Alright, guys - we all know this is THE weekend in Montreal. F1 Grand Prix is here, and the racing festivities have descended upon Montreal. It's happening NOW!ย
Not to mention the other great festivals also happening simultaneously in Montreal - I'm talkingย about MURAL Fest and Francos De Montreal.ย
Pretty soon, though, F1 will have come and gone and we will be in the middle of summertime. That means soon it will be time to watch the world on the next great sporting event of 2018.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup is set to go off in Russiaย and will begin on June 14th, just one week away!ย
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Normally, if I was to watch an event such as this I would go to my fail-safe bar, The Irish Embassy. Sadly, that is not a possibility this year as that bar, along with some neighbours, was destroyed by a major fire earlier this year.ย
So, it left me wondering where else are all the good spots to watch the coming soccer championship games?ย
The FIFA World Cup games will be playing all over Montreal, with many restos and bars showing every single game throughout the championships.ย
Most of these places are popular, and with an event like this, they are sure to be packed! Every one of them advises spectators to arrive early to get yourself the best seat in the house!
Here are some Montreal bars to hit up during the FIFA World Cup, 2018:ย
1. Burgundy Lion
Voted 2nd Best Pub Grub in Montreal for 2018, this modern English pub will be home to all the FIFA fans cheering on England this year, and will have six different TVs showing different games simultaneously! This is the spot to go to if you wanna take in other games than your chosen team.
2. Cafรฉ Olympico
Cafe Olympico in Montreal's Mile-End is a hotspot for FIFA World Cup games every year for those of us who are not looking to get a little tipsy with some drinks. This European style cafe does have amazing coffee and food, and will be showing all the games! A perfect fit for a more chilled out FIFA 2018 viewing.
3. Club St. James
Patrons who head to Club St. James to watch the FIFA World Cup games will be treated to a free glass of wine with your meal. This downtown bar will be showing games on specific days during the World Cup 2018.
4. Le Bayou Bar
Le Bayou Bar will be showing every game on their screens throughout the pub and cocktail lounge. As the games will all be happening at different times, the bar's administration has told me that patrons who come to drink and watch the FIFA World Cup are more than welcome to bring food of their own to enjoy!.. So long as you're drinking, too!
Let's be honest. We'll all be drinking.
5. PJ's Pub
PJ's Pub, located a bit west of Monkland Village is your go-to FIFA World Cup joint for those of you who might want to avoid all the commotion in downtown and the Plateau. They will be showing every game, with standard specials and menus selections available.
6. Bruno Sports Bar
Similarly, for those of you who want to steer clear of the heavily populated areas, Bruno Sports Bar up in the Beaubien E area will be showing every game during the World Championship games.
7. McLean's Pub
McLean's Irish Pub boasts an amazing menu of eats, and this downtown sports bar will also be showing the FIFA World Cup games throughout the championships. They have daily food and drink specials, cheap wings - and tons of TVs! What more could one want?
8. Bar Chez Surge
Another Mile-End bar, Chez Surge is a chill spot with amazing craft cocktails, beers on tap - and they even have a mechanical bull to ride in between games if you'd like! They will be showing the FIFA World Cup games as they usually do, with daily specials available.
9. McKibbin's Irish Pub
A Montreal classic stretched out over 3 floors, McKibbin's Irish Pub will be showing all the FIFA World Cup games this year. This massive bar will be serving up their delicious Irish breakfast for every morning and weekend game during the championships, with Irish coffees and beers available all day, regardless of game time.
McKibbin's Irish Pub Bishop - 1426 Rue Bishop
McKibbin's Irish Pub Plateau - 3515 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
10. Lord William Pub
Part of the Ye Olde Orchard family, Lord William Pub is perfectly situated in between Little Burgundy, and Griffintown. The perfect space to watch the World Cup games - and after the morning games, take your day drunk self down to the canal, kick back and daydream about all the crazy FIFA moments.
11. Ye Olde Orchard Pubs
NDG's hottest spot to watch any sports game, Ye Old Orchard is a family of bars - but their NDG location is lit! This chain of Montreal pubs is all over the city, with off-Island locations open and viewing as well. Check those out here.
Ye Olde pubs will be offering their standard breakfast, lunch and dinner menus during game times, as well as happy hour shots and drink specials, too!
Ye Olde Orchard NDG - 5563 Monkland Ave
Ye Olde Orchard Downtown - 1189 Rue de la Montagne
Ye Old Orchard Plateau - 20 Prince Arthur St W.
12. NextDoor Pub
@nextdoorpubNDG's more intimate, underground basement bar. NextDoor Pub is cozy, and packs in a ton of high energy for game days. This venue isn't super huge, so get there early for game days to secure the best spot in the joint. Next Door Pub is offering unlimited caesars and mimosas deals for $25, and their delicious wings at $0.29!
13. Station des Sports
Probably the least fancy place on the list, this is your straight-forward sports bar option. Their menu will be standard, but the display of TVs might be the most impressive! Some booths will have TVs built right into them, so call ahead and make a reservation for FIFA World Cup now!
They've also got a solid breakfast menu for early morning and weekend games.
14. 1909 Taverne Moderne
With a location in Montreal and another in Laval, 1909 Taverne Moderne is another great spot to take in the FIFA World Cup games! They have a kick-ass menu, and kids are welcome to join so long as they are with their parents!
They're located right in the heart of downtown, and the bar will be broadcasting every game during the World Cup, and you can check out their event pages right here.
1280 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montrรฉal
1950 Rue Claude-Gagnรฉ suite 401, Laval
This is just a few places throughout Montreal in different areas showing the games this year. I am sure there are many other great places to take in all FIFA has to offer in 2018 - and if I missed one of your favourites, let us know!