Happy Returns | Five Spots to Watch the Election | Chicago

11/04/08

Tonight's results aren't guaranteed, but we suspect the presence of motorcade traffic in Chicago isabout to rise dramatically. So we'd like to nominate five spots for you to watch history unfurl—incase you feel like kissing someone other than an exit pollster at the end of the night.

THE PARTY LINE

Campaign HQ Party at Landmark Grill

Free appetizers are one lure to this nonpartisan party, but the payoff is a raffle for a weekend junket to DC, including a stay at the Sofitel and dinner. It's a trip for two, so bring your favorite political consultant.

411:: 411: 6-9pm, 1633 N. Halsted St (near North), 312-587-1600

THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS

Election Night Fight at Sonotheque

The West Town lounge may not win your vote for the best political satire in a cocktail glass (serving The Very, Very Old Fashioned and The Black Velvet), but we can't argue with the pandering: Specialty cocktails are $5, and cover has been waived.

411:: 411: 9pm-2am, 1444 W. Chicago Ave (between Greenview and Bishop), 312-226-7600

THE MONEY MAKER

The Maverick Game at the Fifty/50

Bring in your voting sticker, get a beer. But wear your candidate's color (red or blue) and each time he wins a state, you'll draw for a gift certificate with a dollar amount matching the state's electoral votes. We knew that Electoral College would come in handy one day.

411:: 411: 4pm-2am, 2047 W. Division St (between Hoyne and Damen), 773-489-5050

THE LOBBYIST

Election Night at the James Hotel Lobby

Did you know that John McCain loves shrimp cocktails and Barack Obama loves deep dish? Neither did we, but since it's David Burke's Primehouse providing $7 appetizers starring the candidates' favorite food, you'll finally find common ground with the other side.

411:: 411: 5pm-midnight, 55 E. Ontario St (between Dearborn and Clark), 312-337-1000

THE POLITICAL DIVIDE

Highlights and Highballs at Sully's House

The Lincoln Park sports pub switches its fifteen screens from ESPN to CNN, CSPAN and SNL for tonight's soiree. The cocktail menu keeps things gerrymandered nicely with a selection of red drinks (Campari sours for McCain) and blue drinks (the Blue Hawaiian for Obama). You might have to pull a liquid filibuster...