On June 12th the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Rio De Janeiro, for four glorious weeks our television sets will be tuned into 22 men running around a sweltering pitch for 90 minutes. We may be in a country that, for the most part couldn’t care less about the game, but we’re DC and we’re pretty passionate about it, just ask Mayor Gray. With a city full of chefs from all corners of the globe you can be sure that restaurants and bars across town are offering up discounted food and drinks. Here is a growing list of places you can watch the game and order up some cheap eats, and lots of Caipirinha's.
During games, Alba Osteria will be offering up $4 Cahca infused shots, $5 Caipirinha's, $8 Tito's infused Lemonade Energy Drink and a $12 "Pele" Punch.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Can't hit up a bar in the middle of the day to watch your team kick around a leather ball, pick up some USA Doughnuts from Astro and head over to your office conference room - a Vanilla Glazed Doughnut with Raspberry Drizzle and Blueberries. For only $2.50 on USA game days. Don't stray too far, if the US wins a game they'll dish out a free doughnut to the first 32 through the door. A limited number of the doughnuts are also available from the truck.
On game days City Tap House will highlight different brews representing the playing country, including the Del Ducato brewery from Italy, Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes from Switzerland and St. Feuillien of Belgium, to name a few. In addition to $5 cans of Carlsberg. Additionally, the kitchen will feature dishes inspired by each country playing - the Japanese Hitachino Ginger Tempura Fried Soft Shell Crab has my name written all over it.
In addition to moonshine cocktail selection, which I have to mention includes a Caramel Firefly and North Carolina Peach, Copperwood's beverage director Boris Stojkovic has created a Team USA inspired Red, White and Blue Cocktail, made from Cachaca, Acai Berry Liquor, Raspberry Puree and Lime Juice. Available during games priced at $11.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
On June 17, Brazil and Mexico fans can come together for a special viewing party for $7 Leblon Cachaca Cocktails, which will also be available during other games throughout the tournament. In addition Cuba Libre will offer up $4 and $5 tapas from their caippy hour menu.
For $20.14 enjoy a cold beer, Fries or Yucca and a World Cup Chivito - if you're wondering the significance of a Uruguayan sandwich during the World Cup, they were the first nation to host and win the tournament, back in 1930.
With TV's at both the front and back bars Fainting Goat is going all Brazilian, crafting two Cachaca Cocktails and Xingu Beer. The restaurant will open at 3pm on select game days, with the two cocktails at $10 and Xingu at $4.
With plenty of daytime games on the schedule, GCDC might be the place to be for your cheese fix - GCDC will host it's own tourney, serving up country themed sandwiches, projecting the winner of the World Cup based on sales - I'm guessing the World Bank contingent will play a hand in this. USA will be represented by a classic Cheddar Blend and Bacon on Sourdough.
Head over to any of Mike Isabella's restaurants: Graffiato, Kapnos or G to watch the games and enjoy a selection of $9 cocktails themed for the teams they'll be rooting for - USA gets a Sazerac, Brazil a Grapefruit Caipirinha, Italy a Negroni, naturally, Spain a White Sangria and Greece a Watermelon Lemonade. What, no Pimm's Cup for England?
Head over to Jack Rose for its FIFA Terrace Happy Hour, every game day there will be $6 drafts, punch and sangria with half-price snacks until 7:30pm.
Not content with Caipirinha and menu specials, the Bethesda and Downtown locations of Jaleo will be playing host to a Foosball Tournament, from July 10th to July 12th with winners receiving an all-inclusive dinner for four at any Jaleo restaurant. Register via their Facebook pages or calling the restaurants directly. Additionally, every time you watch a game at a Jaleo location you'll be entered into a raffle with prizes being drawn at the close of the World Cup, with prizes including a complimentary "Jaleo Hour" reception for ten people, and a culinary tour of barmini by the man, José Andrés himself.
With $25 Caipirinha Pitchers, Lima just might be your post work place to be. Be sure to eat something though, during games you can order up a selection of bar bites from $4-$6.
Masa 14, El Centro D.F., Ambar and Zengo
The empire that is Richard Sandoval is celebrating the tournament with deals across all of his restaurants, with each of them serving up Brazil's national drink, the Caipirinha, its vodka brethren, the Caipiroska, Corona and Corona Light, house red and white wine and margaritas for $5 each. Each of Sandoval's concepts will be offering up different food specials unique to the restaurant so be sure to check out each one during the games.
Chef Frederik will be celebrating the World Cup with Belgium and Brazilian inspired $5 bar bites, including Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), Coxinha (battered, fried shredded chicken bites) and Fries with Chimichurri, plus $7 Caipirinha's.
Not content with the balls on the field, grab one yourself and throw it down a lane at Pinstripes. During USA and Italy games the restaurant will be serving up 1/2 price Flat-Breads and complimentary gelato.
Maybe the only time you'll get your lips around Ronaldo, a Cachaca with Yuzu, Lime and Smoked Watermelon cocktail. Other drinks crafted by Stefan Trummer are a Cardamon Punch and a Pele Cachaca, consisting of Strawberry Basil, Cream of Balsamic and Strawberry Bitters.
Opening at 4pm for the first game, Vinoteca will be serving four $8 Cachaca cocktails and a selection of $5 international beers from Spain, Italy, Mexico in addition to $6 wines from Portugal, Italy and Argentina.
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If you're just looking for a cold beer and a good TV to watch the game on, I've been known to hit up Nellie's Sports Bar, Elephant & Castle, Fado Irish Pub, Public Bar, Lucky Bar and Buffalo Billiards. Where do you like to watch the games?
Image Credit: Cristiano Siqueira