The World Cup Is in Atlanta. Here's Where You Should Actually Go.

Some people cannot wait for the Olympics. Others live for the Super Bowl. Me? I’m a World Cup fanatic.

Back when I lived in New York, I loved seeking out bars and restaurants that corresponded with teams in the tournament. It was an excuse to try new foods, discover new cultures, and cheer alongside new friends. The later rounds are easy: France, Germany, Spain. It’s the group stage where things get interesting.

The World Cup is here in Atlanta, but the city itself is one of the tournament’s hidden attractions. If you’re in town for a match, skip the chains around the stadium and spend a few hours exploring the communities, cuisines, and cultures that make Atlanta one of the most international cities in the American South.

Czechia vs. South Africa (June 18th)

Drink: Halfway Crooks

The Czech Republic gave the world pilsner, so there is really only one answer here. Head to Halfway Crooks and order a lager. The brewery has built a loyal following around crisp, European-inspired beers that reward slow drinking rather than high alcohol content. Before a noon kickoff, it feels like the right way to ease into a World Cup day: good beer, good company, and the feeling that the day is just getting started.

Eat: Yebo Beach Haus

If you’re supporting South Africa, head to Yebo Beach Haus in Buckhead. Inspired by the beach culture of Cape Town, the restaurant trades the formality of a traditional steakhouse for a breezy veranda lined with coastal artwork, wicker lighting, and the feeling of a seaside escape in the middle of Atlanta. Start with the bobotie crepes filled with curried ground beef, apples, and raisins. Then settle in with a drink and imagine you’re watching the match from Camps Bay rather than Peachtree Road.

Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (June 21st)