For every World Cup, I make it my goal to explore the city I live in, support local businesses I might not normally have a reason to go to and spend time with passionate communities.

I’ve already found a few amazing spots around Denver, as every country has already played one game in the group stage. There’s places where you can hear people speaking in their mother tongues of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic. I’ve been showered in beer, met new people and have tried some delicious food inspired by the world.

But not all places are the same. I’ve developed a ranking system over the years based on three metrics: the cost of food, the accessibility to television screens and the atmosphere created by the fans. My ideal watch spot has food at good value (inexpensive, delicious and decently portioned) and fans who are crazy in love with the game. I also really like seeing the screens without having to constantly move my head or having glaring sun against it. I don’t mind being packed in but I also don’t love being crushed by crowds.

These are all personal opinions so don’t come after me. This is my article and these are my rules. We’re good sports here.

Still, having a low score doesn’t mean I didn’t have a good time. Nor does having a high score mean I did. 

It’s a really special year that the World Cup is here in North America. Denver might not have been selected as a host city, but that energy is still here, spread across the entire area. I encourage everyone to go out to watch a game with your community or join in with other communities.

This is the magic of this beautiful game.

Tios Takos for Mexico vs. South Africa

Affordability: 8/10

Accessibility: 10/10

Atmosphere: 6/10 

Tios Takos was a great place to watch the opening game in the middle of the workday, there were even booths inside of a boat. A BOAT! The spot had free Wi-Fi, a small select group of fans in full Mexico gear during the game with passion but not so much that it was distracting from remote work and delicious food at an affordable price point. I spent $21 for a carne asada quesadilla and a bottle of Mandarin Jarritos.

The taco business is tucked within the Dive Inn bar, which is really expansive and has TVs showing the game in the bar area, outdoors and a billiards room.

There’s so much room for everyone and I would love to come back for an evening game with a group of friends. 

Total: 8/10

Address: 1380 S. Broadway

Viewhouse Ballpark for USA vs. Paraguay

Affordability: 5/10

Accessibility: 7/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

I was already overwhelmed by the crowds I saw while walking by McGregor’s Square. As much as I love a party, this was a better option for my introverted tendencies. But appetizers here ranged in the $15 area. I know this is becoming a norm, but I don’t have to like it. My friend ordered pigs in a blanket and only five small pieces came out, not nearly enough to share with a group.

I did wish there were more passionate fans for a game that exciting on a Friday night. I need more than some “oohs” and “ahhs.” Give me chants! Give me “I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN WIN!” At times, I had a little bit of FOMO for the packed party a few blocks away. 

The space is huge, though and there’s plenty of lawn games and indoor and outdoor seating. But now that the World Cup is in full swing and McGregor’s Square is charging for U.S. games, some fans might come here instead — and I believe this has the potential for more energy to come alive.

Total: 6/10

Address: 2015 Market St.

Aura’s Bakery for Germany vs. Curaçao

Affordability: 10/10

Accessibility: 1/10

Atmosphere: 3/10

I loved this spot for a Sunday morning game where I was not awake enough to go to a packed bar. This small Venezuelan bakery didn’t have the game on its television when I was there — yet the spot was decked out in soccer decorations and was fully in the spirit of the World Cup. I watched the game on my phone as I ate my ham and cream cheese bread roll called a cachito and a Venezuelan doughnut known as a bombas within $10. I saw several other soccer fans doing the same and that’s what made this special.

This definitely isn’t the spot to go with all your friends and family but it’s a great place to come to try some new food and get into the spirit of this tournament.

Total: 4.6/10

Address: 970 S. Oneida St. #11, Denver

Bruz Beers for Belgium vs. Egypt

Affordability: 4/10

Accessibility: 8/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

This was the first game I really felt like the World Cup was actually here.

This Belgian brewery north of Interstate 76 is an official Belgian watch party spot. It might have been a midday game, but the energy here felt like one of the evening parties. Nothing like seeing people fully decked in fan gear, speaking in their native language and wearing spiky wigs in the colors of their flag.

The fan base here was small but mighty. As Egypt ran with a lead in the first half, you can feel the pain and frustration in the crowd when passes were missed and plays weren’t completed and pure elation as Belgium tied.

This is what I want from a watch party: sheer passion.

Bruz Beers is a big space with a few TVs and free Wi-Fi. The biggest downside was the lack of food and drink options. There were plenty of beers but no nonalcoholic options other than root beer and kombucha, and I’m not a fan of either. 

I ended up spending $7 on a 4 oz. bag of Denver Company Chips just to support the business somehow for my stay, but I quickly got over the sticker shock after I ate that bag so fast. It felt like I was eating a restaurant’s homemade basket of chips. It was so good.

I strongly recommend coming here for all Belgium games.

Total: 6.6 /10

Address: 1675 W 67th Ave. #100, Denver

Maria Empanada for Argentina vs. Algeria

Affordability: 9/10

Accessibility: 7/10

Atmosphere: 10/10

I’ve had many magical and wonderful World Cup watching experiences in my life. This might have been one of the ones I’ll never forget. You know it’s a good time when you get showered in beer by a stranger after Lionel Messi’s second goal.

Here, everyone felt like family. I saw a worker parade around a fan in an Algerian jersey, telling everyone to be nice to him and the crowd accepted him as one of them, though he wasn’t immune from some friendly heckling. The fans were giving 110% of their passion — even an hour before the game — with chants, singing, screaming. It just never stopped. 

The empanada destination also had a decent World Cup deal, offering three empanadas for $15 and $20 beer buckets for Quilmes beer from Argentina. And it was delicious. No wonder Messi himself had to have a bite of their food when he came to Denver. 

Ok, now for the minuses. When you get to the elite spots, it’s only natural to be more nitpicky. This spot is packed and you will be crushed. If you want a table or a seat, I recommend getting there more than an hour early for Argentina games.

But, hey, it’s worth it.

Total: 8.6/10

Address: 1298 S. Broadway Ave. Maria Empanada has five locations but only two are hosting official watch parties. Don’t make my mistake and almost go to the wrong one. The other watching location is at 1700 Platte St.

British Bulldog for England vs. Croatia

Affordability: 7/10

Accessibility: 7/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

I’ve been here before during the Euro Cup and have had a great time. But this time, it wasn’t my favorite experience. I don’t know if it was the 95-degree weather and having to watch it outside or the amount of cigarette and vape smoke blowing in my direction.

When I took a quick break to sit on the ground to eat some $12 bangers and mash during halftime, one inebriated fan yelled at me, saying I should be standing and watching the game … during halftime. But I also met some really nice people who tried to encourage us to stay longer when I was struggling with the heat and had to get back to doing some work. You get the best of both worlds here.

I really want to commend the British Bulldog for doing a phenomenal job at their operations with a packed house. They have an outside stand for drinks and have quintessential British food like fish and chips ready to go in less than a minute at decent price points in this economy. Ordering food and drinks was fast and efficient and I was really impressed.

This is a main soccer hot spot in Denver for a reason. And if you’re a big England fan, this is the place to go. Just be mentally prepared for some good ole-fashioned rowdiness from the home country of the sport. 

Total: 6.6/10

Address: 2052 Stout St., Denver

Bernadette Berdychowski is a Denver Gazette business reporter.