The announcement of the House of Representatives impeachment inquiry in September prompted Democrats, Republicans, and D.C. bars to strategize. While the first two categories are outside our purview (honestly, thank God), we’re keenly interested in the latter—namely how local establishments are gearing up for the promise of Congressional testimony (as they did in the past for the much-awaited Trump-era Congressional testimony of fired FBI chief James Comey, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, and once-Special Counsel Robert Mueller.)

While there was partisan bickering over House Democrats’ practice of beginning the impeachment inquiry behind closed doors with depositions, it also meant that there was no testimony to broadcast on TV in the morning and hence, no big events. (Of course, as Union Pub will tell you, nothing can stop a topically named cocktail like “I Got 99 Problems but Impeachment Ain’t One” or “ImPEACHment Please.”)

But Wednesday marks the first nationally televised impeachment inquiry hearing, featuring the U.S.’s top diplomat in Ukraine, William B. Taylor, and State Department official George P. Kent. And thus, today marks a day that local watering holes roll out the welcome mat early. Looking to watch among others? Most of the usual suspects are opening their doors for the testimony.

The aforementioned Union Pub (201 Massachusetts Ave NE) opened at 9:50 a.m., with the promise of the hearing on all televisions and sound on. Those impeachment cocktails are $7 and they’re offering $15 Bud and Bud Light buckets.

Shaw’s Tavern (520 Florida Ave NW) is promising that all of its screens will be tuned into the hearing with sound on, starting at 10 a.m. on both Wednesday and Friday. Bar service starts at 11 a.m.

Those looking to stick close to the Hill can check out the former dive Hawk ‘n’ Dove (329 Pennsylvania Ave SE), which opened at 10 a.m., with happy hour prices until 7 p.m.

The Partisan (709 D St NW), aptly named for this situation, is trying to ensure folks are properly fed as they embark on early drinking. The $25 special “Becky and a Taylor” includes a “patriot breakfast sandwich” and a shot of Colonel E. H. Taylor barrel proof whiskey.

Over at The Midlands (3333 Georgia Ave NW), huge projectors are playing the testimony on both Wednesday and Friday, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. On Instagram, they’re posting photos of champagne in a case with text that reads, “In case of President Pelosi, break glass,” alongside the caption “Our champagne is ready!!”

It’s “Happy Hearing Hours” at Duffy’s Irish Pub (1016 H St NE) during the televised testimony, meaning $2 off all drafts and wine during the hearings, plus half-priced wings on Wednesday. Duffy’s told DCist in September that “we try to make a lighthearted gesture of having a drink that’s related” to the proceedings (who can forget the Covfefe cocktail?). As promised, The Hill is reporting that Duffy’s is slinging “Subpoena Coladas” and “James and the Giant Impeachment.”

And if you’re thirsty for impeachment-related cocktail names, Capital Lounge (229 Pennsylvania Ave SE) is providing them daily (and starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday). Despite the tagline “No Politics. No Miller Lite,” the offering of cocktails is decidedly focused on current events: the rum drink adorned with an edible flower “Barr-A-Lago,” a blueberry vodka-based “Insane in the Ukraine,” and “Quit Bro, Go,” a prosecco drink served on a subpoena among them.

Previously:
Yes, D.C. Bars Are Preparing For The Impeachment Inquiry

This story has been updated with more offerings and a more accurate characterization of Hawk ‘n’ Dove.