After being postponed last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship will finally take place beginning TODAY. Twenty-four nations will play throughout Europe for a shot at one of soccer’s top prizes. And with Chicago 100 percent opening today (FINALLY!) it’s time to pick your go-to soccer pub to watch all the matches. The matches for today and Saturday are as follows:
FRIDAY JUNE 11
Group A: Italy vs. Turkey
SATURDAY JUNE 12
- Group A: Wales vs. Switzerland – 8am
- Group B: Denmark vs. Finland – 11am
- Group B: Belgium vs. Russia – 2pm
Here is a full list of matches, courtesy of Cleo’s.
Below is a list of six of the best soccer bars in Chicago to watch the Euro 2021 Tournaments!
The Globe Pub
1934 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
The Globe is a neighborhood pub & sports bar with European soccer on TV, a jumbo beer list & British fare. I personally have been here for soccer matches and would recommend highly recommend stopping by to catch a match. It’s a smaller cozy atmosphere, but so worth it.
Cleo’s
1935 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
East Village mainstay Cleo’s is the kind of bar that is unapologetically dive-y yet is in a class all its own. An ivy-covered, 1,200 square-foot patio offers a respite from game-day crowds (sometimes). It is Chicago’s home of international soccer. They even post schedules of each Euro game that can be found here so you can make your plans accordingly.
The Atlantic
5062 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Located near the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, The Atlantic is a no-frills neighborhood bar that will show any soccer game upon request. Come for the Euro 2021, stay for classic bar-food staples and the cozy atmosphere.
Heineken Pub 97
3626 N Talman Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Heineken Pub 97 takes the meaning of a soccer bar to the next level. Not only do they feature multiple 4k TVs, a rotating draft list, and classic pub fare, they also have two full-size soccer fields available for recreational leagues, private parties, or just kicking the ball around with friends while you wait for the match to start. In the North Center neighborhood, Heineken Pub 97’s unique approach to the soccer bar experience makes it a worthwhile stop for any Euro League fan. It’s your home for everything soccer.
The Galway Arms
2442 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Irish pub in Lakeview, The Galway Arms is as discreet as it is welcoming. This basement bar serves in-the-know Lakeview residents with a penchant for Guinness and all things soccer.
The Pony Inn
1638 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
The Pony Inn is hosting a watch party THIS weekend, starting today. Come cheer for your team, watch the best of the game and soak up the atmosphere of international football, LIVE. Reservations are encouraged. Opens at 2 pm today and early Saturday.
Featured Image Credit: UEFA