Today is a very special day. Why, you may ask? Well, because the UEFA Eurocup is starting, silly! For the less soccer obsessed among us, fret not. Public viewing, a standard activity during soccer season in Europe, has steadily been gaining popularity in the United States, and more and more bars have begun showing the games and even hosting events and drinks specials in connection with the (arguably, but not really) biggest sporting event after the World Cup.
It doesn’t even matter that the Eurocup’s official mascot has unfortunately been mistakenly named after a sex toy (really, Super Victor?) – our enthusiasm shall not be crushed. As the first game of the tournament is underway (Romania vs. the host, France), we’ve rounded up some spots where you can best enjoy the game with a cold pint in one hand and the flag of your temporarily adopted (or actual, for all you Europeans out there) country in the other. Zum Schneider, Alphabet City
(Photo: Courtesy of Youngna Park)
Germany fans, this is the place for you. The popular East Village beer garden will be showing the opening game, all games from Group C, all the games on the weekends, and all the games starting with the quarter finals. The atmosphere here is very Oktoberfesty, so be prepared, and expect large crowds on weekends and particularly during any Germany games. A tall Hefeweizen and a hefty serving of Bavarian sausages are just the stereotypical accompaniments you need to cheer on this year’s championship favorite. Zum Schneinder, 107 Avenue C at East 7th Street. 212-598-1098. Loreley, Lower East Side
(Photo: Courtesy of Gavin Thomas)
Aaand here’s another German spot for good measure (we’ll stop with the Germans after this, promise). If Zum Schneider is a bit too aggressively Bavarian for you, the Cologne-esque atmosphere of Loreley may be more to your liking. They’ll be showing all games taking place at 12pm & 3pm EST, as well as certain 9am games (and obviously all the German games). A big HD projector in an outside patio garden ensures that you’ll get the best of the summer soccer season. Loreley, 7 Rivington Street between Bowery and Chrystie. 212-253-7077. Banter, Williamsburg
(Photo: Courtesy of Liz Clayman)
Banter is a well-known soccer pub in Williamsburg, so it’s a natural choice for those itching to get in among some proper, long-time soccer fans. Just make sure you know your offside from your spot-kick before you start going on about how much worse this season’s English team is than last season’s. They’ll be showing all the Eurocup games, with drink specials including $4 Carlsbergs for all weekend games. Banter, 132 Havemeyer Street at South 1st Street. 718-599-5200. Blind Pig, East Village
(Photo: Courtesy of Konstantin Sergeyev)
This mainstay of New York’s Arsenal supporters has transformed into the unofficial headquarters of the English fanbase during this Eurocup season. But that doesn’t mean other supporters aren’t welcome! The bar will be open for all the games of the cup, and will even be opening early for the 9am games and offering breakfast specials. Drink specials, giveaways, and games will also be part of the program, with different sponsors showing up with a variety of goodies for their fans. German beer company Radeberger will be on site for all of the German games, the Irish games will be sponsored by Jameson, and Carlsberg will be dropping by to give away t-shirts and soccer balls. Keep an eye on the bar’s Facebook page to keep on top of the newest events. Blind Pig, 233 East 14th Street between 3rd and 2nd Ave. 212-209-1573. Radegast Hall and Beergarten, Williamsburg
(Photo: Courtesy of Melissa Hom)
Don’t worry, this isn’t another Germany fan headquarters. Radegast is an “Austro-Hungarian” beergarden, and is indiscriminately showing all 12pm and 3pm games games in the tournament. With the purchase of a liter of any beer, fans can participate in daily raffles, but the big draw happens on July 10th: for the final game, supporters can participate in the grand prize raffle, where they can get the chance to win $1,000. If that doesn’t make a soccer fan out of you, we don’t know what will. Radegast Hall and Beergarten, 113 N 3rd Street at Berry Street. 718-963-3973. Ribalta, East Village
(Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Feffer)
If you’re rooting less for Deutschland and more for the Forza Azzurri, then Ribalta may just be the place to go. Although it moonlights as a pizza restaurant, Ribalta has its very own “stadium” Facebook page where Italian soccer fans are kept abreast of all the news related to the most beautiful game. Ribalta will definitely be showing all Italy games, but check the Facebook page for updates on other matches. Ribalta, 48 East 12th Street at Broadway. 212-777-7781
