LEO’s Eats with LouisvilleHotBytes

Soccer, the sport the rest of the world calls “football,” is celebrating its quadrennial World Cup (the real World Series) this month as the teams of 32 nations do battle in South Africa.

American interest in soccer has grown dramatically in recent years, and we’ve finally reached the point where restaurants and bars are scheduling special events, dishes and drinks to go with World Cup games.

The six-hour time difference means most live games are at 10 a.m. or 2:30 p.m., not prime time for recreation. Nevertheless, a number of local establishments plan to highlight World Cup games. If you want to watch with a crowd, keep tabs on The Monkey Wrench (Louisville’s home for Brazil’s fans); Bank Street Brewhouse (where three signature World Cup beers will roll out during USA games); Molly Malone’s; Browning’s; and Boombozz at Westport Village and Frankfort Avenue.

Check with your favorites. The city’s many Irish-themed pubs are likely to be watching, and it’s safe to assume that you’ll find a lively crowd at local taquerias when Mexico plays. Who knows? When Japan plays Denmark at 2:30 p.m. on June 24, you might be able to catch it at a sushi bar.