Nevada Smith's in New York's East Village is a prime spot for watching soccer. My friend Kai took me there for an English Premiere League game a few years ago.
It was a bright, sunny afternoon, but we were in a completely different atmosphere once we stepped through the front door.
The bar was dark, illuminated by multiple large plasma TVs hanging around the rectangular room. And it was packed with people too.
Each side of the bar supported one of the teams. I can't recall who played, but it was probably Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester United.
During the match, fans for each team would sing various cheers of support. It was a great atmosphere, but I didn't appreciate soccer back then as much as I do now.
On this trip to NYC, my brother lives just a few blocks from Nevada Smith's, so we stopped for a drink after my Drew Barrymore sighting in Central Park.
I ordered a frosty cider from the tap, and we caught up in an atmosphere opposite to what I'd first experienced: quiet, empty, and sunlit.
The walls were adorned with signed soccer jerseys from around the world. According to their website, 100 matches are broadcast live every week!
If you love soccer and want a bar with a great atmosphere to catch your favorite team while passing through or living in New York City, check out Nevada Smith's - "where football is religion."
