Best Places to Watch the 2010 World Cup in St. Louis

Image source

The gold is actually foil and there's milk chocolate underneath.

​The 2010 World Cup is finally here.

Well, it's actually in South Africa, but thanks to the modern miracle known as ESPN, the games will be broadcast live at dozens of bars and restaurants in St. Louis.

There's nothing quite like watching the Cup with a pack of rabid soccer fans who feel their nation's national pride rides on the outcome of a particular match, so we compiled a handy guide to the best places to catch the games.

Based on the expected atmosphere and rooting interests the places will attract, we've broken them down into three categories: Pure Soccer Bars, America Eff Yeah and We Are the World.

Check out our special World Cup soccer bars guide over in the calendar section.

Whichever location you choose, be sure to bring your vuvuzela and your appetite -- and leave the macho conversations about American football at home.

Group 1: Pure Soccer Bars

Image source

Where to see so much soccer it will knock you out.

​The Scottish Arms Soccer is king at the Arms year round, but they kick things up a notch come World Cup time. The place has good food, great beer and scotch selections, killer bloody marys and a few strategically placed flat-screen TVs, making it the establishment of choice for some of the most passionate footie fans in the city.

Bartender Jeff says previous cups have attracted large contingents of Netherlands, England, Germany, Italy and U.S. fans, but because of the bar's reputation, the Arms attracts supporters of all nations.

They will be open for every match. Expect standing-room-only for marquee matchups.

The Amsterdam Tavern We named the Amsterdam St. Louis' "Best Soccer Bar" in our 2009 "Best of St. Louis issue." Here's an excerpt from what we wrote then:

Unlike most other places, though, football comes first at the Amsterdam. Scarves from dozens of European clubs decorate the walls (Arsenal and, of course, the Dutch club Ajax get the most prominent displays) along with memorabilia from Saint Louis University soccer and other historic local teams. There's no bar food available, but the selection of draft and bottled beer is ample. Best of all, the Amsterdam, like most places in Europe, where fútbol has always been king, prohibits smoking inside the tiny bar (smokers can puff to their lungs' delight on the massive outdoor patio). As for that other type of smoking the city of Amsterdam is known for, the only homage is a badass picture of Bob Marley decked out in soccer gear.

In a phone call yesterday, a staffer said they expect strong rooting sections from USA, England, Germany and Italy but added, "For this we'll get pretty much everybody, and they'll all be here at the same time."

The Amsterdam will be open for every match. The standing-room-only warning applies here too.

Barrister's The soccer bar of choice for county dwellers, Barrister tunes its six TVs to international soccer every weekend, whether the World Cup is happening or not. They will be open for all the World Cup matches and serving their usual tasty assortment of pub fare, plus brunch on the weekends. Bartender Monica says to expect "a crowd from all over Europe," at the Clayton establishment.

Next: You! Ess! A!...