Kind of late but here is my SoCal #WorldCup soccer bars review and grades: Lucky Baldwins, Pasadena (Spain v Netherlands): Great venue for EPL games but was not quite well equipped to deal with immense crowd the World Cup can bring. Waitress got so frustrated when she brought a beer that nobody claimed that she yelled I dont care who drinks this beer its going on somebodys tab!!... There is a view almost everywhere you sit and they did have decent sound... B- BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Pasadena (USA v Ghana and first half of Brazil v Columbia): The big screen at this BJs location is the best big screen I think I have ever seen at a restaurant. Service was great, crowd was excited for USA v Ghana but a little quiet for Brazil v Colombia (different days). The big screen here trumps everything else... A- Yardhouse, Pasadena (second half of Brazil v Columbia and Argentina v Germany): Was close enough to run to after first half of Brazil v Colombia at BJs searching for a more lively crowd, didnt find it. Came back because of location here for the Final and it was at full capacity almost 50/50 Argentina and Germany. Never really cared for food at Yardhouse but drinks make up for it... B+ Capetwon Pub, San Diego (Italy v Costa Rica): Brand new spot with authentic South African cuisine. Good service and plenty of screens to watch any game and wide open space. Also sells wine and other items exclusively from South Africa. Owner is very friendly and allowed me to fill out their bracket after the game... A Latitude 32 Pub, Pacific Beach (France v Switzerland first half) Philly bar so def have to respect that. This place had the best happy hour of any place I went to but they didnt turn the volume on for the game for like the first 20 mins so I didnt hear the first of many goals France scored. Was not the best soccer atmosphere but I could imagine this is probably one of the best locations for Philadelphia based teams... B PB Bar & Grill, Pacific Beach (France V Switzerland second half) I missed the boat here at PBs by about 10 years as my friends used to always hang out here during trips to San Diego which I somehow missed every time. So I had to just stop by even if it was just to watch the second half of a World Cup match. Good drink prices and TVs everywhere but all of the screens except for like two had a foggy glare to them and some did not broadcast in HD. Still I can definitely see why that place was the spot of choice for all my compadres... B 710 Beach Club, Pacific Beach (Honduras v Ecuador): Its location literally right on the beach enabled us to stop here for the match after hanging by the ocean for a bit. Waitress gave great customer service while training someone. Good margarita specials... A- Blue Ice Cafe, Chatsworth (Argentina v Belgium): We ended up here after being rejected from Buenos Aires Grill (Argentinian restaurant where we were told there was no seating even though we pointed out seats, definitely the worst service Ive ever received, and I even had my Argentina shirt on) ended up being a blessing in disguise because I discovered some really good Italian coffee here. A cafe au lait and fruit crepe later and we are hanging on a sofa watching the match broadcasted in Spanish. Ended up working out. Owner used to play professionally in Egyptian league and really appreciates the game... A La Poubelle Bistro, Hollywood (France v Germany): Had to watch France in action with my French homies. Too bad they failed to score in this match. We walked into this place and it was strictly standing room only (Im sure they broke fire code). One big screen up on the wall and a mini screen at the bar provided for the viewing of the game. La Poubelle did not anticipate this much business (it was the 4th of July) and stopped serving coffee (not good at all). We ordered mimosas instead. Despite the discomfort of not being able to stand without bumping into someone, it was cool to watch a match with France fans who had just as much passion as me... B+ Springbok Bar & Grill, Van Nuys (Netherlands v Mexico): Great atmosphere here. Fans galore, great service from bartender/waitreses who made me feel very welcome, especially for my first time being there. Very good South African based food (especially for bar standards) but therefore kinda pricy. Made up for that with good drink specials and had a Brazilian homie there breaking out the Capoeira with a crew playing instruments at the half, nice amount of TVs... A The Olde Ship, Santa Ana (Argentina v Netherlands): This was one place I looked up with high ratings and it did not disappoint. Along with Springbok, the best service I received during this entire Cup. Great crowd for this game as well. Layout of screens above bar forced you into excessive cervical spine extension while sitting at bar but that is the only criticism I have of The Olde Ship. Food good, beer good, especially the beer on tap. Also looks like they probably throw a great Halloween party (just guessing)... A+ The Cat & Fiddle, Hollywood (USA v Belgium): The only bar I visited during World Cup 2010 that I went back to in 2014. The best atmosphere I experienced this entire World Cup (obviously with the USA in the knockout stage) with I believe that we will win!! chants breaking out often. Food, drink, service all good. The main room has huge projectors offering a great view. Also had a nice outside set up offering screens and shade. Bar was at full capacity but we were still comfortable. One of the best places to watch a match... A+ 1739 Public House, Los Angeles (Los Felix Neighborhood) (Brazil v Germany): Overall the best place I watched a game at during this Cup! They were packed to full capacity and they were ready for it. Two floors and you cannot sit anywhere without a screen in your face. Waitresses were super busy but remembered to check in with me often and i did not have to wait long for my food. Mostly Brazil fans here that were flummoxed at the drumming Brazil took. Still crowd remained very lively and I could only imagine what NFL gamedays look like here. Been searching for a bar to watch NFL since Capitol City on Cahuenga, many have failed and this place looks like the next best thing. Going to test it out come NFL season. Bar is not enclosed from outside so it can get hot with rising temperature would be my only criticism. I was very impressed with this place... A++
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 03:54:42 +0000
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