Where to Watch European Soccer in New York City

August heralds many things in New York City: the end of summer, the start of school, and even The U.S. Open. For many Europeans, however, it represents the return of top flight European club soccer. Everyone has their own opinion on which country boasts the best teams and league, but every soccer fan agrees there’s no better sight than seeing your favorite club wearing their new kit at the start of the season.European soccer leagues play every weekend during the season, and because of the time difference games are shown relatively early in New York City (so you have the rest of your day to be productive!) The early start times don’t stop NYC crowds from getting rowdy and cheering their clubs to victory every weekend at bars like Nevada Smiths and Central Bar. These bars have a very a European atmosphere so if you’re feeling a bit homesick, this environment will do you some good.Below are some of our favorite soccer bars for watching European soccer:Nevada Smiths100 3rd Avenue (Between 12 & 13th Street), New York, NYNearby trains: 4, 5, 6, N, R, Q, LThe home of several of the official New York City club supporters -  Manchester United, Manchester City, AS Roma, Hamburg SV, Inter Milan, and AC Milan to name a few.  With so many supporters, it’s easy to see why Nevada Smiths is called “New York’s footie headquarters.” With plenty of soccer chants heard ringing out, it might be the closest thing to attending a game at a stadium. Nevada Smiths provides a true international experience with over 100 live matches shown per week. Just be sure to hit the deck when your team scores a goal - you will be soaked with beer. Due to the fact that many different fan bases (English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French to name a few) come here every week to watch their club’s game, Nevada Smiths gets crowded quickly, so come early on match day!Central Bar109 East 9th Street, New York, NYNearby trains: 6, N, R, WIf you want a lively and passionate atmosphere but with a bit more space than Nevada Smiths, Central Bar is your best option. This fun bar shows all Barclays Premier League and Champions League matches on 6 plasma screens and a 12 foot projector upstairs. One of our favorite memories at Central Bar was celebrating the Spanish as they won the 2010 World Cup!Blind Pig233 East 14th Street, New York, NYNearby trains: 4, 5, 6, N, R, W, LThe official home of the NYC Arsenal Supporters, the Blind Pig gets quite rowdy every Saturday and Sunday morning! Led by the boisterous Arsenal supporters, the Blind Pig provides the perfect example of a passionate and fun fan base. The Blind Pig has 4 big screens and 5 Plasma screens showing all DirecTV packages so feel free to head on over for any big sporting event.FloydNY131 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NYNearby trains: 4, 5, 2, 3Situated on the border of Brooklyn Heights and Carroll Gardens, FloydNY boasts a far more relaxed atmosphere than the other soccer pubs -  but it’s still plenty of fun! It tends to attract English fans in the morning, before Spain’s La Liga gets going in the afternoon. Watch the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi without feeling crowded. After the match you can join in their legendary bocce matches located in the bar!Berry Park4 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NYNearby trains: GRelatively new but definitely awesome, Berry Park’s rooftop bar with a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline and their big screen TVs make this bar a great place to watch soccer. Another plus is that this venue is in our list of the best beer gardens in NYC! Be warned: With Brooklyn’s diverse, international community likely to be vying for space, you’ll need to arrive early or risk being left out!The Irish Rogue356 West 44th Street, New York, NYNearby trains: A, C, EHome of the Real Madrid Supporters Club, one word describes The Irish Rogue: rowdy. Real Madrid is a passion point for many of the Spanish in New York City and similar to the Blind Pig you will experience an enthusiastic fan base.  When a call goes against Los Blancos there is sure to be a lot of yelling at the big screen, but you’ll be in for a treat once they score (which shouldn’t take long).Legends6 West 33rd Street, New York, NYNearby trains: B, D, F, M, N, Q, RNicknamed “The Football Factory,” Legends is a large space in Midtown with live television coverage on all three floors. For those who don’t like to be cramped into tiny spaces, Legends is the the place to be. On any given day there’s a wide variety of soccer fans.The Park Slope ChipShop129 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NYNearby trains: 2,3,4,5The Park Slope ChipShop puts a smile on the face of any Brit ex-pat. Delicious fish and chips with beer usually compliment the exciting Barclay’s Premier League soccer. Enjoy your Saturday morning watching Manchester United, Chelsea and all the other greats at this fun Brooklyn establishment.Mulberry Street Bar176 Mulberry Street, New York, NYNearby trains: B, D, J, Z, 6, N, QLocated in Little Italy, this old establishment provides an authentic Italian experience when watching Italy’s Serie A. Join in the fun and cheer on teams like AS Roma and Inter Milan with the expressive Italians! The bar boasts 5 plasma screen TVs and an array of beer on tap.A Few NYC Supporters Headquarters:11th Street Bar: Liverpool FCLegends: Chelsea FCNevada Smiths: Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Aston Villa, Fulham, Hamburg SV, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Olympique de Marseille, AC Milan, Newcastle United, PSG, AS Roma, West Ham UnitedBlind Pig: ArsenalThe Irish Rogue: Real MadridFloydNY: Tottenham

WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS AT HOME

Luckily for internationals the sport has grown tremendously in the United States and if you’re not in the mood to go to a pub every morning you’ll be happy to know that league games are available on an array of TV channels.Spain’s La LigaGol TV, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX Deportes, ESPN3 (ESPN’s online channel), ESPN DeportesEngland’s Barclays Premier LeagueFox Soccer Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, FOX Deportes, ESPN DeportesItaly’s Serie AFox Soccer Channel, FOX Deportes, ESPN3Germany’s BundesligaGol TV, ESPN3, ESPN DeportesFrance’s Ligue 1ESPN Deportes, ESPN3We encourage you to visit some of these bars to find your favorite; soon enough you’ll be waking up early every weekend morning and having yourself a good dose of footie!