Where To Watch the Men’s World Cup in the Twin Cities, Part II

Sota Soccer Writer

Matthew Johnson

Some of you after reading “Part I” said, “But, but, but what about such-and-such?” and others said, “sheesh, glad that article’s over.” For the record, this Part II is for the first group.

Los Sánchez – Minneapolis

2539 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
https://lossanchezmexicanrestaurant.com/branch3.html

If you want to watch the Men’s World Cup en Español, head to Nicollet and 26th. I have fond memories of watching CONCACAF games at Pancho Villa. Pancho Villa still has their Monticello location. Their former Nicollet Ave location is now Los Sanchez, who have added Eat Street to their New Hope & Richfield locations.

With the ownership change comes a spacious remodel, but some things never change. Pacifico and Dos Equis are on tap. Telemundo is on the TVs — and after busy day of soccer, I love watching some EXATLON while sipping a tasty margarita.

Open: 10 AM games and later, eventually 9 AM games and later

• Family Friendly Atmosphere
• Rotating Drink and Food Specials – see their facebook
• 15 televisions & plenty of space

Interlude: Interview with American Outlaws MSP Chapter Vice-President Jamie Campbell

MJ: Describe what the American Outlaws to someone who has never heard of the American Outlaws?

JC: The American Outlaws dedicates itself to organize passionate and enthusiastic support for [U.S.] men’s and women’s teams wherever and whenever they take the field. We commit to a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible atmosphere for all at our games and events. We host watch parties for all men’s and women’s national team matches.  

MJ: How does one become a member Nationally or to the local Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter?

JC: Through https://theamericanoutlaws.com/signup and selecting Minneapolis/St Paul as their chapter.

MJ: What locations will the AO MSP be at this World Cup cycle?

JC: For the World Cup, we will have two locations for watch parties for all USMNT matches. In Minneapolis we will be at Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee, and in St Paul we will be at Black Hart of St Paul. [See Part I for more about those locations.]

MJ: Any merch we can buy at those locations?

JC: We will have chapter scarves and chapter t-shirts for sale at both watch party locations. Our merch can also be ordered at https://ao-msp.square.site/ for shipping.

Merlin’s Rest Pub

3601 E Lake St
Minneapolis, MN 55406
https://merlinsrest.com/minneapolis-longfellow-merlins-rest-pub-events

“We are British Isles pub. We celebrate England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as the Americas. We have been in business for 16 years. We’ve become really that staple in the neighborhood. We are a premier single malt scotch and Irish whiskey house. We definitely have a niche. However, it’s not we’re not stuffy. We really thrive on the fact that everyone is welcome, whether you’re two years old or you’re 102 years old.”

Nichole Munce, manager at Merlin’s Rest Pub

Open: 10 AM and eventually 9 AM games and later
Schedule

• house-made double sausage, egg and cheese croissant sandwich
• brown butter mushroom and caramelized onion, veggie egg sandwich
• blueberry scones, a cranberry orange scone, and a cinnamon apple muffin
• high-traffic games: limited menu but will sitll include Bangers and Mash, Irish burger, Fish and Chips, Scotch eggs, etc.
• Finnegans plus many imports on tap, e.g. a perfectly poured Guinness takes 5-7 min. They take time to pour it the right way “no matter how busy we are,” Nichole says.

Nichole also added that Merlin Rest’s sister location Eagan Arms Pub
https://eaganarms.com/eagan-eagan-arms-public-house-events
will have the same food specials but a slightly different schedule. Check the link above.

Eastlake Craft Brewery / Moroccan Flavors

920 E Lake St #123 / #122 [Southeast corner of Midtown Global Market]
Minneapolis, MN 55407
https://www.eastlakemgm.com

“We’re in an international food court. So on any given day, it’s a great place to eat. . . . During the World Cup, you can get food from Morocco, Mexico, Venezuela, from all over.”

Davin Haukebo-Bol, Events & Outreach for Eastlake Craft Brewery

Open: 10 AM and eventually 9 AM games and later
Schedule

• 14 beers on top
• THC Seltzer, Kombucha, NA IPA & Blonde from Athletic Beer Co.
• In-house food menu
• Food allowed from every Midtown Global Market vendor, including nearby Moroccan Flavors – menu
• Sunday, December 4, 11 AM – 4 PM: How Bazaar! Holiday Market featuring local artists and crafts

While Eastlake is not offering any specials during the World Cup, the closest Midtown Global restaurant Moroccan Flavors is. Chef and owner Hassan Ziadi let me try some of their Roasted Vegetable Tapanade with Spicy Moroccan Olives and Baguette Slices.

This Tapanade + Spicy Olives would pair well with Eastlake’s Blueliner (American Pale Ale), the hoppier Leafy Greens (West Coast IPA), or lemony and crisp Silenzio, Bruno! (Italian Pils collaboration with La Doña) on the lighter side. Eastlake also has a Black IPA and vegan Almond Milk Stout for the dark beer lovers too.

Whew! I made it. You made it. Two articles about where to watch the Men’s World Cup in the Twin Cities. Again, comment here or reach out on twitter if we missed your favorite spot [Note: your comments inspired Part III]. Enjoy the games, food, drink, and the Sota Soccer content.