The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Friday with Mexico playing South Africa and continues through July 11. For those looking to get a group in on the sporting action, venues around the city will be outfitted with cultural decor and limited-time drink and food menus featuring cocktails and cuisine inspired by the tournament’s participating countries.
Here’s a look at six local restaurants, bars, and lounges—none of which are typical sports-watching haunts—that can accommodate your group throughout the month.
1. JB Kitchen and Bar
This 2,500-square-foot Brickell eatery will add six 52-inch TVs in the dining room and on the 2,000-square-foot patio, specifically for watching the tournament. In addition, a 110-inch projection screen at the far end of the dining room has unobstructed views from all areas. JB will host games like foosball and FIFA World Cup Playstation competitions with prizes like Adidas World Cup soccer balls, complimentary drinks, and dinner gift certificates. The chef has created a World Cup-inspired menu with items such as fish and chips, lobster escargot, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and bratwurst sandwiches with sauerkraut. The restaurant’s open dining room can seat 80 or hold 300 for receptions.
2. Mercadito Midtown
This 5,600-square-foot Mexican restaurant in midtown is installing three plasma TVs and opening at 10 a.m. for some of the early soccer matches. The eatery will also serve specialty cocktails like fresh fruit margaritas and offer an unlimited taco menu for $25 per person during each match. The restaurant has a semiprivate room for groups of 35. Additionally, the main dining room can seat 190 or host as many as 400 for receptions.
3. Sra. Martinez
Chef and restaurateur Michelle Bernstein’s upscale Latin restaurant will be outfitted with two TVs and a projection screen. The design district eatery seats 150 in the main dining room and patio and will open at 9:30 a.m. Bernstein has created a Haute Hat Trick menu of dishes like fish and chips, kosher hot dogs, and Korean and buffalo-style chicken wings for viewing parties. The restaurant will also be serving seasonal beers and specialty lunch and breakfast cocktails throughout the tournament. The mezzanine can be booked for groups of 40.
4. Mia at Biscayne
This 14,000-square-foot downtown Miami restaurant and lounge will offer a special themed menu inspired by the Spanish, Brazilian, Argentine, French, and American teams. There are three areas available for groups: a patio for 200, the main dining room for 40, and the bar and club space for about 200. A 24-foot interactive wall in the downstairs lounge will broadcast the games, as will 13 other plasma TVs throughout the space. The venue will open as early as 7:30 a.m. for morning matches and serve a limited-time brunch menu until noon.
5. Amadeus Bar
Inside the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, this upscale lounge will add three plasma TVs as well as flags, banners, and other sporty decor from the countries participating in the tournament. The 245-square-foot space can accommodate groups of 60 and will serve specialty menus with dishes from the countries playing during each match. Group menus can be created upon request.
6. 72nd Bar and Grill
This 1,750-square-foot casual dining restaurant in South Miami opened in late February and is suited for happy-hour watch parties for groups of 74. During each match the bar will be serve half-priced beers from the competing countries. The menu blends American and Latin cuisines with options like burgers, pizzas, and pastas, as well as a ceviche stand and made-to-order tiraditos.
