Where to watch the presidential debate(s) in Berkeley/Oakland?

September 19, 2016 8:11 PM

The first debate is coming up in a week. I could watch it at home, but I'd rather watch it with some like-minded (i.e. fiercely anti-trump) people for psychic support. Anyone know a good bar/cafe/other public venue in Berkeley or Oakland that will be screening the debate(s)?
posted by hoist with his own pet aardvark to Society & Culture (7 answers total)

The New Parkway in Uptown Oakland. It's a movie theater with couches and a cafe with food & alcohol. I haven't been to a debate there, but I have been to other events and it will be a good time.
posted by brainmouse at 8:17 PM on September 19, 2016

The Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley is hosting a watch party on the Berkeley campus.
posted by kendrak at 9:33 PM on September 19, 2016

There are official Clinton watch parties scheduled at Bobby G's Pizzeria in Berkeley and Everett & Jones BBQ in Oakland. Can't personally vouch for either venue, but Bobby G's has 4 stars on yelp.
posted by eelgrassman at 9:45 PM on September 19, 2016

Debates at The New Parkway are probably the best, because they serve beer by the pitcher.

I can't remember if it's Arbor or Awaken but one of those cafes is also doing a debate thing Monday.
posted by bradbane at 10:53 PM on September 19, 2016

Re: suggestions above, I watched all 4 debates in different Oakland/Berkeley venues in 2012; at least as far as audibility is concerned, Everett & Jones was the best and UC Berkeley was the worst. (The other two were The Graduate and the predecessor of Perch Café.)
posted by aws17576 at 11:02 PM on September 19, 2016

everett & jones has great bbq but the new parkway would be my choice (i'll probably end up watching it there or at the avenue) - they have pitchers of beer and good snacks and comfy couches/chairs
posted by burgerrr at 12:02 PM on September 20, 2016

The New Parkway is sold out for Monday night's debate already. Era Art Bar's website says they'll have the debate on, as does Awaken's.
posted by mistersix at 5:46 PM on September 23, 2016