Several Downtown Atlanta establishments opened early on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to welcome international soccer fans ahead of the World Cup Round of 32 knockout match between England and DR Congo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The match kicked off at noon, prompting local bars, coffee shops, and restaurants near the stadium to adjust their operating hours.
>>> Charlton Athletic Sign Defender Billy Koumetio From Dundee
Establishments in South Downtown, including Spiller Park, El Tesoro, Broad Street BBQ, and Bottle Rocket, opened as early as 7:30 a.
m. to accommodate traveling supporters.
Visiting England fans found exceptionally low drink prices across the city, with multiple bars offering pints for as little as $2.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium also maintained modest concession pricing for draft beers, pizza slices, bottled water, fries, and hot dogs, while the city's permissive open-container rules further boosted the pre-match fan atmosphere.
Crowds heavily concentrated at Centennial Yards, a brand-new development near the stadium.
The Irish Exit, a 4,735-square-foot pub created by the team behind New York's The Dead Rabbit, drew massive lines of English supporters seeking pre-match drinks.
>>> High-Profile Footballers Become Free Agents as Summer Contracts Expire
Numerous new and classic dining options within a 20-to-30-minute walk of the venue served the incoming crowds.
New additions included Khao Thai Isan, Broad Street BBQ, Kitchen Counter, and Mule Train, alongside long-standing local institutions such as Paschal’s, Park Bar, Reuben’s Deli, Restaurant 10, and Atlanta Breakfast Club.
Reuben's Deli, a Broad Street staple operated by Claudio Furgiuele since 2002, drew customers with its fast-paced service environment.
"My favorite part is yelling your order," said one customer, noting the deli's energetic counter culture.
Restaurant 10, opened on Northside Drive in 2020 by William Platt, also experienced high match-day traffic.
A manager identified as E highlighted the popularity of their specific menu items. "It’s so good!"
>>> Bradford City Signs Defender Macaulay Gillesphey from Charlton Athletic
said E, recommending the restaurant's Hennessy bread pudding to visiting patrons.
