Cue that Debbie Downer “wah-wah” noise: DCist pointed out last week that, strictly speaking, it’s illegal to offer free food to voters on election day. That’s not stopping local businesses from rolling out the gratis goodies on Tuesday, however.
Last week, we brought you a list of ten restaurants and bars offering election-night specials. All day Monday, we’ll be updating this list of late-breaking options as we learn of them—so keep checking back here for the dish on all the best spots to head on Tuesday. There are plenty of freebies, along with special hours, cocktails, and more. Many happy returns.
An all-night happy hour
Rock that “I Voted” sticker at A Bar on Tuesday to be eligible for all-night happy hour prices from 4 to close. Also, when you purchase a drink from its Presidential cocktail list, $1 will go to the Red Cross towards Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
Blue (and red) drinks in Bloomingdale
Boundary Stone will have blue and red cocktails in honor of the occasion on Tuesday. Wear an “I Voted” sticker and receive a 15 percent discount on your check.
Unlimited tapas in Dupont
Boqueria is hosting a viewing party in its private dining room—a $40 entrance fee includes unlimited tapas and drinks (special red and blue sangrias, craft beers, etc.). Reservations are required and space is limited. More information on the restaurant’s website.
Late Hours
Busboys & Poets brings word that all four locations will stay open until the presidential race is called.
Presidential pizza
Fuel Pizza honors the current prez with a Hawaiian pizza topped with pineapple, ham, bacon, jalapeños, mozzarella, cheddar, and honey mustard. For Romney fans, there is the Michigan pie—a reference to Mitt’s Detroit birthplace. The thick-cut, square pizza is topped with mozzarella, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Free oysters
Hank’s Oyster Bar (all three locations) will offer two oysters and a shot of punch to customers sporting an “I Voted” sticker on Tuesday night.
$10 drinks in Penn Quarter
Oyamel is opening up its private dining room for a viewing party featuring two specials: the Ponche de Granada, (cranberry tea-infused tequila with fresh-pressed apple cider, ginger, Mexican cinnamon, and lemon juice), and the Blue Hawaii (El Dorado rum, Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Kalani, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut sorbet). Each drink costs $10. The room opens at 8 PM on Tuesday.
Makeshift media room
CNN will boom forth from three screens in Policy’s “media room,” the place for $5 menu items—happy hour goes all night on Tuesday—plus special cocktails: Staff will keep a running tally of how many Basil “Barack” Berry and Pomegra”Mitt” Mojito drinks it sells on a large chalkboard in the main dining room.
More blue and red drinks
Through election night, head to TNT Bar in the back of the new Columbia Pike outpost of Eamonn’s to try two specialty cocktails: the red-hued, tequila-based Willard “Mitt” Romney-rita and the blue Obama-Mama, a rum based tiki drink. It’s $12 for both.
Political Punches
Tryst and its sibling spots are breaking out the returns specials, too. Columbia Heights newbie the Coupe will offer special $5 “political punches” in the bar area and add extra screens for watching election results. Try the 47 Percent (Redemption rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and apple cider) or the Red State of Mind (Natty Boh and Bloody Mary mix served over ice with a Slim Jim as garnish). Those same two punches will be poured for $5 at Tryst on Tuesday. Next door at the Diner, customers wearing an “I Voted” sticker will receive half off their pie. You’ll also find two punches in honor of the occasion. There’s Taxation Without Representation (Filibuster bourbon, sour mix, and soda) and El Presidente: rum, dry vermouth, curaçao, grenadine, and lemon peel. Finally, Woodley Park’s Open City will feature two political punches, as well: the Flaming Liberal, with Abita Turbodog beer and Bloody mix with a rim of Bloody Mary spices; and the All-American Gin and Tonic, with Bluecoat gin, Jack Ruby tonic syrup, and soda. Happy hour food specials will be available all day and night in the restaurant’s sunroom, where extra screens will also be set up.
Last-chance chicken and doughnuts
Frenchie’s is doing a pop-up bakery—think prosciutto-and-cheese croissants, doughnuts, hot apple cider, biscuits, and scones—Tuesday at Seasonal Pantry from 8 am to noon. From 4 PM, there will be chicken and doughnuts (in flavors like pumpkin cake, Mexican chocolate old fashioned, and coconut rum cream). According to Eater DC, this will be the last appearance of the controversial food combination at the Shaw restaurant.
Regional specialties
Through Tuesday, head to Virtue Feed & Grain for specials honoring Romney and Obama’s roots. For POTUS, there is a $12 Chicago deep dish pizza; Romney’s Beantown background is celebrated with a Boston cream pie. That costs $8.50.
