Best World Cup Bars in Hollywood

An ongoing epidemic across the county has been surfacing over the last couple decades - Sports Bars. I'm not inherently against chains like some people, although I still avoid them when possible. Chain sports bars lure you in with humungous TV's and cheap food. That might be fine for an NBA playoff game, or a regular season football game - but not for the World Cup 2010. You need a soccer pub, a place where the sport will be appreciated, and the proper antics will ensue when a goal is scored. The camaraderie and the character of a real bar, that made its name through quality, not through commercials, is what you need to enjoy the World Cup 2010. Here are some examples in Hollywood, CA:

The Cat and Fiddle Pub

Here we have a Hollywood staple, that just so happens to be a perfect place to watch the World Cup 2010. When June 12th rolls around, this place will turn into a true soccer pub. They're showing all early (before 11:30 AM) England, USA, and Brazil games live, All 11:30 AM games will be shown live, and many of the other games will be shown on tape delay during regular business hours. (11:30 AM to 2:00 AM) They have large TV's that can be seen from all over the inside of the bar. Specials during the games include $1.50 Sausage Rolls, and $3.00 Heinekens and Newscastles. They list a complete schedule of the games that will be shown on their website http://www.thecatandfiddle.com/

What you need to know about Cat and Fiddle is that it's a soccer pub year round. They show English Premier League and UEFA Champions League games, so they're no strangers to hosting soccer fans. It's right on Sunset Blvd., so the night life will be great after the games. Also, there's a beautiful courtyard outside where can you sit and eat, and enjoy the sun or the shade before and after the games.

These next two you won't find on any other lists most likely, but if you're looking for something a little more off-beat and casual, with great people and unique atmosphere, Cranes Hollywood Tavern and Blue Goose Lounge are great places to bring some friends and enjoy the games.

Crane's Hollywood Tavern

Crane's is a very community oriented place, with lots of young regulars who frequent the bar for the live music and to see friends. You'll find a nice casual atmosphere, and the cheapest drinks and food around. The bartenders are the best here; you're not going to find them any friendlier in Hollywood. There's a great outdoor deck and patio in back, and patio in front, and lounge adjacent to the bar. Again, if you want to enjoy a bar that is cool whether there's a game on or not, this place is always a good time. There will be a TV set up at the end of the bar, and it'll be a great intimate setting to watch the game with some friends, and a great way to meet some of Hollywood's most interesting people. Regular business hours are 8 PM to 2 AM. It's tucked in a block north of Sunset on Selma.

Blue Goose Lounge

Located in Thai Town east of Hollywood on Sunset, The Blue Goose Lounge is a cool little hole in the wall, with lots of character and good people working behind the bar. The best part - they're showing games on a huge projector screen throughout the World Cup 2010. This is another place where you'll find true soccer fans, not fans who wish that it was football season already. Enjoy an array of drink specials, generous bartenders, and great food. This bar will be open during the games, and until 2 AM.