It’ll be another four years before you can excuse your weeknight bar-hopping with political engagement, so don’t miss the last chance to ingest the issues while surrounded by revelry. For the finale, even more bars, restaurants, and clubs are onboard, as the city gets excited — and intoxicated — about political ch-ch-ch-changes. Feel free to put your own events in the comments!
BELOW 14TH STREET
Mannahatta (310 Bowery, nr. 1st St.; 212-477-1979) makes its political leanings known by complimenting its debate screening with a round of “McLiar Bingo,” which allows players to track McCain’s lies as he tells them (for rules, see Pinocchio Politics). A special cocktail menu of “Fundamentally Strong” Drinks is being offered as well, and comedian Seth Herzog is providing live, liberal commentary. Obviously, Republicans will feel right at home.
The Village Pourhouse, SideBar (118 E. 15th St., nr. Irving Pl.; 212-677-2900), and Vintage Irving are so determined to bring out your political engagement that they’re offering a 10 percent discount on your bar tab if you display your voter-registration card. Obama Mama cocktails will be served, and the debate will be screened on several TVs at all these locations. Begins at 7:30.
The Village Lantern is hosting a debate party sponsored by DagBlog.com, big-screening the action, and handing out Obama buttons to pin down support.
Nolita’s Sweet & Vicious is holding a second debate party as the candidates divide themselves by the bar’s titular qualities. An optional $25 cover gets you drunk (on unlimited wine and beer) by 9:30, just in case the battle isn’t going your way (proceeds go to Obama for America). The bar’s TV will be tuned in to the debate, and so will an additional screen in the outdoor garden. Begins at 8.
ABOVE 14TH STREET
The 40/40 Club is upping its debate-party game by beginning the evening with a book signing and political discussion by Brooklyn’s Carmen M. Colon, and serving complimentary appetizers, before screening the show.
Even the Museum of Sex is forgoing its dirty values for democratic ones tonight, unveiling Molly Crabapple’s painting, Politics, and big-screening the debate.
Mansion is throwing its third, final, and most multicultural debate party tonight, sponsored by NY Latinos for Obama, Investment Professionals for Obama, Jewish Young Professionals for Obama, NY Asian Americans for Obama, and more! Steve Buscemi and Lili Taylor are among those on the host committee. Free! Begins at 7:30.
Ah, enjoy the autumn evening and watch the debate waterfront and center at Solar One (2420 FDR Dr., exit 23rd St.); a scene-ic outdoor space and renewable energy-education center along the East River, where a 30-by-30 screen will broadcast the final battle. Refreshments will be served. Free! Begins at 8:45.
The Fashion 40 Lounge screens the debate on its big screen for political partygoers. Free! Begins at 8:15.
B. Smith’s welcomes any remaining swing voters to make up their minds tonight at the restaurant-bar’s debate party, which includes raffle prizes, drink specials, and the big show on a flat-screen with surround sound. Proceeds from the night’s food and drink sales benefit the Obama campaign, so here’s hoping you swing in the approved direction. Free! Begins at 8.
Tonic gives you one last chance to digest the debate at a supersize Times Square sports bar, assuming you don’t get vertigo from the image of Mr. McCain multiplied by twenty. Post-debate commentary from all the major networks will be screened following the debate. $10. Begins at 7.
Southern Hospitality has fourteen screens tuned in to the debate tonight and $6 drinks all around. Free! Begins at 9.
BROOKLYN
Williamsburg’s go-to bar, Sound Fix, is tuning its big screen into the “mainstream” political debate tonight, while holding rounds of political drinking games. Afterward, however, the bar is hosting a live debate featuring Sparrow, a poet who has run for president in the last four elections to no avail. Drink specials make it all better: two PBRs for $5, and $5 pint-size Bloody Marys and signature Pickletinis are being served. The events begin at 8.
“Mad as Hell” Democrats are hosting a debate-watching party and Obama fund-raiser tonight at Café Shane (794 Washington Ave., nr. St. Johns Pl., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn; 718-940-7476). $10 minimum suggested cover/donation ($5 for students). Begins at 8.
A debate party at Williamsburg’s appropriately named Hope Lounge is pulling out all the stops for Obama with a dinner catered by local restaurants, an art exhibit, a silent auction, D.J. sets, and, of course, the debate on a big screen. Half of the night’s proceeds benefit the Obama campaign. $50. Begins at 7.
BK for Barack cheers on their man one more time at Moe’s. Free! Begins at 8.
