Where to watch the World Cup at Kansas City-area restaurants and bars
Soccer fans don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on tickets to watch the World Cup. Watching the several games taking place in Kansas City and the many others happening across North America is as easy as cozying up at a local bar with a $5 beer or enjoying a televised game with a $20 burger and fries.
It’s no surprise that many Kansas City-area restaurants and bars are getting in on the action that is the FIFA World Cup, which city officials and business owners hope will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to KC through July 19.
Sure, you could go to the FIFA Fan Fest, where drinks are nearly $20, or to the several other major outdoor parties being held around town that must contend with weather delays.
But when the gathering calls for a tasty meal, an ice cold beer and some protection from the elements, there are multiple restaurants and bars around KC that have you covered.
Note: The restaurants and bars below are showing multiple matches; some are showing every match. You’ll want to check each business’s website or social media for information specific to the match you’re hoping to watch.
1981 K-Chicken
There aren’t many better pairings than fried chicken, beer and sports on the big screen. Specifically for the matches featuring Teams Korea and USA, this Korean fried chicken spot in Overland Park is letting guests reserve tables to enjoy crispy chicken wings and a couple of frosty Korean beers in front of a few TVs. 10412 Mastin St., Overland Park
Añejo Modern Mexican Cuisine
Take in a match among multiple TVs, modern Mexican fare and a couple (or more) margaritas at either location of Añejo. An employee confirmed the Mexican restaurant is showing every match at both their Kansas City, Kansas, and Zona Rosa restaurants, and there’s space for big groups. Wearing your team’s gear is encouraged. 8600 NW Prairie View Road; 1700 West Village Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas
Beckett’s
It’s “not your dad’s sports bar,” but this summer, Beckett’s is turning into a World Cup sports bar. The Crossroads tavern said it’s playing every match, and it’s one of the few bars approved to stay open until 5 a.m. during the World Cup. For those who want a little memento, Beckett’s is also selling some merch: a soccer jersey and scarf as part of a collaboration with MADE MOBB. 1701 McGee St.
Boulevard Brewing Co. Beer Hall
Kansas City’s most well-known craft brewery is getting in on the summer of soccer, and guests could make a day of it between watching matches at the beer hall and touring the brewery facility. Along with their beer and hard seltzers, Boulevard offers a full food menu of pub fare, large TVs to watch the matches and an outdoor patio for extra seating. 2534 Madison Ave.
Casual Animal Brewing Co.
If there’s a game on, Casual Animal Brewing is playing it on its 17-foot screen. And for most of the World Cup, they’re serving perfect soccer grub in the form of brats and sandwiches from Modern German restaurant Affäre, served from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily through July 4. 1725 McGee St.
Cezanne and J. Rieger & Co.
It’s not a restaurant or bar, but during the World Cup, this gallery in the Crossroads is turning into a World Cup watch party space with the help of KC distillery J. Rieger. The space will host three matches (on June 20, 27 and July 3) shown on multiple projectors, while soccer fans can enjoy craft cocktails from J. Rieger and bites from Westport Cafe. Admission is $5, which also comes with a soccer simulator, art exhibition and some local jewelry to browse. 2016 Main St.
Friction Beer Company
This Shawnee brewery invites lifelong soccer fans and football newbies alike to its space for every match of the World Cup. To ensure people come by to those matches happening earlier in the day, Friction is offering a hard-to-pass-up deal: For fans in their team’s gear, get $2 off on any pour of beer during matches before 5 p.m. 11018 Johnson Drive, Shawnee
Los Hornos
Argentine fans, this one’s for you. This Northland restaurant that serves Argentine cuisine is hosting multiple watch parties for Argentina matches, starting with a celebration on Sunday and then the first official watch party on Tuesday, when Argentina faces Algeria in KC. Catch the match on a 13’x10’ LED screen on Los Hornos’ back patio, and make sure you nosh on some authentic Argentine cuisine while you’re there. 10004 NW Executive Hills Blvd.
KC Bier Co.
This German-style brewery in Waldo has hosted soccer matches in its giant space for years, so it’s no wonder that KC Bier is hosting nearly all the World Cup matches that it can fit into normal hours of operation. While guests can still order from their full beer menu, KC Bier said guests should expect a limited menu of food for matches during the brewery’s busiest hours, like on weekends. Visit the brewery’s website to see which matches will be shown at KC Bier Co. 310 W. 79th St.
The Quaff Bar & Grill
It’s where native Kansas Citian and former SNL star Heidi Gardner would watch the game, so why shouldn’t you? The beloved Quaff is hosting every match at this downtown sports bar, and it’s one of only a few spots that was approved extended last call hours in KC. Their new summer menu has some aptly named items as well, like the “Hat Trick” meatball grinder and the “Match Day” fish and chips. 1010 Broadway Blvd.
Strange Days Brewing Co.
It’s a full-on Soccerpalooza at this River Market brewery, where staff is opening early and/or closing late depending on match times. Strange Days plans to play every match, too, fitting for a brewery that is known as a “second home for soccer fans” outside of the World Cup. 316 Oak St.
