It has finally arrived - the 2010 FIFA World Cup begins today in South Africa as teams from almost every continent face off in an international event that mirrors the diverse cultural patterns of Oakland itself.

But with games starting early Friday, June 11, it may seem hard to find a place to watch. Oakland Local has created a list of some East Bay bars and restaurants that have caught the World Cup fever. (Note: All times are Pacific Standard Time.)

Open Early

For early birds and soccer devotees, Henry's Pub and Restaurant in Berkeley will start serving breakfast at 4:30 a.m., and alcohol after 6 a.m., said Halfo Ramirez, a pub employee. For every match starting June 11, enjoy $10 pitchers and $8 Henry's Bloody Mary's. There will be special drinks for each game.

Ricky's Sports Theater in San Leandro will be open at 4 a.m., 30 minutes before the kickoff of every early match (Saturday/Sunday). Ricky's is showing the World Cup on a flat screen TV in 3-D (complete with 3-D glasses for fans) and is serving full breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to a press release. There is no cover charge.

USA vs. England: Commonwealth Cafe

For the USA vs. England game at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, be sure to stop by the Commonwealth Cafe & Pub.

"We're having a World Cup kickoff on Saturday during the USA vs. England game," said Pete Jeffryes, one of the owners of the Commonwealth.

The restaurant is partnering with My Yute Soccer Camp during the World Cup kickoff. My Yute Soccer Camp is an organization for children ages 6 to 12 that teaches the skills and diversity this international sport has to offer.

Commonwealth Chef Ross Adair, a Scotsman, said he is rooting for the USA because he supports whoever is playing England.

"We're just trying to celebrate the World Cup in Oakland," Jeffryes said. The Commonwealth Cafe is brand new, and the owners are waiting on the city to approve their liquor license. (The pressure is on, Oakland.)

In the meantime, enjoy authentic Scottish and British food and culture while supporting a friendly, new establishment. The Commonwealth will screen World Cup games on multiple televisions.


Argentina vs. Korea Republic

The Leaning Tower of Pizza is open daily and will show games starting at 11 a.m. Hadi Attaran, owner, said that the restaurant isn't planning on doing anything special beyond showing the games, but that soccer fans are more than welcome to watch and celebrate on their own.

Attaran said that he thinks there will be a crowd when Spain, Brazil and Argentina play.

"We have some people from Spain around here and, in the past World Cups, that's where people came from, the fans from Spain," Attaran said.

Stop by the Leaning Tower of Pizza on June 17 at 11 a.m. to watch Argentina face South Korea.

Reservations

Luka's Taproom and Lounge will show all 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. games on the large screen in its lounge, and will be take reservations for weekday games during lunch, said Aleesa, who works at Luka's. All 7 a.m. and weekend games are first come-first served seating, and afterwards standing room only. There will be a $10 cover charge for 7 a.m. games, which includes a continental breakfast.