English football is already underway, and the Premier League officially kicks off this weekend, making it one of the most exciting times of the year for international soccer fans. The hope is still alive, new transfers are bedding in, and the top of the table is, at least for now, up for grabs. If this is your first season after catching soccer fever during the World Cup, welcome aboard. It’s a blast.
While most of the region is focused on American football, there are still plenty of places to catch the beautiful game in St. Pete and beyond, with many opening early so you can enjoy a full English breakfast with a side of a London Derby. Unsurprisingly, British and Irish pubs make several appearances on this list, and we’re never opposed to a mid-morning Guinness.
This guide focuses on venues where you can reliably watch soccer, especially Premier League matches. If you’re looking for college or NFL football, check out our sports bars guide, but note that English football can be harder to find in those settings once fall rolls around.
If you know a good spot we missed, email us at info@ilovetheburg.com so we can add it. And if you see any of our crew out catching a match, say hi. It’s also a great time to enjoy a match in person, with the Tampa Bay Rowdies deep into their season in St. Pete and Tampa Bay Sun FC just beginning their season in Tampa.
Two notes here before we begin. First, if you’re looking for a club to support, I have a recommendation befitting St. Pete. Second, we will soon be adding Gulfport’s Moon Under Water to the list, and it may well immediately jump to the top once the British pub opens with its massive sports bar area. Grand Central Brewhouse is also an excellent pick for games that are on during their usual operating hours or for any Arsenal match (they’re the home of the local supporters club), but they won’t be your spot for a 9 am Coventry-Sunderland tilt.
Photo via Jack’s London Grill
Where to watch soccer in St. Pete (in alphabetical order):
Dublin Drop – 129 1st Ave. N.
The newest Irish bar downtown is also likely the biggest, by square footage, dedicated to soccer. Expect a rowdy atmosphere, plenty of beer and shot specials, and hearty Irish eats.
Green Turtle Brewing – 534 Central Ave.
A small-batch craft brewery and traditional English pub, Green Turtle opens early every Saturday and Sunday so you can catch every match. It’s the only bar in town with cask ales, and soon it will offer house-baked pizzas alongside British pub favorites from Jack’s London Grill.
The Tampa Bay Brighton supporters club gathers at Horse & Jockey
The Horse and Jockey – 1155 Pasadena Ave. S.
Pinellas County’s original football-crazed bar, The Horse and Jockey delivers EPL action and excellent British food. It’s conveniently located near a SunRunner stop, making it easy to enjoy a mid-day pint or two.
Jack’s London Grill – 1050 62nd Ave. N.
The go-to for Premier League action in North St. Pete, Jack’s has served some of the best fish and chips in town for more than a decade. It’s a laid-back spot to catch games every weekend.
Localz Sports Bar – 1 Beach Dr.
While not strictly a soccer bar, Localz earns a spot for reliably showing matches before college and NFL games begin. Staff are happy to put the TV nearest your table on your match of choice, so getting a United game on during a Florida State game is actually do-able. Plus, the upscale bar food is great.
Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern – 29 3rd St. N.
Downtown’s Mary Margaret’s is the go-to for our team, with TVs both indoors and out, sound on for the main game, and outstanding Irish grub. Like any proper pub on matchday, it can get to the point of standing room only on occasion, but that only adds to the atmosphere. Get in early to have an Irish breakfast with the first game of the day.
Soccer bars beyond St. Pete
MacDinton’s Irish Pub – 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa
MacDinton’s is the runaway top pick for catching soccer year-round in Tampa, with its plethora of TVs showing all the big games on, along with plenty of pub grub and reasonably priced drinks. Always a lively atmosphere no matter what team you support.
Maloney’s Local – 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Another downtown Tampa staple, this Irish pub is packed with Liverpool fans every weekend. Tons of huge TVs, gameday specials, patio seating and indulgent Irish-inspired bar food make it the perfect spot all weekend.
James Joyce Irish Pub – 1724 E. 8th Ave., Tampa
Spurs fans, this one is for you. Ybor may be known for cigars, but this spot is all about the footy, with a particular emphasis on Tottenham Hotspur. They have a creative menu of Irish and Irish-fusion pub eats, with a laid-back atmosphere outside of the usual Ybor City hullabaloo.
Yeoman’s – 202 N. Morgan St., Tampa
Two parts English pub, and one part TopGolf experience, Yeoman’s is a lively spot to casually catch some games while trying their virtual TopGolf Swing Suite during halftime or after your match of choice. They have a particularly good brunch, if you’re going for an early game, along with a lengthy lunch menu of American bar food and English staples.