Boston's Best Soccer Bars
The Banshee
934 Dorchester Ave.
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 436-9747
www.bansheeboston.com
This Dorchester destination is a proud Irish bar through and through, inhabited with immigrants from patrons to staff of the Celtic persuasion who also happen to love their soccer. European sports are always on the telly here at The Banshee, with odds being pretty good that there will be some sort of league soccer game big screened upon your arrival. Once you do arrive and order a pint, however, stay for the food. The Banshee has earned a reputation for providing some high quality grub for your buck, including traditional favorites bangers and mash, homemade fish and chips, and delicious Shephard's Pie. All par for the course at a place where European soccer culture thrives.
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Phoenix Landing
512 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 576-6260
www.phoenixlandingbar.com
Central Square can be a busy, bustling city epicenter at any time of day, which makes Phoenix Landing a perfect neighborhood pub to relax, have a few beers, people-watch, or enjoy a soccer game on any of the club's situated televisions. Soccer fans tend to congregate here at The Landing; a boisterous yet passionate crowd who lean toward the Chelsea and Real Madrid clubs, although many other games enjoy screen time here, as well. This place is well rounded to the core, offering a wide variety of nighttime entertainment in addition to their established sports theme, including, among others, DJs and dancing. There's always something going down at Phoenix Landing.
McGann's Pub
197 Portland St
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 227-4059
www.mcgannsirishpub.com
It probably shouldn't surprise anyone that we're likely to explore quite a few Irish pubs during our journey into Boston's best soccer bars, with McGann's being no exception. Although this pub is located quite close to the Garden, the floor can actually prove to be quite relaxed if you manage to arrive on the right evening. Don't expect soccer matches to be relegated to muted background filler, either, for you're far more likely to find all three of the bar's big screen TVs occupied with some fleet, foot-flyin' action with full volume. There's a measured dedication to the game apparent here which you might not find at other joints, which is only one of the reasons why McGann's is a dark horse soccer bar contender with true potential.
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Caffe Paradiso
255 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-1768
www.caffeparadiso.com
When you walk into a joint, and one of the first things you notice is a soccer scarf and various game memorabilia, you know you're at a place which takes the game pretty seriously. Indeed, Caffe Paradiso possesses an immediate European atmosphere, specializing in strong coffees (including those of the spiked variety) tiramisu, cannoli and gelato for the perfect after-dinner indulgence. While a jaunt to Caffe Paradiso can prove pricy at times, the enthusiasm with which the staff embraces their international soccer makes this place a unique, out of the way stop for those seeking something different, and a little low key.
The Field
20 Prospect St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 354-7345
www.thefieldpub.com
The Field is another Central Square spot which bleeds old school Irish. Soccer is a prime, big deal here, with many patrons and members of the staff boisterously engaging the games on TV. A wide beer selection and a stick-to-your-ribs pub food menu highlight this no frills, cash only bar, while a surprise back patio area makes for a perfect place to defend your favorite club 'gainst your obviously misinformed mates. The Field's friendly and courteous wait staff are only a plus for this nondescript, yet solidly satisfying soccer joint which welcomes fans from across the globe, whether you're Manchester or West Ham, Benfica or Sporting!
