The stakes are high for the candidates in Tuesday night's town hall-style debate -- which means you may want to kick back with a beverage before you get too stressed out.
Enjoy the debate at one of these local spots, where you'll also find food and drink specials, big screens, and plenty of people not afraid to hide their feelings.
And if you must stay home, keep in mind you can catch the debate live online right here at NBCWashington.com.
BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Ben's Next Door (1211 U St. NW)
Catch the debate at the Chili Bowl's little brother, with food and drink service until 1 a.m. Go early for happy hour (4-7 p.m.) for $5 specials on rail drinks, wine, ribs, wings and chili-cheese fries.
Bullfeathers (410 1st St. SE)
Named for Teddy Roosevelt's oft-uttered expression, Bullfeathers will have the debates on for you to enjoy, along with $3 pony glasses of all their drafts.
Busboys & Poets (all four locations: 14th & U, 5th & K, Shirlington, Hyattsville)
The politically minded restaurant/bar/bookstores will likely be packed, with regular food and drink service available throughout the night. Go early if you hope to get a seat.
Mellow Mushroom (2436 18th St. NW)
Catch the debate on both floors, but try for space upstairs if possible, where you'll find a 10' HD projector. If you have the time, head over early for trivia at 7 p.m.
Open City (2331 Calvert St. NW)
The debates will be on, with $5 drink specials -- American gin and tonics, Flaming Liberals (Abita Turbodog and Bloody Mary) and Offshore Accounts (rum, lime, cassis) -- starting at 5 p.m.
Penn Social (801 E St. NW)
The debates will be on both downstairs (on a 30' projection screen, and half a dozen 15' screens) and upstairs (two TVs and a 12' projection screen). Drink specials: Oskar Blues and PBR cans for $4, plus blue and red shooters.
PostScript (1177 15th St. NW)
The casual bar at the Madison Hotel will show the debate and serves food until midnight.
The Pug (1234 H St. NE)
"No idiots. No bombs. No shooters. No specials. No politics" are the rules at The Pug... usually, but the pub will be showing each of the debates this year. Don't get your hopes up over specials, though.
Star & Shamrock (1341 H St. NE)
The debates will be on, but you may want to head over early for happy hour (3-7 p.m.): $1 off Miller Lites, rail drinks and $5 glasses of wine, and $2.50 cup of Bubbie's Matzo Ball Soup.
Southern Hospitality (1815 Adams Mill Road NW)
The debates will be on, with discounted bottles of wine during the event. Food is served until 11 p.m. If you go early (4-7 p.m.), take advantage of happy hour specials including $4 drafts and $5 glasses of red or white wines.
