Comments on: Baby don't you want to go?

Baby don't you want to go?

eriko — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:12:21 -0800

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?

By: twiggy

twiggy — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:43:23 -0800

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....

By: eriko

eriko — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:59:52 -0800

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.

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:15:24 -0800

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.

By: twiggy

twiggy — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:15:30 -0800

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?

By: jtron

jtron — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:51:10 -0800

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.

By: shakespeherian

shakespeherian — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:41:43 -0800

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.

By: eriko

eriko — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:24:12 -0800

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?

By: rbs

rbs — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:44:47 -0800

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.

By: rbs

rbs — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:45:33 -0800

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.

By: eriko

eriko — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:13:05 -0800

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?

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:55:51 -0800

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.

By: Metroid Baby

Metroid Baby — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:38:14 -0800

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?

By: Mid

Mid — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:30:51 -0800

RiNo?!

Does that mean I can start saying I live in "RoVil"? Because I totally want to.

By: eamondaly

eamondaly — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:02:15 -0800

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).

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:04:59 -0800

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.

By: shakespeherian

shakespeherian — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:05:22 -0800

You're talking about this Friday? Sort of short notice, innit?

By: eriko

eriko — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:05:34 -0800

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.

By: shakespeherian

shakespeherian — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:10:00 -0800

I might be able to make it, depending on work schedule which I haven't checked yet. Therefore not a solid Yes.... yet.

By: hydrophonic

hydrophonic — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:40:05 -0800

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.

By: jtron

jtron — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:53:39 -0800

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.

By: chundo

chundo — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:23:45 -0800

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.

By: crush-onastick

crush-onastick — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:50:59 -0800

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.

By: eamondaly

eamondaly — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:50:53 -0800

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.

By: eriko

eriko — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:32:30 -0800

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!

By: Johnny Assay

Johnny Assay — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:36:31 -0800

I vote for #1.

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:41:18 -0800

I'm good with either/both, but I'd like for at least one of them to be at Quenchers. :-)

By: crush-onastick

crush-onastick — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:41:35 -0800

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.

By: shakespeherian

shakespeherian — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:43:33 -0800

UPDATE

I am free Friday! So let's do this thing like we mean it.

By: kpmcguire

kpmcguire — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:16:07 -0800

I would love the opportunity to actually drink in my neighborhood with people who aren't d-bags. I vote #4 with abandon.

By: ejaned8

ejaned8 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:13:16 -0800

if we do #4, can we pick a day other than Fri/Sat?

By: eriko

eriko — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:16:27 -0800

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.

By: shakespeherian

shakespeherian — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:22:12 -0800

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~~nerdy, hop the Fullterton Bus, and go watch independent films at Facets.

By: twiggy

twiggy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:53:55 -0800

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

I'm in Vegas this Friday!

By: kpmcguire

kpmcguire — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:44:50 -0800

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.

By: misskaz

misskaz — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:43:20 -0800

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.

By: Ria

Ria — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:02:26 -0800

I am a newbie and would love to meet everyone. I go with # 1.

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:22:49 -0800

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.

By: eamondaly

eamondaly — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:27:36 -0800

Huh. Looks like my wife's got other plans, so I guess I will be there. See y'all around 8!

By: eriko

eriko — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:19:59 -0800

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.

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:05:39 -0800

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.

By: shakespeherian

shakespeherian — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:55:20 -0800

Wait where can I get a Team Zissou hat?

By: shakespeherian

shakespeherian — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:55:28 -0800

(he said, not Googling)

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:44:22 -0800

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.

By: eamondaly

eamondaly — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:58:36 -0800

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!

By: jtron

jtron — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:36:56 -0800

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.

By: eriko

eriko — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:01:08 -0800

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.

By: jtron

jtron — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:09:51 -0800

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.

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:30:54 -0800

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.

By: eriko

eriko — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:48:48 -0800

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.

By: jtron

jtron — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:52:25 -0800

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)

By: shakespeherian

shakespeherian — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:27:11 -0800

Okay hows about in The Future™ someone puts a big ol' INTERNET DORKS MEET HERE sign on the table or something.

By: adamdschneider

adamdschneider — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:01:51 -0800

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?

By: wfrgms

wfrgms — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:37:15 -0800

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.

By: mathowie

mathowie — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:47:36 -0800

Holy crap, meetup VIDEO.

By: eriko

eriko — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:23:27 -0800

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

Yes. Or thereabouts. See "#4" in the above poll.

By: sparkletone

sparkletone — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:28:26 -0800

What the fuck?

How did I miss this?

I'm with wfrgms.

I want a do-over.

By: wfrgms

wfrgms — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:23:15 -0800

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.

By: crush-onastick

crush-onastick — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:14:07 -0800

I am only available weeknights, but am generally up for the drunkening!

By: jtron

jtron — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:30:35 -0800

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.