The biggest World Cup ever sadly ends on Sunday, and with that, the likely massive throng of crowds that flocked to select viewing bars across the country.
While Argentina and Spain clash for global dominance on the pitch (and England hopes to bring home at least bronze versus France), the other, far more savory battle existed at the various bars and pop-ups that hosted watch parties for games all tournament long. Thanks to a new report from Lyft, we now have an idea of where Texans frequented the most during the tournament.
Among the Top 10 bars across the United States for the World Cup, Happiest Hour in Dallas ranked at No. 6 on the list, followed by Chalmers in Austin at No. 10. The No. 1 spot was occupied by Number Thirty Eight in Denver, Colorado, followed by Brit’s Pub in Minneapolis, Cicso Brewers in Boston, Fairplay in San Diego, Nomad World Pup in Milwaukee. Trailing behind Happiest Hour but above Chalmers were Tequila Cowboy in Pittsburgh, Franklin Hall in Washington, D.C., and Amsterdam Tavern in St. Louis.
According to a FOS report, bars in the top 10 frequently raved about the business the World Cup brought, with some owners bragging about multiple “$100,000 days” of business, having to build auxiliary bars to keep people coming in and more. The most popular group of fans? Supporters of Mexico’s El Tri, who bar operators championed as the “most fun” and “spendhappy” with the tournament’s drink of choice: Modelo beer.
Of course, this particular World Cup will have plenty of memories outside of Messi, Mbappe or Kane brilliance. Where would we be without the tales of Brits packing out the Londoner Pub in Dallas’ Glencoe neighborhood and drinking the place absolutely dry? Or the Democratic Republic of Congo deciding the world stage was a perfect opportunity to stunt on us all with lively fashion. Or Cape Verde, the people’s World Cup champion, making Houston home on the first stop to a true Cinderella story?
Perhaps the greatest summation about Texas’ impact on this World Cup, actual soccer or otherwise, comes from goal-scoring terminator Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City star left Texas with a fondness for cowboy couture and stuffed raccoons with a fondness for booze, one that no doubt will savor its time next to a ridiculous collection of Birkin bags and the finest tales of soccer glory as the room’s most discussed item ever brought back from a state that literally houses what could have been two venues for World Cup soccer action.
Still, even if Houston was left out in the cold, bar-wise, on this World Cup list, the city earned rave reviews from international travelers who visited for the matches.