Best Sports Bars To Watch World Cup Soccer In Los Angeles
Contrary to popular belief, Americans get just as excited about soccer as our friends from across the pond, in South America and around the world. With that said, sometimes watching the World Cup is more fun when opponents are lucking in the sports bars we occupy for such sporting events like they are apt to do in our cultural town, home to a myriad of nationalities. For all who want to watch while cheering on their team, following are five different places to focus on big screens while locking eyes with adversaries (or not) and downing at least a few beers in the meantime while the most important "football" event of any year plays out in Brazil.
Cock 'n Bull British Pub
2947 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90406
(310) 399-9696
www.cocknbullbritishpub.com
No one who watches soccer in this prime spot in Santa Monica is neutral when it comes to picking a team, making for a rousing time during the World Cup. All eyes are locked in on the Cock n' Bull's many big screen TVs scattered throughout, including a 135-inch HD projection model. Because these matches often take some time to play out, this outlet is also a winner thanks to the authentic British pub grub found within and served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Cock 'n Bull opens as early as 4 a.m., meaning you generally get to watch the matches live.
Lucky Baldwin's
17 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 795-0652
www.luckybaldwins.com
Pasadena's Old Town is ripe for watching fresh matches as "footie" fans scramble to get a seat at Lucky Baldwin's. This flagship location of a pub that has two other locations in Pasadena and Sierra Madre serves up the suds with an astounding 63 on tap. Open when important matches are playing out live no matter what the time, this fanatical outlet is full of ex-pats rooting for the home team in one of the oldest buildings in Pasadena. Lucky Baldwin's is considered one of the top Belgian pubs in the world by those who frequent this place.
The Fox And Hounds
11100 Ventura Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 91604
(818) 763-7837
www.thefoxandhounds.com
Representing the San Fernando Valley as one of the best sports bars to watch the world cup in this part of LA, The Fox And Hounds will be featuring every world cup match live on their multiple screens. Located in Studio City, the bar offers a wide selection of draft beers as well as bottles and cans, hard alcohol and a full menu full of delicious specialties. The TV's are large, the crowd is fun, the beer is tasty and the food is great. It's the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the action.
Goal Sports Cafe
8334 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-5955
www.goalssportscafe.com
When your goal is to eat as well as be part of the scene watching the World Cup, saunter over to Goal. You'll be surrounded by sports nuts and video screens as you munch on such game-worthy treats as mozzarella sticks and chicken strips. More exotic fare includes what the Goal chef calls "Goal Sliders" - complete with his "special sauce." Meanwhile, a slew of beers on tap, in cans and in bottles are ready to be guzzled while the World Cup plays out.
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Wirtshaus
345 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 931-9291
www.wirtshausla.com
This German-style restaurant and pub specializes in authentic German food and freshly-tapped beer. Aside from over 35 German beers and great food, the bar will also be featuring World Cup games to watch throughout the tournament. When the champion is crowned, you can still visit this cheerful bar during their 'Happier Hour' every Monday to Thursday from 10pm to closing which features $3 $3 Franziskaner Weissbier and $2 Bavarian Pretzels.
Ye Rustic Inn
1831 N. Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 662-5757
www.facebook.com/Ye-Rustic-Inn
A watering hole with team spirit, this dive of a place in Los Feliz is popular with locals (including plenty of celebrities, like Robert Pattinson) who like to chomp on authentic Buffalo wings while sipping draft beer and watching the big event. This is a small place and not at all fancy. It's safe to visit to enjoy the World Cup in a casual place that's been around and rocking on the east side for as long as any Millennium can remember. Another bonus is the $5 lunch specials.
33 Taps
6263 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 962-1400
www.33taps.com
Literally dozens of big screens in HD take over 33 Taps in Hollywood where the beer and shot crowd gather for sporting events of all kinds. World Cup fans should definitely make this scene home during the matches, especially for the varied international clientele and some great pub grub. Expect to munch on traditional fish and chips or choose a corn dog or two to get through nail-biting matches being hosted in Brazil.
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