It’s fútbol time across the planet, and seeing as there are more member nations in FIFA than there are in the U.N., we know our immigrant friends across the city are going to be going wild with their various rivalries. If you want to feel a little less like an American for the next few weeks, please see our roundup of places to watch specific World Cup matches while eating and drinking among the tried and true fanatics. Also, we should make a special mention here that at least two Irish pubs, Kezar and O’Neill’s, are offering free shots for every goal scored against France, who beat Ireland in a controversial playoff last fall.
Places to Watch Specific Matches
South Africa v. Mexico, June 11 - Tacolicious: Enjoy tomorrow’s 6:30 a.m. kickoff match (and any other match featuring the U.S. or Mexico) with a $10 breakfast special that includes a taco and your choice of tequila, Tecate, or coffee.
OR, you may want to check out the scene at La Victoria Bakery in the Mission, where every Latin American match, including this one, will be broadcast on a big HD screen.
U.S. v. England, June 12 - AT&T; Park will be showing the match on the center field scoreboard, and we’re sure many thousands will be there since admission is free. You can also pop around the corner to Public House and Mijita for some grub, and/or just watch the game on one of Public House’s 23 screens.
OR you could retreat to North Beach/Fisherman’s Wharf to The Parlor, where they’ll also be screening the match.
Germany v. Australia, June 13 - Join the Germans down at the century-old Schroeder’s for this and every match with Germany.
Italy v. Paraguay, June 14 - Watch Monday’s first match featuring Italy, and every subsequent Italian match, up in North Beach at The Steps of Rome, Panta Rei, or watch with all the old dudes at the Italian Athletic Club.
Also on the 14th, Jardinière will be offering a special $45 prix fixe menu with South African wine pairings in honor of the World Cup.
Brazil v. Korea, June 15 - Head over to Berkeley to Brasil Café or to Hayes Valley’s Canto Do Brasil for this and every other match featuring Brazil.
France v. Mexico, June 17 - Join one-time Top Chef contestant Mattin Noblia at Iluna Basque for this special event. Get tickets here.
Any match featuring England - The Pig & Whistle will be open at 7 a.m. daily showing the full slate of games on their 100-inch screen. Their food’s not bad either.
OR check out Elephant & Castle, where you can down a fish and chips breakfast while watching watching the English do their dances on the field.
AND to root against England, head over to Ireland’s 32, where you’ll get a free pint every time someone scores against them.
Any match featuring Korea - We had a tough time reaching places that might have some viewing potential for Korean matches, but we’d recommend checking out The Spot Lounge on Taraval, because even though they may not open early enough for viewing, they’ve got a big flat screen.
Any match featuring Spain or Portugal - Horatius (360 Kansas Street) is the place to be, with free Ritual coffee starting at 4:30 a.m. for the early kickoffs. Also, according to 7x7, “They’re also resurrecting their Portuguese-flavored, weekend brunch menu, which features banana brioche french toast, Milho Frito, Bacalhau and eggs, and bottomless mimosas.”
Places to Watch Any Old Match
Barbacco will be opening for lunch at 11 a.m. on three consecutive weekends to broadcast the final set of matches, starting with the second round matches on June 26 and 27.
Cityhouse, at the Parc 55 hotel, will be opening up at 6:30 a.m. and broadcasting live games, as well as offering half-priced well drinks throughout World Cup matches (and Wimbledon matches). Manager Rob Robinson says, “The European travelers are all happy to get an early start.”
The aforementioned Kezar (900 Cole Street) will be opening every day at 4:30 a.m. with the pub menu kicking off at 6 a.m. And still bitter about that playoff, Irish owner Cyrill Hackett is offering free Irish whiskey shots every time someone scores a goal against the French.
Mercury Lounge (1582 Folsom Street) - They’re billing themselves as THE place for the World Cup this year, offering drink specials, a special breakfast menu, and much more.
Public House (AT&T; Park) will be broadcasting a ton of soccer of the next few weeks on their 23 flat-screens around the dining room and bar, so this is probably the World Cup destination for the downtown end of SoMa. Also, Mijita will be launching a special World Cup torta menu tomorrow.
The Republic (3213 Scott Street) - The Marina gastropub is broadcasting matches at 11:30 a.m., with some at 7 a.m. including the kickoff match tomorrow. See the full schedule here.
Saul’s Deli and Restaurant - Head over to Berkeley for a full schedule of matches. Co-owner Peter Levitt grew up in South Africa and doesn’t want to miss a single game.
World Cup Match Calendar [FIFA]
Five Places to Feed Your World Cup Appetite [7x7]
Are You Ready for Some Futbol? [Mister Archer]
