World Cup With Your Morning Cup

World Cup game times have some bars opening early

Dozens of bars and restaurants have paid a special $300 fee to the District to open early for the World Cup soccer matches that began Friday morning.

DC Council member Jim Graham, whose ward has many bars with international customers, led the move to have the city's liquor license rules relaxed for this international event that runs through July 11.

Alberto Ferrufino, owner of Don Juan Restaurant in Mount Pleasant, told News4 he's talked to many bar and restaurant owners who plan to open early for the games. Even though the establishments can open early at 7 a.m., they still can't sell alcohol until normal hours, but that's as early as 8 a.m.

"A lot of people, business owners ... are very happy ...," Ferrufino said. "It's good business, you know."

It must be. Ferrufino ordered a new 60-inch television set to replace a smaller one on his restaurant's wall. 

It was sitting in a box Thursday afternoon, but he said it would be up and working Thursday night.

And it will be on early for the start of World Cup Friday morning.

According to Graham's office, about 25 bars in Ward 1 are opening early for World Cup games, including:

U Street Corridor:

  • Ben's Next Door
  • Cafe Nema
  • Bar Pilar
  • Patty Boom Boom
  • Cafe St. Ex
  • Tabaq
  • Nelly's

Adams Morgan:

  • Bourbon
  • Adams Mill
  • El Tamarindo
  • Grand Central
  • Napoleon
  • The Diner
  • Rumba Cafe
  • Slavia
  • Grill From Ipanema
  • Tryst
  • Town Tavern

Mt. Pleasant:

  • Haydees
  • Don Juan's
  • Tonic
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