Portland, OR Obama Victory Meetup!

November 5, 2008 9:16 PM

Portland, OR Obama Victory Meetup!

Some of us Portland MeFites were otherwise occupied and didn't have much chance to properly celebrate Obama's victory last night, so how 'bout a meetup? Yes, we just had a meetup recently...but this is a special occasion!

Last time, several of us found the Deschutes Pub too noisy and crowded for our tastes. Anyone interested in meeting at a coffee shop instead? Or, say, some kind of restaurant that serves alcohol, but isn't really a pub? I'd vote for downtown or NW, but all suggestions are welcome.

I'm thinking this Saturday, Nov. 8. I know it's short notice, but I'm ready to celebrate already! All the photos of people weeping with joy and screaming and dancing in the streets are getting to me, and it's hard to keep my mind on work.

Anyone want to convene for some revelry?

posted by velvet winter to MetaFilter Gatherings at 9:16 PM (20 comments total)

I'm gonna be celebrating here (Hodgman! Coulton! Long Winters!) but I suspect it'll be crazy packed and might be sucky (the Alladdin theater sucks at capacity, and is only tolerable when an act doesn't fill the room).
posted by mathowie (staff) at 9:23 PM on November 5, 2008

This Saturday is my birthday and sleepy pete and I have dinner plans, and were thinking of Pix (the North Portland location) for dessert. There's coffee AND booze AND chocolate, so there's something for everyone. The downside is that it's a tight fit for a large group, so if someone has a roomier suggestion, we can always meet up with you later in the evening. Whatever you all decide, we'll be there.
posted by melissa may at 9:45 PM on November 5, 2008

Happy birthday, melissa may! Those desserts at Pix look so incredibly mouth-watering. Looks like a great place to celebrate a birthday. I'm making a note of it for my own birthday planning.

The Wordstock extravaganza looks cool, too...Alison Bechdel, yay!

I'm trying to think of other possible places that would have something for everyone plus large tables and plenty of space, but I'm drawing a blank. These days I tend to spend most of my time within a half-mile radius of PSU, so I'm not especially knowledgeable on the subject of good Portland hangouts.
posted by velvet winter at 10:32 PM on November 5, 2008

I'm going to be at the actual WordStock convention all day working (won't be making it to the show, alas), so I'm probably not going to be able to make it. If you guys get together though, have fun!
posted by Caduceus at 12:28 AM on November 6, 2008

I was just thinking about where the next meetup should be... one place I thought of was Journey's over in Multnomah Village. They have a pretty good happy hour, but it's really more a wine/beer place than food.

Has anyone been to the Virginia Cafe since they moved to their new location? Do you think it would be OK for a largish group?
posted by fiercekitten at 3:31 PM on November 6, 2008

I haven't been to the Virginia Cafe yet, but I've heard good things about it. Plus, it's right on the streetcar/MAX line, which I consider a big plus, since I don't drive.

Given that we're planning this on such short notice, the turnout might be smaller than usual, so maybe we won't need a table as big as the one we had at the Deschutes Pub.

Any other input, ideas, preferences?
posted by velvet winter at 4:37 PM on November 6, 2008

Well, this thread's been pretty quiet. Perhaps it'll be just us...three? ...four? If so, that's perfectly fine with me - I just want to get out and celebrate. We'll just call it a Mini MeFi Meetup!

As for the Virginia Cafe: as I understand it, smoking is still permitted there, so I'll have to avoid the place until the smoking ban goes into effect in January.

How about a McMenamins? They've got food, coffee, desserts and alcohol. The Market Street Pub has large tables that would be suitable if it turns out there is any last minute interest. If it ends up being just a few of us, we can grab a booth instead. Another possibility is the Blue Moon on NW 21st, but I think they still allow smoking, too.

If there are no objections, I'll make an executive decision in favor of the Market Street Pub. (If there are objections, please speak up). How does a midafternoon meeting time sound? 3:00, perhaps?
posted by velvet winter at 11:02 PM on November 6, 2008

Actually the Virginia Cafe is non-smoking. http://wweek.com/editorial/3421/10759/
posted by nickthetourist at 12:01 AM on November 7, 2008

but the Market Street Pub would be fine.
posted by nickthetourist at 12:03 AM on November 7, 2008

Our day is full so if it shifts to midafternoon we'll have to pass. I'm so sorry! If you end up meeting somewhere in the evening we can make it but if not, we'll try again later.
posted by melissa may at 11:17 AM on November 7, 2008

Okay, let's meet at the McMenamins Market Street Pub in the evening hours, then. I have other plans from 5-7 PM, so I'll be there at 8:00. I'll try to get there slightly earlier to reserve a table if I can, since it'll probably be full on a Saturday night.

I'll put some kind of MeFi sign on the table to make it easy to find us.

Looks like Virginia Cafe would work well, too - next time, perhaps?
posted by velvet winter at 11:50 AM on November 7, 2008

Ok, we'll be there! Thanks so much for herding the cats, velvet winter.
posted by melissa may at 12:33 PM on November 7, 2008

Huh. I can totally come to this meetup. I have to be at work at 10:45 PM tomorrow night, but I work in the US Bancorp Tower, so we're talkin' about a few blocks' walkin'.
posted by cgc373 at 2:12 AM on November 8, 2008

Yay Portland meetup peeps! Bunnycakes and I will try and swing by.

-bh
posted by bhance at 3:15 PM on November 8, 2008

The MeFi Mini Meetup tonight consisted of me, melissa may and sleepy pete chatting it up (and celebrating Obama's victory, and Melissa's birthday) at the Market Street Pub. We were there until about 9:30, and we put a sign on the table, but we didn't see any other MeFites. Sorry if we missed anyone - if so, hopefully we'll catch you next time!

I had every intention of taking photos, until I realized that I had forgotten to bring batteries for my camera. Oh well.

Thanks so much, melissa may and sleepy pete, for the enjoyable company. Looking forward to meeting up with you again sometime.
posted by velvet winter at 10:08 PM on November 8, 2008

The meetup was both itty and bitty but I'm glad to have got the chance to meet you, too. We'll certainly do it again.
posted by melissa may at 10:24 PM on November 8, 2008

Sorry for the flaking. I ran out of enthusiasm for social activity, which hazard happens to me all too often. Glad y'all had fun, and happy birthday, melissa may!
posted by cgc373 at 11:15 PM on November 8, 2008

I ran out of enthusiasm for social activity

As an introvert, I completely sympathize. Even when I'm having a fabulous time, I can only handle so much before I need to retreat to recharge my batteries.

Thanks for the interest, though - see you next time, perhaps.
posted by velvet winter at 12:09 AM on November 9, 2008

fiercekitten and I had planned to stop by, but after a day of riding Max and wandering Wordstock we were completely out of energy....
hopefully next time.
posted by nickthetourist at 9:54 AM on November 9, 2008

Sorry I missed it. I was still recovering from the worst two-week stretch of work I've ever experienced. Next time...

p.s. happy birthday melissa may!
posted by dersins at 4:36 PM on November 10, 2008