Jun 26, 2024 - Food and Drink

Where to watch the first 2024 presidential debate in D.C.

Anna Spiegel

People sit on the outdoor patio at Union Pub in DC with American flags hanging — Union Pub in 2020. Photo: Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images

Many of D.C.'s staple spots are showing out for debate night. Here's where to go for watch parties and drink specials in D.C. on Thursday:

🇺🇲 Union Pub (Capitol Hill): The "political sports bar" goes all-out with the debate on all TVs, a presidential drinking game, and many specials like $15 Presidential Pilsner pitchers and $6 "orange is the new orange" cocktails.

🍻 Red Derby (Columbia Heights): The dive bar is showing the debate with specials ($3 beers, $3.5 house shots, half-off grilled cheese) on the first floor. Escapists can go to the rooftop.

📺 Shaw's Tavern (Shaw): The tavern will show the debate throughout, including the covered patio. Bar is first come, tables require reservations (seating starts at 7:30pm).

🏳️‍🌈 The Dirty Goose (U Street): The LGBTQ+ bar is showing the debate with their special "conviction cocktails."

🗣️ Busboys and Poets (all locations): All DMV locations will show the debate. At the 14th Street café, there's a ticketed (free) watch party co-sponsored by Make All Votes Count DC.

🌮 Mission (Navy Yard): The typically red-leaning Mexican spot swings for a "blue drinks presidential watch party" and networking mixer hosted by Network for Progress and Virginia Blue Victory. Tickets here.

Meanwhile, if you're watching at home, Side Door Pizza in Navy Yard is doing an order-ahead pizza special.

The large Detroit-style "Pie Divided" is 1/2 "Orange Cheeseburger Pizza" with creamy "Riker's Island" dipping sauce and 1/2 "Sleepy Joe" with "tryptophan-heavy" crab dip and fries ($30).

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information about drink specials.

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Where to watch the first 2024 presidential debate in D.C.

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