Watch the World Cup at tons of Bushwick locations next week and don’t forget the requisite gear. Above, Golazo Sport on Flushing Avenue. — Photos by Aaron Short
The Americans are out of the World Cup, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy in fútbol’s greatest glory next week — and you don’t even need to leave Bushwick.
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Head over to Caffé Europa for a shot of espresso so your energy level matches Maradona’s before the weekend’s games, but don’t bring up Italy’s loss. They’re still a little sore.
After your coffee, head straight to Maria Hernandez Park to eat as the soccer players do (well the remaining Central American teams) to El Salvador Restaurant (376 Knickerbocker Avenue) for filling $2 pupusas and Modelo or BushwickBK favorite El Paisa Taqueria and Restaurant (324 Suydam Street), whose tacos and huaraches are beloved in the neighborhood. If you stop by for a morning game, try the chilaquiles or nachos instead, while screaming for those scrappy Germans to screw up (Bushwick’s German community has long since decamped for Long Island, save for a few plumbing stores, so you’re safe to root against them).
During the Mexico-Argentina game last Sunday, a waitress at El Paisa said that the restaurant was flooded with customers in lime-green Mexican jerseys but the crowd turned against the game after a frustrating first half.
"They were sad and they started drinking cervezas," said Sandra, a waitress.
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For those mid-afternoon games, head over to 280 Café and Lounge (280 Knickerbocker Avenue), which is showing games after 12 pm. The Lebanese-American bar/ restaurant offers no-frills burgers, babaganoush with pita bread, and other Middle Eastern-themed treats to go with two big screen TVs to catch every penalty kick.
Owner Ali Chami, who has been in Bushwick for 33 years, used to sell furniture and appliances, before opening 280, and he’s happy to be on Knickerbocker Avenue. So far the crowds have been responding to the big games, and the USA-Ghana game packed the room.
Further down the street are two Spanish-themed bars, El Mezón (221 Knickerbocker Avenue), La Perla Del Ulua (354 Melrose Street) or Taquería el Fogón (1050 Flushing Avenue) to watch the action, though with Honduras and Mexico both out of contention, the crowds may not be as raucous. Still, a goal is a goal, so go see for yourself.
Gear:
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There’s no need to wander into the city to pay for an overpriced Adidas Ronaldo jersey. Head on over to two spots on Knickerbocker Avenue where the prices are better. Soria Records and Sport (190 Knickerbocker Avenue) carries authentic game jerseys for $70, soccer balls for $35, and much more affordable replica jerseys for $20 that you can actually play in. The top sellers? Mexico, of course. Followed closely by the United States. As of Friday, dozens of royal-blue France jerseys were still available.
For an even wider selection of merchandise, walk down to Golazo Sport (1042 Flushing Avenue) for stacks of jerseys from World Cup powerhouses Brazil and Argentina to European club teams. They outfit the weekend football leagues at McCarren Park, and for $20 to $25 a jersey, you’ll be shouting Gooooaaaaallllll!!! while circling Maria Hernandez in no time.
