My friends and I would like to go out and see the USA game on Friday morning. Any recommendations on where to go? I'd prefer an uncrowded bar, especially one that will serve food. Somewhere between midtown and downtown. Thanks!!

I guaranty you, if soocer is on the TV, the bar will be uncrowded.

OOooooooo the anti-soccer basher is out. jb, is that you? Or Roger the Pirate? God forbid someone with an interest in something should post with a request for information about where to go to enjoy it with others. Jeesh, you negative idiots really do detract from this forum.

For pete's sake, what's it to you? Why bother to put down soccer or any other sport? Is life so sumptuously wonderful right now in the world that we need to cut down on possible moments of pride or pleasure? At the very least you could allow fans of our surprisingly successful USA team their moment (which probably won't last long this time).

Suzanne -- hope you find a good place -- suggest you talk to friends who play in a club league and ask them, they'll certainly know.

Two places come to mind -- one probably crowded, one maybe not so.

Nevada Smiths seems to be the hot place to watch the matches, and since you're in NYC you probably know it. 74 3rd Avenue.

How about the Sporting Club over on Hudson (I think 99 Hudson)? A little off the beaten track, and maybe less people.

What time is the match? About 8 AM? I was thinking ESPN Zone but they'll be closed. You may want to find some of the more authentic British/Irish pubs in the city who might actually open up just for football matches. Also, the folks at chowhound.com may know, they have a good grasp of the bar/restaurant scene, especially downtown.

the game starts at 7 so i am taking the morning off and watching it from home. game should be done by 9-9:30 anyway. Firehouse on Amsterdam Av is a good choice but that is uptown.

Another place -- Kevin St. James, on 8th Avenue around 47th or so. Walked by the other morning around 9 and they were definitely open with the match showing on the big screen. It wasn't crowded, and they have food.

Not the greatest of locations but not that bad of a bar is McAnn's on the second level in Port Authority. Since I walk by everyday, I know they are showing all of the games. I think they have food but not sure about that early in the morning. Maybe give a call.

Hey Suzanne...from today's NY Post:

ESPN Zone (1472 Broadway) offers a first-come, first-served package when their doors open at 7 a.m. For $15, you can watch the game while enjoying a hot breakfast buffet and a cash bar.

Open all night to accommodate those wanting to see Britain do battle with Brazil, Nathan Hale's (6 Murray St.) will also be serving breakfast to early-risers.

Upper East Siders can drop in at Kinsale Tavern (1672 Third Ave.) starting at 7 a.m. for breakfast and a bar-side seat.

Thanks, everyone, for the great suggestions!

I think we are going to the Sporting Club - I called and confirmed, they are open for all matches. My friends all work down there, and it's on my way to work...seems like a perfect location.

Thanks again!

PS for those of you who think no one is watching, think again. Everytime I turn on the news in the AM they are showing scenes from extremely crowded NYC bars where people are watching the games. Go USA!

The United states has managed to get into the quarter finals of a genuinely international sporting event, one that is followed by people from Austria to Zambia. Most people would think that's pretty good.
What's wrong with some of you people? It must be really discouraging for your poor players.

What about McSorley's? With a name like that, they have to be showing the WC!
A bit in Lower Manhattan, tho, if I recall correctly...and after being in McSorley's for a few hours, it's a crapshoot!
While I'm not a soccer fan, I'm am paying attention to "the event".
I'd love to see a soccer match in Europe next trip.
Kal

Better verify the USA-Germany time - it may be 2:30 a.m., with England-Brazil at 7:30 a.m. But I'm not certain. Can anyone help?

It's definitely Friday at 7 am....check the fifa website.

England/Brazil @ 2:30, US/Germany @ 7:30.