offthemenu

Hmmm. Since next Tuesday has been dubbed, oh, only the most significant day ever for many badged and bumper-stickered Philadelphians, you might expect restaurant owners to close up for the night. In fact, everything suggests places to eat will be staying open—especially if they happen to have a television. (Alas, the same can't be said of bars, as the state requires them to be closed.) But the night before, while candidates finish the glad-handing and lawyers from both sides get some serious sleep, local Mexican joint El Vez will give one last push to a deserving candidate—its namesake, the kitschy Mexican Elvis. There'll be food and drink specials from 7 p.m. onward (plus a chance to win tickets to see El Vez the following night at the Trocadero, and dinner for four at El Vez). Mon., Nov. 1, El Vez, 121 S. 13th St., 215-928-9800.

If the very point of your election night plans is to avoid the madness, Ristorante Panorama will be bringing in Bruce Neyers, founder of Neyers Vineyards, which is famous for its organically produced wines. Several of his varieties—including Carneros Chardonnay and Hudson Vineyards Syrah—will be paired with a five-course dinner, allowing you to eat and drink the night away, while any mammoth hangovers will dull the days and days of waiting for pesky results. Tue., Nov. 2, 8 p.m., $95 per person plus tax and tip, Ristorante Panorama, 14 N. Front St., 215-922-7800.

Halloween, on the other hand, is the kind of night everyone can join in on without getting political. (Well, Specter references aside.) Iron Hill will be rolling out their seasonal brew, Pumpkin Ale, this week. The beer is made with 200 pounds of fresh pumpkin meat and seasoned with nutmeg and cinnamon during the brewing process. On Friday, it'll be flowing freely at their Halloween costume party, starting at 9 p.m. with prizes given at midnight. Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, 3 W. Gay St., West Chester, 610-738-9600.

In Short:

O'Neals is celebrating its 25th anniversary today (the 28th) and reminding us of their history as a family establishment. In 1979, says owner Tom Mooney, O'Neals was "one of the first "sports bar restaurants' in Philadelphia." Nowadays they have plenty of competition but also plenty of neighborhood goodwill. So for one day and night only, drink prices will be rolled back to 1979 (roughly $2 a drink, if you can't remember those Jimmy Carter days … ). O'Neals, Third and South sts., 215-574-9495.

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