Restaurants selling politics this election season

Presidential politics big business as election takes twists, turns

SAN ANTONIO – Just like many families who avoid topics of religion and politics around the holidays, many restaurants, bars and other leisure spots also try to steer clear of such topics so they don’t alienate their clientele.

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But some establishments aren't hiding the fact that it's an election year. They are taking full advantage of it to cash in on any potential business. 

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches features a menu that boasts, "Elect Your Wich: Vote for your craveable candidates." Selections include the Wicked (five meats, three cheeses), the Club, Black Bean Patty, and the Grinder.

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The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium has a special twist on the election. The chain sells pint glasses with artistic depictions of each candidate, using their own unique qualities and characteristics. Every time a customer buys a Clinton or Trump glass, a “vote” is taken for that candidate. It’s tallied at the end of each night and the running vote is displayed for everyone to see.

Manager Claire Altree says customers really get into the election this way, and it helps people either gain a little perspective on the seriousness of the campaigns, or simply laugh a little.

“I think it’s important, and I think the company thinks it’s important for people to take a little step back and have some fun and this is our way of promoting that,” she said.

Although Altree said the glasses aren’t meant to be offensive in any way, the glasses do push the boundaries. Clinton’s glass says “Slick Hilly,” and Trump’s displays “Big Plans Small Hands.” The glasses also portray the Democratic and Republican logos in a suggestive way.

“It’s supposed to be in jest. It’s supposed to be a light-hearted moment for people to enjoy,” Altree said.

Other restaurants are getting into the spirit as well. San Antonio-based Lion & Rose is featuring several drinks and a specially created food menu for the election.

The drinks include Hillary’s Pickle, a martini; Trump’s Wall, a shooter; Hillary’s Scandal, a pint; Trumped Up, a cocktail; and another cocktail aptly named Great America. Food offerings include BBQ sliders and steak bites.

The British-themed restaurant will also be feature a presidential debate watch party on Sunday night at 7 p.m.

Austin’s famous El Arroyo restaurant has even gotten into the political spirit this year. The business, known for its clever phrases posted on its sign out front, recently brandished this nugget: “Is your refrigerator running? Because I might vote for it.”

Another Austin spot, according to ATXMan.com, is the W Hotel’s Living Room. It offers a drink called The Final Say:

½ ounce Bulleit Rye
½ ounce green chartreuse
½ ounce Luxardo maraschino liquor
½ ounce lime juice
Shake and pour into martini glass.

Torchy’s Tacos, also based in Austin but with a San Antonio location in Lincoln Heights, offers two tacos year-round named the Democrat and Republican. The company did not comment on this story.

The Democrat:
Shredded beef barbacoa topped with fresh avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, onions and a wedge of lime. Served with tomatillo salsa on a fresh corn tortilla.

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The Republican:
Grilled jalapeno sausage, shredded cheese and pico de gallo. Served with poblano sauce and on a flour tortilla.

If you’re not sure who to vote for, Torchy’s also has a taco called the Crossroads: smoked beef brisket with grilled onions, jalapenos, cilantro, jack cheese and a slice of avocado, served with tomatillo sauce on a fresh corn tortilla.

Three hours east of San Antonio, Ouisie’s Table in Houston got into the game with special menu items during the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Typically, the restaurant boasts southern comfort food. But the managers pulled out some fun -- and possibly uncomfortably named -- foods to commemorate the occasion. Dishes included WallNut Salad, Oysters Barack O’Feller, tRump Roast and Secretary of Steak.

At $25 for three courses and wine pairing, the restaurant said, “It sounds like an economic victory no matter which way the diners’ politics swing.”

A manager said the restaurant is planning a special post-election menu selection.