Election Night NYC: Where To Watch The Results
In case you haven't noticed, we're coming to the end of an incredibly contentious, awfully fractious, deeply divisive presidential election. How will you celebrate? The bars, restaurants, and venues listed below are our primary (get it?) picks for where to go to watch the election returns on November 8. (With one extremely notable exception listed last, the places are nonpartisan.) By Jessica Allen.
Botanic Lab
82 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
(646) 270-4140
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The folks at Botanic Lab, a swanky lounge and performance space on the Lower East Side, have added a delightful twist to Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. Beginning at 9:30 pm, you can "Make America Dance Again," via a celebration of "diversity, music, life, and liberty." Doors open at 7 pm, happy hour runs until 9 pm (DJs will be on hand too), and tickets start at $7. Featuring performances and beats by DUBWORK, Ladii Smylez, Majid Khaliq featuring JaPoet, and others. Check out the specialty cocktails, made with herbs and spices from all over the world.
The Biergarten
The Standard, High Line
848 Washington Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 645-4100
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The Biergarten at the Standard invites you to track, tally, and total the election results during its "Not Your Standard Bingo" event. Fancy folks will want to secure their fun with guaranteed seats, which come with a private server and three built-in taps, so that you've got a seamless flow of German-inflected victuals and libations as you play. Doors open at 8:30 pm, the fun gets going around 9:30 pm. Email biergarten@standardhotels.com for reservations.
The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR
44 Charlton Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 829-4000
http://bit.ly/2eLgvzA
In conjunction with Guardian US and Refinery29, WNYC is hosting an election night event at its Greene Space. Emceed by journalist and writer Keli Goff (pictured), and featuring live updates and breaking news from Arun Venugopal, Matt Katz, and other political reporters, the event also includes commentary comedic and otherwise, with a particular focus on women in politics; live music; and both "games and intrigue." (Your $20 ticket nets you one free drink too.) Everything starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until the candidates have given their acceptance and/or concession.
Housing Works Bookstore Café
126 Crosby Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-3324
http://bit.ly/2fvTWAe
More: Best Independent Bookstores In NYC
Sponsored by Sixpoint Brewery, Housing Work's Election Fever begins promptly at 6 p.m., and goes until the last vote has been cast and accounted for (likely around midnight). It's free and open to the public. When you're not huddled around the screen, watching the numbers come in, you can browse the store's great selection of used books and have a glass or two of your favorite adult beverage. Proceeds benefit people who are living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.
Q.E.D.
23-16 23rd Avenue
Astoria, NY 11105
(347) 451-3873
Astoria's Q.E.D. calls itself a "place to show and tell," so expect some smart conversation and snappy comments around the screen at its Election Night party. Q.E.D. is a co-working space, a community hangout, a café, and a rehearsal space by day, and hosts a variety of cool classes and events at night. This particular party starts at 7 pm, and your $12 ticket covers food from Andrew and Frank's Deli, special prizes, jokes from the host, Rory Scholl, and "emotional support." The vibe is close-knit and neighborhood-friendly, for sure.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
655 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 216-2000
http://hrc.io/2e2ntRd
If you're with her, then you'll want to join in the revelry at the Javits Convention Center, where Hillary Clinton, her campaign staff, and her supporters will be hanging out on November 8, beginning around 6 p.m. As many, many media outlets, including the New York Times, have noted, the Javits Center has one of the world's largest glass ceilings, a not-so-subtle reminder about what her candidacy has achieved, regardless of who wins on Tuesday. (Please note: no word just yet as to where Donald Trump will be hosting his NYC event.) Sign up to get on the guest list.