In DC on election night? Here's where to watch results roll in

Nina Heller, CQ-Roll Call on Nov 2, 2026

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WASHINGTON — Some races may be too close to call, but one thing will be certain Tuesday no matter what — bar specials.

Residents of D.C. observe election night like some other cities observe major sporting events. And after the Nationals failed to advance to the postseason this year and with the first playoff game for the Washington Spirit still a few days away, the midterms will be the main ticket in town.

“It’s usually standing room only every time. I don’t think it matters whether it’s presidential or midterms,” said Matt Weiss, who owns Capitol Hill’s Union Pub.

The Halloween vibes aren’t over yet at Union Pub, thanks to a special “Midterm Massacre” menu. Inspired by competitive Senate races, it features $9 cocktails and shooters like the Haunted Horsefeather (Kansas), Maineiac Martini (Maine) and the Devil’s Duck Fart (Alaska).

While the pub will also be showing the Washington Capitals play the Dallas Stars at 7 p.m., Weiss said the sound will be on for election results rather than hockey. He expects around 50 percent more business than a regular Tuesday, which is already a busy night with weekly trivia.

Weiss said he can’t remember a time when his bar, which originally opened as Red River Grill in 1995, wasn’t showing election returns coming in.

“It’s just like being open for the Super Bowl or being open for the Washington Spirit being in the finals; we do benefit from having these types of events,” said Jesse Rauch, a partner at metrobar.

Rauch’s bar in Northeast D.C., known for its decommissioned railcar, isn’t usually open on Tuesdays, but election night is different.

With some races taking longer to call than others, Rauch said he’ll stay open as long as he can.

“We’re gonna play it by ear,” he said. “I do need to send my team home at some point to make sure that they’re well rested and all that. But we’ll stay open for as long as the energy is good.”

Given the District’s political leanings, most of the election night fans will be cheering on Democrats up and down the ballot. Kamala Harris carried more than 90% of the vote in D.C. in 2024, while President Donald Trump had 6%.

Rauch did point to one thing that might affect his sales, but he said he doesn’t mind.

“A lot of people in D.C. are in Maryland and in Virginia and in Pennsylvania door knocking, and they’ll be door knocking until the very end. Because of that, some people just aren’t in town, which I’m really proud of my neighbors who are able to do that,” he said.

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