If you really, really think tonight’s debate is going to matter, you might as well watch it in a bar where everybody’s going to be paying attention. After the jump, a list of parties where you can catch the action.
BELOW 14TH STREET
Generation Obama will be watching for change at the Village Pourhouse (64 Third Ave., nr 11th St.; 212-979-2337). How apropos — that’s where we’re all headed anyway. Free! Begins at 8.
Nolita’s Sweet & Vicious (5 Spring St., nr. Bowery; 212-334-7915) is holding a debate party as the candidates teeter toward the latter of 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. The bar’s TV will be tuned in to the show, and its outdoor garden will project the debate on an additional screen, weather permitting. Begins at 8.
Barack the casbah once more in the West Village at Mr. Dennehy’s (63 Carmine St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-414-1223). An optional donation at the door benefits the Obama-Biden campaign. Inside, enjoy $5 appetizers and happy-hour drink prices from 7:30 to 8:30.
The past two debate parties at the Tribeca Grand Hotel’s (2 Sixth Ave., nr. Walker St.; 212-519-6600) screening room have been so popular that the party’s moving upstairs to the hotel’s larger Sanctum Lounge. The same sophisticated democratic fun can be expected.
Yelp is hosting a debate bash at Boss Tweed’s (115 Essex St., nr. Rivington St.; 212-475-9997), where $3 beers will help amateur online critics of all political leanings get along as they watch the debate and have some of their own. Begins at 8.
ABOVE 14TH STREET
Been wondering where Obama’s telemarketing team goes for a drink after a full day of fund-raising? Apparently, to Red Sky (47 E. 29th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-447-1820), where Obama phone-bankers are gathering for drinks and debate-watching at 8:45.
Join the midtown club crowd for political partying at Fashion 40 Lounge (202 W. 40th St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-221-3628), where the debate will be big-screened. The dinner menu will be offered beginning at 5. Free!
The Democratic Leaders of the 21st Century will hit Tonic Times Square (727 Seventh Ave., nr. 49th St.; 212-382-1059) to digest the debate on a myriad of very big screens in a less-than-serene setting. Additionally, the electoral college pool continues! Begins at 7.
The New York Republican Club holds debate parties, too! Tonight, their shindig will be at The Houndstooth (520 Eighth Ave., nr. 37th St.; 212-643-0034), where the GOP will provide wings and finger foods at the cash bar, and the debate will be screened in high-def.
BROOKLYN
The Capri Social Club (156 Calyer St., nr. Lorimer St.) in Greenpoint is hosting the Doo-Wop Debate Party, sponsored by Take the Handle magazine. Big screens will be playing the debate, and a post-debate jukebox social will make your cares float away…
Brooklyn for Barack gathers again at Moe’s (80 Lafayette Ave., nr. S. Portland Ave., Fort Greene; 718-797-9536) to cheer on their man.
With a $10 minimum suggested cover/donation ($5 for students), Cafe Shane (794 Washington Ave., nr. Sterling, Prospect Heights; 718-940-7476) is hoping to raise some cash for the Obama campaign. Two screens will keeps eye glued to the issues, and dinner and drinks are being served.
Galapagos Art Space (16 Main St., nr. Water St.; 718-222-8500) in Dumbo is throwing a debate soiree tonight, emceed by comedian Michelle Collins. The event will include election trivia, pre-debate discussion with a Newsweek editor, snacks, and specially brewed Rosh Hashanah cocktails. Free! Begins at 7.
The Barack Rock benefit is gathering Guster, Andrew Bird, and the Fiery Furnaces for performances at the Williamsburg Hall of Music (66 N. 6th St., nr. Wythe Ave.; 718-486-5400), where the Obama Room will screen Obama’s and McCain’s performances. Comedian Eugene Mirman and pundit Lizz Winestead will be in attendance as well. $40, to benefit the Obama campaign. Begins at 6:30.
