Houston World Cup watch guide: Where to enjoy the tournament in H-Town

Are you ready to watch the World Cup ... and you want to spend that time with some of your favorite Houstonians?

The good news is there is plenty of demand for soccer in Bayou City so finding a restaurant or bar that has the games on should not be hard to do in any corner of the city. EaDo (East Downtown), the area right around the Houston Dynamo and Dash's PNC Stadium will be sort of a hub for a lot of these spots and a good idea if you're planning some World Cup barhopping.

That seems like a good place to start as we give you just some of the places in H-Town to watch the games. Consider some of these spots a bit more crowded too so arriving early is a good thing to keep in mind.

Pitch 25

• Location: 2120 Walker Street (77003) 
• Admission: Free and VIP Tickets
• Partners: Estrella Jalisco, Houston Dynamo/Dash, World Cup 2026 Host Committee and more

Labeled as "Houston's Biggest World Cup Party," Houston Dynamo legend (and a member of the U.S. men's national team at Germany 2006) Brian Ching will be throwing a block party with a large outdoor screen in East Downtown. A portion of Walker Street will be closed off to extend the party from Pitch 25 outdoors, behind PNC Stadium, from the opening match on Nov. 20 through the World Cup Final on Dec. 18.

The indoor-outdoor parties and festival will feature a 20-foot screen, six pop-up bars, Houston’s most popular food trucks, and appearances from international soccer legends, including former U.S. and Mexican National Team stars. The indoor bar area features more than 45 TV screens and semi-private spaces which are perfect for small groups or corporate hospitality. 

For fans who want a more exclusive viewing experience, and skip the lines, the VIP area features its own private entrance, a reserved seating area on the indoor pitch, food and two drinks. Gates will open as early as 7 a.m. (depending on the daily match schedule) and admission is free for fans of all ages. For details on daily hours and a list of food trucks, bar offerings and more, visit Facebook.com/Pitch25BeerPark.

Cobo's BBQ

• Location: 2012 Rusk Street (77003) 
• Admission: Free
• Partners: Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis, ESPN 97.5 FM Houston

One of the hottest places to watch the World Series just a few weeks ago, Cobo's shifts its hosting duties to the world's biggest soccer tournament. Houston soccer broadcaster Glenn Davis will be doing live radio starting after Monday's USA opener. The menu at Cobo's features a Mexican-inspired menu mixed with Texas BBQ culture with items like Boudin Mac-n-Brisket Quesadilla, Beef and Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas and Birria Tacos.

Texas Tailgate

• Location: 2401 Texas Street (77003)
• Admission: Free
• Partners: El Batallon - Houston Dynamo supporters group, Modelo 

Another popular spot around PNC Stadium and Minute Maid Park has more of an icehouse feel. It's the hangout spot for Dynamo supporters El Batallon who will be present throughout the World Cup. Modelo will be present with promotions, especially for the much anticipated Argentina-Mexico match on Nov. 26.

Karbach Brewing

• Location: 2032 Karbach Street (77092) 
• Admission: Free
• Partners: Houston Dynamo/Dash

One of Houston's popular breweries will be open for the World Cup matches. Located on the northwest side of town, Karbach has an indoor restaurant with an outdoor beer garden.

The Phoenix on Westheimer

• Location: 1915 Westheimer Road (77098) 
• Admission: Free
• Partners: American Outlaws (USMNT supporters)

For U.S. fans that didn't make their way to Qatar, the American Outlaws Houston chapter will be posted up at their usual spot along Westheimer. The Phoenix has your usual pub feel and is a local hangout for European matches throughout the season. 

Hugh O'Connors

• Location: 7620 Katy Fwy Unit #350 (77024)
• Admission: Free
• Partners: Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis, Houston Liverpool F.C. supporters

A modern "pub feel" that Liverpool fans call home is located in the Marq*e entertainment center. There's plenty of parking, which could be a plus compared to some of the other places on this list.

Second Draught

• Location: 4201 Main St, Suite 130 (77002)
• Admission: Free
• Partners: Dead Presidents Houston, The Surge Supporters Group

"A New Way to Support" has emerged for fans of the U.S. men's national team with a group called Dead Presidents USA. The Houston chapter, which is associated with Dynamo supporters The Surge, will be watching matches in midtown at The Ion. Second Draught is a modern pub with a lineup of local beers like Eureka Heights, True Anomaly, Saint Arnold and Galveston Island.