It only comes every four years, and in a city as global as Washington DC, it’s one of the most exciting and international sporting events we get to experience here (sorry Redskins). But, choosing where to watch it can be a bit overwhelming. Fear not – here are our top picks for watching this year’s South African installment of the World Cup.
By Liz Weiss
South African Itumeleng Khune (pictured right) blocks shot from Guillermo Franco, (pictured center), of Mexico. Courtesy of Getty images.
Regardless of which team you’re rooting for: The Three Lions (England), Les Bleus (France), El Tri (Mexico), Selecao (Brazil), Bafana Bafana (South Africa), and the Yanks (United States), to name a few, nearly every team participating in FIFA’s 2010 World Cup is represented in the nation’s capital. Get ready to celebrate, get ready to shout, and perhaps drool a little bit at Cristiano Ronaldo, Landon Donovan, Kaká, and Didier Drogba on the big screen. We won’t judge. Kick off the World Cup on June 11 in style at these local DC hot spots and get revved up for the action.
The World Cup at the Alliance Français
There will be a live broadcast of the soccer matches featuring the French team on June 11, Uruguay vs. France, June 17, Mexique vs. France, and June 22, Afrique du Sud vs. France.
Location: 2142 Wyoming Avenue NW Washington, DC, 20008
Contact: (202) 234-7911
The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel
Guests can catch the game on the mezzanine as well as the open balcony, high above the buzzing city below. The Lobby Court located on the main floor will be serving coffee and pastries in the morning and sandwiches, soda, beers, and wine, including South African whites at lunchtime.
Location: 1127 Connecticut Ave, NW
Contact: (202) 347-3000
Dukem
The Ethiopian restaurant will host happy hour on game days from 1-5p.m., and serve six distinct and native bottles of Ethiopian beer, including Baster Beer, St George Lager, Meta, Hakim Lager, Hakim Stout, and Tusker for $5 each while broadcasting the international matches live.
Location: 1114 U Street, NW
Contact: (202) 667-8735
The Soccer Mansion
Featuring a kick off party with high definition flat screen TVs, a Dolby Surround Sound System, top shelf cocktails and delicious food. All World Cup matches will be broadcasted live.
Location: 2437 15 St NW Washington DC
Contact: www.thesoccermansion.com
Bar Dupont
The Bar will feature a live broadcasting of every World Cup game on expansive, flat screen TV’s beginning at 7:30 a.m. Thursday June 10, throughout the entire tournament. There will be breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Happy Hour specials, including South African white and red wines as well as a special BBQ on the patio throughout the quarter, semi, and finals.
Location: 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington DC, in the Dupont Hotel Contact: (202) 483-6000
Contact: (202) 483-6000
Ghana Cafe
Get in the spirit of the games and savor authentic African cuisine and traditional African beers from 12 p.m. through 1a.m. Sunday through Monday.
Location: 1336 14th Street, NW Washington DC, 20005
Contact: (202) 387-3845
Napoleon Bistro & Lounge
Relax and enjoy luxurious premiere French dining and a variety of cocktails while watching the World Cup matches.
Location: 1522 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Washington, DC 20007
Contact: (202) 299-9630
Evening Star Café
The celebration will begin on Saturday, June 12th from 2-6 p.m, and includes an outdoor screening of the opening match between USA and England, a juicy crayfish boil by Executive Chef Will Artley, Evening Star’s famous hot dogs and burgers, a wide selection of English and American brews selected by Beer Director Greg Engert as well as a variety of refreshing summer wines provided by Planet Wine.
Location: 2000 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA
Contact: (703) 887-2204
Lucky Bar
Soccer fans can enjoy the lively ambiance and sip on a variety of European beers, including Stella and Carlsburg while hovering around one of the many TVs throughout the bar broadcasting the World Cup live. There is a $10 minimum drinking cover for game days.
Location: 1221 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20036-2640
Contact: (202) 331-3733
Bukom Cafe
Take a break from the games and relish a variety of tasty African dishes, including okra soup, fufu, egusi, and oxtail stew at this festive West African restaurant.
Location: 2442 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Contact: (202) 265-4600
Open City
The Sunroom, featuring two expansive TVs, and festivity for all soccer fans, will host the World Cup. Get there early for prime seating.
Location: 2332 Calvert St. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Contact: (202) 332-2331
Piola
The vibrant, authentic Italian restaurant will host the World Cup games Sunday through Thursday from 12p.m. to 11p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Location: 1550 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209
Contact: (703) 528-1502
Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle
There will be festivity in the air even in the outskirts of DC in Bethesda. The restaurant will be open for all games, with replays aired every night at 7p.m. The ambiance will be unbeatable, outside the bustle of downtown DC.
Location: 4844 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda MD 20814-3011
Contact: (301) 951-0115
World Cup Viewing Inside Dupont Circle
Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association’s generous $10,000 donation has helped make the Soccer in the Circle World Cup viewing party possible on June 12th. There will be prizes given away courtesy of the South African Embassy as well as surprise guest appearances.
Location: Dupont Circle, Washington DC, 20036
Fado Irish Pub
Enjoy breakfast and lunch specials available while viewing all matches broadcasted live.
Location: 808 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: (202) 789-0066
