The first presidential debate is tonight. Whether you want to watch in a socially distanced bar or restaurant with a cocktail and snacks, or in the comfort of your own home with thematically on-point cupcakes, ice cream, and beer Like List , we've got options for you. Read on to learn where you can see the debate in Seattle and pick up food and drink specials. Looking for a primer before you dive into the debate? Check out KUOW and the UW Alumni Association's Presidential Debate Preview Past Event Like List . For more food and drink inspiration, check out our full in-person dining directory, our takeout & delivery directory, our guide to where to try fresh hop beers in Seattle Like List , and our guide to where to celebrate Oktoberfest Like List .
Barking Dog Alehouse
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Take in the debate with sound on starting at 6 pm at this Greenwood neighborhood joint.
Greenwood
In-person
Big Mario's Pizza
You can stress-inhale cheesy, New York-style slices while watching the debate at all Big Mario's locations. They recommend showing up a little before the debate begins at 6 to grab a spot.
Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Queen Anne
In-person
Big Time Brewery and Alehouse
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List
The longtime college bar is showing the debate with sound on starting at 6 pm, and will be "clapping and booing as necessary."
University District
In-person
Add some flair to your debate viewing with election-themed packs of cupcakes from Cupcake Royale, decked out in red, white, and blue with messages like "keep your laws off my cupcakes" and images of RBG. They're available for pickup or for delivery—quantities are limited, so pre-orders are recommended for in-person pickup. The cupcakes are also available as part of SAVOR Seattle's RISE For Equality Box, a tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg with goodies from nine women-owned companies, including Cupcake Royale, Rachel's Ginger Beer, Hot Cakes, Fran's Chocolates, Gourmondo Like List , Seattle Chocolate Company Like List , Girl Meets Dirt, Toffee O!, and Cookies with Tiffany. The boxes will be available for delivery on October 7 and 14, and $5 from each will be donated to the ACLU, which runs the Women's Rights Project that Ginsburg co-founded.
Various locations
Corvus and Co. welcomes onlookers to bring popcorn to munch on and to hurl expletives at the candidates while watching the debate on their big screen starting at 6 pm for a "cathartic and therapeutic" experience. Seating is limited.
Capitol Hill
In-person
The tamale walk-up window has created a special color-printed debate bingo card (with squares like "you miss Bernie Sanders" and "fake news") so you can play along at home. Limited quantities are available for free in person with the purchase of six tamales, or you can download an electronic copy.
Greenlake
Pickup
The laidback pub will be showing the debate with sound on from 6-7:30 pm. They recommend showing up early, as seating is limited.
Capitol Hill
In-person
Olmstead Like List
The bright, lively neighborhood spot is showing the debate with socially distant seating starting at 6 pm, so you can grab a craft cocktail in one of their flamboyant gold owl goblets and settle in. Play along with their presidential debate bingo game for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Their sports bar will also have all-day happy hour.
Capitol Hill
In-person
Capitol Hill
In-person
Founder Molly Moon Neitzel was once the executive director of Music for America, a national political nonprofit that worked with bands to register their fans to vote, so it's no surprise her passion for civic engagement still shines through at her local ice cream chain. Molly Moon's new presidential candidate flavor is "Joe Pie-den Kamà la mode," an apple pie flavor with chunks of pie crust and swirls of chai-spiced caramel. All proceeds from the flavor will be donated to When We All Vote, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that is "on a mission to increase participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap by changing the culture around voting."
Various locations
If you'd like an on-theme beer to sip while you watch Trump and Biden square off, pick up a four-pack of Rooftop Brewing's ImPeachMint IPA, made with Yakima hops and real peach. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County.
North Queen Anne
Pickup
The funky Capitol Hill cocktail lounge invites you to "get ready to feel really uncomfortable" and watch the debate with volume on starting at 5 pm, with a libation at your side.
Capitol Hill
In-person
