The World Cup in Chicago

Not only is the FIFA World Cup one of the most-widely watched sporting events, but is also one of the liveliest events. Passion for the fan's respective nation is on display at the highest level. Televisions across homes, bars, stores, and offices are tuned in the for the days action. So with so many options on where to watch a World Cup match, where do you go? Well friends, BeerBin.com is here to guide you to the best Soccer Bars in the Chicago area. Next to being in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, a local Chicago Bar is your best option to experience all the passion and excitement that is part of the World Cup experience. Remember, this event is only held every 4 years. If you are going to experience the games, make sure to experience them the right way: with passionate fans and plenty of refreshing beer. On that note, here are some can't fail World Cup bars in Chicago (in no particular order):

• Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant. Situated in the centrally located Chicago neighborhood of River North, Fado's is a popular destination for locals and tourists. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, it was not uncommon to see lines formed outside the bar as fans waited for a chance to enter.
• Ginger's Ale House. About 10 blocks west of Wrigley Field in Lakeview, Ginger's Ale House was actually Voted Best Soccer Bar on numerous occasions during the '00's (that's during the decade of 2000 - 2010). During the English Premier League Season, Ginger's Ale House is the Official Bar of the Manchester United Fans of Chicago.
• a Small Bar. There are a total of 3 Small Bars in the Chicago land area. I am partial to Small Bar on Division Street in the Wicker Park area. Although, the recently opened Small Bar on Fullerton is located in the former St. Paul's Billiards Pool Hall where Tom Cruise got beaten up in the 1986 film, The Color of Money, so that's a cool claim to fame. No matter which Small Bar you choose, you can't go wrong.
• The Globe Pub. Another great Soccer Bar, it too was chosen as Best Soccer Bar in the USA. The Globe Pub occasionally hosts traveling soccer players (David Beckham has been spotted there before) or former legends of the game. The Globe Pub is located on Irving Park Road in the neighborhood of North Center.

Now, based on what I have been hearing, this World Cup will be a huge drawer of Crowds. Therefore, you might want to arrive early to your bar of choosing in order to enjoy a pint before kick off and to collect a decent seat amongst the sure-to-be crowded bar. With that said, here are some reserve bars that are new to the World Cup scene, but have potential to be starters:

• Old Town Social. A new addition to the Bar & Sports Scene in Chicago. Old Town Social will be offering special food menus and specially priced beers depending on which teams are playing that day. If you live around the Old Town neighborhood, Old Town Social is your best bet for World Cup action.
• Rockit Bar and Grill. Rockit is the "official Budweiser home for U.S. Soccer" and they will have soccer giveaways and Budweiser drink specials during the USA vs. England Soccer Match on Saturday, June 12th. A hit sports bar amongst the locals, Rockit Bar and Grill is just a couple blocks away from Fado's.
• Sushi Samba. The "black sheep" of this World Cup list, Sushi Samba has Brazilian roots and therefore you can expect a passionate crowd of Brasil fans. When I spoke to them, they said they would be opening early and offering food & drink specials during the games. Do not rule out the Japanese connection either. You will also be able to cheer on the Blue Samurais, the Japanese Soccer Team, during their World Cup run! Sushi Samba has been advertising themselves as a World Cup destination since the New Year, so you can bet they will go all out to secure your business!

So after all is said and done, any destination with a Television will be an ideal hub for the World Cup. The above-mentioned bars will definitely enhance your experience while you cheer on your favorite team. Make sure to check out our Twitter Page for frequent updates on the World Cup matches and on Bars offering specials. The World Cup begins on June 11, ends on July 11.