Dining and Drinking for Democracy: D.C. Establishments Elevate Election Night Celebrations

Oct 28, 2024 at 9:33 PM
As the nation gears up for the highly anticipated midterm elections, the nation's capital is abuzz with excitement. Across the District, bars and restaurants are stepping up to the plate, offering a diverse array of themed specials, food and drink discounts, and watch parties to elevate the election night experience. From exclusive election-themed cocktails to political trivia and complimentary buffets, the city's culinary scene is embracing the democratic process in a truly unique way.

Indulge in Delectable Delights and Spirited Sips on Election Night

Centrolina: A Delightful Dinner for Two

At Centrolina, the established City Center restaurant is giving its staff the day off to exercise their civic duty. In their absence, the eatery is offering a special Dinner for Two kit, featuring a five-course meal that includes antipasti with local cheese and charcuterie, a pumpkin, kale, and fontina lasagna, roasted snapper with cauliflower and shishito pepper, a half bottle of prosecco, and a bottle of red or white wine. Priced at $150, the kit is available for preorder until November 2, with all proceeds going towards funding paid time off for Centrolina's staff.

Le Diplomate: Exclusive Election Night Watch Party Goodies

For those planning to stay in and watch the election results unfold, Le Diplomate has curated an exclusive set of watch party goodies available only through Doordash delivery on election night. Priced at $125, the package includes an assortment of soppressata, fennel salami, marinated olives, gougeres (a savory cheese pastry), and mixed nuts, paired with a cheese board and a pack of tissues, all packed inside a Le Dip branded tote bag.

Lulu's Winegarden: Trivia and Discounted Drinks

Lulu's Winegarden is keeping the election night festivities lively with free political and Presidential-themed trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy discounted Aperol spritzes, sparkling wine, and beer while testing their knowledge and eagerly awaiting the results. Reservations are encouraged, as table space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bluejacket: Commemorating the Past, Celebrating the Future

At the Navy Yard's Bluejacket, the brewery, restaurant, and bar is inviting guests to "remember yesterday and celebrate tomorrow, today." Patrons can indulge in $9 Last Word, Old Fashioned, and Hugo Spritz cocktails, as well as $5 beers like Yesterdays (an IPA) and Tomorrow, Today (a fruited sour). For the bold or the woeful, a $3 Malort shot might be just the ticket.

Boundary Stone: Extended Happy Hour and Themed Cocktails

Boundary Stone, the Bloomingdale bar and restaurant, is extending its happy hour all evening on election night. Guests can enjoy discounted beers and wines at $6 and $10, respectively, as well as specialty drinks like "Kamala's Coconut Daiquiri" made with rum from Cotton & Reed and a "Palate Cleanser Shot" concocted with vodka, cantaloupe, cucumber, lemon, and sugar. Political-themed trivia begins at 6 p.m., with reservations recommended.

Cucina Morini: Dueling Martini Cocktail Battle

The Southern Italian restaurant Cucina Morini is getting in on the election night action by streaming the results while offering its $7 martini specials in the main bar, extending the deal from the usual small lounge area. Additionally, guests can participate in an Election Day Cocktail Battle, featuring two dueling martinis priced at $7 each. The first martini features grapefruit-infused El Tequileno Blanco, Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato, and dry vermouth, while the second includes a spicy blend of tequila, pepper brine, and sweet vermouth. Votes will be cast, and the winning cocktail will earn a permanent spot on the menu.

Chang Chang: Comforting Election Day Eats

Peter Chang's sole D.C. restaurant, Chang Chang, is offering a $120 election day comfort food package available for pickup on November 4 or 5, with pre-orders due on Friday at 10 p.m. The menu features dishes such as chili wontons, dry-fried cauliflower, wagyu beef lo mein, plus passionfruit pie and matcha cake for dessert. A vegetarian option is also available, ensuring that all guests can indulge in these delectable offerings.

All-Purpose: Pizza Showdown on Election Night

All-Purpose is taking a unique approach to election night, pitting three of its most popular pizzas against each other in a friendly competition. Customers can cast their vote for the Standard (featuring Bianco di Napoli tomatoes, mozzarella, grana Padano), the Buona (with tomato, mozzarella, pepperoni, Calabrian chili honey, fresh basil), or the Sedgwick (whipped ricotta, mozzarella, taleggio, parmesan, black truffle honey) when they order any of the three for takeout from the restaurant's Shaw, Capitol Riverfront, and Bethesda, Maryland locations. Those who order the winning pizza will receive a ticket to redeem a complimentary drink on their next visit.

La Bise: Sparkling Celebration for Voters

Ashok Bajaj's downtown modern French restaurant, La Bise, is offering a special treat for those who exercise their civic duty. Guests who show their "I Voted" sticker on election day will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, adding a touch of celebratory flair to their democratic participation.

Little Miner Taco: Discounted "Americano" Tacos

Little Miner Taco is getting in on the election night festivities by offering a special "Americano" taco for just $0.24 each. These tacos feature ground beef, jack cheese, salsa roja, cilantro, and onion, served with a side of beef consommé. Customers can order Fiesta Boxes, which are priced to feed two, four, or six, and include the discounted tacos.

Teddy & The Bully Bar: Celebrating with Teddy Roosevelt

Teddy & The Bully Bar has been hosting election night watch parties since 2013, and this year is no different. Guests can enjoy $1.50 oysters from 5-7 p.m., extended happy hour pricing from 3-8 p.m. in the bar and lounge, and election-themed cocktails. At 4 p.m., the restaurant will open a one-hour, complimentary buffet featuring wings, nachos, fries, and sliders. And around 5 p.m., the restaurant's Teddy Roosevelt mascot will make an appearance, adding a touch of historical flair to the festivities.

Metrobar: Election Night Watch Party

Metrobar, which is typically closed on Tuesdays, will be hosting a special election night watch party from 4 to 11 p.m. Guests can gather to watch the live results unfold on the bar's 20-foot projector screen. The event is free, and attendees can RSVP on Eventbrite.

The Sovereign: Extending Happy Hour and Offering a Belgian-Inspired Cocktail

The Sovereign, a Georgetown bar and bistro, is extending its $6 happy hour all evening on Election Night. Patrons can enjoy a selection of draft beers, wines, and spirits, as well as snacks like loaded fries with beef and mushroom cream sauce, roasted brussels sprouts, and Belgian meatballs. Additionally, the bar is offering a special "The Belgian Non-Partisan" $6 cocktail, which includes Civic Vodka, Dutch Curacao, lime, cranberry, and a Kriek foam.

Royal Sands Social Club: Dive into Election Night Deals

This new debate watch party favorite, Royal Sands Social Club, is serving up a variety of election night deals, including $6 Kona drafts, $10 frozen drinks, and $6.50 themed shots like the Swing State Slammer and Poll Party. Hungry guests can indulge in a $10.50 slider trio deal and $2 off any sushi rolls. The results will be displayed on all the TVs, with full audio, ensuring that patrons can stay informed and engaged throughout the evening.

The Admiral: Burgers, Beers, and Election-Themed Cocktails

The Admiral, an enormous Dupont bar and patio, is offering a classic American combination of a beer and burger deal for $17.99, with $5.75 refills. Guests can also enjoy election-themed cocktails like the 270 to Win and Magic Wall while keeping an eye on the results across the multiple TVs throughout the establishment.