Skip to content

Where to Imbibe on Election Night

Whichever side you’ve voted for, you’ll want a stiff drink when all is said and done

By AJ Rathbun November 4, 2016

1116_martini

This article originally appeared in the November 2016 issue of Seattle magazine.

Note: This article has been changed since originally published. 

Following a challenging—no, make that painful—campaign season, the presidential election is finally here. While we won’t know the outcome until November 8, one thing we do know: Whichever side you’ve voted for, you’ll want a stiff drink when all is said and done. Here’s where you might enjoy election-night refreshments.

For Clinton Victory Partiers
The diverse coalition driving Clinton to the Oval Office will be right at home at Cap Hill stalwart Liberty (517 15th Ave. E), which has a unique vibe that’s inclusive and fun. Liberty also offers a varied selection of spirits and liqueurs, which are mixed into well-made, balanced cocktails—the drink rendition of the Clinton slogan “Stronger together.” Clinton’s favorite, a vodka martini, created at Liberty with a locally made vodka, might be a nice choice. Once owned solely by politically minded drink master Andrew Friedman and now the nation’s first co-op bar, Liberty is an ideal place for those with more Democratic- and progressive-leaning ideals. Also, a bar whose name is snug within a key phrase of the Declaration of Independence, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” seems like an appropriate Election Day choice. (Side note: Liberty itself is apolitical, and welcomes all.)  


For Trump Victory Partiers
Trump is a known teetotaler and steak lover. On election night, his fans might want to enjoy a classic American meal at one of the city’s premier steak houses, perhaps accompanied by a Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi, Trump favorites. The Metropolitan Grill (downtown, 820 Second Ave; 206.624.3287) and The Capital Grille (downtown, 1301 Fourth Ave.; 206.382.0900) both have reputations for serving some of the best steaks in town—although the chefs there may not be thrilled that Mr. Trump likes his steaks well-done, anathema for connoisseurs. Perhaps they could teach him how to make a steak great again.

 

For Those Without a Party Who Just Want to Party
Want a place to celebrate without Dems/GOP affiliation? The Sazerac at Hotel Monaco (downtown, 1101 Fourth Ave.; 206.624.7755) has you covered with an election-night hoedown that boasts special cocktails and candidate-themed sliders. The Abstention, in honor of Bernie, is bubbly enough with Prosecco, sugar and house-made blackberry-tarragon bitters to bring a slight smile to sad faces. There will also be a vote by slider or cocktail—try to rewrite the contest results by eating and drinking as much as possible. 

Follow Us

Restaurant Roundup: Dutch Bros’ Seattle Debut and Hatch Green Chiles

Restaurant Roundup: Dutch Bros’ Seattle Debut and Hatch Green Chiles

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

Stay updated on Seattle's food scene! From Dutch Bros' SoDo debut and Bite of Seattle to Hatch green chile pop-ups, here is the latest restaurant news.

Opening Night: This Tiny Pioneer Square Restaurant Is About to Be Standing Room Only

Opening Night: This Tiny Pioneer Square Restaurant Is About to Be Standing Room Only

In the former Salumi space, Doris serves martinis and playful snacks at tables close enough to make a new best friend. 

Welcome to Opening Night, our new column about hot new restaurants around Seattle. For our debut edition, we went to a media preview at Doris, a teeny-tiny Pioneer Square spot that oozes style. Longtime Seattleites may get a bit of a shock when they walk into Doris. The narrow, hallway-shaped space on the corner where…

House Special: Soondae Gukbap at Busan Jeong

House Special: Soondae Gukbap at Busan Jeong

Every component of the signature pork soup is made in-house to create a lasting impression.

Seattle is not short of quality Korean restaurants, but many offer similar menus built around the best-known, most popular dishes. When global restaurateur Hoyeon Park moved to Seattle, he noticed that it was difficult to find authentic Busan-style pork soup, a beloved comfort food in Korea but largely unknown in the States. Park currently operates…

Restaurant Roundup: Cold Noodles and Underground Italian 

Restaurant Roundup: Cold Noodles and Underground Italian 

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

Noodles might not be at the top of everybody’s list when it comes to treats to cool off this summer—but they should be. Slurping down cold udon, naengmyeon, or bún is as refreshing as it is tasty. There are plenty of Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese restaurants putting their best chilled dishes forward for the season,…