In a couple of days, Brazil will be the center of the world. And over the course of the World Cup, Rio will host seven matches, including the big final. Needless to say, the city is already packed with visitors from all over the world, all of them hoping for a ticket to watch at least one of those matches at legendary Maracanã Stadium. But only a privileged few will get to see the beautiful game in person; most people will support their national teams in front of a TV. But where? Inside a boring hotel room? Of course not. Everybody will be on the streets trying to find a good place to watch the games and have a lot of fun at the same time. And in Rio, watching soccer matches at bars is a national sport that is almost as important as the futebol itself. Here’s our list of the best “watch-and-drink” bars in town.

Bar da Eva
Located in the neighborhood of Grajaú, in the North Zone, Bar de Eva is small in size but big on good times. It was founded by peladeiros, street (and park and beach) soccer players – true lovers of the sport. Everything in this bar is about the game, from the decorations to the menu. The room is dominated by a huge picture of Camp Nou, Barcelona’s famous stadium, and the sandwiches are named after famous players, some of whom may even be among the customers. Unsurprisingly, Bar da Eva will be one of the best places to watch the World Cup. Three huge TVs will be tuned to the event all day, every day, showing all the matches. Brazil’s games will be special occasions, of course, but this place is really for everyone. Even if you want to watch Honduras versus Switzerland.

Bar da Foca
A typical college and soccer-fan bar, Foca will be packed every single day during the World Cup. The bar doesn’t have a room, per se; it’s pretty much a bunda de fora – a botequim (traditional bar) so tiny that your “butt hangs outside” – with tables on the sidewalk. The two big TVs here permit anyone who passes by to watch the matches, turning the street into a big party, with many in attendance drinking industrial quantities of beer. That’s the situation on a Sunday during the national championship matches, so you can just imagine what it’s going to be like during the World Cup. When you remember to eat, try the marguerita pizza.

Shelter Bar
Owned by the same people who brought us Bar da Foca, Shelter is located just across the street, inside a hostel, but it’s worlds away from its sister venue. Compared to Foca, it’s more comfortable, air-conditioned and less noisy. The TV is massive, and there are plenty of special beers on offer. During the World Cup, Shelter will keep longer hours. It’s also an official “Budweiser Bar,” meaning that on days when Brazil is playing, it will offer all kinds of promotions.

Real Chopp
This bar is practically in the middle of the street, with almost all the tables on the sidewalk, but it’s not for students or neophyte fans. This is a place for futebol experts, a place to really watch the games, listen to the commentators and offer one’s own – considered, sophisticated – observations during the intervals. The Portuguese owners promise special treatment to those who support their national team. They make some of the most delicious petiscos found at a carioca bar and offer more than 50 finger-food options. Wash it all down with the draft beer that’s considered one of the three best “chopps” in town. The only problem here is that the TVs are not so big, so on days when Brazil is playing, arriving early is highly recommended.

Published on June 10, 2014

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