Best Bars in Kazan to Watch the 2018 World Cup
As the cultural centre of Tatarstan, Kazan has a full sporting calendar and is a host city for 2018 FIFA World Cup. It is also home to ice hockey team Ak Bars Kazan and football side FC Rubin Kazan. The residents of this bustling city support their sporting champions regardless of whether the game is played home or away and so there are plenty of bars that screen matches. Here are our pick of the best bars to catch those crucial World Cup games.
Brown Bear Grill
Pub, Pub Grub, Steakhouse, European
Effortlessly cool with a great atmosphere, you can catch a game here, but you don’t have to. While screens are scattered throughout the pub for easy watching, they are not invasive, so you can play foosball, chat with friends over a meal or enjoy the music instead. The wide selection of beer on tap includes some of the finest Belgian and German brews. As a steakhouse, the food is fairly meaty, but the menu serves up fresh takes on grill classics using locally sourced meats.
Cernovar
Pub, Pub Grub, European
Family-friendly and relaxed, Cernovar regularly hosts live music and special events to keep you entertained. The kitchen serves up a mix of pub grub and classic Czech fare, as well as having a kids’ menu full of crowd-pleasers and favourites. There is a slew of the Republic’s beers on tap, as well as some of Europe’s finest ales, lagers and pilsners, so there are plenty of thirst-quenching options, regardless of taste.
Dublin Irish Pub
Cafe, Pub, European, Vegetarian
Reputed to be the first pub in Kazan to truck their Guinness in from Ireland, the Dublin is one of Kazan’s most loved Irish pubs. Inside, the boisterous and cheerful venue is littered with Irish paraphernalia and sporting memorabilia as well as all sorts of flags and trinkets from around the world. Alongside the sports screenings, live music and events programme, the Dublin also has a collection of board games to use, so punters can settle in for a quiet afternoon. The menu offers Russian bar snacks and pub food staples as well as a basic breakfast menu of pancakes.
Trinity Irish Pub
Pub, European, Irish, British
A little less chaotic than the Dublin, but just as friendly and relaxed, the Trinity is cosy and chilled during the day, and hosts DJs and parties at the weekend. Table bookings are available when broadcasting games – ideal when wanting to watch with a bunch of mates. As well as pouring Irish and British classics like Kilkenny, Guinness and Newcastle Brown Ale, there is a good selection of IPAs and lager to choose from too. The menu offers burgers, salads and soups as well as bar snacks and other favourite pub meals.
Cuba Libre
Bar, Mexican, Pub Grub
Cuba Libre is not so much a sports bar, but they do put up a big screen when a game is on. The menu offers Cuban-inspired fare; try the tiger prawns breaded in coconut shavings for something different. Cuba Libre is definitely a place to stay and drink, with the extensive cocktail menu offering up favourites as well as house specials. Stick around after the game to bust some moves to loud Latin music.
The Woods Craft Bar
Craft Ale Bar, American
This little hipster bar has a range of beers on tap and by the bottle. With beers from micro-breweries from across the globe, this is the ideal place to try something new or geek out over a beer while catching the game. The Woods Craft Bar also hosts a beer pong competition – just another reason to come down and check it out.