2010 FIFA World Cup: A six-pack of the Best Pubs To Watch the World Cup

As well as being a global celebration of the world’s greatest game, the World Cup is also a great excuse to hit the pub.

Join us for a beer or two as we bring you a six-pack of the best pubs in the U.S., where you can catch all the action in South Africa.

No. 6: Springbok Bar and Grill, Los Angeles

Traditionally a rugby pub, the Springbok Bar and Grill is getting into the soccer spirit as the World Cup arrives in South Africa – the bar’s spiritual home.

A fun hangout for LA’s southern hemisphere expats, you’re sure to meet plenty of Aussies, Kiwis and Saffas cheering on their teams in one of Long Beach’s best sport bars.

The Springbok will be screening most of the World Cup games live on their big screen TVs.

While the bar will be closed for the 4:30am Pacific Time kick-offs, they will be showing replays later on in the day.

If you want to show your support for the World Cup’s host nation then the Springbok is the place to be.

Don’t forget to try some biltong – South Africa’s beef jerky – while you’re there.

www.springbokbar.com

No. 5: The Dark Horse, Philadelphia

Set in a beautiful old colonial rowhouse with exposed brick and a working fireplace, The Dark Horse is Philly’s answer to the pubs of England.

During the league season the pub opens its doors early on weekends to allow their soccer-savvy regulars to catch the European action live, and they will be doing the same during the World Cup.

With a number of HD TVs and a big screen, The Dark Horse is the perfect place to cheer on England whilst tucking into some British comfort food, like shepherd’s pie.

www.darkhorsepub.com

No. 4: 330 Ritch, San Francisco

The hip San Francisco nightspot is opening its doors early for USA’s big Group C opener against England.

With a 1776 Revolutionary War theme, the club is offering prizes to those who show up in 18th century fancy dress.

They are also encouraging punters to bring their jerseys, flags, scarves and anything else you need to support your team.

Amidst all the fun and mayhem you can catch the game on one of six large projector screens.

Doors open at 10:30 and it is worth getting in early, as there will be an open bar for the hour before kick-off.

330ritch.com

No. 3: Azzurri Wine Bar, Seattle

A relatively new addition to Seattle’s soccer scene, the Azzurri Wine Bar is city’s best place to watch Italian soccer.

With a number of big screen TVs, the Azzurri is gearing up to support world champions Italy when the World Cup action kicks off in South Africa.

If you start feeling hungry during a marathon session of games, try one of their famous Paninis, all named after European club sides.

We’re told the AC Milan is worth having.

Azzurri also has a good wine list and Italian beer Peroni on tap.

azzurrivinobar.com

No. 2: The Globe, Chicago

Winner of USSoccer.com’s Best US Soccer Bar award in 2007 and 2008, the Globe is a British-owned pub that welcomes fans from all over the world.

With big screen TVs everywhere you look and soccer scarves lining the walls, this is the place to watch soccer in the midwest.

The Globe has a great selection of English and international beers and also boasts the best pub quiz in the city.

www.theglobepub.com

No. 1: Nevada Smiths, New York

The East Village pub is a New York soccer institution.

They say Nevada Smiths is “where football is religion,” and fans regularly make the Sunday morning pilgrimage to watch European football there.

Which must make the World Cup a kind of religious holiday where every day is a holy day.

The pub has 14 large HD plasma TVs as well as a giant projection screen.

All the World Cup action from South Africa will be shown live.

While you are there you can also take in the large collection of signed soccer jerseys that hang framed on the walls.

But Nevada Smiths is more than just a sports bar. It is a place where dedicated soccer fans meet to discuss the game, organisz trips to matches and is the spiritual home of New York’s most popular Premier League supporter’s clubs.

www.nevadasmiths.net