Algeria, Belgium, Korea Republic, Russia
ALGERIA:
Tuesday 17 June (12:00 v. Belgium)
Sunday 22 June (15:00 v. Korea Rep.)
Thursday 26 June (16:00 v. Russia)
Algerian support will be centered around Caffé Borbone (25-07 Steinway Street, Astoria, Queens) on Steinway, a street which will no doubt be backing the team. If you can't get into this tiny spot on game day that was completely unruly four years ago, a walk down the block will afford all types of opportunities for hookah, coffee, and food during the game, as well as a neighborhood Irish pub that has survived the influx of Middle Eastern community. During the first game, Jasmin Lounge (25-50 Steinway Street, Astoria, Queens) was especially busy with Algerians huffing on hookah and watching the game and was the site of a spontaneous street party during halftime. The only other Algerian-inspired place, Nomad, in the East Village has no TVs and no plans for the World Cup, unfortunately.
BELGIUM:
Tuesday 17 June (12:00 v. Algeria)
Sunday 22 June (12:00 v. Russia)
Thursday 26 June (16:00 v. Korea Rep.)
The BXL empire will have a corner on the market for the Belgian side, which will have huge expectations on it after a wildly successful qualification run. The favorite of three for atmosphere is BXL East (210 East 51st Street, Midtown), but don't hesitate to call on BXL Cafe (125 West 43rd Street, Midtown) in Times Square or little cousin BXL Zoute (50 West 22nd Street, Chelsea) further south.
KOREA REPUBLIC:
Tuesday 17 June (18:00 v. Russia)
Sunday 22 June (15:00 v. Algeria)
Thursday 26 June (16:00 v. Belgium)
Support for the Korean side will be spread out through Murray Hill, Queens and more compact on 32nd Street in Manhattan. Try the second floor Wa Bar (28 West 32nd Street, Midtown) on game days for a Korean upscale bar experience and good food. Around the corner is slick fried chicken joint Turntable (314 5th Avenue, Midtown), which pulls down a big projector screen in addition to their two flat screen TVs for Korea matches. The BBQ joint in Murray Hill (Queens Murray Hill) that will have the fever is Hahm Ji Bach (40-11 149th Place, Murray Hill, Queens), which is offering beer specials during games. Out past Flushing, try multi-room Zurang (41-14 162nd Street, Murray Hill, Queens) for a lounge to enjoy the game in a more proper Korean neighborhood. Ice cold bottles of Hite and a couple drafts will always be available.
RUSSIA:
Tuesday 17 June (18:00 v. Korea Rep.)
Sunday 22 June (12:00 v. Belgium)
Thursday 26 June (16:00 v. Algeria)
Russian support will be high and loud at many spots in the city, but the best place to catch a game will be the always odd German-themed beer hall with Uzbek food in Brighton Beach called KeBeer Draft Bar & Grill (1003 Brighton Beach Avenue, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn). In Midtown, make reservations for Russian Samovar (256 West 52nd Street, Midtown) and enjoy the games with fine dining and an impressive assortment of vodka.
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