The 2012 Presidential debates have become a bit of a social event across the United States as citizens gather at bars and other locations to watch the showdown between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney. You don't have to sit back and watch the debates at home, alone on your couch with no one to discuss the events with.
Several bars across New York City are perfect for watching the October 22 presidential debate and some bars even serve special drinks for the event.
The final debate between President Obama and Romney starts at 9p.m Eastern Time at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL. It will be in a similar format to the first debate and will be moderated by Bob Schieffer, Host of Face the Nation on CBS.
The debate is broken up into six 15 minute segments and Schieffer will start off each segment with a question relating to foreign policy.
The final debates will be the last chance for the candidates to discuss their stance of various issues before the election and it could be the deciding factor that will help undecided voters choose their candidate. Only 8.9 percent of New Yorkers are still undecided.
Here is a list of bar locations in New York City to watch the 2012 Presidential debate on October 22
SideBar
120 E. 15th St. (At Irving Pl.)
SideBar is for the younger debate watchers who are around the post-grad age. SideBar is particularly looking for Republican supporters to come out for their "Republican Debate Watch Party." To make the event extra special, they'll be serving up $5.00 "Rum-ney" shots for Romney supporters.
The Village Pourhouse
64 3rd Avenue (At 11th Street)
While SideBar will be supporting Mitt Romney, its sister bar, the Village Pourhouse, will be hosting a "Democrat Debate Watch Party" for the Obama supporters. They will be serving $5.00 "Barack O-Bombs" to Obama fans.
World Bar
845 United Nations Plaza
This bar is for the more mature crowd. It is right next to the United Nations, so it is appropriate for this place to show the debate. This top-shelf bar caters to sophisticated customers. During the debate, the bar will serve a special drink called called "The Economic Stimulator" (Dark rum, apricot and peach liqueurs, and pomegranate juice) for $7.50.
Rusty Knot
374 West 11th Street
This tiki-style bar brings a bit of the laid back island style to the debate. There is no cover charge, the food is good, and they will be serving a special tequila cocktail for the debate called "the 47%." If you'd like to pre-game a bit, they have happy hour from 4-7p.m. The debate party starts at 9p.m.
Library Bar at the Hudson Hotel
356 West 58th Street
The sophisticated Library Bar at the Hudson Hotel will be serving up plenty of fun drinks during the debate. The speciality cocktails are $16 and include 'The Tea Partier' (made with rum, agave nectar, grapefruit bitters and lemon juice), 'The Donkey' (vodka, ginger beer and fresh ginger), and the 'Mint Romney': Woodford Reserve bourbon, maple syrup, lime juice and soda.
Pine Box Rock Shop
12 Grattan St, Bushwick, Brooklyn
For those who want to stick around Brooklyn, the Pine Box Rock Shop is hosting a debate watching party presented by Three Sheets to the West Wing. The deabtes are shown in the main bar and the back room with surround sound. They'll be holding a raffle in which visitors can win great prizes and the proceeds go towards the Obama campaign.
