The Brits affectionately refer to it as “footy.” The Brazilians and Portuguese call it “futebol.” And in Italy, it’s known as “calcio.” But however you choose to translate it, one thing is certain: soccer fever has swept through the streets of Toronto. Bars and cafes are packed with both soccer-crazed fans and bandwagon-jumpers alike. Toronto has suddenly morphed from a hockey-mad city into one that eagerly anticipates Ronaldinho’s fancy footwork on the pitch.
For most people, a trip to Germany to catch the action live is out of the question. Torontonians like myself should thank their lucky stars that we live in such a multicultural city. With over 30 countries participating in the World Cup, soccer fans are bound to find a place where they can cheer on their favourite team. I spent three weeks scouting out places to watch games. Here’s who made the cut:
Italy:
A stalwart of Little Italy, Café Diplomatico has been around for almost 40 years. Located at the corner of College and Clinton, the café is broadcasting all games throughout the tournament. There’s a large television inside and ten smaller ones out on the patio. Bonus: On the day of the final (July 9), staff will be giving away five of the TVs currently on the patio, as well as free Puma swag.
Shouts of “Forza Azzurri” can be heard at Il Gatto Nero, a little further west on the College strip. The owners regularly broadcast Italian Serie A soccer on the TVs, so expect this place to be packed with locals.
Café Diplomatico
594 College. 416-534-4637
Il Gatto Nero
720 College. 416-536-3132
Brazil/Portugal:
Soccer hotspot La Cervejaria was jammed with fans watching Portugal beat Angola last week. Like many bars along College, Cervejaria brought in extra TVs in anticipation of large crowds. You’ll have to arrive fairly early if you want a seat. Fans who don’t want to strain their necks for a view can try their luck at Rio 40, a resto-bar on St.Clair West that draws in Brazilian, Portuguese and Italian fans. For those looking to head south of College, If, a lounge in Little Portugal, will be showing all the games.
La Cervejaria
842 College. 416-588-0162
Rio 40
1256 St.Clair W. 416-654-6363
If Lounge
1212 Dundas St. W. 416-588-4900
England:
If you want to cheer on David Beckham (or just catch a glimpse of his wife Posh), The Duke of Gloucester is the place to be. Famous for attracting ex-pats, this British style pub has fans praying that Beckham and co. will capture the Jules Rimet for the first time since 1966. Feel free to join them inside, or out on the patio.
Further north, Scallywags boasts three floors with TVs on each, and no cover charge.
The Duke of Gloucester
649 Yonge St. upstairs. 416-961-9704
Scallywags
11 St. Clair W. 416-922-3737
Latin America/South America/Spain:
Spanish, Latin American and South American fans can get their fix at La Romana. Run by a former second-division Spanish footballer, this place is packed with soccer fans arguing amicably. Note that La Romana only accepts cash.
Closer to the U of T campus, there are a fair number of cafes in Kensington Market showing the games. The televisions might be small, but it’s bustling and the atmosphere is great.
La Romana
1286 St.Clair W. 416-652-6292
Kensington Market
Augusta Avenue, just west of Spadina and a few blocks south of College.
Korea
Koreatown exploded during the last World Cup, when their team unexpectedly advanced to the semi-finals. You can catch all the action at Clinton’s or across the street at Tasty Restaurant.
Clinton’s
693 Bloor W. 416-535-9541
Tasty Restaurant
692 Bloor W. 416-537-7553
France/Australia/Germany
Fans of Zinedine Zidane should head to Le Saint Tropez if they want to watch the French superstar play his last few games as a professional footballer. Australia is making an appearance at the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Order a Foster’s and cheer on the Socceroos at Hemingway’s, which has four patios. Host country Germany is hoping to make it to the final as they did in 2002, but this time they’d prefer to win. The Goethe Institute is showing all weekday games for free on a big screen. As well, they have soccer-themed movies every Monday night till the end of June. Movies start at 7 p.m. and cost $5 per person.
Le Saint Tropez
315 King W. 416-591-3600)
Hemingway’s
142 Cumberland St. 416-968-2828
Goethe Institute
163 King W. 416-593-5257
Other
If you’d rather stay on campus, (or just lack the money to burn at bars across the city), our very own Arbor Room (in Hart House) is showing every game on their big screen. As well, games are being broadcast in the lobby of Sid Smith on weekdays.
