The World Cup Returns

The Official Pre-Game Breakfast: Fuel Up for Kickoff

For World Cup fans heading to MetLife Stadium, Virgil’s BBQ Times Square is an ideal pre-match pitstop in Midtown Manhattan. Open early with a Southern-style breakfast and brunch menu, Virgil’s offers a more comfortable way to start the day, especially for groups who want a real meal before the rush. Settle in, fuel up, and head out from Times Square with your group together and your match-day plan in place.

Keep the Match Day Going at Virgil’s Times Square

Keep the Match Day Going at Virgil’s Times Square After the final whistle, Virgil’s BBQ Times Square is a convenient place to regroup, relax, and enjoy a full meal back in Midtown Manhattan. Instead of splitting up or searching for seating, your party can come together over authentic American BBQ in a spacious, group-friendly setting. With reservations, large-table flexibility, and private and semi-private dining options, Virgil’s is built for fans who want an easy, satisfying post-match dining experience in the heart of Times Square.

For international travelers visiting New York City and Times Square during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Virgil’s BBQ New York offers an easy and welcoming introduction to real American BBQ. For many first-time visitors, barbecue in the United States can seem like one single cuisine, but in reality, American barbecue is made up of several distinct regional traditions, each with its own ingredients, techniques, and flavors. That is part of what makes it such an iconic food experience for travelers looking to enjoy something truly American while they are in the city.



At Virgil’s Times Square, guests can explore some of the best-known regional styles all in one place. Try Texas brisket, known for its slow-

smoked beef, deep bark, and rich, bold flavor. Sample Memphis-style pork ribs, famous for their tenderness and the savory seasoning that makes them a barbecue classic. Or order Carolina pulled pork, a longtime Southern favorite with its own distinct preparation and place in American food culture. Together, these dishes offer a simple, delicious way to understand that barbecue in the United States is not just one thing, but a tradition shaped by different regions and generations.


If you are traveling to or from MetLife Stadium, this is your chance to enjoy an authentic taste of American barbecue in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Whether you are dining with friends, family, or a larger match-day group, Virgil’s BBQ Times Square makes it easy to turn a meal into part of the overall World Cup experience.

Is Virgil’s a good spot to eat while sightseeing in Times Square?
Absolutely. We are located at the center of it all on 44th Street. Whether you’re taking a break from the bright lights of Times Square, exploring the Theater District, or walking over from Bryant Park, Virgil’s is the perfect landmark to rest your feet and fuel up with authentic American BBQ.

Can we dine at Virgil's before or after a Broadway show?
Yes! We are in the heart of the Theater District. We specialize in efficient, high-energy service that gets you to your curtain time on time. On off-match days, we are the go-to destination for fans who want to pair a world-class show with a world-class rack of ribs.

What makes Virgil’s a "must-visit" for international tourists?
Since 1994, Virgil’s has been the Original NYC BBQ. For many international visitors, trying authentic American BBQ is a "bucket list" experience. We offer a masterclass in regional styles, from Texas Brisket to Memphis Ribs, all in one historic Times Square location. It’s the definitive American meal for your NYC itinerary.

Is Virgil’s group-friendly for families exploring New York?

We were built for groups. While many NYC restaurants struggle to seat more than four people, our two-level dining room and large tables are designed for families and "squads" of all sizes. Our family-style platters are the most cost-effective and fun way to feed a hungry group of sightseers.

Do I need a reservation on days when there isn't a World Cup match?
While we always welcome walk-ins, we highly recommend booking a table via OpenTable, especially during the World Cup summer. Times Square will be at peak capacity, and a reservation ensures your group of 10+ has a guaranteed "Base Camp" in the middle of the city.

Does Virgil’s take reservations for World Cup matches?
Yes. We highly recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance for match days. Groups of up to 14 can book via our OpenTable widget. For groups of 15 or more, please use our private event inquiry form to secure space in the Rodeo Room.

Does Virgil’s serve breakfast or brunch during the World Cup?
Yes! For early afternoon matches, we open our doors early with a dedicated World Cup Kickoff Breakfast. We offer a specialized menu of Southern-inspired breakfast items and lighter fare, perfect for fans who want to fuel up before the 1:00 PM ET or 4:00 PM ET matches without a full BBQ platter.

How early should I arrive at Virgil’s before heading to the stadium?
We recommend arriving at least 3 hours before kickoff to give you enough time to eat and get to the stadium.

¿Es Virgil's un buen sitio para comer mientras haces turismo por Times Square?
Por supuesto. Estamos ubicados en pleno centro, en la calle 44. Tanto si haces una pausa entre las luces de Times Square, como si estás explorando el Theater District o vienes caminando desde Bryant Park, Virgil’s es el lugar perfecto para descansar un poco y recargar energías con auténtica barbacoa americana.

¿Podemos comer en Virgil’s antes o después de un espectáculo de Broadway?
Sí. Estamos en plena zona de teatros. Nos especializamos en un servicio ágil y dinámico para que llegues a tiempo a tu función. En los días sin partido, somos el lugar ideal para quienes quieren combinar un espectáculo de primer nivel con una costilla de primer nivel.

¿Qué hace que Virgil’s sea una visita imprescindible para los turistas internacionales?
Desde 1994, Virgil’s es el Original NYC BBQ. Para muchos visitantes internacionales, probar una auténtica barbacoa americana es una experiencia que está en su lista de imprescindibles. Aquí ofrecemos una verdadera lección sobre estilos regionales, desde el brisket texano hasta las costillas al estilo Memphis, todo en una ubicación histórica de Times Square. Es la comida americana definitiva para tu itinerario por Nueva York.

¿Es Virgil’s un lugar adecuado para grupos y familias que están visitando Nueva York?
Estamos hechos para grupos. Mientras que muchos restaurantes de Nueva York tienen dificultades para sentar a más de cuatro personas juntas, nuestro comedor de dos plantas y nuestras mesas grandes están pensados para familias y grupos de todos los tamaños. Nuestras fuentes para compartir en estilo familiar son la forma más práctica, divertida y rentable de dar de comer a un grupo de turistas con hambre.

¿Necesito reserva en los días en los que no hay partido del Mundial?
Aunque siempre damos la bienvenida a quienes vienen sin reserva, recomendamos encarecidamente reservar mesa a través de OpenTable, especialmente durante el verano del Mundial. Times Square estará en uno de sus momentos de mayor afluencia, y una reserva garantiza que tu grupo de 10 personas o más tenga una base asegurada en pleno centro de la ciudad.

¿Acepta Virgil’s reservas para los partidos del Mundial?
Sí. Recomendamos encarecidamente reservar con al menos 48 horas de antelación para los días de partido. Los grupos de hasta 14 personas pueden reservar a través de nuestro widget de OpenTable. Para grupos de 15 personas o más, utiliza nuestro formulario de consulta para eventos privados y así asegurar espacio en el Rodeo Room.

¿Sirve Virgil’s desayuno o brunch durante el Mundial?
Sí. Para los partidos de primera hora de la tarde, abrimos temprano con un desayuno especial de inicio del Mundial. Ofrecemos una carta específica con platos de desayuno inspirados en el sur de Estados Unidos y opciones más ligeras, perfecta para quienes quieren cargar energías antes de los partidos de la 1:00 p. m. ET o de las 4:00 p. m. ET sin tener que pedir una gran fuente de barbacoa.

¿Con cuánta antelación debería llegar a Virgil’s antes de ir al estadio?
Recomendamos llegar al menos 3 horas antes del inicio del partido para que tengas tiempo suficiente para comer y desplazarte hasta el estadio.