Debate Bingo Has Become a Ritual at Ventnor Sports Cafe

Politics is D.C.'s major sport, so when it comes to debate season and election season, there are many options when it comes to deciding where to take in all the political madness. Many bars are offering watch parties with everything from themed cocktail specials to panel discussions, and these bars with televisions wouldn't dream of turning down the sound when the candidates start their sparring.

One favorite spot to watch the debates is Ventnor Sports Cafe, a low-key Adams Morgan sports bar located at 2411 18th St. NW. According to owner Scott Auslander, the bar has been getting into the political action since early 2005, when Ventnor hosted its first State of the Union viewing party (another D.C. tradition). "I like to think that we are some of the originators of political viewing parties in bars," he told Eater. On Wednesday night, the restaurant will host Debate Bingo, using cards like the one pictured below.

Players can score when the candidates say such words as "Mexico," "NATO," and "glass ceiling." Redbull is helping the bar out with some prizes and giveaways. They'll show the debate on two floors with sound (the bar has more than 40 televisions). Bargoers at Ventnor have playing Bingo all election season long, Auslander said. But get there early. "We always have a full house for our political viewing parties," he said.

Like many D.C. bars, Ventnor plans to host a crowd for an election returns-viewing party in November as well.

Bingo Card at Ventnor