Donald Trump

DC Bars Open Early Wednesday for Cohen Testimony

President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified publicly before a House committee Wednesday — and some of Washington, D.C.'s watering holes opened their doors early for the latest must-watch event.

"I've never been at a bar at 10 o'clock before," Drew Kinder, a political junkie visiting from Buffalo, said while watching the hearing at Duffy's Irish Pub. "I think we've got another Nixon on our hands."

Cohen was expected to provide alleged evidence of criminal conduct by Trump, including in the period since he took office. Trump dismissed Cohen in a tweet sent hours ahead of the hearing by claiming he "is lying in order to reduce his prison time."

Elizabeth Livingston went to Duffy's "to get a greater understanding of other people's perceptions of what's happening in our country now," she said.

Duffy's patrons applauded when the first break in testimony was reached.

Below is a list of bars that hosted watch parties and offered specials for the hearing:

Duffy's Irish Pub

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The H Street sports bar said it would have all of its large flat screen TVs tuned to the hearing starting at 10 a.m.

"We will have our special "Flipper Cocktail" available only during the hearing. The ingredients are redacted but we can tell you that it is 100% PARDON FREE," Duffy's said on its Facebook event page.

Duffy's will serve its brunch menu and signature Bloody Marys which come with a chicken wing on the glass.

The Midlands

You can watch all the political drama unfold while sitting by a cozy fire pit at The Midlands beer garden on Georgia Avenue NW.

The bar says it will also fire up 100" screens and all of its TVs inside and outside.

Patrons were allowed to bring their own breakfasts to the bar when it opened at 10 a.m. The Midlands recommended nearby joints Heat Da Spot Cafe and Call Your Mother Deli.

Shaw's Tavern

The tavern opened at 10 a.m. for anyone who wanted to grab a bite to eat while watching the hearing. Bar service started at 11 a.m.

"Shaw's Tavern is a welcoming environment for all things political - debates, hearings, election nights," the bar said on its Facebook event page.

Seats are first come, first serve.

Know of any other establishments opening early for the hearing? Send the info our way by emailing dcnews@nbcuni.com.

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