When you're visiting New York and New Jersey this summer, it helps to know the local soccer playbook. While we're focusing primarily on New York City, don't overlook the incredible soccer culture waiting just across the river in New Jersey. From legendary venues and neighborhood soccer bars to pickup games and can't-miss food, here's everything you need to experience the host city like a local.
Best Place To Watch A Game Live
Sport Illustrated Stadium was one of the first soccer-specific stadiums in the United States. It delivers a fantastic matchday experience with some of the best sightlines in American soccer. Home to the NY Red Bulls and Gotham FC, the supporters help create an electric atmosphere every fan hopes to experience.
Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island is one of New York’s most unique multi-sport venues. On the site of where the NY Cosmos played in the 1970s, it is set right between Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx with skyline views on all sides. Its location and atmosphere make it feel like a hidden pocket of the game in the middle of New York’s busiest waterways.
Honorable mention: Metropolitan Oval is one of the most historic and respected soccer-specific facilities in New York City, long serving as a hub for elite youth development and competitive matches. Tucked into Queens, it carries a deep grassroots soccer legacy since 1925 and continues to be a proving ground for some of the region’s top emerging talent.
Best Soccer Bar In Town
In a city with seemingly a million bars and restaurants, finding the right spot to watch soccer can be overwhelming. The good news is we've got three suggestions for you to narrow your search.
Banter in Brooklyn is one of New York City's original soccer bars, Banter has earned its reputation as a go-to destination for matchday. Expect a passionate crowd, plenty of screens, and a great selection of food and drinks.
Crossbar on the Upper West Side combines a welcoming soccer atmosphere with a unique feature—a mini pitch where you can kick a ball around before, during, or after the match. AND it just so happens to be connected to Soccer Post Upper West Side!
Located near the Jersey Shore, Baseline Social in Oceanport, NJ offers a lively sports atmosphere and has quickly become a favorite gathering place for soccer fans on the New Jersey side of the host city.
Best Place To Play Soccer
There are countless places to play throughout New York City, but McCarren Park stands out as a true soccer hub. Pickup games, organized leagues, and casual kickarounds happen here year-round. The surrounding neighborhood is packed with great restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, making it easy to keep the day going long after the final whistle.
Special shoutout to First Touch FC, a dedicated group that's been organizing regular 7 a.m. games here since 2012.
Honorable Mention: Bushwick Inlet Park has a beautiful waterfront turf field and offers stunning skyline views and some of the best urban soccer scenery you'll find anywhere.
Local Soccer Legend
New York has produced its share of influential soccer figures, but two names stand above the rest.
One of the most accomplished players in U.S. soccer history, Carli Lloyd's legendary performances on the world's biggest stages helped define a generation of American soccer.
A Brooklyn native and one of the most successful coaches in American soccer history, Bruce Arena guided the U.S. Men's National Team to its best modern-era World Cup finish in 2002. His teams were known for their resilience, confidence, and competitive spirit, leaving a lasting impact on American soccer.
Can’t-Miss Eats
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between matches or making a meal part of your soccer adventure, these local favorites are well worth adding to your itinerary.
Chivito D'Oro (Jackson Heights) is a local favorite known for unforgettable sandwiches that keep fans coming back long after their visit.
Kafana (Alphabet City) is a Serbian restaurant serving outstanding food. It is often filled with soccer supporters gathering to watch matches from around the world.
Tacos anyone? With multiple locations throughout the city, Nenes Taqueria has become a favorite stop for quick, authentic, and delicious tacos.
Local Tips
Don't overlook the New Jersey side of the New York/New Jersey host city. Northern New Jersey communities like Kearny and Newark's Ironbound District have deep soccer roots and some of the richest soccer cultures in the country. You'll find outstanding Portuguese and South American restaurants, welcoming soccer bars, vibrant pickup scenes, and generations of fans who have helped shape the sport's growth in the United States. If you're looking to experience soccer beyond Manhattan, this is the place to do it.
Local Soccer Post Stores
Join us at Soccer Post Queens to catch the games this June and July at the Queens Soccer Festival and while you're there join a pickup-game on the rooftop fields. As for the rest of the Tri-State area, we've got many stores for you to visit. Soccer Post Brooklyn and Soccer Post Upper West Side in NYC, Soccer Post Long Island in Hicksville. A little North of the city, we've got Soccer Post Franklin Lakes. Just to the West, visit Soccer Post Kearny and Soccer Post Garwood in New Jersey. And last but not least, visit our HQ at Soccer Post Eatontown, near the Jersey Shore. Gear up for whatever you need, whether it's a jersey to wear to the stadium or cleats and a ball for pickup, and make sure to get your New York/New Jersey Host City Tees, coming soon!
