Tomorrow marks the beginning of the month-long World Cup football (soccer) contest, broadcasting from Capetown, South Africa, which means most games will be live during early morning hours here in Los Angeles (often starting 4:30 AM). Typically, international football tends to be shown here in more grimy, no-frills working class bars popular with our city’s international communities. But for those fans who might enjoy a higher comfort level, HauteLiving.com has uncovered some nice places who have pledged to open early for the games–and even offer specials to encourage conviviality.
Hotel Shangri-La
The recently remodeled Art Deco landmark will be screening all 64 World Cup games on their elegant pool deck, offering deluxe viewing from their chic cabanas, and a prix fixe breakfast menu themed to the teams of the day (Beans on Toast for the Brits,. Favala Eggs & Sweet Potato’s for Brazil, as well as special cocktails). Cabana seating is limited—reservations are strongly recommended.
Hotel Shangri-La is located at 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica (310) 394-2791 or (877) 999-1300
Ye Olde Kings Head
The go-to pub for ex-pat Brits in Santa Monica, Kings Head is a reliable and comfortable spot guaranteed to have a lively Cup crowd. They serve a respectable Shepherd’s Pie and other British classics. They’ve promised to open only for selected 4:30 matches, but if fans call ahead about any particular game, they promise to open for you.
Ye Olde Kings Head is located at 116 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA (310) 451-1402
Lucky Baldwin’s
While the atmosphere at Old Town Pasadena’s Lucky Baldwin’s and sister Delerium Pub in Sierra Madre would certainly classify as “unpretentious,” they definitely attract fun-loving energetic crowds, perfect for game watching. And they have an 11 page beer list (okay, one page is wine).
Lucky Baldwin’s is located at 17 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena (626) 795-0652
Delerium Pub is located at 21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre (626) 355-1140
Q’s Billiard Club
With 50 flatscreen TVs spread between their two bars and three patios, this two-floor beer emporium (over 50 available) between Barrington and Bundy promises full World Cup action. Oh, and of course good pool.
Q’s Billiard Club is located at 11835 Wilshire Boulevard (310) 477-7550
Henry’s Hat
Live on “the other side of the hill?” This sister restaurant to Luna Park near Universal City has 15 TVs in a brick walled gastro-pub atmosphere with a creative organic-sustainable-seasonal menu, plenty of draught beers and a respectable wines-by-the-glass list. Saturday and Sunday games will coincide with their brunch service, featuring bottomless mimosas and sangria.
Henry’s Hat is located at 3413 Cahuenga Boulevard West, Studio City (323) 512-2500
For the full World Cup screening schedule, check ESPN online.
