World Cup fever is reaching epidemic levels in Miami with only four teams left vying for the crown. Two of those teams are Brazil and Argentina, which has both expatriates and locals amped up for the matches on Tuesday and Wednesday. These games will turn Miami into a festive shit show with diehard fans screaming, celebrating and mourning, all for our viewing pleasure. Even if you are not a fan of football (soccer for the gringos) it will still be an awesome scene with rambunctious and sexy Latinos in tight soccer jerseys and high heels.
We've compiled some excellent watch spots for supporters of the remaining teams. Whether your gaze is glued to the big screens or on the drunken viewers, there will be plenty of entertainment -- just remember to get to your choice early unless you want to stand for two to three hours.
See also: Boteco: Where Brazil Fans Get Turnt Up for the World Cup
Dromo has been Brazilian HQ on South Beach during Brazil's epic World Cup run and the restaurant has turned up the entertainment with Brazilian inspired décor, sultry samba dancers, and drummers. Drink specials include $6 caipirinhas, delectable $7 kiwi caipirinhas, and $10 passion fruit batidas. To munch, Dromo's got $7 sea bass bolinhos and $8 braised pork belly lettuce wraps. Oh, and prizes will be doled out as well as a chance to win a trip to Brazil.
Hofbräu will be home base for ze Germans at this famous Lincoln Road institution, one of Miami's few places to get authentic German cuisine and beer. They do not accept reservations, but we were told arriving an hour prior will allow you to grab a table. While there's no special ongoing for the World Cup, Hofbräu's imported draft brew from Munich (starting at $8.50 for a 17-oz slug) and Münchner weisswurste ($15) make this area prime for a pro-Germany crowd.
A huge Greek venue on Mary Brickell, Taverna Opa has loads of screens, tables, deals, and fans (the ones that prevent heat stroke). Happy hour starts at kickoff and runs through 8 p.m. There will be $3 wine and beer and all drinks are half-off. The game also brings discounted appetizers from the menu that range from $3-$10.
Manolo was the central cafe where rowdy Argentinian fans shut down Collins Avenue after celebrating their victory over the Swiss, pouring out of the to celebrate, scream, and even Tango. If they beat the Netherlands on Wednesday they may spill out and block Harding Avenue, too. Manolo will have a special with five Quillmes (Argentinian beer) for $15. The manager advises to arrive at 11 a.m. because it's first come, first serve and he expects it to be jam-packed by noon.
Having a tough time seeing the screen blocked by rows of fútbol fans in front of you? Haven's got the solution with their ginormous screen walls. Specials include Green & Yellow Roll (Brazil Roll, with hamachi; cucumber; pickled daikon; yuzu tobiko; jalapeño masago, and wasabi kewpie for $11); World Cup Burgers (prime beef; chimichurr; gruyere; onion rings, and fried quail egg for $12), and tater tots: balsamic catsup + Maytag blue cheese ($8). They will also have $200 Avion Bottles & $10 cocktails.
If you are craving a slice of the swanky life then Toro Toro will suit you. In the first half of the game diners get half-off wine, beer, and house cocktails. In the second half, guests can have half-off an extensive bar menu that includes goodies like smoked swordfish dip, calamari, and burgers. More drink specials include Leblon Caipirinhas and Mojitos for $5 all game long.
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