The Globe Pub Pub / Restaurant

Lakeview, Chicago –

In a neighborhood not far from everything Cubs / Wrigleyville, The Globe Pub often casts baseball aside for its favored sports of rugby, cricket, and above all else, soccer.

The venue’s a haven for British expats, European travelers, and stateside footie converts looking for a fix, and in order to air live matches, the place often opens in the wee hours, pulling in rowdy Manchester United fans before most of the city has even rolled out of bed.

Large windows opening completely into the street welcome visitors into the front room, where soccer scarves crowd the walls, an extensive beer list requires serious study, and nearly a dozen TVs leave room for even a few (gasp!) American pastimes.

As a mix of jocks, yuppies, and backpackers crowd the long bar or take over the booths and tables, a mélange of accents debates the finer points of the featured sport between mouthfuls of British faves like shepherd’s pie and black pudding, along with the expected burger-and-quesadilla pub grub.

Though it is often occupied by private parties and weekly events like pub quizzes and comedy nights, the spacious back room with its own bar and more TVs almost triples the venue’s capacity and usually gives drinkers a bit more elbow room during major events.

Although not everyone at The Globe Pub is a soccer fanatic, there’s no doubt that everyone can enjoy the fervor of the game in this cozy, international setting.