Presidential Debate Watch Party NYC: New York City's Best Bars To Watch 2016 Clinton vs. Trump In Manhattan, Brooklyn

It’s wise to not watch the first 2016 presidential debate Monday alone, especially if you’re a New Yorker. The battle between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton may get ugly and you'll want some companionship for the spectacle in the Big Apple.

Here's why: The two candidates hailing from the New York City area will be on your turf and may say something you think is just too outrageous. One might say something that surrogates will later call racist. One might bore you to death with a long diatribe about the intricacies of their policy proposals. Like we said, it’s advisable to have a drink and some like-minded souls around for the event.

Here are four of the best spots to catch the debate in New York City:

The Apollo Theater. This historic venue will hold what has been billed as one of the largest watch parties in the country. Before the screening, people from WNYC and WQXR will hold a panel discussion with some leading experts in the political world. The event is free and open to the public. Manhattan. 253 W. 125^th St. 7:30 p.m.

Rudy’s Bar And Grille. This Brooklyn bar is the spot where Drinking Liberally convenes each Thursday to discuss politics. The bar isn’t charging a cover and will be airing the debate on their televisions and encourage people to come participate in Democracy by watching TV with them. Brooklyn. 627 9^th Ave. Come any time before the debate starts at 9 p.m. There is no cover charge.

Village Pourhouse. This bar is going to have drinking games and themed drink specials, such as the Donald Drumpf and the Secret Server. Manhattan. 64 3^rd Ave. 8 to 11 p.m.

Banter. This Williamsburg watering hole will be showing the debate on all of their screens and encourages you to try out the snifters of brandy (“Just to look a little posh,” a bartender said). If hard liquor isn’t your thing or you’re thinking you’d rather try out something with a bit less bite, they’re also offering $20 pitchers of craft beer (Blue Point Lager, likely, the bartender said) and $20 Heineken Light buckets (5 beers). Brooklyn. 132 Havemeyer St. 8:00 p.m.