You may not feel wonderful about Republicans, Democrats, and/or the state of the nation. But cheap booze and free food? That’s something we can all get behind. The left- and right-minded alike can take advantage of the deals offered at local bars and restaurants during President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday. Read on for the scoop.
Multiple locations
Watch parties are planned for all DC, Maryland, and Virginia locations, including a panel discussion at the Shirlington branch.
3415 11th St., NW; 202-290-3342
Happy hour lasts as long as the Big Speech with a number of specials fit for “this economy,” including 50-cent wings, deviled eggs, and hushpuppies, $3 Natty Boh, and $5 house wines.
2453 18th St., NW; 202-232-8800
Wonks can head to this Adams Morgan spot for a politically minded bingo game during the broadcast. Specials start at 8 and include 50-cent wings and $18 beer pitchers until last call.
1602 U St., NW; 202-265-2828
Left-minded viewers and “hope mongers” can join the Network for Progress party, which includes speakers and a raffle. Foodie prizes include certificates to Taan Noodles, Irish Whiskey, and more.
301 Water St., SE; 202-484-0660
Hit the Capitol Riverfront for all-day happy hour: a “7 for $7” menu with snacks, cocktails, wine, and beer all priced accordingly.
707 G St., NW; 202-347-8683
If your idea of heaven is President Obama on 50 TVs, head to this Penn Quarter spot for all-night happy hour, including discount drinks and 20 percent off appetizers.
223 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-544-8088
This Capitol Hill bar specializes in wine rather than politics, but that won’t stop it from throwing a SOTU party. Look for free snacks such as truffled popcorn and hummus, $5 rail drinks, and extended happy hour.
1341 H St., NE; 202-388-3833
Guiness helps host this Atlas District viewing party, so you’ll find some swag along with the SOTU—plus beer, of course.
201 Massachusetts Ave., NE
The Washington Examiner hosts a bingo party featuring some favorite Obama-isms, plus drink specials like half off Belgian brews and $5 infused bourbon. Bingo cards can be reserved for free online.
201 Massachusetts Ave., NE; 202-546-7200
This Capitol Hill spot offers a number of drink specials through the speech, including $4 bourbon, $12 Bud Light pitchers, and $5 Jameson for those who are really hurting.
2411 18th St., NW; 202-234-3070
“If history is being made, we’re making $1 Jell-o shots” is the tagline for this party. The deal: choose a frequent Obama-ism, and every time he says it during the speech, that dollar Jell-o is yours.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
