Hot Fun in the Summertime.

July 1, 2008 12:44 PM

To all the NYC Mefites I loved before, it's been too long. Let's meet-up. Above 14th street. On the West Side. You can all discuss how uncool that is inside this thread.

I'm thinking Friday the 18th. 8 pm. I know I'm supposed to pick the place but I'm open to suggestions...

posted by Lola_G to MetaFilter Gatherings at 12:44 PM (100 comments total)

A meetup with the real Lola_G? Sounds fun to me!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:48 PM on July 1, 2008 [1 favorite]

Awesome. I'm thinking the 79th Street Boat Basin but I've only been there with small parties.
posted by Lola_G at 1:03 PM on July 1, 2008 [1 favorite]

I was just coming here to see if there were any NYC meetups I was missing. I have no suggestions, but am very interested in being there.
posted by Brainy at 1:21 PM on July 1, 2008

The Boat Basin will be an absolute clusterfuck on a Friday night. Massively crowded. A nice outdoor alternative is a bar in Riverside Park at like 103rd St. The Ding Dong lounge is a good spot as is, if everyone gets there early enough, Dive 75 (couches, board games & c).
posted by kosem at 2:17 PM on July 1, 2008

To all the NYC Mefites I loved before

OM NOM NOM NOM!
posted by quonsar at 2:20 PM on July 1, 2008

Could I suggest perhaps the Friday after, the 25th? Because I will be in NYC that day. I'll be there on the 18th too but am going to Woodstock the next day and might not be able to make it.
posted by essexjan at 2:34 PM on July 1, 2008

Shoot, and I'm going to be in the city this weekend.
posted by Eideteker at 3:18 PM on July 1, 2008

I'll hang out with you on the 25th if you want, essexjan. I'm going to be out of town the 16th-20th, so I'll be missing this one.
posted by kkokkodalk at 3:31 PM on July 1, 2008

Above 14th street

I'll get a nosebleeed.
posted by jonmc at 4:36 PM on July 1, 2008 [6 favorites]

Obligatory link to Hot Fun in the Summertime.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:09 PM on July 1, 2008

There's a Toast and a Dinosaur BBQ are up in the neighborhood of 125th/Broadway, which is accessible to the 1, the A/B/C/D, and M60 coming across town from Astoria. I'd love to do another UWS meetup anywhere though :)
posted by onalark at 8:10 PM on July 1, 2008

Hmmm. Tempting!
My husband is playing a midnight cabaret show at The Producers Club on 44th and 9th ave. on the 18th. Maybe I'll swing by the metafilter meet-up first (there's a $20 cover charge for the show but it's an open bar, if people are still wanting to drink heavily by 12:00 a.m. then consider this an open invitation to continue the festivities there).
posted by stagewhisper at 8:55 PM on July 1, 2008

Dinosaur Barbecue (and not much else) will convince me to visit the upper west side. sorry.
posted by Afroblanco at 9:07 PM on July 1, 2008

I'm game, glad I checked, can't wait for my second Me-Fi Meetup, it will be nice not to be the one to organize this one.
posted by Del Far at 10:39 PM on July 1, 2008

I'll be there!
posted by Mr. President Dr. Steve Elvis America at 12:40 AM on July 2, 2008

Okay, I'll throw in my own vote for Dinosaur then. I haven't seen Afroblanco in a while :)
posted by onalark at 4:56 AM on July 2, 2008

Anyone mentions "gin" they get to buy a round.
posted by Smart Dalek at 5:13 AM on July 2, 2008

Dinosaur on a Friday night will also be a clusterfuck and we will need reservations. Similarly, the 125th street Toast is pretty small and not great for large parties.

EJ - I have the exact same scenario the following weekend. However, I am certain that plenty of people will be up for both weekends! And it would be lovely to see you. (And you Eid - thanks for letting us know in advance :glares in Eids direction:).

All said, if there is enough interest, I would be willing to try to get an early reservation to Dinosaur (say 7?) and then plan to move to a bar post dinner??? There is a very large space next to Toast (it was Soundz but now has new owners who have given it an Irish name (I'll find it before the day)). It isn't chic but it is large with plenty of seating.

Also, this was George Carlin's neighborhood (Morningside Heights). It's not too late to come and pour one out for George.

I'm only going to try and plan the dinner though if there is enough interest. It's a block from my house so that's an added bonus.

Otherwise, I like the Ding Dong lounge suggestion.
posted by Lola_G at 7:08 AM on July 2, 2008

Psst....Hi, q!
posted by Lola_G at 7:09 AM on July 2, 2008

I'm up fro dinner!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:51 AM on July 2, 2008 [1 favorite]

I'm up for dinoBBQ too. Although the making a reservation thing puts the entire meetup into a different light. BBQ will help in enticing the MeFiMember GF, though.

Lola, was that Carlin reference partially due to him being (repeated) on Brian Lehrer this morning. He started off discussing his neighborhood.
posted by Brainy at 8:14 AM on July 2, 2008

I'm in: "Dinosaur at 7pm for dinner followed by drinks in the area"
posted by onalark at 8:18 AM on July 2, 2008

Okay, if you are in make sure you let me know if you have a +1. I will probably have to call on Monday or Tuesday at the latest to insure a table.

Brainy, no I didn't even hear that but I did read something right after his death about him being from Morningside Heights. And I thought it might help get people up here! my laziness has no shame.

OK, here is my dinner PSA - Don't come to dinner if you don't know how to split a check, pay tax on a bill or tip appropriately! As a former restaurant worker, I am very particularly about this stuff.
posted by Lola_G at 9:12 AM on July 2, 2008

Also - Dinosaur BBQ.
posted by Lola_G at 9:13 AM on July 2, 2008

Last time I went to Dinosaur BBQ I ended up needing abdominal surgery. Great place.
posted by nowonmai at 10:03 AM on July 2, 2008

I'm coming with my boyfriend so spec80 + 1. Yaaaaaay!
posted by spec80 at 10:05 AM on July 2, 2008

I never thought I couldn't split a check but now I'm nervous about it
posted by Brainy at 10:13 AM on July 2, 2008

Oh hey, I've been meaning to go to this Syracuse transplant.

I wonder if it's as good as the original. Include me in the reservation plz.
posted by Stynxno at 1:11 PM on July 2, 2008

I am in!
Surprisingly, there appear to be lots of veggie sides for me. And I get to watch everyone else make a total mess of their faces with all the sauces and ribs!
I'll be the one with clean hands for holding the cameras.
posted by rmless at 2:04 PM on July 2, 2008

I'm up fro dinner!

I'm glad to see that somebody in this thread watched that Sly Stone clip!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:17 PM on July 2, 2008

Hm. I'm in, as long as it's somewhere that has some vegetarian options as my ball and chain houseboy manservant husband is vegetarian, and I'll be bringing him due to the tiny handcuffs we wear on our left ring fingers.
posted by bedhead at 7:21 PM on July 2, 2008

Lola_G, can you sidebar this?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:44 PM on July 2, 2008 [1 favorite]

Me and the Beautiful Rubberkey will be attending.
posted by Brainy at 7:46 PM on July 2, 2008

Sounds great... I was just independently researching NYC bbq and had settled on Dinosaur. The tough part's waiting until the 18th! (I'll bring lots of cotton for jon's nose.)

Any chance we could make it 7:30pm? 7's a little tight for us.

Would be great to see y'all!
posted by pips at 11:10 AM on July 3, 2008

*sniff* I'll still be out of town......and I can vouch for Dinosaur.
posted by brujita at 3:08 PM on July 3, 2008

7 is a bit tight for us...would 7:30 or 8 be okay? If not, we'll just have to hustle.
posted by Brainy at 11:26 AM on July 4, 2008

I'm in like Flynn.

(or Fairbanks, Jr., as the case may be)
posted by Afroblanco at 11:02 PM on July 4, 2008

I would like to come. Can I come?
posted by bkudria at 7:37 PM on July 6, 2008

Ooh, me too, please!
posted by amicamentis at 8:27 PM on July 6, 2008

BBQ? Dude. Yes please. Put me on the list.
posted by CunningLinguist at 8:58 PM on July 6, 2008

Bumping to 7:30 - I think if we go any later we will find it even harder to get a reso for a large party. I will be calling tomorrow - so if you are on the fence better RSVP soon.
posted by Lola_G at 9:06 AM on July 7, 2008

Yay! I'll be in town that day. Count me in please.
posted by HotPatatta at 12:00 PM on July 7, 2008

Thanks, Lola! Looking forward...

*dons bib*
posted by pips at 12:15 PM on July 7, 2008

(P.S., Are email RSVPs necessary, or just a head count here?)
posted by pips at 12:18 PM on July 7, 2008

The thread is good. Starting the count now!
posted by Lola_G at 7:27 AM on July 8, 2008

onalark will be joined by a guest!
posted by onalark at 7:33 AM on July 8, 2008

This is the list I have, please let me know ASAP if you plan to join us or no longer make it.

ThePinkSuperhero
Stynxno
Brainy
Rubberkey
Pips
jonmc
Afroblanco
onalark
spec80+1
rmless
bedhead +1
bkudria
amicamentis
CunningLinquist
HotPatatta
(17)

I also have
Del Far
and Mr President Dr Steve Elvis America
but not sure if you two are down for dinner.

After all this build up, I sure hope they'll take us.
posted by Lola_G at 7:45 AM on July 8, 2008

I missed onalark's +1. I've added it to my list.
posted by Lola_G at 8:04 AM on July 8, 2008

count me in, I think.
posted by stagewhisper at 8:51 AM on July 8, 2008

Oh man, Dinosaur is SOOOO good.....if you can get a table for the lot of you, you guys are in for a treat! Good luck!
posted by Grither at 10:35 AM on July 8, 2008

Me and Bree (Rubberkey) are still on!
posted by Brainy at 11:05 AM on July 8, 2008

Dinosaur will not take resos for more than 12. SO - I got creative.

We have two reservations - 10 @ 7 and 10 @ 7:30. (They couldn't take two large parties at the same time). They will try to sit us as close together as possible but they can't guarantee. Nevertheless, I made the executive decision that this would get everyone their bbq fix and then we can call meet-up at the bar post dinner and mingle with the other group. (They turn you over pretty fast at Dino due to table demands).

Please try and volunteer for the earlier time slot if you can as I feel the second spot will be in high demand.

I'll be there at 7. I will assign an official table ambassador to the second table once I have some idea of who is going.

The bar I propose for after dinner is at:

3155 Broadway
(between La Salle St & Tiemann Pl)
New York, NY 10027

It is very roomy and the drinks are pretty cheap. It was called Soundz but has new owners. I gotta get the name. Something Murphy or O'Reilly. I'm not kidding.
posted by Lola_G at 9:08 AM on July 9, 2008

I can do either time, just let me know.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:11 AM on July 9, 2008 [1 favorite]

My +1 and I can be there at 7, but we can be shuffled to the 7:30 if you need us to.
posted by spec80 at 10:32 AM on July 9, 2008

I can do either spot also.

Does this Soundz-with-a-new-name bar card youngish-looking types? If so, then Ill have to bow out afterwards, or else practice my flirting skills.
posted by bkudria at 11:25 AM on July 9, 2008

It depends on how early you get there. Although, I haven't been there since the new owners took over.
posted by Lola_G at 11:44 AM on July 9, 2008

I'll try to get to Murphy Oreilly's around nine-ish.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:34 AM on July 10, 2008

Wow. That's a lotta mefites. I'm in for drinks later.
posted by vrakatar at 10:27 PM on July 10, 2008

I can be there for the early one.
posted by rmless at 10:13 AM on July 11, 2008

put onalark+1 down for the cool kids table (early)
posted by onalark at 11:28 AM on July 13, 2008

Also, this is totally my neighborhood, so please send me a MeFiMail ahead of time if you'd like a cell phone # to call for directions or an update on where people are.
posted by onalark at 11:30 AM on July 13, 2008

Just checked again and yes I'm down for dinner, although i will totally forget how to split a check or any of that other sort by the time it comes, so lola can feel free to smack me right away.
posted by Del Far at 2:31 PM on July 13, 2008

I can also be much earlier.
posted by Del Far at 2:32 PM on July 13, 2008

Well I won't be able to make dinner, but I know where Soundz is (was?) and may just have to pop in for the after dinner festivities...and my first meetup!
posted by JaredSeth at 8:02 AM on July 14, 2008

From the Dinosaur BBQ website: We Do Accept Reservations, Please call 212-694-1777 or reserve online at opentable.com.

I'm in the first category under maybe.
posted by StickyCarpet at 12:55 PM on July 15, 2008

Wow I'm going nuts here, I thought that said do not accept. Ok... NURSE!
posted by StickyCarpet at 12:57 PM on July 15, 2008

Me and Rubberkey will be there at 7:30. Work in the middle of Jersey prevents me from making the 7 one.
posted by Brainy at 2:10 PM on July 15, 2008

Okay - I sent confirmation emails. Trying to be as conscientious about the reservations as I can.

I went with a "first come-first serve" approach to the time table. We are fully booked. As it stands I have to bump each reso to the max 12. Which I hope won't be a problem. Typically, there are a lot of no shows but everyone seems pretty committed to this...so I want to make sure this goes smoothly!

HA!

7 pm reso -
LolaG +1
ThePinkSuperhero
Stynxno
Onalark+1
rmless
Del Far
bkudria
spec80+1
Sticky Carpet (assuming I'm reading his comment correctly?!?)

=12 people at 7pm

7:30 pm reso -
pips
jonmc
brainy
rubberkey
afroblanco
stagewhisper
cunning linguist
bedhead +1
amicamentis
hot patatta

= 11 people at 7:30

phew!
posted by Lola_G at 2:24 PM on July 15, 2008

OKAY - I have one email requesting a 7pm reso. If anyone wants to/is able to make the 7:30 reso and is willing to swap please let me know ASAP!
posted by Lola_G at 2:28 PM on July 15, 2008

Thanks for all your work on this Lola!!

I am confirming myself +1 for 7pm.
posted by spec80 at 2:36 PM on July 15, 2008

I'm confirmating myself for 7pm too.
posted by bkudria at 2:40 PM on July 15, 2008

Confirmed for 7:30. Can't wait!
posted by HotPatatta at 10:23 PM on July 15, 2008

I'm totally going to miss both meetups this weekend. I'm driving down to NYC Friday night, and back up Sunday morning. Boo-hoo.

Saturday night meetup, anyone?
posted by Eideteker at 6:26 AM on July 16, 2008

Okay - stagewhisper is going to try and meet up with us later at the bar. Sticky Carpet decided he couldn't wait and went to Dinosaur last night. Everything else seems set according to the plan.
posted by Lola_G at 6:51 AM on July 16, 2008

confirming myself for 7
posted by rmless at 12:37 PM on July 16, 2008

Am hoping to make the after-dinner drinks at the bar mentioned upthread.
posted by ornate insect at 11:21 PM on July 16, 2008

Confirming for 7:30.
posted by amicamentis at 6:01 PM on July 17, 2008

Confirming for 7:00pm
posted by Del Far at 9:59 PM on July 17, 2008

Confirming for Seagram's 7. Maybe even V.O.
posted by vrakatar at 6:13 AM on July 18, 2008

sorry but I'm gonna have to take my name off the list, I realized after spending 2 nights in a row out late a really just want hang out at home and play with my new apple tv
posted by Del Far at 11:31 AM on July 18, 2008

7:30 people. I'm appointing Jon Mc the table ambassador. Since he is the most recognizable mefi. I'll try to get up front around then too. I expect chaos. This should be fun!
posted by Lola_G at 12:10 PM on July 18, 2008

Well, I jumped the gun and ran right over and had the Los Tres Hombres: brisket, ribs, and pulled pork combo. Recommended.

Unlikely to make it tonight, but thanks to the amazing food y'all just might have a good time anyway.

For the cocktail lovers, I can say the Little Lady found the mojito very much to her liking.
posted by StickyCarpet at 12:36 PM on July 18, 2008

I will, after dropping in too early in this thread, try to make the afterdrinks, but I'm unlikely to be able to show before late. Is there much chance of this thing going past 11 or so? A memail would be much appreciated, but I might just chance it in any case.
posted by kosem at 4:06 PM on July 18, 2008

Go for it, kosem. It should take three hours to feed that many humans and I haven't even left the house yet.
posted by vrakatar at 6:10 PM on July 18, 2008

unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, I was unable to make it tonight. maybe next time (and maybe in brooklyn next time too)?
posted by ornate insect at 7:06 PM on July 18, 2008

Ditto that. Got stuck working late, and when the location was finally somewhere convenient for me too. One of these days.
posted by JaredSeth at 7:41 PM on July 18, 2008

What fun! Thanks for organizing, Lola. It was great to meet everyone.
posted by HotPatatta at 8:49 PM on July 18, 2008

So fun! Glad to see/meet all of you.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:32 PM on July 18, 2008 [1 favorite]

Likewise, it was fun! Thanks for organizing, Lola_G!
posted by bkudria at 10:56 PM on July 18, 2008

Sorry I had to leave early! This is the reason why. Thank you so much for a great night, Lola!
posted by spec80 at 5:11 AM on July 19, 2008

It was great meeting everyone - can't wait until the next one!
posted by amicamentis at 6:50 AM on July 19, 2008

Yeah, pretty groovy. Would have been along earlier but for the Yankee game. Next time I want to have a drinking contest with jon mc.
posted by vrakatar at 12:44 PM on July 19, 2008

Did y'all take any pictures?
posted by jason's_planet at 6:33 PM on July 19, 2008

Stynxno had a camera. I think he even pretended to take photos.
posted by bkudria at 8:23 PM on July 19, 2008

aww. Work interfered and I wasn't able to pop over to the bar and meet up before the midnight show. Sounds like it was fun, and I'll be sure to check out the pics.
posted by stagewhisper at 9:33 AM on July 20, 2008

It was super fun. SO HOT! Glad everyone made it in spite of the heat. The heat made all that beer go done a little easier though. A little too easy. My head hurt all day Saturday.

Hope to see you all again very soon!
posted by Lola_G at 6:35 AM on July 21, 2008

My favorite part of the meetup was when I got Afroblanco to admit that he thinks more children should be hit by cars.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 2:07 PM on July 21, 2008 [1 favorite]

Saturday night's secret meetup was better. =p
posted by Eideteker at 2:40 PM on July 21, 2008

Hey everyone. These meet-ups seem quite interesting. I'm new on here, but will definitely make sure I stay cognizant of your future plans to meet. All of you seem like interesting folks.
posted by Alex930 at 4:48 PM on July 31, 2008

Forget it, Alex. Meetups are always a horribly boring affairs, never interesting. Full of suppressed yawns and awkward silences. You'd be advised to stay away from them. You're much better off watching "I Love Lucy" reruns and/or playing solitaire.

Except for Eideteker's secret Saturday night meetups. Those are so exciting that the participants have been known to require hospitalization afterwards.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:02 PM on July 31, 2008