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Top 10 bars to see in the US election results
Whether it’ll be dancing on tables or drowning one’s sorrows, we’ve scoured the US for the country’s best bars in which to watch the 2016 presidential election results come in.
Bars, including DS Tequila Company, are hosting all kinds of election night parties
The eyes of the world will be on the US overnight as polls close and votes are counted in the tightest – and most divisive – presidential election ever seen.
Whether you voted Clinton or Trump – or even Johnson, Stein or McMullin – nerves will be frayed and it may feel appropriate to plump for a steadying cocktail or two.
There is are drinking establishments aplenty throwing open their doors to voters and observers, screening results as they come in, with bartenders providing many a comforting shoulder to lean on if things don’t quite go your way.
We’ve scoured the US for bars offering US election-themed cocktails, special offers and activities to help you get through this most nerve-wracking of nights – click through the following pages to find one near you, or get inspiration if you are hosting your own election night screen-a-thon.
Have we missed out a hotspot? Have you got election night themed cocktail ideas? Let us know in the comments below.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar, New York
In the Big Apple and fretful about all things electoral? Head to Spyglass and sip away your sorrows with poll-themed cocktails offered at the bargain price of US$8 down from $17 specially for election night. Check out the coasters: Donkey Bite is served on one crafted from Clinton’s emails, while Elephant in the Room (left) is presented on a stack of Trump’s 1995 tax returns.
Rock Center Café, New York
Feeling peckish? Alongside politically-themed cocktails, tonight Rock Center Café is offering $39 prix-fine meals featuring dishes such as Campaign Trail Chicken. Liquid serves include the Hillary, Donald and the Undecided, truly catering for all political persuasions. Outside the Café, the Rockefeller Center ice rink will feature a map of the US, with states turning blue or red as the votes roll in.
La Moule, Portland
Politically engaged imbibers in Portland can head down to La Moule which has partner with Beam Suntory to a Canadian-themed evening – just in case you’re planning on moving once the results are in. In addition to a big screen showing the results there is also a colouring content, enabling vexed voters to creatively manage their stress. Serves include the Jim Beam-based Maple Leaf and The Ryan Reynolds, made with Maker’s 46, both priced at $7.
Teddy and the Bully Bar, Washington
Washington DC might be the political mothership of America, but it doesn’t mean its citizens are any less in need of an election night tipple. Step up Teddy & The Bully Bar with an election night party to truly celebrate or commiserate. Packed with live music, special guest appearance, games, contests, giveaways, appetisers and the all-important candidate-themed cocktails – The Trump Tower and Hillary’s Inbox – there’s no better way to see in the election results in DC.
Bar Ilegal, Washington
Ilegal Mezcal has made its political views very clear throughout the presidential campaign – “Donald Eres Un Pendejo” (“Donald, You’re an Asshole”) posters, anyone? – so it’s fitting that the brand should open a pop-up bar in DC on around election night. The evening festivities will feature a Trump “effigy cake”, food, music, and all the mezcal needed to drown any end of the night sorrows.
The General Public, Houston
Are you a spirited voter in Houston? Head out to The General Public later to “drown your sorrows – or prepare for Armageddon” at the bar’s election night party. Show your ‘I Voted’ sticker for a free appetiser, and indulge in four different candidate-themed serves: the Trumptini, Hillarita, The Shrinking Johnson and The Stein. The bar is open from 11am until midnight, so there’s plenty of time to sample all four.
Covo, San Francisco
Not exactly a bar, but we like the idea of hosting an Election Night Support Group. From 6pm the team will watch the results roll in state-by-state on CNN – and while we always advocate responsible drinking, the bar’s policy of taking a sip every time anchor John King “freaks out over state projections” could make for an interesting evening. Plus, truffle Parmesan popcorn can only be a win.
Bar San Pancho, San Francisco
Swing state raffle prices, tacos and a selfie photo booth – this is one election night party not to be missed. Plus, the Bar San Pancho team has yet again turned Trump’s “Nasty Woman” insult on it’s head – anyone turning the affront into a rallying cry and owning it gets $1 off cocktails. Doors open at 4pm for those in need of an election afternoon tipple.
Twelve Mile Limit, New Orleans
Renowned establishment Twelve Mile Limit may not be feeling optimistic about the election – see its event pic, above – but it is providing company and cocktails – both of which are in need regardless of the outcome. The bar is screening the results live and is sure to gather a cracking crowd. “Whatever happens, you’ll want to be among friends somewhere with plenty of booze,” notes the team.
D.S. Tequila Company, Chicago
With 20 flat TVs, $0.25 wings and all the Margaritas, DS Tequila Company has got election night sorted. Two themed serves are available – the Democrazy and the Republican’t Walk Anymore – in mug, bowl and pitcher formats, the necessity of each depending on how things progress. Whether its celebrating the outcome of simply the end of the campaigning, there’s even a house Tequila to mark the occasion.