The Democratic presidential debates continue Wednesday night with 10 hopefuls taking the stage in Atlanta.
For the fifth round of debates, moderated by MSNBC and The Washington Post, 10 candidates qualified to take part (they had to get at least 3 percent in four approved polls or 5 percent in two early-state polls and bring in donations from at least 165,000 unique donors).
Former Vice President Joe Biden, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, billionaire Tom Steyer and entrepreneur Andrew Yang will all take the stage.
Bars across the city are again hosting viewing parties, so let the drinking games and commentary commence. Below are some of our best bets.
Caucus-style watch party
RPM Underground, 244 W. 54th St., Manhattan, 6 to 11:30 p.m.
RPM Underground will have separate viewing rooms for each candidate; yes, that’s right, each candidate will have their own room where their respective fans can watch and root them on. If you are undecided, there’s a room for you, too. And if you just want to have fun, RPM is playing bingo in another separate room. Special menu items will include the “Bernie Burger” with Vermont cheddar, “Mayor Pete’s Jerky Treats,” “Liz’s Fish n’ Chips,” “Chicken Wings Caucus Style,” “Bill de Buffalo wings” and more. Drink specials also include $4 beers, $6 wines and $7 well drinks from 6 to 8 p.m. Hang out after the debate to vote and see who attendees thought won the debate. Tickets are free but are required.
Slate does the debates
The Bell House, 149 Seventh St., Brooklyn, 7 p.m.
The Women of Slate on 2020 will be a night by women journalists — Christina Cauterucci, Julia Craven, Ashley Feinberg, Mary Harris, Virginia Heffernan, Dahlia Lithwick, and Nichole Perkins — who will discuss the primary, the candidates and their policies and comment on the night’s debate live. There will be food and drinks for purchase. Tickets are $25 on eventbrite.com.
Brooklyn for Elizabeth Warren watch party
Fulton Hall, 250 Ashland Place, Brooklyn, from 8 to 11 p.m.
Brooklyn For Warren is hosting a watch party at Fulton Hall with information on how to get involved with the volunteer group. It is free to attend but space is limited so RSVP online at events.elizabethwarren.com.
Theater in Asylum watch party
The Gray Mare, 61 Second Ave., Manhattan, 8 to 11 p.m.
The company Theater in Asylum has been hosting debate watch parties since July and taking note of every mannerism, supported policy and heated exchange to produce what they call “The Debates 2020.” This time they’ll be at the Gray Mare with a free watch party.
Community Voices Heard party
El Kallejon, 209 E. 117th St., Harlem, at 8 p.m.
Watch the debate, discuss and imbibe with your Harlem neighbors at El Kallejon. Just RSVP at bit.ly/2Qyxh7l.
A “Mystery Science Theater 3000” style party
Q.E.D. Astoria, 27-16 23rd Ave., Queens, at 7:30 p.m.
Comedian Christian Finnegan and others will perform amusing commentary during the debate. There will be drink specials and prizes, too. Tickets are $10 on eventbrite.com
Watch at E’s Bar
2888 Broadway, Manhattan, 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Join Three Parks Independent Democrats and Broadway Democrats at a joint watch party. Admission is free but RSVP for a spot at eventbrite.com.
“Pod Damn America” does the debate
Secret Loft, 137 W. 14th St., Manhattan, 8 to 11 p.m.
The “gothic socialist” comedy podcast by comedians Alex Ptak, Jake Flores and Anders Lee is hosting a viewing party that will show the debate on a big projector screen. The hosts will make cutting commentary and jokes during the breaks. Tickets are $10-$15 on eventbrite.com and it’s BYOB.
Play Political Bingo before this watch party
The Black Sheep, 583 Third Ave., Manhattan, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The NYC Political Forum is hosting a night of political Bingo and pre-debate fun with food and drinks for purchase. The debate begins at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Watch at Mary O’s
32 Avenue A, Manhattan 7 to 11 p.m.
Watch full coverage of the debates with drink in hand at Mary O’s, which will have it screening on all the TVs. The $20 cover charge includes two drink tickets. Register on eventbrite.com.
Read more: Experience the interactive “Dreams of Dracula” show.
