Washington's bar scene is erupting on debate night, offering everything from drinking games to patriotic-themed Jello shots to cocktail showdowns inspired by Tuesday's showdown between Vice President Harris and former President Trump.
The Union Pub, which describes itself as the “quintessential Capitol Hill bar,” suggested to ITK that there's no debate about where Washington's political junkies should go as Harris and Trump go head-to-head at an event hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia.
The bar's debate viewing party will “have all the TVs set up and the sound turned on for the debate” and will also feature participants playing “drinking games.” Debate attendees will also be able to compete for two $10 adult drinks in honor of Harris and Trump: a “coconut drink” with rum “served in a coconut cup” and an “orange drink” with vodka and orange soda served in an orange Solo cup. The more popular drink, as measured by sales, will be the winner of the debate viewing party.
Union Pub organizers said guests are “encouraged (warned?) to arrive 'REALLY early' to secure a spot” at a popular debate-viewing spot, noting that the venue for last June's debate between President Trump and President Biden sold out by 7:30 p.m.
The Mad Hatter in Dupont Circle hosts debates with a patriotic vibe.
The night will feature “$8 American Smash Burgers” and “$5 Red, White and Blue Jell-O Shots,” in addition to other food and drink specials.
The Midlands, a beer garden and sports bar in Washington, D.C.'s Parkview neighborhood, will be offering all-night drink specials on the night of the debate, but the outdoor venue is warning debate-goers that this is a seating-only event and reservations will not be accepted.
The Royal Sands Social Club at Washington's Navy Yard will offer bipartisan drinking options in honor of President Trump, including $6.50 Harris-themed “Brat” shots and “Mar-a-Lago Punch” drinks.
The Admiral in Dupont Circle will also broadcast the debate with sound on 15 TVs and offer election-themed shots for $6.50 with “Blue Wave” and “Red State” options to cover the political spectrum.
But Boundary Stone Public House has made it clear that it is prioritizing its ideal debate crowd, saying on its website that “while we would like to say that everyone is welcome, we prefer to serve a crowd that loves coconuts,” and coconuts have become an unofficial symbol of support for the Harris campaign.
The Bloomingdale's bodega said coconut daiquiris will be served at the debate night party: “Soothe your fears about America's future with a coconut daiquiri and a chicken sandwich. We know you'll be pleased.”
Whitlow's is advertising a “debate viewing party with a difference.” The U Street eatery will hand out bingo cards with “campaign buzzwords and phrases” such as Harris' “We're not going back” and Trump's famous 2016 slogan, “Make America Great Again.” At the debate night party, attendees will be able to win prizes including T-shirts and gift cards.
Solaire Social in Silver Spring, Maryland, is offering $20 pitchers or buckets of beer for discussions and an all-day happy hour.
All eight Busboys & Poets locations in the Washington, D.C. area will broadcast the presidential debate and feature “drink specials throughout the night, pre-debate remarks from hosts and post-debate discussions with community members.”
Representatives from the restaurant called the debate night “an opportunity to experience the excitement of democracy with the community, engage in thought-provoking discussions and take part in making history.”
The D.C. Young Democrats are hosting a debate viewing party and fundraiser at Hook Hole, and organizers said proceeds from the event at Park View Tavern will go to the group's voter mobilization efforts for Harris' campaign in Pennsylvania.Promotional flyerHe tells debate viewers that they should “save the coconut” for the party.
“Yes, we have coconuts,” the flyer said.
