The single biggest sporting event in the world is finally here. This Friday the 2010 World Cup kicks off in South Africa, as some of the greatest athletes in the world take center stage to represent their countries of birth. While Team U.S.A. may not be the favorite, our boys are looking better than ever this year and the nation is behind them 100%. Watching the World Cup at home is one thing, but you really don’t get the kind of atmosphere that you need. That’s why we’re here to let you know about some of the best places in Miami to watch the World Cup. So go out to support your country, grab a cold pint of beer, and be ready to scream your lungs out!
Where To Watch The World Cup in Miami: Churchill’s Pub
5501 NE 2nd Avenue | Miami, FL 33137
Churchill’s is known more for their great music scene than the sporting events shown inside, but for the World Cup, you better believe that this spot will be one of the best places to catch some matches in Miami. Churchill's has been around longer than any other bar on this list, so it definitely deserves the most respect; but if you’re looking for a place where you can get sloppy drunk for a good price while cheering on your team, than look no further than Churchill’s Pub located in the heart of Little Haiti. But if you’re looking to cheers on the U.S.A. during their match with England, this may not be your first choice because you may be outnumbered.
Where To Watch The World Cup in Miami: Irish Times
5850 Sunset Drive | Miami, FL 33143
Irish Times is probably one of the smallest bars on this list, but remember, it’s the World Cup and matches won’t be on during primetime in the U.S., especially when there’s a six-hour difference. Games will be on at odd times for us in the U.S., so while the majority of the crowd will be at work, some of us will be able to slip out and hit up Irish Times to catch a match. The grub here is prime and they do serve up Carlsberg, which may not be seen as the greatest brew to our European friends, but we happen to think it’s a good one. Not to mention you’re on the quiet side of town in the Gables, rather than watching the World Cup in downtown or South Beach.
Where To Watch The World Cup in Miami: Brickell Irish Pub
1451 South Miami Avenue | Miami, FL 33130
Brickell Irish Pub is the newest venue on this list, but their location is key to those nine to fivers that call downtown Miami and Brickell their workplace. These guys will be able to skip out during lunchtime and grab some food and a pint or two at this bar/restaurant while they watch one of the many World Cup matches. They may not be able to catch an entire match, but it’s better than having to hide a screen away from your boss when your TPS reports are due no later than 2 p.m.
Where To Watch The World Cup in Miami: Waxy O’Connors
1248 Washington Avenue | Miami Beach, FL 33139
You really won’t get a more authentic Irish pub than this place, and when you’re looking for a great place to watch the World Cup, authenticity is key! Without a doubt this will be one of the most popular venues in the city for the World Cup, so expect this place to be slammed throughout the entirety of the tournament. There’s two located in the city, but the South Beach venue will be the one that gets the most attention. They have decent grub and will probably feature some drink specials for the big games, so you’ll need to bring some mints along if you have to head back to the office after a match.
Where To Watch The World Cup in Miami: Yard House
320 San Lorenzo Avenue | Miami, FL 33146
Sure the World Cup is all about the competition, but for a majority of us here stateside, we like that we get another excuse to go out and drink as much beer as we possibly can. If there’s one place that will have this it’s Yard House, and their beer menu is one of the best in the city. They also have some of the best sporting displays around, with mega-plasma screen TVs located throughout the entire bar/restaurant. Great thing is that they’ll be hosting the World Cup festivities during their happy hours because of the time-frame. Expect this place to be packed for the World Cup, we’ll definitely be stopping by for a match or two during the tournament.
Where To Watch The World Cup in Miami: Sports Exchange
45 Miracle Mile | Miami, FL 33134
If you’re a big fan of the World Cup and want a nice quaint and classy place to catch the games, than look no further than Sports Exchange on Miracle Mile. The TV setups are supreme, the food is great, and you’ll feel like you’re part of a private club when you walk into this place. The World Cup brings in all sorts of fans from all over the world, but the Sports Exchange tends to bring in the kind of sports fan that won’t yell too loud or get all in your face for cheering for another country. Regardless, you should expect some rowdiness, it is the World Cup after all.
Where To Watch The World Cup in Miami: Playwright Irish Pub & Restaurant
1265 Washington Avenue | Miami Beach, FL 33139
When you want to catch a great football match in Miami, the number one place that everyone thinks about is Playwright on Washington Avenue in South Beach. This traditional Irish Pub brings in the biggest and most loyal football fanatics, so you better believe that it tops our list for top bars to watch the World Cup in Miami. Since it’s located in South Beach, you can be sure that this place will be slammed throughout the entire tournament. South Beach is known to bring in a big influx of European tourists, and they’ll be sure to ask around and see where the best place to watch a match is.