The time has come, Bushwick.
Tonight, 2016 presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, who were virtually tied in polls on Monday morning, will square off in the first debate of the election season, which will be moderated by NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt and broadcast from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York at 9 p.m. Eastern Time tonight.
Sure, you could just stream it online, but you might want to be around other members of the general public for this one—or at the very least, an experienced bartender.
With your debate needs in mind, many of Bushwick’s finest establishments have planned watch parties to make the event palatable. If you like your politics served with themed cocktails, beer specials, pizza or commentary by local wonks on the side, you’re in luck. Hit up your besties and make a plan to hit the bottle when the candidates hit the stage!
Voter registration forms, beer specials, and cocktails called the Tremendous Trainwreck and the Pantsuit will be on offer at Pine Box tonight.
2. The New Kings Democrats Watch Party at Matt Torrey’s
Join the movers and shakers of local political club NKD at this Bushwick Avenue watering hole. There will be bingo cards for the viewing, in addition to “liquid courage” to help attendees “face the reality of our presidential politics.”
Swing by this brand new bar, which funds operations at Bushwick activist hub May Day Space, to watch the election in HD and drink a cocktail special called “The Anarchist.” “All or no party affiliation welcomed,” reads the event invite.
4. UnPresidential Debate 2016 at Norberts III
The newest location of Norbert’s will screen the debate on a projector in the pizza parlor’s enormous back yard—and since the spot recently got its license to serve beer and wine, there will be both pies and suds on hand to soothe any rattled nerves viewers might experience: Budweisers will cost $2 throughout the debate, and $1 slices will be available with the purchase of any beer.
If you’re a craft beer lover, take comfort from the lovingly curated beer selection at Lantern Hall, which is screening the debate on both TVs and projectors.
Happy (or something) viewing, Bushwick!
Are you hosting a debate event, tonight or later this fall? Send the deets to emilie at bushwick daily dot com and we’ll include the details in this piece or future ones.
Featured image: a selection of election themed cocktails at Pine Box Rock Shop, courtesy of Pine Box Rock Shop.