Brooklynites hail from diverse places and backgrounds, but a few common traits bind nearly all of us together: the lack of a television and a desire to enjoy most major events at a bar.
And for the borough’s politicos, the upcoming presidential debates are the Superbowl of the election season — must-see match-ups that are the prime showcases of politics as sport.
They’re also great events to watch with a drink.
Even though 79 percent of Brooklyn voters cast their ballots for Barack Obama in 2008, there’s still room for debate — at least about where to watch the debates themselves.
That’s why we compiled this handy and entirely non-partisan guide to the Obama-vs.-Romney slugfests of 2012:
1. Mo’s
The quintessential Fort Greene neighborhood pub is sure to attract a lively mix of neighbors from a community that went all out in the streets for Obama after his 2008 victory. [80 Lafayette Ave. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene (718) 797–2849, www.mosftgreene.com]
2. Commonwealth
A stand-up beer bar in the heartland of Brooklyn’s liberal intelligentsia is sure to draw an Obama-heavy crowd — especially considering that it’s the place where local Democrats such as Councilman Brad Lander (D–Park Slope) celebrate their election wins.
[497 Fifth Ave. at 12th Street in Park Slope. (718) 768–2040, www.commonwealthbar.com].
3. Galapagos Art Space
This hip DUMBO performance space will host a panel on the relationship between education and poverty before the domestic policy-themed debate, and offer some special cocktails for the actual event.
[16 Main St. at Water Street in DUMBO. (718) 222–8500, www.galapagosartspace.com].
4. Ceol
The wood-panelled pub, with its long and stolid bar, cultivates an air of traditionalism. Perhaps that’s what’s made it a recent meeting spot for the Young Brooklyn Republicans — and a potential draw for the borough’s rare Mitt Romney fans.
[191 Smith St. between Baltic and Warren streets in Cobble Hill, (347) 643–9911 www.ceolpub.com].
5. Building on Bond
This architect and designer-centric drinking hole, cafe, and restaurant on a leafy Boerum Hill street will add debate nights to its roster of brainy events that already includes a tough trivia night and meet-ups for the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research.
[112 Bond St. at Pacific Street in Boerum Hill, (347) 853–8687, www.buildingatbond.com].
6. Pacific Standard
Berkeley grads and other Bay Area ex-pats congregate at this bookish bar, which will broadcast the debate on a big screen to what will most certainly be a pro-Obama crowd. GOP fans are welcome however, the bar’s owners promise.
[82 Fourth Ave. between Bergen Street and St. Marks Place in Boerum Hill, (718) 858–1951, www.pacificstandardbrooklyn.com].
7. Spike Hill
Pabst tallboys for $4 and well drinks for $5 are sure to loosen up the political atmosphere at this Bedford Avenue bar.
[186 Bedford Ave. at N. Seventh Street in Williamsburg. (718) 218–9737, www.spikehill.com].
8. Cranberry’s
For those who believe politics really happens in smoke-filled rooms, there’s this Bay Ridge hookah bar, which will show the debates while patrons enjoy the shisha and Middle Eastern fare.
[9013 Fourth Ave. between 90th and 91st streets in Bay Ridge. (718) 833–8816].
Reach reporter Eli Rosenberg at erosenberg@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2531. And follow him at twitter.com/emrosenberg.
