from the 212 to the 718

October 30, 2009 12:01 PM

I hereby propose that the next NYC meetup occur in Brooklyn. Thoughts?

Brooklyn really isn't that far from Manhattan, especially considering the number of BMT trains that run express into over the Manhattan Bridge. We do it all the time to get to you guys.

Plus, all other things being equal, a bar in Brooklyn will have cheaper drinks than a bar in Manhattan.

posted by Jon_Evil to MetaFilter gatherings at 12:01 PM (119 comments total)

I concur! I also have no ideas as to where we should go!
posted by ocherdraco at 12:03 PM on October 30

My first thought is Soda Bar, which has decent beer and a chill atmosphere. Another thought would be Draft Barn, because it has a stupefying selection of beer, it's is usually deserted, and it's not too loud. I don't really know if they have non-beer options. it's never come up. There's also the Brooklyn Public House, which has good drinks all around, is swanky but not overpriced, and apparently serves fantastic food.

Is this gonna need another spreadsheet?
posted by Jon_Evil at 12:31 PM on October 30 [1 favorite]

There's also Washington Commons, which may or may not be a gay bar.
posted by Jon_Evil at 12:33 PM on October 30

I'd go for that. I can drive to a Brooklyn meetup. :D
posted by zarq at 12:52 PM on October 30

I hereby propose that the next NYC meetup occur in Brooklyn. Thoughts?

Impossible. That would be like having a DC meetup in Baltimore.
posted by Eideteker at 12:57 PM on October 30

Yes. Smith street would be great.
posted by vrakatar at 1:14 PM on October 30

My spreadsheet skills are once again at your service. Say the word and I'll whip one up.
posted by ocherdraco at 1:21 PM on October 30

I, personally, think the next meetup should be in the Qdoba right underneath my building, but for the sake of group harmony, I accept Brooklyn as second best.

My only request is that we avoid places that involve the G train because it intimidates me.
posted by kathrineg at 1:47 PM on October 30

The G train can fuck itself.
posted by Jon_Evil at 1:55 PM on October 30 [7 favorites]

There's also Washington Commons, which may or may not be a gay bar.

Any bar I enter is a gay bar, handsome.
posted by The Whelk at 2:22 PM on October 30 [1 favorite]

Jon_Evil: "The G train can fuck itself."

but during only once an hour during off peak hours.
posted by shmegegge at 2:23 PM on October 30 [8 favorites]

The Whelk: "There's also Washington Commons, which may or may not be a gay bar.

Any bar I enter is a gay bar, handsome."

if The Whelk is coming to a meetup, I'm fucking there.
posted by shmegegge at 2:23 PM on October 30

my schedule is *bananas* recently. I make no promises.


also,, aww shucks
posted by The Whelk at 2:24 PM on October 30

I second Soda! And not at all because I can walk home from there, I swear.
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 2:42 PM on October 30

oddly enough, I'm posting from Soda right now.
posted by Jon_Evil at 2:46 PM on October 30

Soda on Vandy? Good little bar.
posted by vrakatar at 3:26 PM on October 30

The G train is not so bad. It is mostly bad by reputation. I've never had that much trouble with it.
posted by josher71 at 3:38 PM on October 30

"My only request is that we avoid places that involve the G train because it intimidates me."

"The G train can fuck itself."

Yes, it can, but it can fuck itself much, much more gently now that service has extended to Church Ave. (which means no more waiting at the 4th/9th stop and watching G trains go by while I wait for the F to take its sweet time).
posted by NolanRyanHatesMatches at 3:41 PM on October 30

Actually, that has produced one of my favorite things in the MTA, namely that the 4th ave and 9th st station now says FMRG (pronounced "fmerg") on all the entrances. There are few greater joys in my lonely, pitiful life than giving someone directions and telling them to get on at the fmerg stop.
posted by Jon_Evil at 3:49 PM on October 30 [1 favorite]

When I lived in Brooklyn I loved the G train. It took me from where I lived (Carroll St. stop) to where my brother lived (Fulton St. stop) to where my best friend lived (Clinton-Washington stop) and hooked up with the L at Metropolitan if I needed to go to some annoying hipster bar or rock club in Williamsburg to see some friend's band play.

Plus, after 9/11 it was the only subway line I felt really safe on. No terrorist in his right mind would attack the G train. Why bother?
posted by dersins at 3:58 PM on October 30

the G train has gotten a lot better in the last 7 years. when i first moved here, it was even odds on seeing a G train or those yellow garbage trains. seriously, i've waited an hour for a G train before.
posted by dubold at 5:18 PM on October 30 [1 favorite]

Plus, all other things being equal, a bar in Brooklyn will have cheaper drinks than a bar in Manhattan.

Don't you mean "Not for nothin', a bar in Brooklyn will have cheaper drinks"?

I mean, really.

Also I would be interested in this. I like Smith Street (My fav bar of the moment is Bar Great Harry, although Abilene on Court is nice too, and has more seating.)
posted by deliquescent at 5:33 PM on October 30

there's also Union hall in Park Slope -- they have bocce courts right indoors in the back room, and the front room looks like an English world explorers' club.

Plus it's about 2 blocks from an R train stop so all y'all complaining about the G don't have to worry.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:40 PM on October 30

I'm sure the G train is awesome or whatever I just remember being stuck at hammerhorn schemmelhorn or sharper image or wherever having no idea how to get to the right train and then I had to get a cab because I went to a different part of Brooklyn than the part of Brooklyn that I wanted to go to.

And 4th and 9th is the worst stop EVER. I used to transfer from the F to the R every day and it made me 1) fit and 2) want to die
posted by kathrineg at 7:42 PM on October 30 [1 favorite]

I want to go to Washington Commons, by the way.
posted by kathrineg at 7:43 PM on October 30

Soda has an awesome BLT. AWESOME. Nice beer selection too.

Washington Commons has a fantastic outdoor seating area and a great selection of drafts. It has no food, but you can order from a number of takeout menus.
posted by Evangeline at 10:06 PM on October 30

Wait -- when?
posted by nobody at 2:18 AM on October 31

Nothing gets New Yorkers riled up and taking sides like a good old G train discussion!
posted by josher71 at 6:35 AM on October 31

You said it, josher!

the G train has gotten a lot better in the last 7 years.

That is true; I've ridden it successfully in recent memory. When I first moved here, about 5 years ago, directions from friends in Greenpoint often went like:

"So to get to my house, you just get on the G train-"
"No I don't."
posted by Greg Nog at 6:41 AM on October 31 [2 favorites]

Not next weekend, not next weekend, not next weekend please! I'll be out of town.
posted by Salamandrous at 9:19 AM on October 31

not next weekend please! I'll be out of town.

Seconded; so will I. How do we feel about the second week of november?
posted by Jon_Evil at 10:37 AM on October 31

The G train is a worthless piece of shit. It comes on weekend nights once every 60-75 minutes. I have walked in the tunnel from station to station without fear of a G train because HOW CAN MAN BE AFRAID OF SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T EXIST this is why I'm also not afraid of god, love, and the so-called "masters" of the universe. This article has multiple issues. Please help improve the article or discuss these issues on the talk page.
posted by Damn That Television at 10:56 AM on October 31 [17 favorites]

Weekend after next, preferably on a Friday because I will be working Saturday until sorta late.
posted by kathrineg at 12:06 PM on October 31

This could work for me.
posted by grobstein at 8:18 AM on November 1

I prefer weeknights, because the bars aren't as crowded, and I feel like we get more people, on weeknights because fewer of us have things to do with our "real, non-internet" friends.

I would suggest thursday the 12th, unless that doesn't work for people.
posted by Jon_Evil at 8:58 AM on November 1

(apologies for the extraneous comma)
posted by Jon_Evil at 8:59 AM on November 1

Thursday the 12th is great...
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 11:07 AM on November 1

Yeah, thinking about crowded bars + a meetup sounds sucky so let's do it that thurs. What bar?
posted by kathrineg at 5:11 PM on November 1

Oh, spit. I have a regular appointment on Thursdays...I may be iffy.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:46 AM on November 2

If I can second a vote for soda bar, but also request not a Thursday due to class nonsense that would be neato.
posted by edbles at 6:50 AM on November 2

I'm cool with anytime that week but Wednesday.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:12 AM on November 2

I'm going to be coming back from a long ass flight to california on monday, so I'll be in a better mood the later in the week this happens. BUT, I'm basically down for whatever, so long as it's not the 2nd-9th.
posted by shmegegge at 9:35 AM on November 2

tuesday?
posted by Jon_Evil at 10:13 AM on November 2

well, tuesday would be best for me. tuesday and something near a g train stop.

HAMBURGER.
posted by shmegegge at 10:41 AM on November 2

Monday meetups suck, boooooo x infinity.
posted by kathrineg at 1:46 PM on November 2

should i mention that sunday the 8th (while I'm still in california) is my 30th birthday? anything that would allow me to meetup well after that - so that I'm not wiped - and enjoy a post-birthday drink with mefites would make me happy.
posted by shmegegge at 1:50 PM on November 2

Alright, folks. Party time is Tuesday the 10th at Soda Bar: 629 Vanderbilt Ave between Prospect and St Marks. Take the B Q to 7th Avenue; the 2 3 to Grand Army Plaza, the 4 5 to Eastern Parkway, or the C to Clinton-Washington or, conceivably, the G to Clinton-Washington. Also accessible by the B- 25, 26, 41, 45, 67, 69, and 71 busses.

As you walk in the bar, there's a standard bar setup, and an elevated back section. Go past the bar, but turn left before you get to the elevated section, and there will be a door to a whole other room with lots of couches and easy chairs. That's where I'll be starting around 7:30.

See y'all there.
posted by Jon_Evil at 10:19 PM on November 2

Hotcha!
posted by ocherdraco at 11:33 PM on November 2

YAY!
posted by edbles at 7:58 AM on November 3

well I'm in. if I keep falling asleep, don't worry. it's the jet lag. alcohol helps with that.
posted by shmegegge at 9:05 AM on November 3

dude this is right near my apartment. OF COURSE i'm going!
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 9:38 AM on November 3

Finally! You need to meet these people. You will like them.
posted by ocherdraco at 10:45 AM on November 3

yay!
posted by kathrineg at 11:00 AM on November 3

This is on the same street as my new apartment (200 numbers over, give or take a few)! I am in!
posted by zoomorphic at 11:39 AM on November 3

I think I can make it. I'll even make sure to not forget my ID this time.
posted by cmgonzalez at 12:23 PM on November 3

I miss all you Internet people. I'm going to try like hell to be there.
posted by HotPatatta at 5:24 PM on November 3

4 5 to Eastern Parkway

4/5 doesn't go to Eastern Parkway. It runs express from Atlantic Avenue to Franklin Avenue.
posted by Evangeline at 8:58 AM on November 4

I'm planning on being there. Brooklyn is in the house.
posted by fuq at 11:25 AM on November 5

I may or may not be there.
posted by Damn That Television at 10:16 AM on November 6

I hate to do this to you folks, because I know you're all dying to see me, but here in california I was roomed with a dude who has definitely developed a case of the flu. whether it's H1N1 or not has not been determined. I've been moved from the room, but just in case I turn out to have something nasty, I'll be avoiding contact with people in public for a while. My deepest and sincerest apologies, as I was really looking forward to coming.

In point of fact, I was hoping to infect the lot of you with swine flu, but I'm being told that counts as premeditated something or other, so under legal counsel I've decided to avoid the shindig.
posted by shmegegge at 6:53 PM on November 6

and no I'm not kidding about the first part, with the sick roommate and all.
posted by shmegegge at 6:54 PM on November 6

damn, that sucks. well, happy birthday, nonetheless!
posted by Jon_Evil at 10:58 PM on November 6

Alas, I cannot make it. Have fun! Sorry about your possible swine flu infection, schmegegge.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:16 AM on November 7 [1 favorite]

Pretty sure I'll be there. Every single meetup I've attended has been a blast.
posted by defenestration at 3:54 PM on November 7

My attendance entirely depends on my energy level (have been working longer hours than usual, on the one hand -- on the other, I can get to this one very easily, so we'll see).
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:38 AM on November 9

Every time I go to the G train it shows up within 5 minutes.

This has happened 7 times now and I keep waiting for the universe to implode

I remember each time because I expect it not to work
posted by scrutiny at 4:38 PM on November 9

I'm thinking about it, but I work till 7:30. So stay there past 8.
posted by vrakatar at 5:28 PM on November 9

We will.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:38 PM on November 9

Yes, I believe that we will.
posted by kathrineg at 8:09 PM on November 9

Is this the kind of place where I will look out of place if I am a little dressed up? I have another thing beforehand.
posted by kathrineg at 8:51 PM on November 9

it should be fine. all levels of dress are awesome. but then, I wore a blue tuxedo to my first metafilter meetup, so don't ever listen to me.
posted by Jon_Evil at 9:43 PM on November 9

It was not just a blue tuxedo! It was a Metafilter colored tuxedo!
posted by ocherdraco at 9:48 PM on November 9

Kathrineg, I'm always a tad too dressed up for whatever occasion I'm attending.

I've been up for an hour already, so I apologize in advance if I crash after one whiskey and drool on your shoulder all night. I'll be there around 8ish I believe, overdressed and underslept.
posted by zoomorphic at 3:23 AM on November 10

Will most likely be there. Although, be warned that you may have to hear me rant about how I think I was just KICKED OUT OF MY OWN DAMN HIGH SCHOOL REUNION this morning.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:03 AM on November 10

Hmm, a Brooklyn meetup. My excuses for not attending are becoming very weak indeed.
posted by brain_drain at 8:05 AM on November 10

Too far away and too late! Grr!
posted by The Whelk at 8:13 AM on November 10

Um.

I actually probably wasn't kicked out of my high school reunion, I just totally misread an email someone sent me. Although now I feel like drinking alot tonight anyway because I am a big huge drooling horkin' idiot.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:53 AM on November 10

A friend sent out last-minute birthday party invitations Sunday, so I'm probably not going to be able to make it to this one. QQ
posted by Damn That Television at 10:32 AM on November 10

Wait, seriously, Tuesday?

/me has just returned to the working world

Guess I might be done early.
posted by grobstein at 11:08 AM on November 10

Turns out I may or may not make it. Viewing an apartment this evening, but I'll see once I get back.
posted by cmgonzalez at 11:42 AM on November 10

Looks like I will make it, fiestycakes as well, but she'll be later. I've been a recluse of late. Time to drink beer and holler.
posted by vrakatar at 11:45 AM on November 10

So... what if wanted to just show up right now?
posted by scrutiny at 1:42 PM on November 10

If you did that, you could get good and drunk before the rest of us show up.
posted by ocherdraco at 1:46 PM on November 10

Damn that Television, what is this? birthday party? People have those every YEAR. Man up and come to the thing, dagnappit. You are amusing and have good headphone recommendations.
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 1:50 PM on November 10

Scrute, my plans for the next couple hours involved watching futurama and maybe getting a pizza. Hooray for being laid off! Let me know if you want to head over early.

Scrute sounds nasty. That's your name from now on I'm afraid.
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 1:52 PM on November 10

Definitely gonna head there after work. See you all later.
posted by defenestration at 2:01 PM on November 10

Scrute sounds like some terrible std :(

I may definitely head over early. I've got an interview tomorrow so I can't stay too late and my dinner plans got canceled so I've nothing to do but sit here on the internet right now...
posted by scrutiny at 2:07 PM on November 10

I also enjoy how ambiguous 'may definitely' sounds, though that wasn't my intention.

Perhaps I should say, 'I'm going to get some food and head over'
posted by scrutiny at 2:08 PM on November 10

I'll almost certainly definitely maybe get there early, in a slightly unique way. Possibly. If I can get my ass in gear.
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 2:10 PM on November 10

Yes, go there while they still have happy hour, with my blessing. I don't work tomorrow so...woo
posted by kathrineg at 2:12 PM on November 10

I DO work tomorrow, and I have a writing deadline, so whenever I show up, I will not be tarrying very long, I'm afraid....
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:22 PM on November 10

If one of you doesn't show up, you better not blame it on a case of the scrute.
posted by defenestration at 2:49 PM on November 10

I dunno, my fingers are feeling a bit tingly.
posted by kathrineg at 2:55 PM on November 10

Okay, I'm going to head over now, too.
posted by ocherdraco at 3:13 PM on November 10

i think it's the scrute you guys...wait...it might be the swine scrute...only way to find out is to go out drinking and see if my liver falls out of my bellybutton...then i'll call the cdc and see if i can score me one of those white suits with the bug shield, a la Outbreak. guess who's NOT spending money on a costume next halloween. suckas.
posted by kathrineg at 3:41 PM on November 10

Well, hopefully you guys will still be there in about a half hour or so.
posted by cmgonzalez at 5:16 PM on November 10

Well, hopefully you guys will still be there in about a . . . aw crap.

We should definitely have another meetup within walking distance of where I live, though. Or maybe we should have it near where I work?
posted by grobstein at 6:56 PM on November 10

Whew, I'm home already... interview tomorrow and whatnot. It was great seeing everyone and I'll totally call a meetup before I leave nyc!
posted by scrutiny at 7:50 PM on November 10

As the kool-aid man used to say, OOOOOHHHHHHHH YEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!
posted by vrakatar at 8:40 PM on November 10

Good times.
posted by defenestration at 8:51 PM on November 10

Whoops, forgot about this.
posted by bingo at 9:34 PM on November 10

You guys missed out, because of stuff and things. Also next time, tip more.

HUGS YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!
posted by kathrineg at 11:32 PM on November 10

Not just a fine meetup, but a reminder that I should go to Soda more often.

Cheers!
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:01 AM on November 11

That was a very enjoyable meetup. And I stayed in Brooklyn overnight, and still made it to work on time! Huzzah!
posted by ocherdraco at 6:29 AM on November 11

Indeed, I am finally home. Good show, New York (and Italy?)
posted by kathrineg at 7:19 AM on November 11

This meetup was one of the best!
posted by fuq at 9:39 AM on November 11

oops. i thought this was tonight, not last night. shit :(
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 9:58 AM on November 11

I hope someone lit a candle for me, The NYC Mefite Who Never Goes To A NYC Meetup.
posted by The Whelk at 10:01 AM on November 11

I enjoyed it, even though I got there late. I had a bit of a busy day, hence my cutting out when I did. But it sounds like fun was had afterward. Looking forward to the next meetup.
posted by cmgonzalez at 10:08 AM on November 11

Oh, their advice section is really cool
posted by kathrineg at 11:08 AM on November 11 [1 favorite]

uh, FYI

heh

now where did that vibrator thread go...
posted by kathrineg at 11:09 AM on November 11

I had a great time! It was nice to meet new people and see familiar ones. Funny how even the meetups in Brooklyn have a more neighborhood-y feel. We had to cut out earlyish because there was fried chicken to eat in bed while watching the latest Dexter episode.
posted by zoomorphic at 11:28 AM on November 11

god damn that sounds awesome
posted by kathrineg at 11:29 AM on November 11

I woke up happy and covered in little bits of fried batter so yes.
posted by zoomorphic at 11:41 AM on November 11

I woke up happy and covered in little bits of fried batter so yes.

......TOO!......MANY!......JOKES!....BRAIN!......BREAKING!..... (FZZZZZZT)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:43 AM on November 11

I think our next meetup simply must involve laying in a bed eating fried chicken. That sounds heavenly.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:20 AM on November 12 [1 favorite]

I'll fry the chicken if somebody has a giant bed.
posted by Jon_Evil at 10:14 AM on November 12

Given that this is Metafilter, I imagine we probably have the wherewithal to construct one.
posted by ocherdraco at 1:45 PM on November 12

Too bad Bed is closed.
posted by cmgonzalez at 4:15 PM on November 12