For those of you who are going to Brazil to watch the World Cup but didn't score tickets to watch the games live, here's our advice: The best places to cheer on your team alongside Brazilians will be at the local bars, surrounded by appetizers and some very tasty drinks. Not a bad deal, right?
We've consulted Guia Kekanto (let's call it Brazil's version of Yelp) to discover the best places for you to visit that will be streaming the World Cup. Just be sure to make reservations ahead of time, unless you like standing...
São Paulo
The Orleans, in Vila MadalenaThe bar is all set up to host the World Cup games, and it even gave out free shirts for the opening game. What are you waiting for? Maybe they'll do it again...
Jordão Bar, in Tatuapé If you find yourself in the neighborhood surrounding Itaquerão stadium, this spot is guaranteed to have big screens and plenty of drinks.
Na Mata Café, in Itaim Bibi The best part of this spot may not even be the games -- they put on shows during and after the matches!
Wagaya Sushi e Temakeria, in Vila Pompéia Looking for something out of the ordinary? Here you can revel in Japanese cuisine while the teams take care of business on the field. The Brazilian food is also very promising and the menu is sure to leave you satisfied.
Campinas
Giovannetti Cambuí, in the downtown areaA homey place with a tradition of rooting passionately for the Brazil squad.
Catedral do Chopp, in Cambuí Centrally located, this place serves a very nice steak dish (carne na chapa) and all the draft beer you could want.
Boteco São Bento, in Cambuí Do you prefer a hipper atmosphere? Something a bit more ostentatious with a real World Cup vibe? Then this is the place!
Santos
Point 44, in GonzagaEvery time Brazil scores a goal, the house buys everyone a free round of draft beer.
Bar do Toninho, in EmbaréThe ambiance is simple, but the food is top notch. Pro-tip: Try the fried cod cakes.
Restaurante Olimpia, in José MeninoThis place has huge portions for those who'd like to eat well while they cheer for their favorite team.
Rio de Janeiro
Morro da Urca, in UrcaBesides watching the games here, you'll also enjoy an impressive view of the marvelous city.
Barthodomeu, in IpanemaThe popular thing to do at this very Brazilian restaurant is to snack on fried bean cakes between goals. And for those who are superstitious, the manager is famous for being a really nice guy and has the same name as one of the greatest players, Ronaldinho!
Alzira Brandão, in Tijuca Cheap drinks, lots of big screens and crowds of people hanging out in the streets. If you want to appear on TV, this could be your chance. Pro-tip: Bring cash and don't walk around with too many valuables.
Florianópolis
The Black Swan Pub, in Lagoa da Conceição They've got six huge screens and a wide selection of drafts. You'll drink Brazilian brews as well as national and international craft beers.
Cervejaria Original Florianópolis, in the downtown areaBecause beer and football are one of the best combinations in the world.
Frango & Fritas, in Trindade To settle your anxiety while the score remains zero-zero, nothing is better than... FOOD! And this place has tons of good stuff.
Porto Alegre
Boteco Mafioso, in Vila Jardim Craft beers, special plates (try the chicken with cheddar), and a proper place to watch the Brazilian national team ... What could be missing?
Boteco Dona Neusa, in Cidade Baixa For those who prefer caipirinhas to beer and a little samba action during half time and after the game, this spot is for you.
Dona Zefinha, in Cidade Baixa You'll probably be welcomed here by a Baiana (a woman from the northern state of Bahia) and take a deep dive into northern Brazilian cuisine -- carne de sol (salted meat cubes), couscous, seafood and acarajé, a fried, delectable street food. Don't worry, if your team loses, you still walk out a happy camper.
Brasília
Bar do Alemão, in Asa NorteAlthough the World Cup is in Brazil, the atmosphere here is more German than anything else. Still, you'll find good food and an overall pleasant vibe.
Resenha Bar e Restaurante, in Asa NorteBuckets of beer, a variety of classic snacks and good football.
Versão Brasileira – Bar & Restaurante, in Bloco AWhere the Brazilians will most likely gather...
Goiânia
Carne de Sol 1008, in Setor Pedro LudovicoThis place is always PACKED! But it's the World Cup and there's nothing better than shouting in a crowded bar, right? Oh, and it's worth a visit for the food alone.
Natur Bier, in Jardim AméricaTwo words: craft beers!
Conversa de Boteco, in Setor MaristaDefinitely the "it" spot, with lots of good food and cold drinks. A perfect place for just enjoying a good night with your friends.
Curitiba
Ao Distinto Cavalheiro, in the downtown areaA traditional, no fuss bar where you can direct all of your attention to the World Cup games.
Zapata Mexican Bar, in Seminário Brazil will be playing against Mexico, so this will be THE spot when the time comes for that game.
Clube do Malte, in the downtown areaTheir motto is "beer of all kinds." So really, what else is needed?
Salvador
Palhoça Caranguejo Bar, in Cosme de Farias According to regulars, this is a great spot to meet up with friends, drink beer and watch football. The complete package!
DiFoca – Espetinho e Chopp, inthank Parque Bela Vista They have shish kabobs (Brazilian style, of course), extremely cold beer, gourmet farofa and lots of football. All YOU need to do is bring your friends.
Bar do Ulisses, in Santo AntônioThis spot has a beautiful view of the city's All Saint's Bay, as well as quality beer and seafood.
Now, if you're looking for a place where you can celebrate and enjoy the World Cup for free, maybe you should check out the FIFA fan fests that will be taking place in host cities around the country. On game days, the fests will start at 11 a.m. local time.
To sum it up, all you really need is beer, food and a flat screen. And remember, this is Brazil, so don't be surprised if most of these places only play the games that feature their own country. Cheers!
The piece was translated from Portuguese and originally appeared in Brasil Post.
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