Playing Pundit: Places to Watch the Presidential Debate
By Whitney Ricketts, Seattle Editor
Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are back to the podium tonight in the Town Hall debate, scheduled for 6pm PST. Grab a beer at any one of these hot spots and catch the action as the candidates are grilled by the common man.
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Spitfire
2219 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA
Don't down those margaritas too fast--or you won't remember the key issues of the debate. Known for their potent margaritas and tasty fish tacos, this Belltown hot spot is just an easy walk from downtown. The Spitfire, which was once a laundromat but is now filled with LCDs, is a great choice for the downtown/Belltown contingent. -
Cafe Presse
1117 12th Ave, Seattle, WA
Where everybody knows your name--and you can order a croque madame (a french version of a grilled cheese sandwich, made with ham and gruyere and an egg on top). Cafe Presse was standing-room-only for last week's debate, so make sure to stake out a table early. Drink a pichet of wine, nosh on your croque madame and count how many sparrow tattoos you can find in this endearingly hipster joint. -
BottleNeck Lounge
2328 E Madison St, Seattle, WA
Grab a panini from this 23rd and Madison neighborhood joint, and settle in to watch democracy in action. With a drink menu spanning from good ol' PBR to specialty cocktails involving mass amounts of cinnamon, BottleNeck is a good laid-back choice for tonight's debate viewing. -
Twilight Exit
2051 E Madison St, Seattle, WA
Chicken-fried bacon and politics--what more could you want on a Tuesday night? The Twilight Exit is just divey enough to be cozy, but not divey enough to be dingy. -
Redwood
514 E Howell St, Seattle, WA
With the debate happening smack in the middle of happy hour, enjoy cheap well drinks and sliders at this dive. Crawl into a booth and get drunk on $1.50 Olys while you analyze the candidates' stances on the bailout. -
Montlake Ale House
2307 24th Ave E, Seattle, WA
Bring your kids and let them play in the sunken playground while you nosh on mac 'n' cheese and sip PBR. This comfort food haven hosts Drinking Liberally events weekly and has big screens to get your politickin' on. Less likely to be standing-room-only, MAH is a good choice for those who are looking for a mellow debate-watching experience.
