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Photo composite via Eater Austin | Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images (O’Rourke); Jim Watson/Getty Images (Cruz)

Where to Watch Beto O’Rourke and Ted Cruz Face Off in Dallas

If you can’t be there in person, these are the next best options

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It’s already been a contentious run for Texas’ U.S. senate seat between Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and U.S. Representative Democrat Beto O’Rourke. Now the public has a chance to see the two candidates go head-to-head in a series of three debates which kicked off on September 21 in Dallas.

The next debate is set for Tuesday, October 16 in San Antonio. For folks who can’t be there in person, clearly the next best thing is watching from the comfort of a bar or restaurant with an excellent meal and chilly beer in hand. Head to one of these 10 bars to do just that.

Update 9/28/18, 10:17 a.m.: The September 30 debate between Cruz and O’Rourke has been postponed to an undetermined date.

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Jack Mac's Swill & Grill

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This Far North Dallas neighborhood grill will be airing the debate with sustenance like burgers, pizza, meatballs, and poutine on deck, plus a bunch of local draft beers listed on the chalkboard behind the bar.

The People's Last Stand

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The People’s Last Stand will be offering happy hour pricing during the debate including draft beer for $5 to $7, wine for $8, and a whole bunch of cocktails for $7 or $8 like the pineapple julep, sangria, house gin & tonic, and strawberry paloma.

The People’s Last Stand/Facebook

Strangeways

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This might be the ground zero for Beto supporters. Strangeways’ delicious torta, “mom’s tamales,” or a sandwich smothered in cheese and bacon is the perfect accompaniment to “hear Beto lay out his vision for Texas on the national stage.” Don’t forget a side of yucca fries or elotes and a cold draft beer, of course.

Ross & Hall

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Ross & Hall is hosting a watch party with apps like the bison chili, crab dip, and brisket poutine. Or for a full meal, the caprese grilled cheese and smoked turkey club are great bets, along with the huge assortment of draft beer.

The Independent Bar & Kitchen

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IBK in Deep Ellum will serve up a dozen pints for $4 which usually range from $6 to $8, plus its lengthy British Isles-inspired bar menu, burgers, salads, and sides like mac ‘n’ cheese and crispy brussels sprouts.

Denton County Brewing Company

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Denton denizens can gather around for a Beto-centric watch party alongside the brewery’s own concoctions. Snag the interesting sounding “Dank Jungle Fruit” IPA, “Cherry Hoppins” amber lager, or “Bikini Bottom Pineapple Milkshake” IPA with five different hops, lactose, and “copious amounts of pineapple.”

Rugby House Pub

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Rugby House is hosting a party for Beto supporters thanks to Laura Gunn for State Representative Texas HD-33 and Collin County Democratic Party. Chow down on traditional Irish bangers & mash and fish ‘n’ chips alongside burgers, wings, nachos, salads, and more pub fare.

Northside Drafthouse & Eatery

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UTDallas for Beto and UTD College Democrats will host a watch party at this bar-restaurant in the North ‘burbs. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and salads are on offer, along with 50 beers on tap and house cocktails.

Los Jimadores

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Munch on a long list of enchiladas, tamales, and tacos with a margarita in hand while watching the debate in this pro-Beto atmosphere. Los Jimadores is asking for donations as well to support pro-public education candidate Steve Riddell’s Texas House District 92 run for office.

Round-Up Saloon

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This LBGTQ-friendly bar on Cedar Springs (a favorite haunt of Lady Gaga’s when she’s in town) will be playing the debate on the big screen over the main floor, plus there will be voter registration on-site.

Round-Up Saloon/Facebook

Jack Mac's Swill & Grill

This Far North Dallas neighborhood grill will be airing the debate with sustenance like burgers, pizza, meatballs, and poutine on deck, plus a bunch of local draft beers listed on the chalkboard behind the bar.

The People's Last Stand

The People’s Last Stand will be offering happy hour pricing during the debate including draft beer for $5 to $7, wine for $8, and a whole bunch of cocktails for $7 or $8 like the pineapple julep, sangria, house gin & tonic, and strawberry paloma.

The People’s Last Stand/Facebook

Strangeways

This might be the ground zero for Beto supporters. Strangeways’ delicious torta, “mom’s tamales,” or a sandwich smothered in cheese and bacon is the perfect accompaniment to “hear Beto lay out his vision for Texas on the national stage.” Don’t forget a side of yucca fries or elotes and a cold draft beer, of course.

Ross & Hall

Ross & Hall is hosting a watch party with apps like the bison chili, crab dip, and brisket poutine. Or for a full meal, the caprese grilled cheese and smoked turkey club are great bets, along with the huge assortment of draft beer.

The Independent Bar & Kitchen

IBK in Deep Ellum will serve up a dozen pints for $4 which usually range from $6 to $8, plus its lengthy British Isles-inspired bar menu, burgers, salads, and sides like mac ‘n’ cheese and crispy brussels sprouts.

Denton County Brewing Company

Denton denizens can gather around for a Beto-centric watch party alongside the brewery’s own concoctions. Snag the interesting sounding “Dank Jungle Fruit” IPA, “Cherry Hoppins” amber lager, or “Bikini Bottom Pineapple Milkshake” IPA with five different hops, lactose, and “copious amounts of pineapple.”

Rugby House Pub

Rugby House is hosting a party for Beto supporters thanks to Laura Gunn for State Representative Texas HD-33 and Collin County Democratic Party. Chow down on traditional Irish bangers & mash and fish ‘n’ chips alongside burgers, wings, nachos, salads, and more pub fare.

Northside Drafthouse & Eatery

UTDallas for Beto and UTD College Democrats will host a watch party at this bar-restaurant in the North ‘burbs. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and salads are on offer, along with 50 beers on tap and house cocktails.

Los Jimadores

Munch on a long list of enchiladas, tamales, and tacos with a margarita in hand while watching the debate in this pro-Beto atmosphere. Los Jimadores is asking for donations as well to support pro-public education candidate Steve Riddell’s Texas House District 92 run for office.

Round-Up Saloon

This LBGTQ-friendly bar on Cedar Springs (a favorite haunt of Lady Gaga’s when she’s in town) will be playing the debate on the big screen over the main floor, plus there will be voter registration on-site.

Round-Up Saloon/Facebook

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