2010 FIFA World Cup | KidFriendly DC

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June 25, 2010 · 1:07 pm

More Places to Watch the World Cup with the Kids

An interesting feature of blogging is being able to see what searches lead readers to my pages. Lately, one topic in particular has heavily dominated that list: where to watch the World Cup with kids. A couple of weeks ago I posted about kid-friendly places to catch the soccer excitement, but since the demand is so high, I’ve found a few more. And just in time for the big match tomorrow. Go, USA!

Biergarten Haus
Not even open two weeks, the lastest addition to H Street’s bevy of new establishments is already a local fave. Besides the beer garden itself—the inviting expanse out back with large wooden tables, even larger shade umbrellas, and big screen TV’s along the walls that are showing all the World Cup games—the place is making its mark with traditional German fare, an extensive beer list, and family-friendliness. While they don’t have a menu specifically for kids, feeding the little ones isn’t a problem; between the starter menu and sides, there are plenty of small plates that will appeal to young eaters. (And they do serve drinks other than beer!) They have been opening early for World Cup games and serving a special breakfast menu starting at 8:30am and sausage platters at 1pm. Biergarten Haus is located at 1355 H Street NE.

P. Brennan’s
This “contemporary version of the traditional Irish Public House” is opening at 10am both Saturday and Sunday and will be airing all matches from then on. Children are more than welcome, and they said plenty of kids have been joining their parents for World Cup viewing throughout the tournament. Their kids’ menu reflects their adult fare with fish tacos, cheeseburgers, fish-n-chips, and chicken tenders. When asked how crazy the place can get during intense games, they said on a scale of 1 to 10, at least a 9.5. But, they noted that kids contributed the hoopla, too. P. Brennan’s is located at 2900 Columbia Pike in Arlington.

Evening Star Café
This charming restaurant in Alexandria’s Del Rey neighborhood has been rowdying things up a bit as they’ve aired the World Cup the past couple of weeks. This weekend they are opening for the 10am games, which will be shown in the bar area of the restaurant. Kids are always welcome there, though they cannot pull a stool up to the bar. They can, however, sit at a table in the bar area. And a special menu for children offers plenty of options from veggie pasta dishes to grilled cheese sandwiches. Evening Star is located at 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria.

Ireland’s Four Fields
First, it should be noted that this Cleveland Park pub won’t be opening until 1pm for World Cup games this weekend. But, if you’re really just hoping to catch the U.S. match on Saturday, this place could bode well, since a lot of folks might head elsewhere to watch earlier games. Kids are regulars during the day here, and they have a special menu for little ones. And if our national team wins, you and the kids can celebrate with a special cereal treat up the street. Ireland’s Four Fields in located at 3412 Connecticut Avenue NW.

Watch the World Cup with the Kids

The countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup is on, and it’s time to start thinking about where you’ll be watching. If you want to catch the action with fellow fútbol fanatics, you’ll likely have to head out. And for many parents, the kids will be watching, too—as both fans in their own right and tag-alongs with soccer-crazed moms and dads. Luckily, some family-friendly places will be airing the matches, several of which are recommend below.

And if you’ve got World Cup fever, then you probably already know that the city is allowing bars to open at 7am to air the games being broadcast from South Africa. This may be the only time you’ll be psyched for your kids’ early wake-ups on the weekends!

Molly Malone’s
Soccer hooligans flock to this saloon on Barracks Row (8th Street SE in Capitol Hill) during the regular season, so if you want to be in the thick of World Cup mania, this is a good place to go. Several TV’s line the bar, facing out to the entire restaurant, so every seat offers a good view. They don’t offer a special kids menu, but there is plenty that will please the little ones’ palates (think burgers, chicken fingers, sandwiches). Tables are all high tops, but they’ll accommodate babies and toddlers in secure booster seats. Make a day of it on the Hill, and hit Eastern Market or one of several local parks when the final goal is scored.

Cleveland Park Bar and Grill
With 27 TV’s, you can count on Cleveland Park Bar & Grill for your sports viewing. They will be opening early on the weekends and airing all of the U.S. games. You can’t go wrong with the menu of Italian and American food, and their kids’ menu has the standard fare at good prices. Take a break from the games and head up to the roof deck. And if there’s time after, head down the street to the National Zoo for an animal tour.

The Star and the Shamrock
If, like me until recently, you thought this relatively new H Street pub was a beer-guzzling adult kind of bar, think again. The Star & the Shamrock welcomes families to enjoy the food, libations, and occasional entertainment—all with a nod to Irish and Jewish cultures. A new kids menu adheres to the theme with items like MacRoni & Cheese, Hebrew National Hotdogs, and a Kids Pizza Bagel. They have several TV’s around the bar , which will definitely be airing the World Cup.

Champps
The sports-themed restaurant is a well-known national chain, with the closest one to DC at Pentagon Row in Arlington. There are plenty of well-placed TV’s all around the space, including at least two big screens for optimal viewing. The menu contains pretty much every kind of food, including a Little Champps section (burgers, dogs, chicken nuggets, etc.) especially for kids. And when the family has had enough football, you can grab an ice cream cone at Maggie Moos and hang out by the fountain in the plaza.

Gordon Biersch
This Penn Quarter restaurant/brewery is one of our go-to places with the kids when we’re in the area. The food and beverage selections are extensive, the staff are always super nice to the kids, and they have a children’s menu that includes all of the standard kid restaurant fare. TV’s are in the bar area, so be be sure to request a booth in that section, or you could be straining your neck to see the game action.