Fact: There's no better place to ring in a presidential election than the District of Columbia. Whether you’re rooting for four more years or hoping for a new neighbor at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, there's no denying that tomorrow will be a sentimental night. We’ve been through a lot together over the past four years, and no matter the outcome, our city will change as a result of the election. So, we’ll be paying rapt attention to Tuesday’s televised tallies — and possibly throwing back a drink each time the polls close in a swing state.
And, given that it's D.C., there are plenty of places to watch, agonize over, and celebrate the fight for the White House. It’s our equivalent to the Oscars (you know, a dramatic awards ceremony with all the heartbreak and joy that comes with just one winner) — and we've rounded up the best places to watch it unfold, whether you’re a donkey, an elephant, or just in it for the spectacle. Here's where to go to have a drink in honor of America, the right to vote, and our great city!
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Boqueria will host a viewing party in the resto's private dining space, and for $40, you'll get unlimited tapas and drinks. Expect signature tapas dishes, plus speciality drinks like a Democratic Blue and Republican Red sangrias. The party goes from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., and reservations are required.
Where: 1837 M Street NW; 202-558-9545.
Where: 1837 M Street NW; 202-558-9545.
Brightest Young Things is throwing a shindig at Bohemian Caverns, featuring DJs, dancing, pinatas, photo booths, and more. You know — in case you want to put the "party" in political party. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Where: 2001 11th Street NW; no phone.
Where: 2001 11th Street NW; no phone.
Policy is doing its part to help the election results go down easy by extending happy hour…for the entire night. Call it the 5-5-5-5 plan (as in, happy hour food, beer, wine, and liquor are all $5 or less). There are special "Race to the White House" cocktails on the menu, too.
Where:1904 14th Street NW; 202-387-7654.
Where:1904 14th Street NW; 202-387-7654.
Hill Country Barbeque is rewarding patrons for fulfilling their civic duties: Stop by with your "I Voted" sticker and you’ll get a free shot; enjoy $1 Jell-O shots color-coordinated to match your favorite party starting at 3 p.m.
Where: 410 7th Street NW; 202-556-2050.
Where: 410 7th Street NW; 202-556-2050.
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Photo: Courtesy of Lincoln
Poste is featuring election-themed cocktails for both sides of the aisle and the middleman — throw back a Tea Partier, Blue State of Mind, or a Bi-Partisan. Still undecided? We won’t judge if you try them all.
Where: 555 8th Street NW; 202-783-6060.
Where: 555 8th Street NW; 202-783-6060.
Capitol Hill's Sonoma is having a day-long happy hour with $3 beers, $5 house wines, and $5 specialty cocktails that make light of some of the low points of this campaign. (We dare you to try ordering a Birth Certificate or a 47 Percent with a straight face.) If you wager a guess for the outcome of a swing state, you may win a prize.
Where: 223 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; 202-544-8088.
Where: 223 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; 202-544-8088.
Kelly’s Irish Times is the venue of choice for Campaigns & Elections mag's election-night celebration. Expect a low-key celebration at one of D.C.’s tried-and-true bars, complete with Red and Blue State shooters, food, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Admission is free, and the party goes from 8-11 p.m.; register here.
Where: 14 F Street NW; 202-543-5433.
Where: 14 F Street NW; 202-543-5433.
The Federalist, The Madison hotel's restaurant, is comforting its patrons by celebrating the stability of the American political system with two aptly named cocktails: Death & Taxes and Old Establishment. The former features Death’s Door gin, Lillet Blanc, and Dolin dry vermouth; the latter boasts fig bourbon, blood orange, and cherry Heering. Enough said.
Where:1177 15th Street NW; 202-587-2629.
Where:1177 15th Street NW; 202-587-2629.
Photo: Courtesy of Lincoln