picture BBC

If you, like me, always magically get super excited about the World Cup every four years, this little guide may be for you. There’s something about countries playing against each other which makes sports suddenly so much more interesting. The added international political thing, I guess. In addition, you can count on the whole thing only lasting a month. Final game July 9. No tedious best of 7 bullshit.

Since my team, Austria, didn’t even qualify (gasp!), I’ve decided to root for our neighbor and host, Germany. And because I don’t want to spend my Fussball-watching time with drunken Brits but rather, drunken Germans, I’ve picked out some spots in town to catch a beer and a game and maybe some Wurst.

Loreley is one of my favorite Germano-Austrian restaurants in town. Their Schnitzelsandwich is probably the best you can get outside of Austria. WIth four screens upstairs and a massive screen downstairs, as well as delicious food and beer, this is sure to be a fun time. Of course, they’re showing all games live with repeats in the afternoon/evening. First come, first served.

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden AKA the beer garden in Astoria is also going to be showing World Cup games although I was unable to find specific details. I’m guessing the TV watching will probably be going on inside, which is obviously not as fun as being outside, but what better to do on a Wednesday at noon but to watch soccer with drunken Czechs? (I think there’s a theme here.)

Zum Schneider needs to be boycotted. They’re selling tickets to Germany games because it gets so crowded. I guess if you wanna hang out with drunken fratboys then go ahead and pay $15.

On their website Lederhosen is loudly and proudly proclaiming its fitness as location for World Cup watching. I heart that place dearly, especially the kitschy wall mural of mountains. It’s a bit smallish so you should probably come early to get a seat. The food is delicious even if the wait staff can be authentically (and pleasantly) rude. It’s like home!

Now you have NO excuse not to play hooky from work to watch the best sporting event ever.