Craft Beer Austin | FIFA World Cup Games
UPDATED: I will update this article throughout the week as new venues publish their schedules. Please check back often.
Although the US Men’s National team heartbreakingly didn’t make the cut this year, the FIFA World Cup is still the most exciting time in the world of soccer. The 2018 World Cup kicks off on June 14th in Russia, and with only an eight hour time difference, you’ll be able to catch all the games live.
Based on the criteria below, these are my top picks for an optimal game watching experience:
1 Enthusiasm for the game. These folks love soccer and it’s evident by the crowds they draw and the electric atmosphere during the game. No one wants to be the only one cheering with a painted face.
2 Plays games with the sound on. Nothing worse than staring at an intense game while DJ music pumping all around you. (Please note: sound is on most of the time, but depending on the time of day and crowds, it may not be – I suggest always calling ahead).
3 Serves craft beer. This one does not require an explanation.
Even if you aren’t a big soccer fan, this is one of the best times to hang out with some major fans and enjoy the atmosphere – hey the game is only 90 min, right? (side note: if you are just going to complain, please don’t come hang out with us – this is our Super Bowl…)
I’m pretty sure most of these establishments offer free WiFi, but I’ve noted the ones below that are confirmed to have WiFi.
Black Sheep Lodge & Haymaker
These sister bars will have a breakfast menu available for every game that starts before normal hours and are featuring $3 Pints of Whitestone Konverter Kolsh & $12 pitchers.
B.B. Rover’s Cafe & Pub
Known for being Austin’s original craft beer bar, the pub will be open at 10am for all games.
B.D Riley’s
The Mueller location will be open for almost all matches “except the wee hour ones”, and the downtown pub will only show matches during regular hours. Both pubs will show all knockout stage matches.
Brass Tap Domain
Arguably one of the best tap lists in town, this location also boasts multiple big screen TVs and will be open at 7am for the tournament.
Crown and Anchor Pub
One of Austin’s original pubs, they will be open for every game with breakfast for early games and food and craft beer specials daily.
Easy Tiger
The 6th street location will be open for all but the 5 am game on Saturday the 15th, offering free drip coffee and pastries for purchase during morning games, and $3 Founders Solid Gold Lager pints all day.
Hi Hat Public House
Hi Hat will open starting at 10 am with their scratch farm-to-table menu and 24 taps of craft beer.
Lazarus Brewing Co.
Showing every game (except the 5am game) with a pretty sweet set of specials, including the opportunity to win a beer or coffee every day for life!
Little Woodrows
The Burnet location will be open at 7am on game days serving breakfast tacos from One Taco. The Tech Ridge and W. 6th street locations will be showing all 1pm games. All three locations will have free WiFi for those of us that are “working” during matches.
Mister Tramps
Dubbed Austin’s Home for the World Cup, they will be open at 7am for all games. As a well-known quintessential soccer pub, get here early and expect great crowds.
North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery
Both locations will show games during regular Business Hours and the Stonelake location will show every Saturday World Cup game on the NXNW Pavilion with Happy Hour pricing 10am-5pm.
Red’s Porch
All locations are offering $3 Northern Light Pints during Denmark games at all NXNW & Red’s locations. Red’s Porch will be offering a limited breakfast menu starting at 9am and drink specials from 9-7 each day: $2 Lone Stars Drafts, $3 PBR 16oz Cans, $3 Hamm’s 16oz Cans, $4 Wells, $5 Red’s Frozen Ritas, $5.50 Strawberry Ritas & $6.50 House Texicans
The Park (North and South locations)
Another spot on the list that generally has plenty of room given the size. Snagging a good viewing spot here is easy with all the large screens.
The Spokesman
Coffee and beer are a perfect pair for the World Cup given the early and afternoon schedules. The Spokesman will be open during regular hours, which includes the 7am matches, and are offering a rotating selection of $2 pints during each match.
The Tavern
Official home of the Austin Aztecs, catch the games at this Austin icon boasting 46 HD surround TV’s, upstairs and downstairs.
Uncle Billy’s Brewery
Showing every match on multiple HDTVs inside and outside on the patio with a breakfast menu for the early games and the regular menu starting at 11am. Bonus points for free WiFi so you can pretend to be working. Diligently.
WhichCraft Beer Store
The Mueller location is already open early, so come on by and grab a cup of joe or a pursue the selection of outstanding craft beers while catching the games. WiFi available for those of us “working” during the Cup.
Honorable Mention: Games aired during operating hours which means mainly weekend or late afternoon matches. Still, great beer here!
Cover 2
Open during normal operating hours with sound and will take reservations for large parties.
Adelbert’s Brewery
Games aired on the projector during operating hours – so a great weekend spot.
Celis Brewery
The brewery will be open for the 1pm games and are planning to have new TVs and open earlier for July games. Find the Celis schedule here.
Flying Man Brewing Co.
Only showing games during operating hours; however, they will make accommodations for large groups in advance for off hour games
Pinthouse Pizza
They plan to have the sound on from time to time based on the game – call ahead to check. Usually plenty of seating at both locations given the size.
Oskar Blues Brewery
Will show games with sound depending on the crowds during operating hours.
St. Elmo Brewing Co.
Only during operating hours with $2 Carl Kolsch specials
Waller Creek Pub House
Will be showing all games with sound during operating hours with weekly specials.
Stay tuned to Craft Beer Austin for updates on craft beer World Cup events!
