Twenty Democratic candidates for president are in the second round of debates in Detroit this week, and — because this is D.C. — a number of bars are hosting watch parties.
Tuesday and Wednesday, bars around the city will show the candidates as they talk about a series of issues, likely to include healthcare and tariffs.
The lineup for this debate, this time hosted by CNN, is almost the same as the last one. The only exception is the entrance of Montana Gov. Steve Bullock. He will take the spot of California Rep. Eric Swallwell, who dropped out of the race.
Tuesday will be the first time that Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders have appeared on the same debate stage during this election. On Wednesday, Sen. Kamala Harris and former Vice President Joe Biden will face each other again, after their noteable onstage disagreement in the last debate.
Here are some of the viewing parties for the debates this week.
Hawk 'n' Dove
329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
The Capitol Hill staple will play the debates with sound, according to a spokeswoman. They will also be offering the "Murphy's Velvet Hammer" at its happy hour price of $8 and will have "happy hour pepperoni pizza."
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Johnny Pistolas
2333 18th St. NW
The bar and taqueria is set to have two days of happy hour specials to go with the two days of debates, according to the Facebook page for their event. On Tuesday, Johnny Pistolas will have $2.50 tacos all day for Taco Tuesday, while on Wednesday, there will be $5 house margaritas and Dos Equis all day. The bar's second floor has a 150-inch projection screen, which will show the debate both nights.
The Midlands
333 Georgia Ave. NW
This beer garden on Georgia Avenue is set to host events on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to the Facebook page for the event, The Midlands will be playing the debate on all TVs with sound. And according to a spokesperson for the bar, they "will be doing a Baby Trump balloon giveaway starting at 7 p.m.," along with a buy one, get one free special from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on all local drafts.
Nellie's Sports Bar
900 U Street NW
This U Street bar will show the debates with sound on both Tuesday and Wednesday on the second floor. There will also be a special for $15 Heineken buckets.
Roofers Union and Jug & Table
2446 18th St. NW
This Tuesday and Wednesday, Roofers Union is set to play the debates with sound, according to a spokeswoman.
There will also be specialty drinks at both Roofer's Union and Jug & Table. These include "The Mandarin Candidate," made with Filibuster Bourbon; the "Love's Harness," in honor of Marianne Williamson's closing remarks last debate, and "The Sling Vote," a specialty gin sling. All cocktails will be available for $10 throughout the debates.
Shaw's Tavern
520 Florida Ave. NW
Shaw's Tavern is set to host watch parties on both nights of the debates, and seating is first come, first served. The bar will have half-price burgers and pizzas, $5 house wines, and $5 seasonal beer on Tuesday. On Wednesday it will offer $5 Stoli flavors and $5 house wines.
Smitty's Bar
3549 Georgia Ave. NW
This bar in Park View is set to add extra TVs just for the two nights of debate, and according to the Facebook page for the event, it "will have tasty new food and drink options" for visitors. Smitty's promises gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with "fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomato's, fresh basil, and garlic-infused olive oil." They may add a blue cheese variety in honor of the night's Democrat theme.
