Election watch parties in DC on November 5

WASHINGTON — It's often said that democracy is not a spectator sport. Well, in D.C. after the polls close on Election Day, it sometimes can be. 

Bars and restaurants across the city will be hosting watch parties throughout the night as results begin to roll in. D.C. and Maryland polls close at 8 p.m. while Virginia polls close at 7 p.m.

The drink of the night might depend on who wins the race for president. Regardless of whether you will be drinking whiskey or champagne on election night, here are some of D.C.'s watch parties. 

Busboys and Poets

The restaurant, bar, book store and coffeeshop has seven locations in D.C., two in Maryland, and one in Arlington, Va., all of which are expected to have election night viewing parties from 6 to 11:30 p.m. on Election Day.

Here are all of their locations:

1940 11th St. NW; 7 to 9 p.m. 

For trivia lovers and oenophiles. This watch party will be a special election spin on the garden's usual Tuesday trivia nights.

"Our weekly Tuesday Trivia night is getting political on election night," the Lulu's website says. "We'll have election / presidential themed questions, plus live poll results on the TVs."

1200 19th St. NW; Happy hour prices from 3 to 8 p.m.

The bar is named after 26th U.S. President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt and his affectionate usage of the early 20th century slang term, "bully." According to the bar website, Roosevelt will be making an appearance at the bar around 5 p.m. to watch the election results.

201 Massachusetts Ave. NE; specials begin at 11 a.m.

"Seating is first come, first served," Union Pub said. "It might be packed, come right after you vote." 

1101 First St. NE; 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

"Whether you're a political junkie or just looking for a fun time with friends, this event is perfect for everyone," The Northeast D.C. bar said. 

DC Dems at The Park at 14th 

920 14th St. NW; 6 to 10 p.m.

The nightclub and restaurant just a few hundred feet away from the White House will host the D.C. Democratic Party's watch party in support of Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. 

The event will also be streaming online. 

"Join us for a historical election night," D.C. Democrats posted on Instagram. 

DC Young Republicans host at Dirty Water

816 H St. NE; event starts at 6:30 p.m.

This event will be geared toward GOP voters and supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump. Event organizers said they feel confident about the former president's chances. 

"We're rooting for Trump, and we plan on spraying champagne when we win," the H Street bar posted on its event page. "If that's not your vibe, we kindly suggest you take in election night somewhere less fun." 

Perhaps the most prominent election watch party in D.C. will be at Howard University, where Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has said the Democratic candidate will be watching the results on election night. Harris graduated from Howard in 1986 and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, one of the "Divine Nine" historically Black sororities.

Howard classes will be remote on Mon, Nov. 4. The campus will be closed with no classes on Election Day, Tues. Nov. 5. 

Harris' Republican opponent Former President Donald Trump is set to hold an election night watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, near his residence and resort.