GallagherWorldCup

The 2010 World Cup at Gallagher’s, the Post Pick for celebrating this year’s games. 

Tomorrow marks the opening ceremonies of the 2014 World Cup being hosted in Brazil. Here’s a round up of our top choices to get your futebol on in Long Beach while you cheer on the planet’s biggest sporting event. With 736 players from 32 countries, the event that takes place only once every four years is a sports staple and—like those who love Long Beach—those who love soccer are fans without equal.

Given tomorrow’s first game at 1PM features the hosting country facing off with Croatia, it is sure to be a competition not to be missed. Let the June-long celebration begin!

Post Pick: Gallagher’s (2751 E Broadway)

This Irish pub, a longtime Long Beach favorite, is our pick as the top choice to check out all things world cup. You will see jerseys galore, you will hear the vuvuzelas sound off, and you will enjoy bottomless mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays. Just come early: World Cup season marks Gallagher’s busiest time ever—even next to St. Patrick’s Day.

The Tilted Kilt (6575 E Pacific Coast Hwy.)

Whether one appreciates The Tilted Kilt’s cheeky objectification of its female servers by way of mini-skirt “kilts” and tied-up tops which leave little to the imagination, all can agree that plenty of TVs and the massive space might make for one of the more comfortable places to get in on the games.

The Auld Dubliner (71 S Pine Ave.)

What better way for The Auld Dubliner (pictured) to celebrate its 10th anniversary than by way of the World Cup? Not only will they happily be showing games (while obviously cheering for Ireland), Guinness will be making stops during every U.S. game to offer swag and stout.

EJ Malloy’s (4306 Atlantic Ave. / 3411 E Broadway)

Both EJ locales—the one on Broadway in the Heights and the one on Atlantic in Bixby Knolls—will be celebrating the World Cup with games on for as long as they are open. The Long Beach staple will be encouraging patrons to come in support of their teams and, of course, grub down on their gorgonzola fries (which we suggest you throw a little Tapatío on).

Legends (5236 E 2nd St.)

Legends is, well, a legend of the Shore. It burned down, only to arise from the ashes so that Long Beach can watch the World Cup on its 320-inch HD projection screen as well as on its walls of televisions that make it nearly impossible to not be watching some sport at any given moment. Plus, after the inaugural 2014 game, you can enjoy happy hour, as it starts at 3PM.

Screen Shot 2014-06-11 at 12.28.15 PMAlegria (115 Pine Ave.)

Alegria in downtown Long Beach is capturing all of the action live on large-screen TVs situated throughout the restaurant, which will be adorned with flags from many of the countries participating. Alegria is extending its hours and will be serving breakfast just for the games. Tomorrow they will show the opening ceremonies live at 11AM and the restaurant will offer $6 Caipirinha’s, Brazil’s national cocktail (pictured).

Did we miss any? Feel free to tell us where you’re celebrating in the comment section below. Play on, Long Beach!