Manhattan Beach Raises a Glass to the World Cup

Manhattan Beach certainly has no shortage of sports bars, nor sports fans. Although the town always has a plethora of places at which to hang out and catch a game, Manhattan Beach bars are stepping it up a notch as the town gets into the groove of the World Cup, which began Friday and will continue until July 11. Maybe it is because Team USA midfielder Michael Bradley hails from Manhattan Beach and team captain Landon Donovan lives here that we're so fired up. Whatever the reason, across town locals will find an abundance of bars ready to roll out the red carpet—even at 4:30 a.m.—for World Cup fans.

Touted on its website as the "Official South Bay World Cup Headquarters" is OB's Pub & Grill. OB's, whose regulars include former residents of England, Australia and South Africa, sets the standard for Manhattan Beach World Cup bars by opening for every game, no exceptions, and offering all-day drink specials. For those 4:30 a.m. kickoffs, OB's will have the lights on with fresh coffee, its beloved breakfast menu and virgin Bloody Marys—sorry folks, you have to wait until 6 a.m. in this state for a cocktail. Come the legal drinking hour, however, watch the mimosas flow as OB's offers its killer happy hour all day during matches, including $4 well drinks and $3.50 beers. 

Also open for all World Cup matches, even the early bird games, is Manhattan Beach's Baja Sharkeez and Summer's Sports Bar. Both locations will be serving breakfast for morning games. Sharkeez will be offering its regular daily drink specials, whereas Summer's plans to add a few beverage deals during games such as specials on pitchers of beer, TBD at game time. 

In the laidback manner of Manhattan Beach, a handful of spots plan to open early for a selection of games and design food and drink specials on demand, waiting to find out what locals want then giving it to them. Grunion's owner Robert Koch advises interested parties to "call ahead and find out" if they will be open or not, adding that Saturday's match between Greece and Korea Republic was the only 4:30 a.m. game that was garnering a lot of interest. For all morning games that Grunion's does open its doors, guests may watch the international matches over a breakfast buffet of good ol' "USA food," Koch said. In terms of drink specials, "We haven't decided yet!" said Koch. "We will play it by ear. We'll probably have some shot specials; when Mexico is playing we'll have margarita specials. We'll make it fun!"

Mr. Pockets Sports Bar will also be taking its World Cup plans day by day. Owner Dean Moss plans to be open for all USA and all Mexico games, including early morning ones. For any parties of 20 or more, "Just call and we'll open up for you," said Moss. Pockets too will be offering food and drink specials on the fly with different treats for different countries, such as Corona specials when Mexico is playing.  Other spots in town, such as Manhattan Beach BrewCo and Pancho's Restaurant, are not planning anything special but they will have the games on during regular business hours. 

Throughout town, Manhattan Beach locals will find plenty to eat and drink during the world's favorite tournament, so put on your team colors and raise a glass to the World Cup.