The Woodlands location of Kirby Ice House boasts a 300-foot jumbo screen on the patio.
Michael AnthonyThe 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is ramping up, as soccer teams from across the world are narrowed down in the Group Stage to enter the Round of 16 on Dec. 3. If you haven't yet been paying attention to the most important sports event on the planet, now's the time.
While you can watch the World Cup at home through your cable TV provider or streaming service, joining the viewing festivities at a sports bar is all part of the fun. Here's where to watch the World Cup in Houston.
La Calle boasts a long list of refreshers, including margaritas de chamoy.
Owner Ramon Soriano wants Houstonians to make his fast-casual Mexican restaurant their HQ for watching the World Cup. All locations—downtown, Midtown and Garden Oaks—are hosting watch parties starting with the 9 a.m. games. There will be tacos and margaritas, of course, and the Bagby Park location has a patio.
Find three locations and hours here.
At 141 feet, Kirby Ice House in The Woodlands has the longest bar in Texas.
Throughout the World Cup, all three locations of Kirby Ice House—Upper Kirby, Memorial and The Woodlands—will open early on weekday game days at 1 p.m., and at normal 11 a.m. time on weekends. On Saturday, Dec. 3, they will open at 9 a.m. for the USA-Netherlands game. The Houston mini-chain is known for its sprawling outdoor space and large projectors, as well as having the largest bar in Texas with its new Woodlands outpost.
Find three locations and hours here.
Picos' signature Shakerita is just one of the restaurant's many margaritas.
If you want a more refined experience than a sports bar, head to Picos, the acclaimed Mexican restaurant in Upper Kirby. The World Cup games will be viewable from the bar, lounge and front patio. The restaurant is also serving game-friendly specials for the occasion: Tajin wings, chilorio cheese fries, chipotle ribs, and a pretzel brioche breakfast sandwich for early games.
Find it: 3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098; (832) 831-9940
Pitch 25's picturesque outdoor beer garden is outfitted with screens.
Former USA and Houston Dynamo player Brian Ching opened this soccer-themed bar in 2018. Pitch 25 will show select World Cup matches, including the early games. The bar has a 20-foot screen and dozens more TVs across the space, plus food trucks for sustenance.
Find it: 2120 Walker St, Houston, TX 77003; (713) 814-8157
The Phoenix on Westheimer added outdoor space in 2020, where people can now watch the World Cup and other sports games.
The Phoenix on Westheimer is one of the best places to watch soccer in Houston. The Montrose bar will be open for all morning and afternoon World Cup games, offering special early morning and brunch menus.
Find it: 1915 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098; (713) 526-3100
The Red Lion British Pub was once featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
A traditional British pub is the perfect place to watch the footy. Red Lion will open early for select games, including the England ones, of course. The Montrose mainstay slings pints and a comprehensive menu of pub classics, such as shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash.
Find it: 2316 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019; (281) 888-3599
Fans of the USA soccer team sing the American anthem before the World Cup 2014 game against Belgium at the Richmond Arms Pub.
The Richmond Arms is another British-style pub in Houston also screening the World Cup matches. It will open at 9 a.m. for the first games through the final on Dec. 18. Expect plenty of beer, typical pub fare and $1-off happy hours.
Find it: 5920 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77057; (713) 784-7722
Social Beer Garden is a prime outdoor spot to enjoy the game.
The Midtown Houston bar is broadcasting all the World Cup games from its many TV screens peppered throughout the space. The matches will be shown in both English and Spanish, and breakfast and coffee is available at the early morning games. Plus, the bar is kid- and pet-friendly.
Find it: 3101 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77004; (713) 636-9357
Former Houston Dynamo star Brian Ching owns East End Backyard and Pitch 25.
Former USA and Houston Dynamo player Brian Ching is hosting a massive block party in East Downtown for the World Cup, taking up Walker Street between Saint Emmanuel and Hutchins. The viewing party will last throughout the sporting event, all the way to the final on Dec. 18. Expect more than 45 TV screens, three large LED screens, several bars, patio space, food trucks and entertainment.
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