The 2010 World Cup is causing business to boom for Miami Beach restaurants and bars, many of which open extra early so eager fans can watch the live satellite broadcasts from South Africa. While polite company might wait for sunset to kick off cocktail hour, many visitors start their days with a pint of beer and a hearty cheer for their favorite football teams.
As the matches near the Semi-Final rounds this week, we suggest you find a spot on Lincoln Road Mall at Hofbrau Munchen Beerhall for a rousing round of German sportsmanship and huge steins of light and dark brews to help propel the team on to victory this Wednesday, July 7 at 2:30pm. Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes has been serving an $8 All You Can Eat breakfast bar and lowering the lights in their lounge to give early risers a perfect spot to stretch out on the sofas and watch the games.
Finnegan’s Two at Lincoln and Michigan directs some of their flat panel TVs out toward sidewalk tables so shoppers and their football fan families can find an umbrella table and a cool drink to watch the matches al fresco. As the games move forward and the pressure intensifies, South Beach Bars stand at the ready to serve as a relaxing oasis for visitors who don’t want to miss a minute of the exciting FIFA action!
Our Top Ten Football Bars in Miami Beach:
1. As Germany nears the finals, Hofbrau Munchen Beerhall at 943 Lincoln Road is the best spot for fans to gather though the viewing can be obstructed by the celebratory atmosphere.
2. For comfort and convenience, Lucky Strike Lanes at 1691 Michigan Avenue is steps away from the sometimes sweaty Hofbrau Munchen and offers a cool, dark, comfortable place to enjoy the games.
3. Finnegan’s Two has indoor and outdoor seating on Lincoln Road Mall to enjoy the game, a cold beer and some of the best people watching in town. Their original seaside location is also serving sports fans at 1344 Ocean Drive.
4. The Clevelander Hotel at 1001 Collins Avenue has a pool bar, a sports bar and a rooftop retreat all designed to give you the freedom of choice about where to watch your favorite team score.
5. Mac’s Club Deuce at 222 14 Street starts their happy hour at 8am daily offering 2 for 1 pricing all day long and a dim and cozy dive bar atmosphere to watch the games.
6. Playwright Irish Pub at 1265 Washington Avenue is the home of some of the most beer-fuelled partying on South Beach. If things get too crazy by the half, cross the street to Waxy O’Connors and see how the other side lives at 1248 Washington Avenue.
7. Clarke’s Gastropub at 840 First Street enjoys the added benefit of a skilled chef in the kitchen who’ll serve up a perfect burger, crispy fish and chips or a hearty shepherd’s pie to help you avoid a midday hangover.
8. To enjoy the games in an off-the-radar atmosphere, Ted’s Hideaway at 124 Second Street serves buckets of beer in a no-frills, neighborhood bar setting in the heart of the South Beach Glitz.
9. Free Spirits Pub in the burgeoning Collins Park District is the ideal antidote for the posh Gansevoort and W Hotel crowd who want to rub elbows with real English footy fans at 100 21 Street just off the beach.
10. Liberty Grill / La Parilla Liberty at 609 Washington Avenue is the official home of Argentine Football. While the Argentinean and Brazilian teams have already met their matches, this remains a perfect spot for a steak and a beer surrounded by die hard sports fans.