Q:
We'll be there in June to catch some World Cup matches. Where, besides Crown & Anchor pub, are good places to catch the matches.
A:
As soccer in general, and the World Cup in particular, gain popularity in N. America, we're finding more and more venues that broadcast English Premership football throughout the year, Champions League football, Europa League football, and World Cup Qualifiers. What follows isn't intended to be a comprehensive list, but just some top suggestions for places we can almost guarantee will have a fun atmosphere:
- As you state, both of the British Crown & Anchor pubs (1350 E. Tropicana, 702/739-0281 and 4755 Spring Mountain, 702/739-8676) will be natural choices for catching the games, with big screens (the original Trop location may charge a cover), plus their wide selection of beers and good pub grub.
- At Palazzo, Lagasse's Stadium, the huge sports lounge, would be a good venue both in terms of view and atmosphere (but food and drinks here will cost you).
- Le Burger Brasserie Sport Grille at Paris is another recommendation. If features lots of big screens, plus you can take advantage of the twofer offer in the 2010 MRB for great burgers.
- ESPN Zone at New York-New York and Blondies Bar & Grill in the Miracle Mile confirmed that they'll be showing the games live. Hofbräuhaus, the Bavarian bierkeller (4510 Paradise Rd.) said they will likely be DVRing the games and showing them later.
- Another non-casino option that's big into soccer is McMullans Irish Pub by the Orleans (702/247-7000), which will be screening the games live for free. You'll find other possible contenders in our Sports Bar section -- the big chains like PT's and Buffalo Wild Wings will almost certainly be screening the games, plus look out for other ethnic restaurants around town that will be getting in on the action if their national team is doing well.
- Casino race and sports books are another good option, of course. We just checked with Caesars Palace, one of the favorite venues among LVA readers for catching a major sporting event, and they confirmed that they're already offering a line on the favorite and will have lines on all the games in time for the tournament, which they will definitely be screening. The LV Hilton SuperBook is another obvious choice; click here for all the other reader recommendations.
The one major casualty we have to report since the last time we tackled a similar question last year, is the loss of Fadó Irish Pub (9470 Eastern Ave.), which was a big friend to soccer but succumbed earlier this year to the ongoing economic malaise that continues to hit Las Vegas hard.
Update 20 May 2010
The Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook is setting itself up as "Soccer Central" for the World Cup, with HD viewing and sound for all the games June 11-July 11, plus food and drink specials, giveaways, and free t-shirt with every $25 soccer wager.
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