World Cup NYC: Where to Watch the Final
It's about that time, kids; the World Cup Breakfast Beer Express is pulling into the station. The third place game, between Germany and Portugal, is tomorrow, and the Final this Sunday between France and Italy. Really, we love both cuisines equally, making it impossible to pick a favorite.
Nonetheless, for that very reason--culinary popularity--you've got plenty of viewing options in the city, though you might want to think twice about hitting up the Olive Garden--it won't have very many fans there, and you'll fill up on the unlimited salad and breadsticks. Also, at all of these locations, reservations and calling ahead is highly recommended. To wit:
Italy
La Casalinga: A tiny restaurant on 1st Avenue and 7th, it's filled with spectators during recent games. The TV is right in the dining area and angled directly to face the all seats in the restaurant, making La Casalinga the closest approximation of watching the game in someone's kitchen.
Le Streghe: This swank West Broadway restaurant is where we watched Italy in the first round, and it was full at 10am on a weekday, so expect utter insanity this time around. They have a special menu during the game, and most of the tables are oriented to see the game on the projection screen in the back of the restaurant.
L'Angolo: This café is where NYT columnist George Vescey is purported to watch matches. It would be more exciting if he didn't write about the misbegotten American team so much, but with light sandwiches and salads, it may be more suited for an afternoon game, anyway Plus, if Italy loses, you won't be saddled with too big a bill.
France:
Opia: One of GQ's top ten soccer bars in the U.S. (a rather dubious distinction, like "least deformed"), this tony midtown eatery has a big screen set-up for watching the game. There's also a cozy den area, but given how hot it was at other World Cup watching venues, you may want to bring a sweat towel if that's where you're headed. Opia is owned by retired French soccer star Youri Djorkaeff, although we hear he's in Germany at present. Bonus: It's possible to reserve online.
Bar Tabac: A French staple on Smith Street in Brooklyn, you can bet on this brasserie being packed with true bleu fans. The all-French wine list and French bar snacks will help ease the tension during the match, and they'll be open at 10am on Sunday, so you can ensure you'll be "ready" for the start of the match.
As for English fans, you'll find them anywhere alcoholic beverages are sold.
Related Stories:
· World Cup Coverage [Jaunted]
· Germany World Cup [Official Site]
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