Best Places in Charlotte to Watch the 2014 World Cup (thru July 13)

The month-long 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked off last Thursday, and in my weekly events roundup I listed several Charlotte bars and restaurants that are planning to show all of the matches. I had the chance to check out a few of those bars over the weekend and I can tell World Cup fever has definitely returned to the Queen City. So I’ve expanded that list of places, which you’ll find below.
Pick your favorite spot, and check out the action over the next four weeks (runs through July 13). Team USA plays its first match this evening (June 16) at 6 p.m.
Listed in alphabetical order.
@ Bar Louie
If you live in University City, you won’t have to go far to watch the World Cup at this neighborhood bar. Daily happy hour specials. Bar Louie, 8760 JM Keynes Dr., facebook.com/barlouieuniversitycity.
@ Big Ben
Travel across the pond without leaving Charlotte, and join in the crowd that will be rooting for a variety of countries. Food and drink specials highlight the menu of authentic English fare. Big Ben British Restaurant and Pub, 2000 South Blvd., bigbenpub.com.
@ Courtyard Hooligans
This small bar on Brevard Court bar is a dedicated soccer spot year-round, and to accommodate large crowds it has set up a massive outdoor bar in the parking lot behind the building. The 40-foot bar is covered, with plenty of seating and a large projection screen with surround sound. Courtyard Hooligans, 140 Brevard Court, facebook.com/courtyardhooligans.
@ Heist Brewery
World Cup month-long celebration includes a bracket challenge, $3 pint specials, parking lot parties, team-inspired cocktails, and giveaways. Heist Brewery, 2909 N. Davidson St., heistbrewery.com.
@ Jackalope Jack’s
Beer specials complement the soccer action at this Elizabeth bar. Jackalope Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, 1936 E 7th St., jackalopejacks.com.
@ Kennedy’s
There’ll be $3 Bud Light draft and $5 Guinness on game days, along with daily specials. Kennedy’s Premium Bar & Grill, 366 N. Caswell Rd., kennedyscharlotte.com.
@ The Liberty
Your palate will thank you for dining here while watching the games. The Liberty, 1812 South Blvd., thelibertycharlotte.com.
@ Maverick Rock Taco
Hit Montford Drive, and park it at this bar where great food and drink specials match up with the tournament, including the Red, White & Blue special: chicken taco, queso dip, and Bud Light for $5. Maverick Rock Taco, 1513 Montford Dr., maverickrocktaco.com.
@ Nan and Byron’s
Watch the World Cup in the bar room, amongst a hip crowd, and check out the new summer menu. Nan and Byron’s, 1714 South Blvd., nanandbyrons.com.
@ Queen City Q
What better way to show you’re a Southerner who likes soccer than by taking in the matches over a plate of barbecue? Queen City Q, 225 E. Sixth St., queencityq.com.
@ Rí Rá
This Irish bar shows soccer games throughout the year, and is revving up for the World Cup. Daily food and drink specials, and live music and DJs on select nights. Rí Rá, 208 N. Tryon St., rira.com/charlotte.
@ Solstice Tavern
Noda’s sports bar, with its 24 TVs, is sure to draw neighbors and friends. Solstice Tavern, 3221 N. Davidson St., solsticetavern.com.
@ Studio Movie Grill
Select World Cup matches will be shown on a movie screen (for free), including team USA. Food and drink specials offered. Studio Movie Grill, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., epicentrenc.com/events/gameday.
@ Tyber Creek Pub
There’s a huge, inflated soccer ball perched on the hill facing South Boulevard, denoting that this pub is cray-cray for the World Cup. Tyber Creek Pub, 1933 South Blvd., tybercreek.com.
@ Whiskey Warehouse
This bar is home to the largest TVs in Plaza Midwood, and the Top Shelf Patio will be open for all games. Daily drink specials. Whiskey Warehouse, 1221 The Plaza, whiskeywarehouse.com.
Verify info at the web addresses listed for each event.