During this time, dozens of Austin bars will surely tune their TVs to the matches, and plenty of soccer fans will gather to knock back some beers, enjoy some pub grub, and cheer on their team of choice (not the U.S., sadly). 

Whether it’s for the Cup or to watch your favorite MLS and Premier League teams, here are five soccer hotspots in Austin that you’ll want to visit so you don’t miss any action. 

Haymaker - East Austin

Courtesy of Haymaker

An East Austin go-to for daily drink specials and hearty “comfort sandwiches”, Haymaker also serves as the unofficial headquarters for the Austin chapter of American Outlaws, an enthusiastic group of soccer fans who passionately support the U.S. National Team. So if you show up at Haymaker during the World Cup, you’re pretty much guaranteed a screening of the night’s scheduled games on Haymaker’s large flat-screen TVs. In addition to its regular and rightfully-popular drink specials—including $2 cans of Mexican beer on Thursdays and $2 frozen margaritas on Fridays—Haymaker will offer event-specific deals on food and drinks throughout the World Cup. 

Black Sheep Lodge - Zilker

Courtesy of Black Sheep Lodge

Black Sheep Lodge, Haymaker’s Zilker sister bar, also serves as an oasis for Austin soccer fans. A friendly neighborhood pub with an impressive beer list and multiple big-screen TVs, they serve daily drink specials and will launch World Cup deals when the tournament begins. Dog owners will appreciate Black Sheep’s sizable outdoor patio area, and everyone will enjoy the pub’s rightly-celebrated menu of sandwiches, burgers, and classic “Texas Red” chili. As far as soccer viewing experiences below Lady Bird Lake are concerned, Black Sheep Lodge is a must-do. 

The Brixton - East Austin

Courtesy of The Brixton

Located on a prime stretch of East 6th Street, surrounded by popular bars and restaurants, The Brixton is well-known in Austin for its large TVs, well-appointed draft list, and raucous viewing parties for everything from “The Walking Dead” to “Empire Records”. Named after a culturally-significant London neighborhood, The Brixton shares its namesake area’s affinity for soccer, and they’ll be proving it by screening every match on every TV in the building. While The Brixton hasn’t yet announced any World Cup-specific drink or food specials, they take care to mention that “almost every game is on during happy hour, so you know we’re gonna get loose.” 

Nosh and Bevvy - North Burnet

Courtesy of Nosh and Bevvy

North Austinites in need of a dark and cozy sports bar with a strong English accent will find a perfect World Cup oasis in Nosh and Bevvy in North Burnet. This spot draws heavy inspiration from British pubs, resulting in a strong beer list including both local and international brews, regular screenings of athletic events, and a food menu featuring excellent versions of the UK’s top pub grub: fish and chips and chicken tikka masala. Anglo expats gravitate to Nosh and Bevvy for good reason, and during the World Cup, the bar will play every match on its plentiful big-screen TVs.

Jack and Ginger’s - North Central Austin

Courtesy of Jack and Ginger's

As far as neighborhoods with great World Cup viewing options go, North Central Austin may have the rest of the city beat. In addition to Nosh and Bevvy, North Austin is home to Jack and Ginger’s, a lively Irish watering hole with an impeccable bar-food menu, over 80 foreign and domestic drafts (including expertly-pulled Guinness), and a regular tradition of playing soccer matches on their wide screens. They’ll certainly be continuing this theme during the World Cup, showing all matches in the bar. Anyone who visits during happy hour (Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) can partake of $5 Irish whiskey towers, $5 appetizers, and $7 beer flights, making the viewing experience even better.