Still want to watch the World Cup in Boise? Here are your must-go bars for live soccer
We knew it would probably happen at some point, but that didn’t make it any less painful or disappointing: The United States is out of the World Cup.
A 3-1 loss to the Netherlands last Saturday sealed the U.S. fate, ending the country’s run at the Round of 16 stage and leaving thoughts of “what could have been.”
But just because the U.S. was sent packing home, the World Cup is far from over — the quarterfinals start on Friday, with the final eight countries vying for soccer’s greatest prize.
Morocco continues to be the World Cup’s Cinderella story and is looking to make history by becoming the first African nation to make a World Cup semifinal, but first, they must get past talented Portugal. Meanwhile, tournament favorites England and France face off in the quarterfinals, while a potential semifinal matchup between Brazil and Argentina is tantalizingly close.
Boise has shown itself to be a burgeoning soccer hub with fans from around the world, and just because the U.S. is out doesn’t mean soccer will fade away in the Treasure Valley.
Most sports bars will likely turn over the channel on a TV to the World Cup if you ask, but some spots around the Treasure Valley are more dedicated than others.
Here are some of the best bars in the Treasure Valley that will continue showing the World Cup through to the final on Dec. 18. If you know of any other bars that will continue offering World Cup games, email Sgoodwin@idahostatesman.com with the bar and whether they cater to any specific fan base.
Liga Boise - 624 W. Idaho St.
Liga is an international sports bar in the heart of downtown that is committed to showing international sports year-round, from soccer to cricket to motorsports. With flags of soccer teams from around the world plastering the bar walls, Liga is open to fans of all countries.
Double Tap Pub - 409 S. 8th St.
Already known as the home of the American Outlaws, the U.S. soccer supporters group, Double Tap Pub was a go-to spot for U.S. fans. But the bar has shown every World Cup game to date, drawing in nationalities from all over the world, and will continue to do so for the rest of the tournament.
Parilla Grill - 1512 N. 13th St.
Although Mexico crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage, Parilla Grill will continue to be the North End’s go-to sports bar for soccer games.
Prost German Pub - 274 N. 8th St.
Prost has a distinctively Bavarian feel, and it was undoubtedly the home for many a German fan this World Cup until the Germans disappointed with a second consecutive group-stage exit. But it’s also known to be the home bar for Belgians — who also suffered a group stage exit — and the Dutch, who face off against Argentina in an amazing quarterfinal matchup on Friday at noon.
The Empanada Club - 1580 N. Stonehenge Way
While the Dutch fans will be at Prost on Friday, you can find Argentina fans at The Empanada Club in Meridian. The restaurant, which predictably specializes in the South American cuisine of empanadas, has been showing U.S. and Argentina games throughout the tournament.
Twin Peaks - 7751 W. Spectrum St.
Although known for its sports-watching capabilities year-round, Twin Peaks has made a conscious effort to show World Cup games throughout the tournament and will be open for noon games for the remainder of the World Cup.
