AT THE BARS : Where Fans Can Let Their World Cup Runneth Over
World Cup is upon us. But if, like most people, you don’t have the extra cash for tickets, you’re probably going to watch events unfold on TV.
But if sitting at home taking in the spectacle of it all doesn’t appeal to you, there is an alternative to being surrounded by your same four walls, stuck in front of the glowing tube.
For a little color, try one of the local pubs. Twenty-four countries are participating in the World Cup, and there’s just about as much diversity in the venues.
The Fox and Firkin, for example, at 3601 Jamboree Road in Newport Beach, has six TV sets, all hooked up to World Cup. Manager Scott Drapkin insists that “you can’t sit in the Fox and Firkin without being able to see a World Cup game.” Here you’ll find the usual British imports, and they’ve even laid on a special Football (that’s soccer to us) Ale.
The two Rose and Crown pubs also have a British theme. The Anaheim pub is at 20 S. Anaheim Blvd., and the San Clemente site is at 647 Camino de las Mares. Both of them have a great soccer following, not only for the British teams, but also for other European teams.
If it’s Gemutlichkeit (some German warmth) you’re after, try the Phoenix Club at 1340 S. Sanderson Ave. in Anaheim. The World Cup games, especially those including the German team, will be featured on its big-screen TV. Not only are the Germans one of the World Cup favorites, but they also, rather conveniently, make great beer.
The Irish team is viewed as an underdog in the upcoming games, and Irish fans will, no doubt, be flocking to the Harp Inn, 130 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. It will be open for all the games, even the morning ones, when it will serve breakfast.
At first glance, Carpi’s Pizza, 320, Unit R, E. Katella Ave. in Orange, seems an unlikely venue for watching World Cup soccer. It’s small, but there’s no lack of enthusiasm. Rudy Carpi, who hails from Argentina, will be watching the games along with other Argentine fans.
“I do this because I’m fanatical about soccer,” said Carpi, who will show all daytime and evening games, as well as serving food.
At Las Palmas in Santa Ana, other fans of South American teams will find all the games broadcast. Las Palmas boasts a large Colombian as well as Mexican following, and fans of these teams often gather here to watch the games. Owner Raul Muniz, a Uruguayan and a big soccer fan he traveled to Italy to watch Uruguay play in the last World Cup), provides a full menu of Mexican food.
Each of these locations serves food, and you can get anything from bangers to burritos to bratwurst. They also give you something that most fans who have laid out the big bucks don’t get: instant replay.
