“I have to say I’ve seen 10 World Cups, and this one was fantastic.” he said. “A lot of it is that the times of the games were perfect for our business. We had the 3 p.m. game, the 6 p.m. game, so the times helped. Four years ago, the games were in Qatar and some of the games were at 8 a.m. A lot of the times really suited our business in New York.”
Soccer Tavern, which has been in Sunset Park since 1929, hosted several World Cup viewing parties, including the final on July 19, where Spain came out victorious. Photo: Soccer Tavern
The neighborhood may have changed over the years, but the passion remains.
“We are in Brooklyn Chinatown, but it’s all good as we’ve got a lot of Asian friends and a great mixture of people coming,” he said.
According to the bar’s website, the neighborhood was once packed with Norwegian and Scandinavian businesses, donning the nickname “Lapskaus Boulevard.” Due to a wave of immigration in the 1980s and 90s, the neighborhood is now primarily Chinese, providing a melting pot Scandinavian, Irish and Asian culture.
“Over the last 39 days and 104 matches, Soccer Tavern became home to fans from around the world,” the bar’s Facebook page stated to its patrons. “From the opening kick to the World Cup Final, every chant, every celebration and every unforgettable moment was made even better because of you.”
“To everyone who walked through our doors, shared a pint, cheered for your country and made this tournament one to remember — thank you,” the post continued. “Your incredible support, energy and passion turned our neighborhood tavern into something truly special.”
Bay Ridge also hosted viewing parties at places like Salty Dog, Las Margaritas, The Healing Bean Cafe and The Pour House.
“Yesterday, while writing in a Lebanese cafe in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, I noticed many people glued to the TV,” said local Josh Pesin. “They were watching the World Cup Final. I left the cafe and began to drive. I passed by an American sports bar with people out the door, all watching the final with excitement. I saw a Mexican restaurant full of soccer fans, all cheering as Spain played Argentina.”
“Then, I thought about the same fervor happening with two billion people around the world,” he continued. “There is nothing as uniting as World Cup Soccer, not football, not baseball, not even the Olympics. The universality and simplicity of using one’s body to run and kick a ball around help make soccer the world’s favorite sport.”