On the list: Where to watch the World Cup

If you've ever been at Brit's Pub during a televised European soccer game, you know the bar crowd can be downright nutty. (They'd probably prefer "exuberant.")

Magnify that excitement tenfold and you have an idea of what the World Cup will look like in Twin Cities bars starting Friday. The monthlong soccer (or should we say "football") tournament has brought 32 of the world's best national teams to South Africa. Here's a quick rundown of where to watch the action.

Brit's: Weather-permitting, the games will be shown via massive HD screen on the pub's rooftop lawn. (1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. 612-332-3908. www.britspub.com.)

Nomad: The West Bank bar will host a block party Saturday for the huge England vs. U.S.A. game, shown on its outdoor "Jumbotron." A post-game concert features Mark Mallman, Communist Daughter and Brown Moses. (501 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. 612-338-6424. www.nomadpub.com.)

Kieran's: The relocated Irish megabar says it will show every minute of every game, even the ones starting at 6:30 a.m. (Block E, 6th St. and 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-339-4499. www.kierans.com.)

El Nuevo Rodeo: The Latino club will air games (after 1 p.m.) in its first-level restaurant and possibly on a large projection screen upstairs. Look for specials like a $10 bucket of Coronas. (2709 E. Lake St., Mpls. 612-728-0101. www.elnuevorodeo.com.)

Sweetwater Grille & Bar: Inside the Kelly Inn near the State Capitol, this is one of two official U.S. Soccer Bars in the Twin Cities (the other is Kieran's). (161 St. Anthony Av., St. Paul. 651-224-6373.)

Kilimanjaro Cafe: Not many TVs, but this Cedar-Riverside restaurant will play the games and serve some great East African food. (324 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. 612-333-2211.)

Kaskade: Snooki approved House-music producer Kaskade rarely leaves Minneapolis out of his worldwide tours. He plays Friday at Epic, promoting his May 11 album, "Dynasty." Fun fact: Kaskade recently got a bump in the PR department after "Jersey Shore" wildcat Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi tweeted her appreciation for the L.A.-based DJ. Kaskade told MTV that he saw an immediate hike in his fan base after the Snookster's tweet.

10 p.m. Fri. 110 N. 5th St., Mpls. $15 advance/$20 door. 18 and older. 612-332-3742. www.epicmpls.com.

Two hellacious parties Sounds like Hell's Kitchen is ramping up its nightlife options beyond bands. On Saturday, check out "The Down & Dirty Show." It's a cabaret that's being described as a triple-loader: burlesque, drag and a DJ. Makes sense with the principal performers being Foxy Tann, the Gentleman King (of Dykes Do Drag) and DJ Shannon Blowtorch. That's a recipe for a good romp. (10:30 p.m. Sat. 80 S. 9th St., Mpls. $10. 612-332-4700. www.HellsKitchenInc.com.)

Then, on June 21, the restaurant starts Mondays in Hell, a DJ night featuring a different genre of music every week. The debut party is headlined by old-school disco DJ Ronny D. The restaurant is offering a free Donna Summer CD sampler to the first 100 people. (7:30 p.m. Mondays, starting June 21. Free.)

10 p.m. Fri. 331 13th Av. NE., Mpls. Free. 612-331-1746. www.331.mn

The joking nihilist He questions God and hates pandas. Jim Jefferies' comedy isn't for everyone, but one thing's for sure -- he's very funny. The Australian comedian laid out his no-holds-barred doctrine of cynicism in last year's one-hour HBO special "I Swear to God." On Thursday, Jefferies plays the Varsity Theater, which should make a comfy venue for swallowing his hilarious vitriol.