by Kimberly Kohatsu, Managing Editor for the Menuism Restaurant Blog
Happy Election Day! After months of campaigning, endless ads and news stories, we've made it to the end. While you're exercising your right to vote, take advantage of extra benefits offered by restaurants and eateries near you. NOTE: This post was written before the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, so if you're in an affected area, this information may not be the most up-to-date.
BATTLEGROUND STATES
Capitol City Brewing Company - Arlington, VA and Washington, DC
The brewpub will hold a 13-hour happy hour special, from 11 a.m. to midnight. The bar originally promoted a free pint of beer from Capitol City's "Four Core" beer selection, but later learned local alcohol rules forbid it.
Lofty Pursuits - Tallahassee, FL
Show your "I Voted" sticker for a free scoop of ice cream.
Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace - Boulder, CO
Wear your "I Voted" sticker and get happy hour food and drink specials.
Tailgate Grill - Canton, OH
The restaurant is offering $4.70 specials for each candidate: 10-piece Barack O Boneless Wings or 10-piece Right Wing Basket. The bar will also offer $4.70 red and blue martinis: Romney-tini with cherry vodka, cranberry juice and grenadine; Obama-tini with whipped vodka, coconut rum, pineapple juice and Blue Curacao.
REGIONAL
Legal Sea Foods - 30 locations along the East Coast
Until Election Day, Legal Sea Foods's east coast locations are offering a Blue Plate and Red Plate special for $25.95. These specials pay tribute to the presidential candidates' home and adopted states. The Blue Plate is a macadamia-coconut crusted mahi-mahi with roasted brussels sprouts, and the Red Plate is pan-seared cod with steamed spaghetti squash in bourbon lobster cream sauce.
Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shop
Purchase any beverage and show your "I Voted" sticker, and get a free donut. Some voters will also get free coffee and donuts while they wait in line at local polls in some cities, including Detroit, Columbus, Ohio, and Buffalo, N.Y.
NATIONWIDE
Ben & Jerry's
Until the end of the year, Ben & Jerry's will offer the Americone Dream sundae, which includes Americone Dream ice cream (Stephen Colbert's special flavor), caramel, whipped cream, and a selection of toppings.
Pinkberry
Post pictures of your favorite Pinkberry flavor by using the hashtag #pinkthevote on Twitter. The company will randomly choose 10 winners today, and each will win a free small yogurt with toppings.
Did we miss any? Sound off below!
Related Links from the Menuism Restaurant Blog:
• A Small Rancher's View on California's Prop 37
• The Politics of Chocolate
• Forget Sea Bass. It's All About Sablefish.
Election Day 2012 Food Specials originally published on the Menuism Restaurant Blog.
Kimberly Kohatsu is the Managing Editor of the Menuism Dining Blog, the educational arm of Menuism.com, a popular website where a passionate community of foodies rate their favorite dishes and comment on restaurants they've visited. Kim is also a freelance writer and marketing consultant, whose recent dining adventures revolve around ramen, cheeseburgers, and fried chicken.