The Stanley Cup may be over, but don’t go too far from your TV; the 2018 World Cup is just heating up. Even though the U.S. team didn’t make it into the group stage, this weekend (and the month following it) will still be filled with exciting games and plenty of outstanding players to root for. It’s also a great excuse to get out and get some great deals on drinks and food. Here’s a list of all the best places to watch the World Cup in Tampa.
Hattricks Tavern
107 S. Franklin St. | (813) 225-4288
When you witness the first hat trick of this World Cup, wouldn’t you want to say you saw it at Hattricks? Not only is this tavern made for watching sports — with high definition TVs at every angle — but it has the luck of the Irish as well. If you go, make sure to drop in between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. for happy hour, and grab a bucket of beer and 85 cent wings.
American Social
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. | (813) 605-3333
If you’re looking for a place to camp out all day and watch some soccer, get ready to make American Social your new home. June 14 through the 28, the bar will be open 11 a.m. to midnight offering World Cup drink specials, including $20 Heineken buckets and $4 Absolut. Especially if you’re planning to come in a group, be sure to make a reservation; game days fill up fast.
MacDinton’s Irish Pub
405 S. Howard Ave. | (813) 251-8999
Tampa’s self-proclaimed “Home of Soccer,” MacDinton’s Irish Pub is sure to be busy this World Cup season. The pub will be opening early (11 a.m.) this Thursday, June 14 for the first game and again the next day for the Portugal v. Spain match (2 p.m.). Happy hour specials include $6 appetizers, $12 beer buckets and $5 select premium liquors. Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is $10 open bar as well!
Ducky’s Sports Lounge
1719 W. Kennedy Blvd. | (813) 254-6160
What’s better than a Saturday watch party with bottomless mimosas, sangria and bloody Mary’s? Peru v. Denmark is one of the matches to watch on June 16, and Ducky’s Sports Lounge has got you covered. With no cover fee and music from Tampa’s own DJ Madrid in addition to the bottomless drinks, it’s sure to be a party. Make your reservation ASAP.
GameTime
1600 E. 8th Ave. | (813) 241-9675
GameTime’s festival of football kicks off this weekend as well. While tapas and drink specials will be offered during every match, GameTime will be teaming up with Latin pop station Maxima 92.5 on June 24 at 2 p.m. for an extra rowdy Columbia v. Poland game. There’s also a myriad of arcade games to keep the kids busy, which may be the best part.
Press Box
222 S. Dale Mabry Highway | (813) 876-3528
You can’t go wrong with the Press Box; there’s a reason why it’s been serving the Tampa Bay area for over 38 years. It’s the go-to sports emporium for many Tampa locals and could be your home base for the World Cup this year. With specials almost every day of the week all week, anytime is the right time to stop in. Check out Tuesday and Wednesday for wing deals of all kinds, and kids eat free on Thursdays.
Hall on Franklin
1701 N. Franklin St. | (813) 405-4008
The Hall on Franklin will be hosting a World Cup launch party this Thursday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come celebrate with a complimentary shot for what they call “Russian Tea Time,” and check out the six different sections of their menu if you haven’t already.
The Independent Bar and Cafe
5016 N. Florida Ave. | (813) 341-4883
The Independent Bar and Cafe is putting on a big show for the World Cup this year. They will be showing the majority of the games (after 9 a.m.) on a big-screen projector in their beer hall and have partnered with several international breweries to provide an authentic cultural experience. Beer prizes and soccer memorabilia will be raffled off throughout the tournament, and there will also be food and drink specials. Stay tuned to the event page for more details.
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion
202 N. Morgan St. (Downtown Tampa) | (813) 224-9367 200 1st Ave. S. (St. Pete) | (727) 513-9367
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion is having watch parties for both the opening match on June 14 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and the Portugal v. Spain game on June 15 (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.). And if you’re not quite in the heart of downtown Tampa, they just opened a new location in the heart of downtown St. Pete. They’ll be hosting parties at both locations, offering superior viewing and drink and food specials. Keep checking their social media for updates.
Prost
2802 E. Bearss Ave. | (813) 466-5249
If you reside more towards the North Tampa area and are looking for a World Cup viewing haven, look no further. With 11 TVs throughout the restaurant, you definitely won’t miss a single pass at Prost Kitchen + Bar. Known for their weekly specials, Prost is promising some World Cup-exclusive discounts for opening weekend.
London Heights British Pub
7701 N. Nebraska Ave. | (813) 231-7200
There’s no doubt who they’ll be rooting for, but if you’re not opposed to some British pride, London Heights British Pub may be the World Cup venue for you. They serve traditional British cuisine, which means a full English breakfast on early game days. For specific details on hours and specials, check out their Facebook page or give them a call.
