A 2018 FIFA World Cup host city with a track record of producing quality footballers, Samara has a healthy appreciation for sports. Whether you are looking for a bar, pub or restaurant to catch a game, you have plenty of options. Pick from the best with our tips on Samara’s best sports bars.
Shamrock
Pub, European, Vegetarian, $$$
An Irish bar where you’re guaranteed to catch a match whether it is ice hockey or football. Bright green-stained glass features heavily in the busy decor scheme that is loaded up with kitsch pictures and ornaments. There are plenty of food options as the menu offers up European dishes, meats off the grill, bar snacks and sausages to accompany any one of the European beers on tap. Alongside Irish staples of Guinness and Harp lager, there is a selection of Irish whiskey to choose from as well.
A little more upmarket than the Shamrock, the Shannon is another Irish pub that will screen the bigger games, and is popular with expats. A strong selection of Irish libations to choose from as well as an extensive menu of beers and whiskey from around the globe. Keeping in line with its British inspiration, the pub does a Sunday lunch and the menu (in English and Russian) offers up a fusion of European and Russian foods.
A part of a reliable chain that puts on an array of events and entertainment. As wells as screening games, Maximilian’s puts on trivia nights, bands and DJs. The menu is loaded with hearty, meaty dishes like pork knuckle and Viennese Pork Schnitzel, but there are also options for vegetarians too. As well as offering two for one meal deals on food items, there are deals and discounts almost every night of the week.
Parburg, the first burger bar in Samara, has got its craft down to a fine art. Despite only serving burgers, the choice is huge. Select from mouth-watering offerings such as the smokey chipolte or the porky pepper. There is even a diet burger for those who want to indulge but feel like they can’t. It also has an extensive drinks menu, whether you’re in the mood for beer or something stronger. While not a typical sports bar, it will broadcast big games.
A bit of a party pub, this is another Irish pub with DJs and bands playing into the morning. However, if an important game is on, it is a safe bet Harat’s will screen it. There is a better selection of drinks than food, however the kitchen prepares pub grub and European favourites with a focus on Irish dishes such as a good old Irish fry up and potato cakes.
This small but relaxed restaurant will put up a big screen when a big match is on, making it a good option for when you want to catch the match. A favourite with diners regardless of whether it is televising sport or not, the Balkan Grill has big portions and German beer on tap. Despite the restaurant being a grill, there are plenty of vegetarian options available so dig into treats such as vegetable skewer, onion soup and the cheese pie.
A German beer house just a block away from the Volga. Keeping in theme, the waitstaff wear national costumes, German songs are played and the decor does its best to evoke authenticity. The second floor hosts beer festivals, full of dancing, live music and competitions and will put up a big screen when a big game is on. There is a seasonal menu to add to the standard meals, and as you would expect it is full of big servings and sausage, although vegetarians are catered for too.
