The Best Restaurants & Bars For World Cup Fans In Arlington, TX

Eat, Drink, and Celebrate Like a Local — Brought to You by The Ryan

There’s a rhythm to a great World Cup day, and it doesn’t begin and end at the stadium. The real magic happens in the hours before kickoff, when fans from across the globe fill the bars and restaurants of Arlington with anticipation, flags, and braggadocious predictions — and in the hours after, when those same places become theaters of joy or heartbreak depending on the final whistle.

Arlington’s dining and nightlife scene has grown significantly alongside its reputation as a premier sports destination. Whether you’re fueling up before a group stage match, watching a game you don’t have tickets to, or winding down after 90 minutes of World Cup drama, the city has exactly what you need.

Here’s The Ryans’ curated guide to the best spots in Arlington and the surrounding area for World Cup season.

Pre-Match Fuel: Where to Eat Before the Game

Texas Jack’s BBQ

If you’re bringing international guests to Arlington, there is exactly one first meal that earns universal respect: Texas barbecue. Slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage served by the pound — this is the kind of meal that makes fans forget, briefly, that they’ve flown thousands of miles to watch football of a very different kind. The hearty portions are perfect for a pre-match carb load, and the atmosphere is reliably festive during big events.

Best for: First-time visitors, large groups, pre-afternoon matches

Gloria’s Latin Cuisine

With the World Cup bringing massive Latin American fan bases to Arlington, a stop at Gloria’s is practically obligatory. This Dallas-area institution serves up authentic Salvadoran and Tex-Mex dishes — think tamales, pupusas, and enchiladas with real depth of flavor. Lively, colorful, and often packed with a soundtrack that matches the energy of tournament week.

Best for: Latin American fans, couples, festive atmosphere,Multiple DFW locations, including Arlington

Sicilian Butcher (Arlington)

For a more polished pre-game meal, the Sicilian Butcher delivers upscale Italian-American fare in a modern setting. Housemade pastas, wood-fired dishes, and a wine list that holds up — this is where you bring guests you want to impress, or where you treat yourself to a proper sit-down before an evening kickoff.

Best for: Date nights, group dinners, pre-evening matches

Bonehead’s Texas BBQ

A local Arlington staple that consistently delivers — smoked meats, loaded sandwiches, and sides that make a strong argument for the entire Texas BBQ tradition. Lower-key than some of the bigger names, but the food quality is high, and the price point makes it easy to feed a group without coordination chaos.

Best for: Budget-conscious groups, quick pre-game meals

Watch Party Bars: Catching the Games You Don’t Have Tickets For

With nine matches at AT&T Stadium, you’ll likely have more World Cup days than ticket days. The good news: Arlington and the surrounding area have a growing number of venues that turn watch parties into events in their own right.

B&B Butchers & Restaurant — Arlington

An upscale sports bar experience anchored by a serious steakhouse kitchen. Multiple screens, a lively crowd on match days, and food worth ordering beyond just apps. If you want to watch the game without slumming it, this is your spot.

Best for: Elevated sports bar experience, mixed groups

Thirsty Lion Gastropub

Located in the Arlington entertainment district, Thirsty Lion is a prime World Cup watch party destination. The bar setup is designed for big events — multiple large screens, a full craft beer selection, and a kitchen that goes well beyond standard bar food. They typically run themed events for major tournaments, so check their social media for World Cup programming.

Best for: Craft beer lovers, watch parties, solo travelers meeting other fans

The Backyard Bar Stage & Grill

One of Arlington’s most beloved local venues. This outdoor bar concept brings a relaxed, social atmosphere that’s ideal for multi-hour World Cup sessions. When the weather cooperates — and late June in Texas is a calculation — the outdoor setup creates a fan-zone feel without the stadium crowds.

Best for: Casual fans, afternoon games, groups who want to spread out

Champions Sports Bar (Arlington)

As a venue built specifically for watching sports, Champions delivers. High-density screens, multiple seating zones, and a layout that accommodates organized watch groups as easily as walk-in couples. During the World Cup, expect themed nights and special programming.

Best for: Serious fans, organized viewing groups, knockout round watch parties

Post-Match Celebrations: Wind Down the Right Way

Maharaja Indian Cuisine

One of Arlington’s best-kept secrets — and a perfect choice after an evening match when you want something warm, complex, and deeply satisfying. The North Indian menu is extensive, the curries are rich, and the late-night hours make it ideal for post-game dinners.

Best for: Late dinners, adventurous eaters, guests from South Asia wanting a taste of home

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. (Fort Worth)

Worth the short drive into Fort Worth for craft beer fans. Texas’s most celebrated craft brewer offers tasting room tours and a convivial post-match atmosphere. Stock up on cans to bring back to your suite at The Ryan for those late-night group stage replays.

Best for: Beer enthusiasts, smaller groups, relaxed post-match

Blue Mesa Grill

Upscale Southwestern cuisine in a stylish dining room — perfect for a celebratory post-match dinner when your team gets the result. Signature margaritas, creative tacos, and entrees with a Southwest-meets-Texas sensibility. Festive but not overwhelming.

Best for: Celebration dinners, cocktail-forward groups, smaller parties

The Ryan’s Game-Day Dining Pro Tips

Make reservations. Especially during the group stage window (June 14–27) and the knockout rounds (July 3–14), every good restaurant in Arlington will be operating at or above capacity. Book ahead — sometimes days ahead.

Eat before you need to eat. Stadium food during the World Cup will be priced at peak demand. Have a proper meal at one of the spots above before heading into AT&T Stadium, and you’ll save money and eat better.

Ask your concierge — that’s us. When you stay at The Ryan, we’re not just handing you a key. We know the city, we know which spots are worth the wait, and we can help you plan an eating schedule around your match calendar. It’s one of the perks of boutique over big-box.

Go local. Arlington has a genuine food culture that international fans often overlook in the rush toward familiar chains. The restaurants above aren’t just convenient — they’re legitimately good. Come hungry and stay curious.

Make The Ryan Your World Cup Home Base

After a long day at AT&T Stadium — or an afternoon spent watching Group Stage drama at a local bar — coming home to a full kitchen, a rooftop deck, and a suite designed for relaxation makes all the difference.

The Ryan isn’t just a place to sleep during the World Cup. It’s your base camp: a private, sophisticated retreat where you can host a post-match debrief, cook a late-night meal, or simply enjoy the skyline views after 90 minutes of the world’s greatest sporting event.

Availability for June and July is strictly limited. Secure your suite today. Reserve Your Stay at The Ryan →