A World Cup 2010 full of eating and drinking: Where to watch in the Bay Area

A shot of tequila, a can of beer and a bacon-and-egg taco won't ever qualify as the breakfast of champions. But "The Morning Bender," as Tacolicious calls it, might just be the perfect wake-up call for soccer aficionados.

The 2010 World Cup kicks off bright and early Friday morning, with Mexico taking on host South Africa, and, despite a 7 a.m. start time, plenty of Bay Area restaurants and bars will have grills fired and booze at the ready.

The tequila, Tecate and taco combo is Tacolicious' ode to Mexico - an alcohol-free version includes cafe con leche and agua fresca - but similarly themed food will be popping up all around town over the next month.

The new Mijita/Public House duo at AT&T; Park has a special World Cup tortas menu that includes Sloppy Jose's - slow-cooked top-round on guajillo chile sauce, with refried black beans, iceberg lettuce and queso fresco. And for something entirely different, Jardinière is serving a three-course South African prix-fixe dinner with wine pairings ($45) on Tuesday.

Simply put, watching the World Cup doesn't automatically mean overdosing on bar food, no matter how good the buffalo wings at Kezar Pub are.

With many places, such as Luka's Taproom in Oakland and Perry's on the Embarcadero in San Francisco extending their hours and bringing in extra televisions to cater to a soccer-watching clientele, here are a few suggestions for getting into the World Cup spirit with some otherworldly cuisine.

Take me out to the ballpark

OK, so concession stands aren't exactly a step up from bar food, but the game on everyone's radar - the U.S. versus England at 11:30 a.m. Saturday - is being shown free at AT&T; Park.

Gates open at 10 a.m., and who are we to argue with garlic fries and open skies?

Just around the corner, the Iron Cactus has fresh Mexican fare and a cheery vibe. Bonus points for its big screen in the back patio.

Bangers and mash, anyone?

British pubs are always kings when it comes to soccer watching. And though the mood might be a little tamer this year with Ireland out of the World Cup - thanks to a controversial goal by France in qualifying action - you can still count on global crowds and beyond-burger grub.

Kezar Pub and the Pig and Whistle, both in San Francisco, are perennial favorites for curry fries, fish and chips and perfectly-pulled Guinness. Across the bay, the Englander in San Leandro has a menu that's as endless as the wall-to-wall flat screen TVs and beers on tap, as well the best fish pie in town.

Plus, Ireland's loss might be your gain: O'Neill's Irish Pub, with locations in San Francisco and San Mateo, will buy you a pint anytime a team scores against France.

Viva Mexico!

While most folks associate El Farolito with the popular Mission taqueria, it's the El Farolito Soccer Bar next door that will be swarming with hard-core Mexico and Latin America team supporters.

The locals here are serious about sports - just look up at all the trophies lining the walls - and the food is also first-rate. Servers run dishes from two neighboring joints, including El Farolito.

About a block away, a mixed Mission crowd can be found at the Napper Tandy, which is decked out with World Cup paintings on all windows.

Forza Azzurri

When Italy took home the World Cup in 2006, North Beach was the place to be, whether it was Steps of Rome Caffe, Panta Rei or a dive bar. Figure on more of the same, especially if Italy makes another extended run.

Bastille Day ... or week or month

Cafe Bastille in Belden Place, the little alley in the Financial District, is ground zero for the French.

Thousands squeezed into the alley to watch France play runner-up to Italy in the last World Cup final, and it's an easy call for those seeking boudin noir and pomme frites with their soccer. Color-code by coming in blue.

Bring your own grub

For pure soccer fans, it doesn't get much better than the Haight Street pub duo of Danny Coyle's and Mad Dog in the Fog.

Mad Dog in the Fog has undergone a major remodel since the last World Cup and no longer serves food, but like Danny Coyle's, you're free to bring in your own.

And it just so happens that two takeaway hot spots are basically next door - Rosamunde's Sausage Grill and Memphis Minnie's Bar-B-Que Joint.

As a bonus, Danny Coyle's will also partner with El Porteño, the popular farmers' market empanada stand, to provide nibbles for sale during the day.

Set your alarm clock

Or just stay up the entire night. Danny Coyle's isn't the only bar set to show all games, even the 4:30 a.m. starts. Among others are Ricky's Sports Theatre & Grill in San Leandro (which will have a 3-D screen) and the British Bankers Club in Menlo Park.

Just remember, booze can't legally be served until 6 a.m.

More on restaurants: The Inside Scoop, plus reviews of the Waterfront and Laurus. Pages E2, E3

Food & Wine: Culinary treats from around the world. Sunday

E-mail Janny Hu at jhu@sfchronicle.com.

This article appeared on page E - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle