The FIFA World Cup kicks off in Brazil on June 12 and continues through July 13 with the world’s best soccer players competing for international bragging rights.
From start to finish, bars and restaurants will be packed throughout LA, especially for popular World Cup matches. Here are a few of our favorite places to watch the World Cup in the metro LA area.
Cock ‘n Bull British Pub
Santa Monica
This Santa Monica pub has been around for 23 years and is still going strong as one of the Westside’s most popular sports bars. Staying loyal to the soccer fans, the pub often opens as early at 4am so important international soccer matches can be watched live. The food menu features traditional British fare with options like fish and chips, beans on toast and bangers and mash, with a good selection of imported beers. Beer on tap is served in the British imperial pint size, which is 4oz larger than an American pint.
Hammer Museum at UCLA
Westwood
The courtyard at the Hammer Museum will be showing eight live matches during the World Cup this year, and entry is free. Drinks and snacks will be sold at the outdoor café Ammo, and those who have energy left when the games end can switch their attention the art inside the museum.
Joxer Daly’s
Culver City
This Irish pub in Culver City is actually manned by Irish staff. It usually pulls a crowd of fans for a variety of teams competing in the World Coup. Several imported beers are available and outside tables offer a breath of fresh air during intense matches.
Guelaguetza
Koreatown
Restaurants in Koreatown are not usually the first place to look for places to watch the World Cup, but this restaurant that serves authentic Oaxacan food will be hosting viewing parties to watch Mexico play on a projected digital screen. Their bar has one of the largest Mezcal selections in the country, and Michelada is another favorite.
Ye Olde Kings Head
Santa Monica
This British pub in Santa Monica is one of the most popular spots for watching soccer in the area, and is extremely traditional and loyal to the English style. Fans of international soccer gather here throughout the year, and the World Cup only means a larger crowd. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in two separate dining areas as well as the bar.
Lucky Baldwin’s
Pasadena
Pasadena hot spot Lucky Baldwin’s usually draws a spirited and enthusiastic crowd for soccer, with fans arriving hours before the big games to stake out seating. With 68 beers on tap, no one goes home thirsty.
Gaucho’s Village
Glendale
A Brazilian steakhouse is a great option for watching the World Cup this year since Brazil is hosting the games. Gaucho’s in Glendale will opening early to serve breakfast for early games and when Brazil is playing there will be dancing, live music and BBQ.
Goal Sports Café
Beverly Grove
Goal was designed with sports spectators in mind and it’s sleek layout keeps it busy no matter who’s playing. Comfortable booths line the walls and there are easy vantage angles for the TV’s that circle that room. Most games are screened in HD and with a great selection of networks. Goal claims to have “the best ½ pound burger in the world” for $5, and it does look tasty. A variety of other options, from shrimp ceviche to standard pub grub like nachos and chicken wings, fill out the rest of the food menu. Breakfast burritos and pancakes are a good fit for early World Cup games.
33 Taps
Hollywood 33
Taps in Hollywood is big on domestic brews on tap and twists on comfort food like burgers topped with beer-baked mac n’ cheese or the chili cheese dog on a French roll. It has dozens of TV’s so no matter how packed it gets you’ll always have a view. The patrons are usually varied in their team affiliations, which always makes for a good time—and sometimes a good debate—with the competition.
