Now that the hockey season is over, it's time to turn full attention to the Women's World Cup. After cruising through the opening round against Colombia and besting China last week, the United States is now set to play Germany in a semifinal match on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. The final match is scheduled for Saturday, July 5. (Here's the full schedule of matches.)
One local story line is Julie Johnston of the Chicago Red Stars. She has had a phenomenal World Cup so far and will be a key part of the defense tonight.
Want to tune in? Check out these local drinking spots, all of which will be carrying the games.
Cleos Bar & Grill
1935 W. Chicago Ave.
Cleos—one of the official Chicago Fire soccer bars—is already a destination for fans in the city, so expect it to be hopping for the World Cup games. The space includes several flat screen TVs, a foosball table, a 31-foot-long bar, and a 1,200-square-foot patio beer garden. You can choose from more than 50 specialty and local beers as well as their famous homemade brick oven pizza. Specials change by the day, but tend to include $3 to $4 shots, $10 select domestic pitchers, and $1 sliders.
Crew Bar and Grill
4804 N. Broadway Ave.
One of the city's only gay sports bars will be broadcasting the game across 24 HD TVs. Enjoy quality bar grub and more than 60 beers and cocktails while you're there, plus the $5 chicken strips and $5 Absolut specials—that's Absolut mixed with anything you want.
Fadó Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave.
This River North Irish pub has three floors of iconic Irish style, filled with wood tables, stools and classic décor. It’s an ideal stop on your way home from work, with happy hour Monday through Friday including a long list of snacks and drinks for just $5. Expect it to be packed with soccer fans cheering their team on, while drinking a scotch or Guinness and made from scratch Irish cuisine. Feeling adventurous? Try the Pickleback—a Tullamore Dew whiskey with a cold pickle brine chaser.
Galway Arms
2242 N. Clark St.
If you prefer a hearty meal with your soccer watching, head to this Irish pub in Lincoln Park, where beef stew and braised lamb shank are one the menu. Fans can watch the game from TVs indoors or on the outdoor patio. The bar is stocked with something for everyone—craft beers, Irish whiskeys, and unique cordials imported from France, Italy and Mexico to name a few.
Game 7 Chicago Bar and Grill
1540 W. North Ave
Don't want to trek down to River North from the northwest side? Check out this newly opened Wicker Park spot, located in the Bench's old building. Game 7 offers 12 giant flat screen TVs and a wide selection of micros, domestics, and imports, along with the daily drink and food specials. Monday nights include a BYO Burger for $6.50 and Jameson shots and well drinks for $4.
The Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park Rd.
This English neighborhood pub and sports bar provides fans with three different rooms, each with six flat screen TVs to view the games. Food specials vary each day, ranging from fish and chips to meat loaf. The bar offers more than 200 different beers from around the world, but is promoting the $7 Estrella special, a lager from Barcelona, during the next few weeks for the World Cup.
Lincoln Park
LaSalle and Stockton
U.S. Soccer will be hosting an official viewing party for the USA vs. Germany game on Tuesday night. Fans can enter the park for free and take in the action from a giant HD screen set up near Stockton and LaSalle.