Planning on heading out to Houston for the All-Star Game? Be sure to take note of the MLSsoccer.com Fan Guide: Where to eat, drink watch and play the beautiful game in Houston. Need more? Get a virtual tour of what's hot in Houston with the Dynamo's Mike Chabala, or check out the All-Star Game fan information page.
Where to watch soccer in a bar
Richmond Arms, 5920 Richmond Avenue (Click here for a map).
Long before the United States' dramatic World Cup campaign—and even before the formation of MLS—the Richmond Arms was the place in Houston to catch a soccer match while sinking a pint. It boasts a heavy British influence (pub quiz, anyone?), so EPL and England games usually take precedent, but plenty of U.S. and MLS fans call this pub their second home. Oh, and it was voted the "Best Place to Watch Futbol" by local newsweekly, the Houston Press.
Other soccer-friendly bars include the Houston Dynamo's official viewing place, Lucky's Pub (Map: 801 St. Emanuel St.), and Brian O'Neill's Irish Pub and Restaurant (Map: 5555 Morningside Drive).
Where to buy soccer gear
Soccer-4-All (seven locations locally, including two in Houston—check website for addresses)
Regarded as one of the best soccer stores in the nation and cited as the place to buy soccer gear by Dynamo fans and staff, Soccer-4-All stocks everything from cleats to jerseys—including a extensive range of Houston Dynamo gear (by extensive, we mean they have those spooky Dynamo-branded hockey masks). You can also find replica jerseys from all over the world, including MLS All-Star opponents Manchester United—last year's replica is on sale!
Where to catch a glimpse of the future of U.S. soccer
Youth soccer is Texas-sized big in, um, Texas. According to the South Texas Youth Soccer Association, there are more than 100,000 registered players in the region, and likely thousands more playing in parks and playgrounds throughout the area. So where are you most likely to see the next Stuart Holden? Check out Meyer Park in nearby Klein. That's where the U.S. national team and former Dynamo star cut his teeth, playing for the Texans Soccer Club.
Where to join in on a pick-up game
There are plenty of places to throughout Houston to engage in the beautiful game. Check out Discovery Green in downtown Houston (map), Godwin Park behind Kolter Elementary School off of Rutherglenn Dr. (map), Briar Meadow Park at Richmond Ave. and Stony Brook Dr. (map), Strawberry Park in Pasadena (map) and Rice University's intramural fields (map). Phew!
