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Fun place to watch World Cup finals
June 2006
My Israeli family members (2 adults, 2 teenagers, 2 young adults) are coming for a visit to the Bay Area July 6-10 during the finals ? of the World Cup, and they are fanatic soccer fans. We don't even have ESPN (although we are willing to get it if need be). Do we need ESPN to watch the game(s), and do you have any suggestions for a fun place in the East Bay to watch game with other soccer fans? Lori
I think I saw signs about the games being shown at the Kensington Circus Pub- fun, casual, with a kid play area, and yummy food and drinks too. chris
I haven't been there for a while but The Pub on Solano (1492 Solano Ave) usually shows soccer matches (especially if it's UK teams!). That would be a fun place to hang out to watch the games though I'm not sure about the age requirement Setenay
All world cup games are played on the Spanish language station Univision (channel 14 with an antenna). That's where I watch them because I don't have ESPN either. For English-speaking stations, the games leading up to the final when your relatives will be here will all be on ESPN, except for the final game on July 9 which will be on ABC. I heard the pub Barclay's in Oakland will be open and serving food for all world cup games. Any sports bar or pub that is open that morning should have the world cup game on. You can call ahead. Have fun! Andi
You do not have to have ESPN to watch the World Cup games. All games are shown on the Spanish-language channel Univision (Ch 14) and the final will be on ABC. The play-by-play commentary on Univision, though you may not understand it, is much more interesting and exciting than that of the Americans.
As for where to watch with other fans, bars near the UC campus will probably show the games, and charge you $20 just to get in. I watched the finals of the European Championships at the International House at UCB a couple of years ago and the atmosphere was great. They had a big screen in the lobby. Lots of young people, free, but limited seating. Good luck. mick
I’ve always loved watching games at Oakland Athletic Club!
Maybe Bobby G's in downtown Berkeley? I am not a sports fan myself, but my ladies book club has met there regularly and it's fairly mellow (in vibe, not volume) and bright.
4 Bells in Berkeley is a very fun and welcoming place!
Try Public Market in Emeryville! Huge TV screens, excellent food options, friendly atmosphere. The schedule of games is on their website.
Italian Colors in the Montclair District seems to always have Warrior games on big screens above the bar.
In my extensive experience dining there over many years, the clientele tend to be mature couples and individuals; sometimes there are family or work groups. But it does not seem to be a scene where a single woman would be harassed by creepy drunks. Alyssa the bartender is very skilled at her trade!
p.s. The rowdy guy doing Draymond Green imitations is my husband.
I agree that Bobby G's on University just west of Shattuck is a pretty good sports bar. Most of the screens aren't that big, but there are plenty of them, and the pizza and sandwiches are fine. (Very nice beer selection.) More to your point, I see families, singles and groups of all ages at Bobby's, and have sat there by myself watching the Warriors, and felt quite comfortable.