The obsession of this summer is World Cup soccer. It’s the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, including the United States, with 16 cities hosting games. It’s also the first World Cup tournament to include 48 teams, an expansion from 32. So there’s more to cheer about this June and July with multiple games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Get ready to be caught up in all the hoopla, action, matches and excitement.
Watching a world-class soccer game is so much better in a crowd than alone on your couch. Here are some great bars and restaurants for your summer soccer tour on the Seacoast.
The June Cork Pub | Dover
Details: 66 Third St., Dover, (603) 343-1181, thejunecorkpub.com
This true British Pub is the place to cheer on any country you’re rooting for in the World Cup. Owner John Bushnell, an avid soccer player and fan, loves watching soccer live in a pub surrounded by equally passionate fans, and would travel far and wide to have that experience for a match. He opened the June Cork Pub to create that atmosphere on the Seacoast. He was on to something as the pub celebrates its sixth anniversary on June 5. Authentic British pub fare is on the menu including a traditional English breakfast, pub pies and “the best Fish and Chips this side of the Atlantic,” according to its website, as well as many, many beers. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for announcements on opening times for matches. He announced in a video that they’re suspending reservations during World Cup competition, which begins June 11, so it’s first-come, first-served for a seat. You’re going to have to get there early, and stay late, which is exactly what June Cork was designed for.
Liars Bench Beer Co. | Portsmouth
Details: 454 Islington St., No. 4, Portsmouth, (603) 294-9156, liarsbenchbeer.com
Liars Bench is hosting a USA vs. Paraguay World Cup watch party on Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The U.S. men’s team will make its tournament debut at 9 p.m. on a big screen outside, rain or shine. Beer from Loaded Question, Garrison City Beerworks and Rek-Lis will be available in addition to Liars Bench brews. Food will be available from Liars Bench. Tickets are $10, and proceeds will benefit the N.H. Soccer Project and Prescott Park Arts Festival. The earlier Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Canada match at 3 p.m. will be shown, too, and is not part of the ticket event. All are welcome.
3 Point Bar and Grille | Portsmouth
Details: 3612 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, (603) 380-9906, 3pointbarandgrille.com
With drinks like the Tropical Timeout, the Halftime Honey and the Buzzer Beater, and a menu with Kickoff Starters, All-Star Sandwiches, Power Play Pizzas and Victory Dishes, 3 Point is a sports bar through and through. It’s a great place to catch a World Cup match with lots of TVs, tables and space at the bar.
TJ’s of Portsmouth | Portsmouth
Details: 54 Daniel St., Portsmouth, (603) 433-0844, https://www.tjsofportsmouth.com/
Portsmouth’s downtown sports bar, TJ’s has the TVs and the game food to last all World Cup long. Not to mention the endless line-up of cocktails and beer.
Endzone | Dover
Details: 421 Central Ave., Dover, (603) 842-4849, facebook.com/p/Endzone-61558102425457/
With fun food and atmosphere,The Endzone’s menu of Red Zone Smash Burgers, Sidelines and The Field of salads make it a great place to watch the World Cup while enjoying a meal. It’s also family-friendly with a very kid-savvy children’s menu to please the whole family.
Revolution Tap Room and Grill | Rochester
Details: 61 North Main St., Rochester, (603) 244-3022, revolutiontaproomandgrill.com
Named Best Pub and Bar for five years in a row by Restaurant Guru, Revolution Tap Room is known for its innovative food and pizzas, and has 40 beers on tap. You can try a different one each World Cup game.
Wing-Itz | Hampton, Dover, Newmarket
Details: 603 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 603-436-9464; 256 Central Ave., Dover, 603-436-9464; 96 Main St., Newmarket, 603-436-9464, wing-itz.com
On the Wing-Itz patio in Hampton, you can be outside and enjoy the weather while also watching a World Cup game. Wing-Itz’ Dover location has the new Axe and Tap, with billiards, axe-throwing, steel tip darts and electronic dart boards, where you and your friends can play while keeping tabs on the soccer match.
Tour | Portsmouth
Details:581 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, 603-373-0584, tourportsmouth.com
At Tour, you can play a round of golf in one of their simulators and enjoy a game of mini-golf while watching the World Cup. Or follow every minute of the action on its many TVs, so many TVs. It’s a good idea to reserve a simulator or a table in advance to ensure a spot.
Red’s Kitchen and Tavern | Seabrook
Details: 530 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, seabrook.redskitchenandtavern.com, 603-760-0030
Many comfort food choices served in a family-friendly atmosphere with lots of seating makes this a great place to watch a World Cup game.
State Street Saloon | Portsmouth
Details: 43 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, (603) 431-4357, thestateybar.com
The bank of TVs at State Street Saloon will be on, making this a great spot to hang out for World Cup games in the heart of downtown Portsmouth.
Mojo’s West End Tavern | Portsmouth
Details: 95 Brewery Lane, Portsmouth, 603-436-6656, mojoswestendtavern.com
The sports mecca of the West End, Mojo’s has lots of room and TVs in a casual atmosphere with good food and beer. What more could you want when watching the World Cup?
The Shanty | Portsmouth and Rollinsford
Details: 115 Mirona Road, Portsmouth, 603-294-0111; 489 Portland Ave., Rollinsford, 603-605-6537; theshanty.com
This family-friendly atmosphere has affordable comfort food and plenty of beer to last through the World Cup tournament in both locations.
Clipper Tavern | Portsmouth
Details: 75 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, 603-501-0109, clippertavernportsmouth.com
Between its eight kinds of sliders and The Clipper Burger to its Skillet Havarti Mac and affordable prices, The Clipper Tavern is a great local spot to watch the World Cup.
Locals Bar and Grill | North Hampton
Details: 215 Lafayette Road, North Hampton, (603) 379-2729, localsrestaurantpub.com
Locals is the place to grab a beer and watch a game. And it has two indoor golf simulators you can book to play and a great outdoor deck.
Paddy’s American Grille | Portsmouth
Details: 27 International Drive, Portsmouth, on Pease Tradeport, 603-430-9450, paddysgrille.com
Paddy’s soccer-field-sized room and bar area with TVs gives any size party plenty of room to watch a World Cup game. You can play pool while you watch. There’s also traditional restaurant seating to watch from and the Paddy-o is open now, too.
Legends Billiards and Tavern | Portsmouth
Details: 80 Hanover St., Portsmouth, 433-1154, https://www.legendsportsmouth.com/
With a recently remodeled interior, and a menu refocused on barbecue, Legends is a spacious gathering spot for any size group with plenty of viewing angles with all its TV screens.
Thirsty Moose | Portsmouth, Dover and Exeter
Details: 21 Congress St., Portsmouth, 603-427-8645; 83 Washington St., Dover, 603-842-5229; 72 Portsmouth Ave., Exeter, 603-418-7632; thirstymoosetaphouse.com
All three locations are the right place to watch a World Cup game with plenty of room to sit and stand, lots of TVs, pub food and pizza, and many, many beers to choose from.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Jane Murphy.
