Argentine soccer fans watch the World Cup at Hunter Bar. (Courtesy of Francisca Triulzi)

Whether you’re an avid fan of soccer or just like the festivities that surround the World Cup,  a host of Aspen bars and restaurants are perfect venues for catching the action of this year’s tournament.  

These 5 local hotspots are the best places to watch the soccer:  

1. Aspen Brewery: Located down by the Rio Grande trail, the Aspen Brewery’s clubhouse atmosphere, multiple flat-screen televisions, and handcrafted beer combine to create a great spot to catch the soccer. The Brewery boys are offering up $4 pints of craft beer throughout the World Cup, and every match will be televised throughout the tournament. (557 North Mill Street; 970.920.2739)
2. La Cantina: This central spot has been a locals’ favorite for years. Shelves of high-end tequilla, a menu full of unique margaritas (the Strawberry Marg and Vegas Margarita are terrific), and a super welcoming staff of locals are Cantina’s m.o. During the World Cup, you’ll find a large British contingent rooting for the Three Lions and carrying on in traditional hooligans fashion. (411 East Main Street; 970.920.3363)
3. Hunter Bar: A chic, lounge atmosphere created by Argentine transplants has been luring people into Hunter Bar’s subterranean space since it was opened in the fall of 2009. Delicious South American fare and comfy, plush couches to kick-back in will be packed with boisterous fans (mostly clad in the baby blue and white striped jerseys of Argentina’s team. (430 East Cooper Street; 970.920.0009) 
4. Zane’s Tavern: It isn’t unusual to see Boston Red Sox fans singing “Sweet Caroline,” Georgia Bulldog fans screaming at the T.V. during college football season, or players from the Gentlemen of Aspen rugby team sharing a pitcher and talking about their newest National Championship; Zane’s is a favorite amongst locals to watch any sporting event. Though Tater Tots and chicken wings might not be the traditional food that soccer fans think of, you’ll become converted after trying what Zane’s has to offer. (308 South Hunter Street, Suite 2;  970.544.9263)
5. J-Bar: Aspen’s iconic hotel, The Hotel Jerome, has been the home of one of town’s best watering holes, the J-Bar, for more than a century. On weekends during the World Cup you’ll see people rushing into the J-Bar to watch the mornings matches, and you’ll definitely hear when a goal is scored. A menu full of quality bar food complements an array of libations (you’ve got to try the “Aspen Crud” to get a feel for what Aspen’s historic silver miners were drinking), and the J-Bar’s flat-screens will be showing the soccer matches throughout the tournament. (330 East Main Street; 970.920.100)

There are a ton of options to catch the World Cup action in Aspen, and every place promises to be fun!