Best bars to watch people score

In a world as volatile and uncertain as this one, it’s important that we as a people take a moment every now and then to set aside our differences and come together as one. And, hey, what better way to encourage global unity than a month-long, heated tournament teeming with viciously relentless athletic competition!
Despite this head-scratching paradox, the World Cup is the sporting world’s most engaging and satisfying event, taking place just once every four years. And luckily, for those of you poverty-stricken soccer aficionados who couldn’t make it to South Africa , Minneapolis bars offer an affordable, air-conditioned alternative devoid of the hot-headed crowds (depending on how the game’s going, that is).

Brit’s Pub
1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
www.britspub.com

Standing proudly as a downtown landmark for nearly two decades, Brit’s Pub might just be Minneapolis’ hotspot for all things World Cup-related. Equipped with more than a dozen screens, including a 9x12 billboard-sized display that’ll be located on the outdoor lawn, and nine indoor high-definition televisions, you won’t miss a second of the action at Brit’s.
“We’ve got the tradition. We’ve been showing games since we opened … [Brit’s] is like the unofficial headquarters for Minneapolis soccer fans,” general manager Shane Higgins said.
The quaint pub will also be airing replays of each game and offering $4 pint specials for Heineken , Newcastle and Dos Equis.

Nomad World Pub
501 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis
www.nomadpub.com

West Bank’s Nomad World Pub has been everything but discrete about their World Cup promotion. They’ve even made some upgrades with their newly-built second floor and extra televisions. Kicking off the celebration this Saturday, the Nomad will be hosting a block party and screening the U.S.A. vs. England match on their outdoor jumbotron. Consistent with the diverse World Cup environment, tunes from De La Buena, Kings Go Forth, African drummers and Brazilian dancers will follow the match.
The Nomad will be airing every game and serving breakfast burritos for early bird matches as well as lunch during the day.

Merlin’s Rest Pub
3601 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
www.merlinsrest.com

For those of you more adventurous city-dwellers, South Minneapolis’ Merlin’s Rest Pub is a quiet and cozy alternative to other more frequented venues. While Merlin’s houses only one projector screen, it compensates by offering a large selection of British Isles-style food and traditional breakfasts that they’ll be serving in support of the games. Merlin’s will be opening at 9 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday and 1 p.m. during the week.