WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 23: People react as they watch the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate at Johnny Pistolas bar on August 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Eight presidential candidates squared off in the first Republican debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
A presidential debate means one thing in the D.C. area: watch parties!
If you’re here, you likely know that Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off for the first time in a debate hosted by ABC News on Tuesday. NBC News will broadcast the full debate live and offer primetime coverage starting at 8 p.m.
If you want to watch with some fellow election nerds (and perhaps an on-theme drink), D.C. is the place to be.
In general, we recommend making reservations or at least showing up early to snag a seat.
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Here are watch parties and specials for your debate night.
Presidential debate watch parties in the DC area
The Admiral
1 Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.
Details
Tune into the debate on 15 TVs inside and on the patio. Quench your thirst with Blue Wave and Red State shots ($6.50), discounted draft refills ($5.75) or a burger, fries and beer special ($17.99).
All-Purpose takeout specials
Shaw, Riverfront and AP Pizza Shop in Bethesda
Details
Picking up pizza for a private watch party? Three All-Purpose locations will offer free focaccia breadsticks or garlic bread for any to-go order over $50. You must order online and use promo code VOTE.
American Ice Company
917 V Street NW, Washington, D.C.
The Shaw bar is hosting a debate-themed bingo game. Winners will get a $25 gift certificate and an American Ice Company t-shirt.
Specials include $7 wines, $5 Narragansett drafts or $15 pitchers.
Boundary Stone
116 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Reservations
This Bloomingdale pub will show the debate at full volume and serve a drink called Kamala's Coconut Daiquiri, made with local Cotton & Reed rum.
Johnny Pistolas
2333 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Details
Watch the debate projected on a 12.5-foot screen while sampling $10 drink specials including the Filibuster Buzz, the Bipartisan Breeze and the Swing State Sangria.
Madhatter
1319 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington D.C.
Details
The Trump vs. Harris showdown will be shown on all TVs – with the sound on – at this Dupont bar and restaurant. Specials include $8 smash burgers, $5 Jello-O shots and Taco Tuesday deals.
metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue Northeast Washington, D.C.
Details
The transit-themed bar’s debate watch party coincides with specials for Industry Night and the “Beetlejuice” sequel at the Metro-themed bar. You’ll find $9 specialty cocktails from 4-11 p.m.
Royal Sands Social Club
26 N Street SE, Washington, D.C.
Details
Dip into the pool-themed bar for Brat or Mar-a-Lago Punch shots ($6.50). Other specials include $6 Kona drafts, $10 frozen drinks, $2 off sushi rolls and a $10.50 slider trio.
Large groups are welcome to watch the debate on 25 TVs.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Details
Enjoy taco and margarita specials while the debate is shown on TVs on two floors and the covered patio. Doors open at 7 p.m. Grab a reservation for a table or show up early for a seat at the bar.
Solaire Social
8200 Dixon Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland
Details
The new food hall in Silver Spring will offer an all-day happy hour to soothe any debate-related nerves. You’ll also find $20 beer pitchers or buckets, plus Tequila Tuesday specials.
Whitlow’s Debate Watch Bingo Party
901 U Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Details
Whitlow’s adds a twist to their debate watch party with a Bingo game built around campaign buzzwords. Winners could get prizes including Whitlow’s t-shirts and gift cards.
Head to the second floor of Whitlow’s to play and watch the debate on five TVs and a large screen.
Union Pub
201 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C.
Details
For one of D.C.'s most politically-oriented bars steps from the U.S. Capitol, debate night is basically the Super Bowl.
Sip on coconut or orange drinks, join a drinking game and grab specials including $4 shots and discounted pitches and beer buckets.
Make reservations or get there early (very early) to beat the crowd.
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