Baby don't you want to go?

March 30, 2008 8:12 PM

Hey, kids, I've moved to Chicago. This seems to be a perfect excuse for a meetup.

Requests: I'll be gone the 12-13th, and possibly the 19-21. I like good beer, so places like Hopleaf or the Map room hold attraction, but it's been many, many years, and while I'm surprised at how much I know, I'm very aware of how much I don't.

So, Chicagoans. Where shall we have a beer or six?

posted by eriko to MetaFilter Gatherings at 8:12 PM (59 comments total)

Where in Chicago did you move to? By mentioning Hopleaf I'd think way up north in Andersonville... but then Map Room is more near my neck of the woods....
posted by twiggy at 8:43 PM on March 30, 2008

Right on the border of Avondale and Logan Square -- I'll use Belmont if I'm going to O'Hare, but Logan Square if I'm inbound (towards the Loop.)

I grew up Old Town, in Lakeview. Grandma was in Andersonville. I've got a lot of friends in Lakeview and Rodgers park, but I moved more NW than N, because I'm flying frequently. It's awesome not having to drive and park at an airport.
posted by eriko at 8:59 PM on March 30, 2008

I live in Logan Square, as do (I think) a couple of others. I've never been to one of these meetup things and I'd be interested. I've actually been wanting to try Hopleaf! I've been to Small Bar in the neighborhood and it seemed a congenial enough place.
posted by adamdschneider at 10:15 PM on March 30, 2008

Well, for Logan Square-ers like me, getting to a place like Hopleaf sucks.. unless my intent is not to drink. Public transportation just stinks where I'm at. Especially to get to northside places...

That being said, Hopleaf is a very cool place.

Quenchers might be an option that's more easily accessible to a large number of people. It's on Fullerton and Western - both major streets. For those downtown, it'd be a blue line ride to Western, and maybe a 4 or 5 block walk north?
posted by twiggy at 11:15 PM on March 30, 2008

Hi, neighbor!

You may want to go to Quenchers. I can vouch for its awesomeness (although, full disclosure: I am the reserve 3rd string doorguy there, working about once a month). Last time I checked they had upwards of 250 beers, free popcorn, a good pinball machine, a photo booth (great for shoutouts!), and is definitely cheaper than the Map Room (which I also love).

I would recommend, though, that if taking the Blue Line, you get off at California, then walk a block north to Fullerton and then a few blocks east to Quenchers. It's a bit longer but much friendlier a walk.
posted by jtron at 11:51 PM on March 30, 2008

I used to pass Quenchers every day on my commute, but I've never been inside. I, too, would recommend not walking there from the Western stop.
posted by shakespeherian at 6:41 AM on March 31, 2008

I've been to Small Bar in the neighborhood and it seemed a congenial enough place.

We must be close, Small Bar is a block away.

Yeah, the hunk of Western between Belmont and Fullerton isn't exactly charming, is it?

Quenchers sounds like a good starting point for this. Any other candidates? Date/Time?
posted by eriko at 8:24 AM on March 31, 2008

Quenchers is more meetup friendly then Hopleaf. Hopleaf has better food and drink. And I live a block and a half from Hopleaf. So, either way, assuming the timing works.
posted by rbs at 10:44 AM on March 31, 2008

Do note, however, that the snobbier Chicago mefites will refuse to come that far west. They think RiNo is the extreme edge of the city or something.
posted by rbs at 10:45 AM on March 31, 2008

Heh. Yeah, I know. I wanted to live north side, actually, but I spend so much time at the airport that being on the O'Hare El is more important. And, hey, this isn't a bad neighboorhood at all, on the upswing, but not hypergentrified.

So. Quenchers. Shall we start the bidding at, oh, 8PM this Friday?
posted by eriko at 11:13 AM on March 31, 2008

Sounds good to me. So, I assume there's an established protocol for how we identify each other? I've actually got a real-life pic of myself in my profile, but I think that makes me somewhat out of the ordinary.
posted by adamdschneider at 11:55 AM on March 31, 2008

Dag. I was totally all "oh boy Quenchers my first ever meetup!" but I simply can't do this weekend. Perhaps I'll see y'all next time?
posted by Metroid Baby at 2:38 PM on March 31, 2008

RiNo?!

Does that mean I can start saying I live in "RoVil"? Because I totally want to.
posted by Mid at 3:30 PM on March 31, 2008

You could always just rock the 49 bus, safe and sound. I don't think that stretch is a super bad walk, but then again I have a beard and a pretty serious game face.

I won't be able to do anything the week or next, but have fun! Quencher's is a great joint if you get there early (hint, hint).
posted by eamondaly at 4:02 PM on March 31, 2008

Quenchers sounds pretty awesome. Even if not many of us can get there this time around, I'm all for making it a regular spot.
posted by adamdschneider at 5:04 PM on March 31, 2008

You're talking about this Friday? Sort of short notice, innit?
posted by shakespeherian at 6:05 PM on March 31, 2008

I can do this weekend, not next, but the weekend after would work. I'd like to get three solid Yeses before we call it official.
posted by eriko at 6:05 PM on March 31, 2008

I might be able to make it, depending on work schedule which I haven't checked yet. Therefore not a solid Yes.... yet.
posted by shakespeherian at 6:10 PM on March 31, 2008

Do note, however, that the snobbier Chicago mefites will refuse to come that far west. They think RiNo is the extreme edge of the city or something.

Not true! I've been to the Whirlaway Lounge a couple of times!

But y'know, there's been a movement to establish the Billy Goat Tavern as the official Chicago meet-up locale. Does this mean there's going to be a West Side splinter group? If I go to Quenchers, will I be shunned by the subterraneans? Will I be shown the Be Cool Tool and be warned not to darken the door of Rossi's ever again?

Actually, if my miserable cold doesn't improve by Friday I'll probably just stay home.
posted by hydrophonic at 7:40 PM on March 31, 2008

I will be there, health/money depending. It's one thing to skip a meetup when I'd have to go downtown and back; it's another when the location is within stumbling distance of my house. I will be the tall one with a cane - very easy to identify.
posted by jtron at 10:53 PM on March 31, 2008

Do note, however, that the snobbier Chicago mefites will refuse to come that far west. They think RiNo is the extreme edge of the city or something.

Not true, and I'm as snobby as they come! I think Friday is open for me but will double check with the social coordinator tomorrow.
posted by chundo at 11:23 PM on March 31, 2008

It's well-known I never stray further than the Gold Coast. Okay, *maybe* Lakeview. Maybe. Alas, I'm out for this weekend--I have a date!

hydrophonic--you will not be shunned; you will merely be required to provide the door prizes at the next Goat Meet-up.
posted by crush-onastick at 5:50 AM on April 1, 2008

I think the Goat really is the best place around for the widest group of people, as all trains, els, buses, and roads lead directly to it. It's also got a ton of seating, cheap food and drink, and proximity to tons of other places for the inevitable "I'm too drunk to go home now; let's go sight-seeing!" stage of the evening. Plus, only zombies live downtown, so it's just inconvenient enough for everyone.

All that said, I wouldn't want to go there every time, though. It's just a nice go-to spot when no one's got a particular place in mind, so viva La Quencher's. In any case, The ChiMeCabal^* does not shun. We absorb. Hideous and oozing, we absorb.

^* TINCMC.
posted by eamondaly at 7:50 AM on April 1, 2008

Okay, quick poll:

1) I'm hip to short notice. Let's drink Friday!

2) I need time to plot out my complicated travels. Let's go for April 19th.

3) I'm good with either date.

4) Fuck it, let's do both dates, but I'll find the next location.

5) Non-Clickly Thing!
posted by eriko at 8:32 AM on April 1, 2008

I vote for #1.
posted by Johnny Assay at 8:36 AM on April 1, 2008

I'm good with either/both, but I'd like for at least one of them to be at Quenchers. :-)
posted by adamdschneider at 8:41 AM on April 1, 2008

I'm out the 19th as well as this Friday. actually, in addition to never getting West of Clark, I am never free on weekends. I also never drink beer and have no knowledge of a TINCMC, no access to the ladies' room in the Hancock, have never had relations with that woman and wouldn't know eamondaly if he bit me on the ass. So, really, one should pay no attention whatsoever to my preferences.
posted by crush-onastick at 8:41 AM on April 1, 2008

UPDATE

I am free Friday! So let's do this thing like we mean it.
posted by shakespeherian at 8:43 AM on April 1, 2008

I would love the opportunity to actually drink in my neighborhood with people who aren't d-bags. I vote #4 with abandon.
posted by kpmcguire at 9:16 AM on April 1, 2008

if we do #4, can we pick a day other than Fri/Sat?
posted by ejaned8 at 10:13 AM on April 1, 2008

kpmcguire/ejaned8: Figure it out. But we've got three, it's good enough to put on the calendar.

Meetup # 1 Friday, Apr 4th, 8PM(ish), Quenchers Saloon, until we get silly, hop the blue line, and go mock the Trump Tower. Or something.
posted by eriko at 11:16 AM on April 1, 2008

Meetup # 1 Friday, Apr 4th, 8PM(ish), Quenchers Saloon, until we get silly, hop the blue line, and go mock the Trump Tower. Or somethingnerdy, hop the Fullterton Bus, and go watch independent films at Facets.
posted by shakespeherian at 11:22 AM on April 1, 2008

2) I need time to plot out my complicated travels. Let's go for April 19th. ...

I'm in Vegas this Friday!
posted by twiggy at 7:53 PM on April 1, 2008

The Billy Goat has had a decent turnout on wednesdays (at least the last two.) And if we do it at the 'Goat, that falls within crush-onastick's 2 block radius. April 16th?

On second thought, perhaps two meetups in one month is too many... but it will most likely be two very different crowds. So maybe not.

In any case, I am definitely up for quenchers this friday.
posted by kpmcguire at 9:44 PM on April 1, 2008

Aw man, I love Quenchers! And the Goat! Alas, this Saturday begins two weeks of various work travels (taking up two weekends in a row, god dammit) and I won't be able to get to any meetups until after the 19th.

So, carry on, but let's not go too long until the next one.
posted by misskaz at 10:43 AM on April 2, 2008

I am a newbie and would love to meet everyone. I go with # 1.
posted by Ria at 7:02 PM on April 3, 2008

I will be a tad late tomorrow. I just got an invitation this evening to have dinner tomorrow with a friend I haven't seen in a year or so. Expect me at Quencher's around 9:30 I'd say. I'll be the guy in the pea coat and Team Zissou hat.
posted by adamdschneider at 8:22 PM on April 3, 2008

Huh. Looks like my wife's got other plans, so I guess I will be there. See y'all around 8!
posted by eamondaly at 8:27 PM on April 3, 2008

I'll be the guy in the pea coat and Team Zissou hat.

If you nervously frob an ipod on the Blue Line L, I think I've seen you. Or, of course, one of the dozens of members of your clone army.
posted by eriko at 8:19 AM on April 4, 2008

Must've been a clone. I don't own an iPod, and the hat is a fairly recent addition. At least I came by the coat honestly, as a hand me down from my ex-Navy uncle.
posted by adamdschneider at 10:05 AM on April 4, 2008

Wait where can I get a Team Zissou hat?
posted by shakespeherian at 1:55 PM on April 4, 2008

(he said, not Googling)
posted by shakespeherian at 1:55 PM on April 4, 2008

I got mine on Ebay, from an outfit called romperstompertees.com. I also got a Zissou Society t-shirt with it. Well, I'm heading out to dinner; see you folks later on.
posted by adamdschneider at 4:44 PM on April 4, 2008

Crapola. I'm just getting out of work now, so I'm not going to be able to make it. Hope y'all are having fun!
posted by eamondaly at 6:58 PM on April 4, 2008

Man, I was there for the last couple hours and didn't see anyone whose outfit or demeanor was screaming METAFILTER. I was even looking out for peacoats and Zissou hats. Next time, Gadget, next time.
posted by jtron at 8:36 PM on April 4, 2008

I was there, ran into kpmcguire, but I got there too late to grab a table, so we didn't have anything yelling MeFi.

No Zissou hats either, alas.

Still, chatted a bit, had good beer. Let's do the Goat next.
posted by eriko at 9:01 PM on April 4, 2008

Were you and kpmmcquire the two fellas talking over by the jukebox? If so, I was the guy who excused myself to use said jukebox.
posted by jtron at 9:09 PM on April 4, 2008

Hey, guys, dinner was served much later than I was told, and by the time I made it to the bar with a bellyfull of wine it was sweltering, far too hot either for the hat or the coat (which of course I still had to wear). I took a shot of whiskey and a Rogue Shakespeare Stout and wandered around looking for people. I asked a couple of folks, but no dice, and by that point I was feeling somewhat, uh, unwell. Man, was it hot. I listened to the band for a bit, finished my beer and lit out. I think next time I will wear a tag on my shirt that says METAFILTER. Of course, looking at the time stamps above it looks like you were all home safe and sound by the time I got there anyway. Sorry about that.
posted by adamdschneider at 7:30 AM on April 5, 2008

Were you and kpmmcquire the two fellas talking over by the jukebox?

Yep.
If so, I was the guy who excused myself to use said jukebox.

One of four? We're you the one with the cane.

So -- a near miss meetup. The only thing to do is try, try again.
posted by eriko at 7:48 AM on April 5, 2008

NEXT TIME EVERYONE WEARS A CARNATION IN THEIR LAPEL OK

I guess the one table I thought was Mefites actually wasn't

yeah, that was me with the cane. Dammit, eriko, I wanted to debate your devaluing-the-currency-by-a-factor-of-ten against my adopt-british-predecimal-currency idea)
posted by jtron at 12:52 PM on April 5, 2008

Okay hows about in The Future™ someone puts a big ol' INTERNET DORKS MEET HERE sign on the table or something.
posted by shakespeherian at 6:27 PM on April 6, 2008

I'm sticking with my Metafilter tag, though a dorks sign might be helpful! So, are we supposed to start a new thread for the 19th?
posted by adamdschneider at 9:01 AM on April 7, 2008

WHAT.

THE.

FUCK.

CHICAGO MEFIS?


Seriously, how did I miss this? And who makes a meetup suggestion five days in advance?

You all owe me a beer at the next meetup. Jerks.
posted by wfrgms at 6:37 PM on April 8, 2008

Holy crap, meetup VIDEO.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 9:47 PM on April 8, 2008

So, are we supposed to start a new thread for the 19th?

Yes. Or thereabouts. See "#4" in the above poll.
posted by eriko at 7:23 AM on April 9, 2008

What the fuck?

How did I miss this?

I'm with wfrgms.

I want a do-over.
posted by sparkletone at 6:28 PM on April 10, 2008

So is there going to be another meetup this month? If so, someone needs to start a new thread and soon. These swine are rapidly closing in around me over here, pretty soon my schedule will be full up.
posted by wfrgms at 11:23 AM on April 15, 2008

I am only available weeknights, but am generally up for the drunkening!
posted by crush-onastick at 1:14 PM on April 15, 2008

I will be at Quenchers this Friday night/Saturday morning sometime around one for some high-intensity drunkening (new job! first paycheck!). Come if you want to make bets about whether I get so loaded I forget how to walk. I'll be the one with the cane.

Unfortunately with the new job 12:30-1am is about the earliest I could make it to any weekday meetup. I'm still down for Saturday ones if I'm not out shooting somewhere.
posted by jtron at 7:30 PM on April 15, 2008