The 2010 FIFA World Cup is like a leap year Christmas for sports fans. It seems to generate more excitement than the Olympics (it definitely spawns more bar fights.). So where will you be watching the action? If there’s one thing we know here in Texas it’s sports, so it’s really no surprise our sports bars are so plentiful and aptly stocked. Projection screens? Check. More than 100 beer options? You got it. Looking to switch up your game day watching party? Try one of these Haute 5 viewing spots.
The Londoner
A bar that will actually use the word “football” when speaking about the World Cup, there may not be a more suitable watching arena than Addison’s The Londoner. As a proper British pub, you’ll find an array of imported beers (some which you probably won’t be able to pronounce, like Kroenebourg Blanche de Bruxelles) as well as your staple dishes like fish and chips. Ultra bonus: Quite aware of the time difference in Africa, the bar will be open for all games, even if it starts at 6:30 in the morning. If that’s too early for you to enjoy a pint and yell at the screen, then you might not be a real soccer fan.
The Londoner is located at 14930 Midway Rd. in Addison, 972.458.2444, www.londoneraddison.com.
Hully & Mo’s Tap Room
Brett Hull and Mike Modano founded this neighborhood sports bar, and you know what happens when NHL players get involved in the service industry: things get crazy. Televisions are inset in Texas Hill Country limestone throughout the bar, and drop-down big screens are strategically placed throughout the bar and lounge area, to ensure you’ll get a view from wherever you’re enjoying your slow-cooked baby back ribs or handmade pizza. (Pssst…get your Sunday fun-day on with their awesome brunch).
Hully & Mo’s Tap Room is located Uptown at 2800 Routh St. in Dallas, 214.954.0203, www.hullyandmo.com.
Ten Sports Grill
Located in the heart of historic Deep Ellum, Ten Sports Grill was nominated by Forbes magazine as one of the best bars in the country to watch the Super Bowl. And if it’s good enough for our football, I’m sure the 10 plasma screens and 110-inch projection screen will suffice for the other kind of footie. Former strength and conditioning coach for the Mavericks Chad Lewis created Ten Sports Grill five years ago, and since then the bar has played host to the likes of Shaq and Kobe. Ten is also known for its menu that has even those uninterested in sports coming back for seconds. Try their crab claws or homemade potato chips dusted in your choice of 10 spices.
Ten Sports Grill is located at 1302 Main St. in Dallas, 214.748.1010, www.tensportsgrill.com.
Trinity Hall
This Irish pub at Mockingbird Station is a local favorite, whether you’re enjoying a drink after some shopping or grabbing a quick bite before you walk over to the Angelika for a movie. Celebrating their third World Cup, Trinity is already gearing up for a crowd, advising viewers to come in before 9 a.m. on game days to reserve a seat. They are thanking their lucky stars that this year’s matches are kinder on the clock; in 2002 when the game was in Asia they were known as one of the only pubs in town staying open all night for the 3 and 5 a.m. matches. Check out their website for game times and special events/watching parties.
Trinity Hall is located in Mockingbird Station at 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, 214.887.3600, www.trinityhall.tv.
Fox and Hound English Pub & Grille
Yeah, the restaurant is a chain, but when it comes to the most TVs, best pool and dart tables and biggest space, the award has to go to Fox and Hound. They offer special game day menus and drink specials, and you can enter into the World Cup Bracket Challenge for your chance to win some serious prizes. This will probably be the closest thing to legal betting you’ll find around these parts during the World Cup.
Fox and Hound English Pub & Grille is located at 18918 Midway Rd., Suite 200 in Dallas, 972.732.0804, www.tentcorp.com.
