World Cup fever? Watch the games here
The FIFA World Cup draws billions of viewers from around the world. While a relatively small percentage of those viewers come from the United States, we're catching on. Many Long Island restaurants and bars are catering to soccer fans who wish to cheer on their favorite team among a like-minded crowd - offering free buffets or giveaways to those who show up in team colors.
While some spots are screening nearly every match, others will power-up for fans of specific teams.
Monaghan's: 48 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-764-6372
The big banner in the window and the 32 national flags inside representing each of the World Cup nations offer a not-so-subtle hint about the atmosphere here. Fans who come in wearing their country's colors during that nation's games will get their first drink free. During all USA games, there's a free halftime buffet, and every U.S. goal will be celebrated with free shots at the bar. Monitor the action on one of three hi-def TVs and sip one of their 15 draft beers at the bar.
Good for fans of: USA, England, Ghana, Australia, Honduras, Brazil, Spain
Plattduetsche Park Restaurant: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square, 516-354-3131
Loyal U.S. and German fans will find a home at this restaurant and beer garden. "In Germany, the game of football (or soccer) is everything," manager Matt Buck explains, "and we're excited to carry on that tradition." The Park Restaurant (open Wednesday-Sunday) will host free halftime buffets for each USA or Germany game. It will also give away commemorative Warsteiner glasses each time the U.S. or Germany scores a goal.
Good for fans of: Germany, USA
Rio Bar & Cafe: 10 New Street, Huntington, 631-351-1010
In Brazil, it's not soccer, or futbol - it's "Joga Bonito" (the beautiful game). If that resonates with you, this is your spot. The cozy bar and cafe will host all-day happy hour sangria on Brazilian match days. Snack on tapas or enjoy the nation's signature drink - the caipirinha - as you root for the Seleção.
Good for fans of: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, USA
Paddy's Loft: 1286 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, 516-798-7660
Fans familiar with Ireland's controversial loss in the qualifiers will find a sympathetic ear in manager Noel Cannon. "I cried when Ireland was pushed out by that hand ball," Cannon says. Ireland's absence hasn't dimmed the enthusiasm at Paddy's Loft, which will open early for fans to watch each game live. Stop in for an Irish breakfast, served daily from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and watch the action on 16 hi-def, widescreen TVs. Expect plenty of beer and food specials, too.
Good for fans of: England, USA, Italy, France
Café Buenos Aires: 23 Wall St., Huntington, 631-603-3600
Buffalo wings and brewskis not your thing? Try tapas and Malbec in a more serene setting. This Argentinian-owned cafe has two small televisions, which cuts down on the noise and soccer-hooligan factor. The bar has six beers on tap and an extensive wine selection - but sangria is the specialty.
Good for fans of: Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Honduras
Irish Times Pub: 975 Main St., Holbrook, 631-467 4330
Whether you sit at the spacious bar, in the lively dining area or on the outdoor patio, you won't have any problems seeing the game - thanks to 20 flatscreens and one huge projection-screen. The pub will offer free drinks whenever the U.S. scores a goal and a two-for-one wing special during all USA games. They'll also raffle off official USA World Cup shirts and soccer balls. They will open at 9:30 each morning, in plenty of time for the 10 a.m. games.
Good for fans of: USA, England, Slovenia, Slovakia, Algeria, Greece.
Rowdy Hall: 10 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-8555
During the World Cup, getting spirited at Rowdy Hall has its benefits. Among several giveaways, the pub/restaurant will award a USA soccer shirt to the "Most Enthusiastic Fan" of the tournament. Each of its eight tap beers will be served in an imperial 19-ounce glass. The English-style pub is "a temple for the religious experience of soccer," says general manager Lisa Bonner.
Good for fans of: USA, England, France, Spain, Brazil
Portuguese American Center: 1216 Portion Road, Farmingville, NY, 631-736-1254
Home of the Portuguese Soccer Club, this cultural center is famous for its vociferous, steadfast support of its homeland. They'll be serving breakfast during each of Portugal's games throughout the tournament. Although it is a private club, nonmembers can attend as a guest of a member. Or you can stop by and pick up a membership application, since new members are approved each week.
Good for fans of: Portugal
The Bench: 1095 Rt. 25A, Stony Brook, 631-675-1474
Located near the campus of Stony Brook University, The Bench typically draws a college-age crowd with its outdoor patio and 34 televisions, including three big screens. Choose from one of their 28 rotating tap beers and enjoy a plethora of drink and appetizer specials during the tournament, including $4 beers and complimentary shots after any team scores a goal.
Good for fans of: USA
Celtic Corner: 924 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park, 516-488-6542
Good for fans of: England
Global Sports: 2016 Route 112, Medford, 631-758-7603
Good for fans of: USA
Grand Cafe: 27 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook, 516-887-2878
Good for fans of: Italy
Churrasqueira Bairrada: 144 Jericho Tpke., Mineola, 516-739-3856
Good for fans of: Portugal
Amici Family Style Restaurant: 4348 Merrick Road, Massapequa, 516-799-4100
Good for fans of: Italy
Bella Italia: 56 Echo Ave., Miller Place, 631-473-3799
Good for fans of: Italy
