Top spots to watch the World Cup in Detroit

Unless you are completely oblivious to the existence of the world's biggest sporting event, then you already know that World Cup group play is underway in Brazil. Between now and July 13, teams representing 32 nations will vie for the most prestigious trophy in all of soccer.

And if you're a soccer fan, you know that the best place to catch a World Cup match (other than Brazil itself) is in a rowdy pub full of fellow supporters. That's why we put together this short list of places in Detroit where you're certain to have a blast cheering on your team.

1. The B & H Bar (3514 Caniff St. Hamtramck, MI 48212)

Bosnia-Herzegovina is making its first ever World Cup appearance this year, so there's no better place to catch that team's games than the B & H Bar (B & H stands for Bosnia-Herzegovina) in Hamtramck. While you're there, try some cevapi, a Balkan sausage, as well as Bosnian salad, a pickeled sort of coleslaw.

Note: Bosnia-Herzegovina lost their opening match to Argentina 2-1. They square off against Nigeria on Saturday, June 21 at 6 p.m.

2. El Nacimiento (7400 West Vernor Highway, Detroit, MI 48209)

Fans of Mexico's national team and Mexican cuisine will feel at home in this classic tacqueria, restaurant, and bar in Southwest Detroit. It's a great place to grab a Margherita or Modelo while watching our neighbors to the south march through the group stage (Mexico defeated Cameroon in its first match 1-0).

http://www.elnacimientorestaurant.com/

3. Corktown

Bars up and down Michigan Avenue will be airing World Cup action over the next month. If you work downtown and want to play hooky, why not just mosey westward to Corktown for a very important "business meeting"?

In fact, you may catch members of the Model D team in a Corktown establishment engaged in very important "business meetings" during team U.S.A.'s group matches all next week.

You can catch World Cup matches at Mercury Bar, Slows, McShane's, Nemo's, and PJ's Lager House.

"As long as it doesn't conflict with the Tigers, I'll put whatever you want on the TV," says PJ Rider, owner of the Lager House.

Slows will be showing matches throughout the tournament and will erect several kid-sized goals in Roosevelt Park so children can play out their own mini-World Cup.

4. Thomas Magee's Sporting House (1408 E Fisher, Detroit, MI 48207)

Thomas Magee's is Detroit's newest old school sports bar and, according to its regulars and a recent Buzzfeed article, one of the best places to catch a World Cup soccer game in the state of Michigan.

"It's a no BS whiskey bar that's focused on sports," says Eric Anderson, a diehard U.S. soccer fan and resident of Lafayette Park, which is only a short walk away from Magee's. "They'll play any game at any time."

5. Great Lake Coffee (3965 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201)

If you're the type who actually thinks you can get some work done while watching a World Cup match, then Great Lakes Coffee is the place for you. Great Lakes is projecting games on its interior wall, so you can peak over your computer screen and catch the action all day long. GLC is also holding America-themed specials on days when the U.S. national team plays. When night time comes around, however, you better close that laptop and get ready for a more raucus viewing environment, especially if the Americans are playing.

6. Outdoor screens at Campus Martius or New Center Park

Okay, so this is not actually scheduled to happen at the time of this writing; however, if the United States advances beyond the group stage, who is going to step up and make it happen? I'm looking at you, Uncle Dan. Campus Martius, anyone?

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Of course, we don't pretend to know all of the best spots to watch World Cup soccer in Detroit. We'd like to hear from you about locales where you watch "The Beautiful Game." Post pictures on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #DetroitWorldCup.

Check out the full 2014 FIFA World Cup Schedule here.
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Read more articles by Matthew Lewis.

Matthew Lewis is a writer and former managing editor of Model D. He's currently the communications officer for the New Economy Initiative.