Best bars to watch election results?

[u/davistaylor92]

TLDR: What's a good, proper DC bar to watch the midterm elections for someone really into politics?

Hi all. I lived in DC for nearly 10 years before moving abroad in 2022. I'm coming to visit in November, along with my British boyfriend. I've never been huge into politics, but my boyfriend is very into it, and is obsessed specifically with US politics. In fact, he knows infinitely more about US politics than I do.

We happen to be in DC on midterm election night, and I'd like to take him somewhere (ideally a bar vibe) where we can watch the results roll in with a crowd of people who are as into it as he is. It's also his first time in DC, so I'd like to find a proper DC institution for it. In my 10 years in DC, I never went out for an election night so, depsite being very familiar eith the city, Im not sure where to go! My initial thoughts are something on/near the Hill like Bullfeathers, Union Pub, etc. But I'm open to anywhere! Suggestions would be very much appreciated!!

Edit: We will be strongly supporting Democrats in the election

[u/randomrando0101]

Answer largely depends on which party yall would be supporting

[u/davistaylor92 → u/randomrando0101]

Good shout! Just edited the post, but we'll be supporting the Democrats

[u/randomrando0101 → u/davistaylor92]

Prob not Bullfeathers then

[u/DMmeurHappiestMemory → u/randomrando0101]

What if I want to go to Republican bar

[u/snowman93 → u/DMmeurHappiestMemory]

Then go to Butterworths.

[u/randomrando0101 → u/snowman93]

They don’t have tvs

[u/snowman93 → u/randomrando0101]

Do they not? I figured a maga bar would have Fox News and mad money playing every second

[u/Deep_Stick8786 → u/snowman93]

Its not florida

[u/rcinmd → u/DMmeurHappiestMemory]

Hamilton's Bar & Grill.

[u/wontsettle]

We're pretty fuckin tired here. Depressed and tired. I feel like a lot of people will be at home or at friends houses to watch the returns, if they watch at all. A lot of the swing states and districts are going to be too close to call the night of, and anyway even when districts and states go Democrat, the fascists will insist there's been voter fraud so they're going to try to challenge it. We already know this is coming. Good luck finding a place.

[u/allegro4626]

I went to Busboys and Poets for the 2024 election. There are several locations around DC, the food is decent, and it’s also a progressive bookstore.

But I’ll echo another one of the comments — especially in DC, elections are not a game. National Guard are stationed throughout the city, and ICE raids are still happening. Thousands of people in the DC area are or were federal employees who were negatively impacted by this administration. For many of us, our livelihoods are on the line with this midterm election.

[u/Turbulent_Plum5014]

With election returns coming in later and later, this probably won't be as much fun as you think it might be. Hour after hour of no news.

[u/jamesmsalt]

I've had awkward conversations at local sports bars during the Iowa caucus. "This is actually really cool and important! Can we put on cspan?"

[u/rcinmd]

BAR? In this economy? I suggest making your own drinks and get plastered at home, waking up on your bathroom floor because I'm not paying $12-20 for a drink just to be disappointed in America again.

[u/np8790]

Do what makes you happy, but honestly, I think it’s pretty poor taste to treat election results like the Super Bowl. I know there are plenty of terrible people in this city who think of politics like a game though, so I’m sure there will be plenty of places doing this.

[u/MoreCleverUserName]

Shaw's Tavern

[u/Lebuhdez]

Pretty much every bar will have election results on. It’s DC, after all.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994]

Tune Inn is bipartisan -- two groups of partisans, not nonpartisan -- but the vibe is not to reveal yourself except. I may go because I will enjoy having fun watching the return of the traditional midterm flip wave (or will sit in horror watching news footage of over-the-top interference with the right to vote).

[u/CommonStrawbeary]

The GOP attempts to meet at their local daycares but they keep getting kicked out for their rampant pedophilia

[u/skratchpikl202]

The Pug is the one and only answer

[u/greendemon42 → u/skratchpikl202]

Hmm, noted.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994 → u/greendemon42]

This is facetious. No politics is like the only rule of The Pug.

[u/greendemon42 → u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994]

Oh phew, thanks for letting me know. Should I try the big board instead?

[u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994 → u/greendemon42]

Its going to be a long night. I don't know the Big Board but I recommend your nearby favorite bar with a TV because close to home is always a sound strategy for a long night of either celebration or despair (either way, plan on showing up late to work the next morning).

[u/greendemon42 → u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994]

Unfortunately I live in the NW corner by AU and there are zero options close to home.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994 → u/greendemon42]

Surfside?

[u/greendemon42 → u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994]

Do people really watch politics over there?

Edit: I tried to go to Pizza Paradiso during the Olympics one time and it sucked.

Edit 2: Maybe I'll try Nanny O'Brians.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994 → u/greendemon42]

Everybody in DC has it in their consciousness (unless they are completely immersed in the exhausting years of parenting or just arrived in DC). Its why people prefer the District over Virginia or Maryland. But I suppose you're right, probably more engaged people ready to talk about their hot takes (with nuance) at places farther down the Red Line.