Matthew Glenesk

matthew.glenesk@indystar.com

Four years ago, a buddy and I woke up at the crack of dawn and headed straight to a bar.

No, we weren't degenerates. We just wanted to watch the World Cup with other like-minded U.S. soccer nerds.

Most kickoffs for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa were bright and early Stateside. For U.S. vs. Slovenia, we squeezed into Chicago's The Globe, ranked among the top soccer bars in the country.

People were stopping by on their way to work. Another friend of mine pounded breakfast, a few drinks and exchanged high-fives before taking off for a 9 a.m. med school exam.

It was spectacular.

There's something inherently awesome about congregating with your countrymen (and women) to watch the world's greatest sporting event.

But you don't have to go to Chicago. Some of the best soccer bars in the nation are right here in Indianapolis. And with the current wave of enthusiasm for the sport at an all-time high in the Circle City, led by Indy Eleven's inaugural campaign, why not go out and see what all the fuss is about?

After beating Ghana 2-1 in their World Cup opener and tying Portugal, the U.S. holds its destiny in its own hands in Thursday's group finale versus Germany at noon.

1. Chatham Tap, 719 Massachusetts Ave., and 8211 E. 116th St., Fishers, chathamtap.com.

Scarves from Manchester United to West Bromwich Albion adorn the walls, letting you know you're in the right place for soccer. Heck, even the mounted deer wear soccer scarves.

Ranked the nation's No. 1 spot to watch soccer by GQ earlier this year, Chatham Tap has become the "go-to" place to watch the beautiful game. With 18 taps and pub favorites like Prince Dean's Angel Wings and their signature fish and chips, Chatham Tap will provide an intimate, yet busy spot.

All World Cup games will be shown, though expect much larger crowds on U.S. gamedays.

"It'll be standing room only the whole day, from open to close," predicts bartender Zack Price.

An outdoor tent should help with overflow as will nearby Ralston's Draft House (635 Massachusetts Ave.), which is owned by the same person who owns Chatham Tap. And those on the Northside can also try Chatham Tap's Fishers location.

2. Union Jack Pub, 924 Broad Ripple Ave., (317) 257-4343, unionjackpub.com.

Site of the U.S. supporters group American Outlaws' watch parties, expect Union Jack Pub to be among the more enthused World Cup venues in the city. Seating is on a first come first serve basis, though Andrew Retz, vice president of the American Outlaws Indy chapter, warns patrons will want to get there early for U.S. games -- like two hours early, perhaps even earlier.

On Monday, the U.S. opens its group play against Ghana at 6 p.m. Retz said he plans on being there at noon. (Make sure to alternate some waters in with all that craft beer.)

"It will be hard to move in the bar," Retz said. "However, we will be singing, chanting and enjoying the world's biggest tournament with the U.S. Men's National Team's best supporters group."

3, MacNiven's, 339 Massachusetts Ave. (317) 632-SCOT, macnivens.com.

It doesn't take long after entering MacNiven's to realize you're in a soccer bar. A 21 and over establishment, MacNiven's is a Scottish American bar with plenty of soccer memorabilia on the walls.

On the southern end of Mass Ave., expect MacNiven's to be a popular lunch spot for the Downtown workforce during the World Cup.

"Even games where the U.S. aren't playing, there are a lot of soccer fans in this city, I expect people to be out and out about enjoying a pint while they watch," says bartender Tyler Biddle.

4. The Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., (317) 231-0000, oldnationalcentre.com

If you're not trying to squeeze into packed bars, perhaps the The Old National Centre is more your scene. Yes, I'm talking about the music and arts venue Downtown.

For all U.S. games and the World Cup final, you can watch with other U.S. fans in The Egyptian Room for $10 (includes a free drink). You'll also be joined by Indy Eleven players and staff, who are scheduled to make appearances for the Americans' matches against Portugal and Germany.

5. Radio Radio, 1119 Prospect St., (317) 955-0995, www.futureshock.net

I've frequented this popular Fountain Square bar for folksy-rock shows, but never would have thought of it as a sports hotspot. However, owner David 'Tufty' Clough hails from Liverpool -- a city which takes more pride in its soccer teams than four mop-topped musicians named after a bug.

Radio Radio, as has been tradition since the bar opened in 2001, will show all the World Cup matches, plus this year you can order tasty Mexican food from Revolucion across the street (another Clough endeavor).

Others:

Carmel and the Indy Eleven have teamed up for an outdoor viewing party for the U.S.-Portugal match at Main and Monon.

The Indy Eleven have set up other watch parties around central Indiana for at least 12 games, including at some of the above mentioned bars and restaurants. For a complete list of Eleven watch parties, click here or visit the team's website: IndyEleven.com.

Ralston's Draft House, 635 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 493-1143, ralstonsdrafthouse.com

Brugge Brasserie, 1011 Westfield Blvd., (317) 255-0978, bruggebrasserie.com

Mo's Irish Pub, located inside the Hamilton Town Center, (317) 770-9020, mosirishpub.com

Claddagh Irish Pub, 3835 E. 96th St., (317) 569-3663; 234 S. Meridian St., (317) 822-6274, claddaghirishpubs.com

The Blind Pig, 147 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood, (317) 882-7892

Fox and Hound, 4901 E. 82nd St #900, (317) 913-1264, foxandhound.com

Flat12 Bierwerks, 414 Dorman Street, (317) 635-BEER, flat12.me -- will show US-Ghana and US-Portugal matches

TEAM USA'S WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

June 16, Monday: U.S. 2, Ghana 1

June 22, Sunday: vs. Portugal, 6 p.m. (ESPN)

June 26, Thursday: vs. Germany, noon (ESPN)