Sponsored by
The worst thing about the World Cup — the most widely celebrated event in the entire sporting world, along with the Olympics — is that it only comes once every four years.
Luckily, there are two of them. And the one that the U.S. actually has a chance of winning returns this summer.
We’re talking about the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in stadiums around France from June 7th-July 7th.
Below, find our picks for the best pubs around Chicago for taking in a game with some properly festive ambience, which we’ve put together with some help from our friends at TAG Heuer, the official watch and timekeeper of the U.S. Women’s National Team.
And for a primer on the tournament at large (and specifically on the ladies who will be representing the Stars and Stripes), be sure to check out our layman’s guide to the Cup.
The Globe Pub
North Center
The Globe has more than 400 beers in their coffers, and if the raucous atmosphere from last year’s men’s World Cup was any indication, you’ll be enjoying them with 400-some-odd fans dressed in red, white and blue. And per a tip from one of editors (and a native Chicagoan), there’s an excellent hole-in-the-wall Chinese joint next door if you need to sneak away for a quick bite and a break from the action.
1934 West Irving Park Rd.
(773) 871-3757
theglobepub.com
Cleo’s Bar & Grill
West Town
The “official” bar of the Chicago Fire attracts a festive, knowledgeable crowd, and they’ve got an ample outdoor area that’s reminiscent of the smoking patios common at London pubs should you need some fresh air. The kitchen will open early during the World Cup, so bring an appetite.
1935 W Chicago Ave.
(312) 243-5600
cleospub.com
Fadó Irish Pub
River North
A slightly more refined iteration of an Irish pub, with the cocktail menu to match. The Women’s World Cup will feature prominently in their “Summer of Soccer” programming; on Saturdays and Sunday, pair it with their excellent brunch fare, which is served until 3 p.m. (the late kickoffs start at 2).
100 West Grand Ave.
(312) 836-0066
fadoirishpub.com/chicago
A.J. Hudson’s Public House
Lakeview
AJ Hudson’s is the official bar partner of the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars, who name four members of the US squad (including standout player Julie Ertz) among their roster. We’re gonna go out on a limb and guess that most of those Red Star fans are also USWNT fans, which means this spot will not disappoint on US match days.
3801 N Ashland Ave.
(773) 348-2767
ajhudsons.com
The Galway Arms
Lincoln Park
Fun, dive-y and thoroughly Irish, with framed soccer shirts and plenty of TVs adorning the walls. Come for the football (yeah, we said it), stay for the Irish folk music (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings).
2442 North Clark St.
(773) 472-5555
galwayarms.com
Hero image courtesy of USWNT and TAG Heuer
Thanks for reading InsideHook.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get more stories just like this.