Conventional Hangouts: Where to Watch the Democrats Party

BRING ON THE conventions already.

Seriously.

Anything to end the flood of "Hey, guys, Obama's going to pick a vice president soon!" articles.

The Democratic National Convention is taking over Denver (and the news agenda) next week, and thus will end the speculation about Vice Presidential candidates.

And thus it is a cause for great jubilation.

Now, as with any national event like this, people choose to celebrate it in different ways. If you want to watch the convention surrounded by people, you've got restaurants and bars aplenty to pick from — this is, after all, D.C.'s Superbowl. Well, not really. D.C.'s secondary sporting event that leads up to the Superbowl. D.C.'s women's Olympic gymnastics semi-final, maybe. Anyway, here are a few spots where you can sit and munch and watch Obama accept his nomination, standing next to one of any number of nondescript old white men from battleground states.

If you want to be sure to see the Convention on television, head to the Hawk 'n' Dove. You'll also be surrounded by interns and free-flowing beer. This is the Capitol Hill watering hole to go to for an authentic D.C. experience, complete with wonky chatter and an uncomfortably sticky bartop.

For a classier experience, try Dupont Circle's Mark and Orlando's — a giant TV on the second floor will more than likely be showing the keynote speeches, and you can munch on the most delicious appetizer in D.C.: spicy chicken wings with blue cheese.

Of course, if you want to yell at the TV and eat pretzels out of a bag, the best place to watch the convention is in the comfort of your living room.

Or, if you're Michael Phelps, my living room.

» Mark and Orlando's, 2020 P St., NW; 202-223-8463. (Dupont Circle)
» Hawk 'n' Dove, 329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; 202-543-3300. (Capitol South)