Best bars in Denver to watch the World Cup
The World Cup, by far the most intense and entertaining international sports competition there is, is finally here. It has been a long four years since the last and a particularly long eight years since the US men’s national team last played at a World Cup.
Unlike this time, the World Cup will be held in late November and December instead of in the summer to avoid the intense summer heat in Qatar, the small Middle Eastern country hosting the 2022 World Cup. Given the 10-hour time difference between Denver and Doha, serious football fans can lose a lot of sleep in the Mile High City during the World Cup.
While there are many good spots to watch the World Cup around the Denver Metro, here are our best options for watching tournament games.
Raices Brewing Company
2060 West Colfax Ave
720-324-8550
There’s a real chance Argentina or Brazil could win the World Cup, so watching games surrounded by Latin Americans – who eat, sleep and breathe football – would be a smart move. Raíces Brewing Company is the perfect place for this; The venue has a large projector set up for maximum viewing capacity. Be sure to try the Manguito, a dangerously tasty beer that spoils pretty quickly, even in the morning. Raíces has listed all the games it will be showing on a calendar here.
Maria Empanada
1298 South Broadway
303-934-2221
For those who are actually Argentina fans or worship Lionel Messi, Maria Empanada offers the ultimate experience. “For the first Argentina game, we even open at 3 a.m.. That’s how committed we and our Argentine fans are,” says Victor Arango from the Argentine café, whose owner Lorena Cantarovici is from Argentina. The flagship South Broadway location will stream every game of the tournament, even if Argentina isn’t playing. “Even our team will wear new uniforms: the jersey of the Argentine team!” he notes.
“We’re going to give away things at all the games… It’s going to be crazy as always,” adds Arango. For example, during the Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia match, which starts at 3am on November 22nd, Maria Empanada is giving away an official tournament ball.
Celtic in the market
market street 1400
303-484-1066
If you want to capture patriotic vibes while watching the USMNT attempt to battle their way out of the group stage, Celtic on Market is for you. The Denver chapter of the American Outlaws, USMNT’s fan group, will be hosting watch parties at the Celtic and there’s a good chance everyone here will learn the “I think we’re winning” chant.
As well as showing all US games, the Celtic will be open for all England and Mexico games as well as all games scheduled for 8am, 9am and 12pm in the group stage . After that, Celtic shows all games in later rounds. “We have a full breakfast menu, including a full Irish breakfast,” says Noel Hickey, the Irishman who owns the bar.
Cerveceria Colorado
Plattestr. 1635
720-279-8248
A Mexican-themed creation by Denver Brewing Co., Cerveceria Colorado will feature all Mexico group stage games in addition to USMNT group stage games. Cerveceria will have an on-site food truck and will also offer brunch, a Michelada bar and giveaways including “limited edition Cerveceria Colorado jerseys and more,” according to DBC’s Diana Crawford. The same games will be shown at the Arvada location at 5768 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard.
The British Bulldog
2052 Stout Street
303-295-7974
England qualified for the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia thanks to prolific goalscorer Harry Kane. The team should be good again, and all the best guys will congregate at the British Bulldog, whose general manager Kevin Tuohy says it’s the “best place in Denver to see this year’s World Championships.”
The British Bulldog is open for all games played at 6am and later. Expecting large crowds for games, the Bulldog will operate a shuttle between the Bulldog and the Icehouse Tavern — a partner bar — when it reaches capacity. “We encourage all fans to arrive early to ensure they experience the best matchday atmosphere that you can only get at The British Bulldog,” said Tuohy. “Although we won’t have our full menu, we will have breakfast options and British favorites for all to enjoy.”
Cheluna Brewing Company
2501 North Dallas Street, Aurora
720-600-0020
For those on the east side of the metro area, the Cheluna Brewing Company at Stanley Marketplace offers an ideal viewing environment. Cheluna, which features an Oaxacan-style bar, will open for gaming at 6am November 21-November 28 excluding Thanksgiving. And for the final four days of group matches, starting November 29, Cheluna opens at 8:00am. The Watch parties are also co-hosted with Denver FC, the semi-pro football club, and the American Outlaws fan group.
DNVR bar
2239 East Colfax Ave
303-997-6886
Partnering with the Colorado Rapids for the World Series, the DNVR Bar opens its doors for all group stage games starting at 6am. The bar serves a full breakfast menu as well as drinks (from 7am when legal). The relatively small sports bar’s intimate vibe might be just the ticket for chilly November and December mornings.
The Abbey Tavern
5151 East Colfax Ave
303-321-5151
Another great bar that offers an intimate football experience is the Abbey Tavern, a bar in Liverpool. Many of the fans will come here to cheer for Sadio Mané so he can compete with Senegal, a potential Dark Ross contender to win it all. The Abbey shows all lunchtime games every day during the group stage, with the exception of Thanksgiving; it will be open for all knockout round matches. And while Ireland may not be in this tournament, pints of Guinness will surely flow at the Abbey.
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