Each year around this time, we are reminded that we live in a place where presidential speeches are cause for drink specials and social gatherings. On the upside, that nerdiness means bars and restaurants are offering games, discounts, and creative commentary to coincide with President Obama’s State of the Union address. The speech is scheduled to begin at 9, but you don’t have to wait until then to start drinking. Grab your friends and a bar stool and take advantage of these specials. Know of another great watch party happening? Leave details in the comments or e-mail jscarpinato@washingtonian.com.
Multiple locations
Watch parties are planned for each location, including a gathering at the Brookland branch with CODEPINK creative director Tighe Barry and Busboys owner Andy Shallal. Activities include SOTU bingo and Stephen Colbert-style “right wing” commentary.
229 Pennsylvania Avenue; 202-547-2098
Generation Opportunity hosts a free watch party event at this Capitol Hill hot spot. Space is limited, but you can add your name to the list here. Twenty-five cent wings will be offered post-speech for those arriving later.
1602 U St., NW; 202-265-2828
A watch party hosted by Network for Progress is scheduled to take over this U Street spot. Find $5 drink and appetizer specials, raffle prizes, and free pizza for the early birds, starting at 7. A $10 donation is suggested at the door for those who don’t RSVP by 5 PM.
1400 Irving Street, NW; 202-518-5687
Lou’s dusts off the bingo cards for another year of State of the Union fun. The speech will play on televisions throughout the bar, and bingo participants will have the chance to win a $25 gift certificate.
301 Water St., SE; 202-484-0660
Grab an early seat at the bar and enjoy discounted drinks before the speech. Specials run from 4 to 7, enough time to get settled before the TVs tune in to Obama’s address at 9.
707 G St., NW; 202-347-8683
This Chinatown spot will play the President’s address with full sound. Arrive early for happy hour specials complete with discounted appetizers, drafts, and select wines from 4 to 7.
520 Florida Ave., NW; 202-518-4092
Watch the State of the Union here while enjoying half-price burgers and pizza as well as $5 house wines and $5 Sam Adams.
1341 H St., NE; 202-388-3833
The State of the Union will be shown on all the bar’s TVs tonight. Ask the bartender for instructions on a special drinking game to be played throughout the speech.
201 Massachusetts Ave., NE; 202-546-7200
Join the crowd at Union Pub for $4 bourbons, $12 Bud Light pitchers, and $5 craft cans while the President’s address plays on the bar’s TVs.
2411 18th St., NW; 202-234-3070
This is Ventnor’s tenth annual State of the Union celebration, and all the usual rules apply. Pick a word or phrase you think the President is likely to repeat, and get $1 Jell-O shots whenever he uses it.
