Recently named the 10th most miserable sports city in the United States, many Philadelphia sports fans have looked beyond the Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, Eagles and Union for enjoyable sports viewing.
Chickie’s and Pete’s and XFINITY Live! may be hotbeds for football, baseball, basketball and hockey fans but Barclays Premier League soccer fans have found their own pubs within the city’s limits to watch their favorite teams battle it out across the Atlantic.
Here are five bars to watch Premier League matches with some of Philadelphia’s biggest fans.
Misconduct Tavern
1511 Locust Street
The last year has been exciting for Arsenal fans. Despite having not won the league since 2004, the club recently won the FA Cup and has broken its transfer record with the signings of Germany’s Mesut Özil and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez. The Philly Gooners come out in droves to see the North London team during each match at Misconduct Tavern (pictured above), located on Locust Street. The bar features 12 seasonally-rotated beers on tap and a bottled beer selection including more than 50 beers.
Tir Na Nog
1600 Arch Street
Tir Na Nog on Arch Street is home to the fans of a team approaching its 110th year as a club: Chelsea FC. The Blues, home of Belgian star Eden Hazard and longtime favorite John Terry, have enjoyed incredible success recently, having won back-to-back Champions League and Europa League titles. Tir Na Nog, conveniently located across from Suburban Station has been recognized as an official Chelsea pub for the Philly Blues to meet and chat about Chelsea over some pints.
The Bards
2013 Walnut Street
Newcastle United is a club with a big history. Despite claiming the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer, Alan Shearer, as one of its own, the team has struggled to find success in England’s highest league during recent years. This hasn’t stopped Toon Army Philly fans from meeting up every game day, however. During each match, fans can be found at The Bards on Walnut Street enjoying their favorite drink: Hatem Bombs.
O’Neals Pub
611 S. 3rd Street
South Street is one of Philadelphia’s most exciting areas. Just off the corner of South and Third streets sits O’Neals Pub. With a giant Irish flag painted over the second and third floor windows above the bar, O’Neals cannot be missed. Each weekend, the Philly Evertonians gather to support the ascending Toffees and America’s very own Tim Howard over an impressive beer menu.
Fado Irish Pub
1500 Locust Street
New to the Premier League or aren’t sure which team to support? Look no further than Fado Irish Pub, an Irish bar on the corner of 15th and Locust streets that showcases every Premier League match. With drink specials featured during every match and television screens accessible throughout the bar, Fado is a great place to learn about the world’s richest soccer league.
– Text and images by Anthony Bellino and Ashley Dougherty.
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