2010 FIFA World Cup Coverage: Best Atlanta Area Soccer Bars

The world's biggest sporting event of the summer is easily the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Beginning June 11 and lasting until July 11th, the tournament only occurs every 4 years with thirty-two countries competing for the FIFA World Cup Trophy. If you missed your flight to South Africa, here's where to catch all 64 games this summer in Atlanta.

For soccer fans who like their bars dark and their beer Guinness, FADO Irish Pub in Buckheadis the place to go. As the official bar of US Soccer, Fado launches their World Cup coverage with a day long party on June 12^th. The pub will open at 7:30am for the first three games, with kickoff for the showdown between the USA and England scheduled for 2:30pm.

Fado is located near the Streets of Buckhead and has three levels, including a rooftop patio bar and large bar and dance floor downstairs. Serving traditional pub fare (think corned beef sandwiches and fish 'n chips), their special World Cup menu includes breakfast items such as an Irish Breakfast (potatoes, eggs, irish sausage) with a Stella Artois, Harp, or Newcastle for just $14.95.

Fado Irish Pub
www.fadoirishpub.com
273 Buckhead Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30305-2224
(404) 841-0066

Nearby in Buckhead is Stout Irish Pub, another Irish-styled Pub with a selection of over 50 lagers, ales, and stouts on draft or in bottles. Although Stout is smaller than Fado's, it draws many devoted soccer fans in Atlanta and even has a game room to enjoy in between matches with beer pong and darts. Stout offers a twist on typical pub food such as their Irish Wings (wings marinated in Irish whiskey) or Irish Boxty (potato pancakes filled with sausage). Fans dressing the part get a sweet deal: patrons who sport their favorite team's colors get 20% off their entire tab during their team's match.

Stout Irish Pub
www.stoutirishpub.com
56 E Andrews Drive Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30305-1316
(404) 869-1151

If you're looking for something different, venture over to The Midway Pub in East Atlanta. A garage space turned bar, The Midway just celebrated their two year anniversary on April 28th. The front of the bar is glass with three garage doors so it feels light and airy inside and less suffocating than a typical pub. The bar prides itself on being as green as possible - they recycle everything from glass to cans to cardboard and produce only about 10% waste. They serve food from local farmers, meaning only grass-fed beef and hormone-free chicken ends up on their menu. For the beer connoisseur, a wide selection is available - they have 24 beers on tap and over 100 bottles with special seasonal selections and one-time only kegs.

The Midway Pub has large big screen TVs inside, but will also be setting up a projection screen outside on their huge front patio, complete with a tent for fans to watch games day or night, rain or shine. Signup for their Rewards Program Passport Book and earn up to $325 in gift cards. For every day a fan comes to Midway to watch a live game, they earn a stamp in their passport. The more stamps, the more rewards. The Midway is also giving away official soccer balls and other USA merchandise.

The Midway Pub
www.themidwaypub.com
552 Flat Shoals Avenue Southeast
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 584-0335

Sources:
Above linked websites and personal experience.