Philadelphia is pretty nifty August 15, 2008 12:29 PM   Subscribe

It is time for another Philly Meetup...right?

I really had hoped to meet everybody at the Meetup last March, but got here just a bit later than I'd hoped. I similarly missed the May meetup. So what say you all to a meetup now? Sometime in August is a possibility, or maybe September.

It's a bit outside of Philadelphia, but this pinball parlour sounds intriguing. Otherwise, options could be somewhere in Center City or a MeFite's house if they're brave enough.

I'm fairly ignorant of local sports and Philly customs, so please let me know if there's a pressing reason why this time of year would be a bad idea. :)
posted by Deathalicious to MetaFilter Gatherings at 12:29 PM (113 comments total) 5 users marked this as a favorite

I will not be there, but I do often think of your cheese-based sandwiches and smile.
posted by blue_beetle at 12:49 PM on August 15, 2008


My what? Oh, not mine personally. Yeah, they actually have vegan cheesesteaks here as well, so really everyone can enjoy our sandwiches.
posted by Deathalicious at 1:04 PM on August 15, 2008


Yes! I have one week of vacation left. If y'all make it happen soon, I can take the bus from NYC.
posted by HotPatatta at 1:04 PM on August 15, 2008


i'd be up for one (and i am so glad someone else has taken initiative for once!!!). pinball is awesome, but i have no idea where that town even is.

late august would be good for me.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 1:43 PM on August 15, 2008


Yeah, the town is like 50 minutes outside of Philly, I thought it was closer. Maybe we can have a normal meetup in Philly, and plan an excursion later on for the pinball enthusiasts.
posted by Deathalicious at 2:26 PM on August 15, 2008


I'm not free on weekends at all. Until October. But if it's a weeknight, I am totally in.
posted by desuetude at 3:28 PM on August 15, 2008


The phrase "Vegan cheesesteak" has just made my head pop and boil.

Anyway: Yes, I'm up for that. Just about any time is potentially workable, though I and many other city residents are largely or entirely carless, so while PhillyCarShare does exist, it's generally best to keep it to SEPTA-reachable destinations.

I might maybe possibly be able to host? But I'm willing/able/interested in anything we can all get to on a bus or train or subway or camel; also, my place is not that big.
posted by Tomorrowful at 3:51 PM on August 15, 2008


I'd be up for it if the schedule and placement line up right - I have a car, so I'm pretty flexible, but I do enjoy city-based locations.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 5:00 PM on August 15, 2008


Hello, I am commenting in this thread.

Hey desuetude, I passed you or your doppelganger walking at 11th and Washington a few days ago. You were carrying some bags. I was like "Hey, how's it going" but you didn't hear me because I was driving away in my car.
posted by ludwig_van at 7:13 PM on August 15, 2008


ludwig -- I live near 12th and Federal, so it was probably me. I tend to actively ignore all honking and shouting from cars because it's either a) people headed to GENOS OR PATS MAN?! b) sleazy jerkoffs c) people expecting some other doppelganger.
posted by desuetude at 10:39 PM on August 15, 2008


Well I didn't actually say anything out loud at the time, I just thought it in my mind and now I have posted it with my keyboard.
posted by ludwig_van at 11:13 PM on August 15, 2008


Oh wow! I live right by the Pinball Parlour. If you do decide to visit some day, Deathalicious, be forewarned that there's nothing else there. Just the Pinball Parlour and the bowling alley across from it. BUT if you drive just a few more miles up the road, there's a restaurant that specializes in preparing buffalo and actually keeps a herd of buffalo out back so you can watch them from the deck. (And no, it's not like a lobster tank. You do not get to select which buffalo you nomnom.)
posted by jrossi4r at 7:03 AM on August 16, 2008


When are you thinking? I may be moving there in the near future (September?) and loooooove me some pinball.
posted by piratebowling at 8:14 AM on August 16, 2008


jrossi4r, that sounds awesome. We totally should make the trip out there after piratebowling moves here. (I bet it'll be the first ever Earlington Meetup.)
posted by desuetude at 8:42 AM on August 16, 2008


Isn't in Telford? Just askin'
posted by fixedgear at 9:15 AM on August 16, 2008


The Rising Sun Inn is in Telford, fixedgear, but that's still only a mile or so from the Pinball Parlour. Earlington, like most of the towns in the area, is a teeny speck.
posted by jrossi4r at 3:44 PM on August 16, 2008


I'd love to get to another meetup! I will watch this thread with keen interest. :)
posted by chihiro at 8:00 PM on August 16, 2008


I'll be moving to the area.
posted by Richard Daly at 8:26 PM on August 16, 2008


I always say I'm going but rarely end up making it, but put me down as interested.
posted by scalefree at 5:13 AM on August 17, 2008


I'll add to the interest.

Here's the deal: you pick a date/place. Pinball museum will rule out a couple of people; so would a bar (for under 21.) But count me in too.
posted by filmgeek at 11:31 AM on August 17, 2008


How about this:
  • Not a bar
  • In philly
  • Late August
Followed by
  • Pinball museum
  • In Earlington
  • Followed by bison?!?
  • Late September
posted by Deathalicious at 11:45 AM on August 17, 2008


Sooo...as far as the place. I'm not really familiar with the best dives in Philly yet. I'd want to choose a place with plenty of veggie options, and cheap. Drinking isn't a huge priority for me. So I'm totally open to anywhere that more established locals suggest.
posted by Deathalicious at 11:48 AM on August 17, 2008


I'm on vacation the last week in August (25-29) so September would be better. If we get set on something outside the city, I bet there are enough Mefites with cars to work out a pool. We could drive two extra normal-sized people, and desuetude would totally fit in the trunk.
posted by miagaille at 6:13 AM on August 18, 2008



How about this:

* Not a bar
* In philly
* Late August

Followed by

* Pinball museum
* In Earlington
* Followed by bison?!?
* Late September



At some point, we're going to have to add a drinker's meetup with:

* A bar
* Willful inebriation
* Late October
posted by desuetude at 7:25 AM on August 18, 2008


Yes, desuetude, yes. Drinking is high on my list.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 7:26 AM on August 18, 2008


And then, finally
  • Alleyway
  • Crack pipe
  • Late November
posted by Deathalicious at 8:02 AM on August 18, 2008


We could do the crack meetup in my neighborhood. But it won't be my neighborhood anymore in November. I sure will miss the shootings!

Also I think drinking is important.
posted by ludwig_van at 8:48 AM on August 18, 2008


ludwig, are you staying in Soufilly?
posted by desuetude at 9:31 AM on August 18, 2008


Sadly, no, I'll be at 19th and Fairmount come September. On the plus side, though: dishwasher, garbage disposal, lack of mice, and a mothafuckin roof deck. And less shootings. I will probably still take all my dates to the Royal Tavern though.
posted by ludwig_van at 9:46 AM on August 18, 2008


so you're having a roofdeck meetup in october, right ludwig? because roofdecks are fucking awesome, and i wish that i had one.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 9:55 AM on August 18, 2008


how does the week of september 8th work for people?

if people are interested in vegan cheesesteaks, i can suggest a few places that have good ones (though i am a meatatarian). these places could be followed up by places with booze, for those so inclined.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 9:57 AM on August 18, 2008


so you're having a roofdeck meetup in october, right ludwig? because roofdecks are fucking awesome, and i wish that i had one.

Seconded. It'll be a roofdeck/housewarming Meetup.

Meanwhile down south, I'd be up for some serious beergeekery pubcrawlin' in South Philly. South Philly Tap Room, Cantina, Pope, Devil's Den, Royal...
posted by desuetude at 11:32 AM on August 18, 2008


September 8th doesn't work for me. Second half of August or second half of September works, but I am out of town on the week of the 8th.
posted by Deathalicious at 12:05 PM on August 18, 2008


okey doke. how bout some "serious beergeekery pubcrawlin' in South Philly" the week of august 25?
posted by misanthropicsarah at 12:11 PM on August 18, 2008


I'm out of town week of Sept 8 also.

I'm out of town every weekend as well, but I am badass and can therefore drink on weeknights.
posted by desuetude at 12:45 PM on August 18, 2008


Okay, so revised to:
  • Absolutely a bar
  • South Philly
  • Week of August 25
Uh, are there any underage MeFites out there who are feeling left out?
posted by Deathalicious at 3:44 PM on August 18, 2008


For the record, though, I move that we plan two meetups, because I also vote for:

* Pinball museum
* In Earlington
* Followed by bison?!?
* Late September

But I'm not riding in the trunk unless miagaille is in there with me.
posted by desuetude at 5:01 PM on August 18, 2008


Meanwhile down south, I'd be up for some serious beergeekery pubcrawlin' in South Philly. South Philly Tap Room, Cantina, Pope, Devil's Den, Royal...

Yes please.
posted by ludwig_van at 6:33 PM on August 18, 2008


I think that pair of meetups - wet bars, then dry pinball - sounds excellent.
posted by Tomorrowful at 7:48 PM on August 18, 2008


I've never been to a metafilter meetup but drinking sounds good. South Philly isn't somewhere I'd randomly pick to go on my own, so I'm up for any reason/excuse to try it out.

Not sure about the pinball excursion of it's really that far from the city, but I could possibly be convinced.
posted by polexa at 7:53 PM on August 18, 2008


I think that pair of meetups - wet bars, then dry pinball - sounds excellent.

Awesome. I totally agree.

I've never been to a metafilter meetup but drinking sounds good. South Philly isn't somewhere I'd randomly pick to go on my own, so I'm up for any reason/excuse to try it out.

Polexa, where are you? Maybe if we've got a lot of not-staggering-distance-from-home drinkers we should start this early, like as early as people can make it, so that we can get them on the train home?
posted by desuetude at 8:27 PM on August 18, 2008


I'm in the Gayborhood, 11th & Walnut-ish. So really anything is staggering-/bussing-distance from home.

As for when, I think my only request would be not on Thursday night.
posted by polexa at 9:05 PM on August 18, 2008


Yay, we get two meetups for the price of one! Good luck getting this straight on the sidebar, suckers.

It's decided then. Wet in August. Dry in September.

I now move for bar nominations.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:47 PM on August 18, 2008


Nominations

Seconded

Any other agenda items?
posted by desuetude at 6:36 AM on August 19, 2008


Okay, so it sounds like there is an interest in a crawl. Not entirely my thing, but I'm game.

Time to name a date and a starting pub, I guess.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:38 AM on August 19, 2008


Do any of these places offer good, vegetarian eats?
posted by Deathalicious at 10:39 AM on August 19, 2008


Indeed, check out the Royal Tavern's menu. The tempeh club is excellent.
posted by ludwig_van at 11:06 AM on August 19, 2008


Deathalicious: Cantina and Royal, absolutely. The chef is a former vegan who makes sure to keep a significant amount of the menu veggie/vegan. (Fear not, plenty o' meat as well. You vegetarians can rock the calabaza soup while I get goat tacos.)
posted by desuetude at 11:07 AM on August 19, 2008


okay, how about starting at the royal tavern? how about the 27th? i can't get there until 7 (yay working out of town...) but whenever you start is fine with me.

also, polexa, i'm at 12th and walnut. whee!!!!
posted by misanthropicsarah at 2:44 PM on August 19, 2008


The 27th works for me! Yay drinking on weeknights!

I have to say I'm more tempted by the Cantina's menu.
posted by Deathalicious at 3:35 PM on August 19, 2008


Can we get a vote on the date, and maybe from there decide the starting position.

All those in favor of the 27th for the wet meetup, say aye.
posted by Deathalicious at 3:35 PM on August 19, 2008


Aye! Aye might actually make it for round 1, if it's on the 27th at 7 pm.
posted by Mister_A at 7:24 PM on August 19, 2008


aye.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:01 AM on August 20, 2008


27th is good for me, too. I was thinking we'd start south and move northeasterly up Passyunk, but I guess we could go the other direction instead. Advantage to starting at Royal is that it'll be less crowded at 7 than at 10.
posted by desuetude at 7:35 AM on August 20, 2008


No cameras though, I don't want people to know that I'm actually John Kruk.
posted by Mister_A at 10:22 AM on August 20, 2008


Mister_A, perhaps we can provide some sort of mask to disguise your identity?
posted by desuetude at 12:38 PM on August 20, 2008


Yeah 27th for some drinkin' will work just fine for me.

South Philly is parking accessible, right?
posted by sjuhawk31 at 1:29 PM on August 20, 2008


Mister_A, i am sorry to inform you, but embarassing pictures (possibly in front of cartoon dog masturbation) is a requirement of all philly meetups. a mask would be acceptable however.

i will be the one with a doofy grin throwing two thumbs up. that is my standard mefi meetup pose. perhaps you can become mask-guy.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 1:30 PM on August 20, 2008


lols at sju re: south philly parking. i will let desuetude explain why.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 1:31 PM on August 20, 2008


Alright, misanparkingic sarah, it's not bad as it looks. There's actually relatively decent street parking in the neighborhood, and since we'll be moving anyway, it's not inconvenient to park a few blocks from the starting point.

I can provide a parking map (i.e. places to look for parking that are not permit-only) if someone more fluent in the ways of the graphicalness can help make it pretty. Anyone in the approximate 'hood wanna help with this? ludwig? paging kalimac?
posted by desuetude at 4:03 PM on August 20, 2008


okay. next wednesday, the 27th. starting at 7pm.

what is our starting point?
posted by misanthropicsarah at 5:52 PM on August 20, 2008


I vote for a place with decent beer. That is all.
posted by filmgeek at 8:20 PM on August 20, 2008


Cantina food sounds awesome. I am more about food than drink, so that gets my starting point vote. My understanding that it also has decent drink options, right?
posted by Deathalicious at 9:08 PM on August 20, 2008


I'll be there, but I won't be able to drink with y'all until the wee hours. Just realized that there's a twitter meetup happening at the EXACT SAME TIME. Dear internets, what are the odds?
posted by polexa at 10:14 PM on August 20, 2008


i am also more about food than drink, so i'm also ok with the cantina as a starting point. i'll be needing dinner around that time anyway.

miagaille, you bring the crown.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 8:04 AM on August 21, 2008


Deathalicious, not only is the beer selection nice, they've got about five flavors of margaritas available at any time. I think you'll be okay.
posted by desuetude at 8:32 AM on August 21, 2008


How many people are driving?
posted by desuetude at 8:49 AM on August 21, 2008


I can go either way, train or car, and would be happy to give people rides. I'm not huge on drinking so being designated driver is no problem.
posted by Deathalicious at 9:17 AM on August 21, 2008


I don't know what yinz are on about, parking in south philly is easy.
posted by ludwig_van at 9:39 AM on August 21, 2008


Just don't leave any valuables in plain sight.
posted by ludwig_van at 9:41 AM on August 21, 2008


It's youse, not yinz. What're you, in Pittsburgh?
posted by desuetude at 10:18 AM on August 21, 2008


I left my heart in Squirrel Hill <3
posted by ludwig_van at 10:18 PM on August 21, 2008


reporting for boozin'
posted by 31d1 at 10:34 AM on August 23, 2008


so. erm. where we be startin at?
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:48 PM on August 24, 2008


Sounds like Cantina.
posted by desuetude at 8:15 PM on August 24, 2008


More specifically:

Cantina Los Caballitos
1651 E Passyunk Ave
7 p.m.

Moving east on Passyunk, with possible stops at:

Pub on Passyunk East (POPE)
1501 E Passyunk Ave

Devil's Den
1148 S 11th St

Royal Tavern
937 E Passyunk Ave
posted by desuetude at 8:20 PM on August 24, 2008


Sounds like a plan. I should be able to make it to the Cantina between 7 and 7:30.
posted by ludwig_van at 8:29 PM on August 24, 2008


And what time are we starting at the Cantina?
posted by sjuhawk31 at 6:16 AM on August 25, 2008


i'll also be there between 7 and 7.30. hopefully closer to 7 if septa is behaving.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:13 AM on August 25, 2008


I'll try to be there by 7. There's even a parking lot across the street...yay!
posted by sjuhawk31 at 1:28 PM on August 25, 2008


I am sad to have tentatively omitted South Philly Tap Room, which is actually arguably the beer-geekiest. Devil's Den has a larger selection, but I think there's more love in SFTR's. However, its location is markedly less convenient. Also, not a great neighborhood for parking. (Um, a little safety concern, too. Not terrible, but I wouldn't necessarily want us to all troop over there soused.)

Thoughts from the beertelligencia?
posted by desuetude at 7:53 PM on August 25, 2008


I've actually never been to the South Philly Tap Room. I suppose I ought to. It is a little bit out of the way from everything else though, so I don't know.

However, I just returned from the Pope, and I am pleased to report that their current draught selection is excellent.
posted by ludwig_van at 9:14 PM on August 25, 2008


Who's gonna have the sign?
posted by sjuhawk31 at 7:00 AM on August 27, 2008


You are. Right?
posted by desuetude at 10:02 AM on August 27, 2008


Sorry, folks. I just got pulled into something else tonight. Boo!

Next time. I so enjoyed the first meetup I went to.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 11:15 AM on August 27, 2008


So...does anyone need a ride? Because if so, I will drive down. Otherwise, I will take the train.
posted by Deathalicious at 1:45 PM on August 27, 2008


Also, the sign is a bunch of geeky people looking around awkwardly.
posted by Deathalicious at 1:47 PM on August 27, 2008


Missed the train. Looks like I will drive anyway. See you all there...
posted by Deathalicious at 3:21 PM on August 27, 2008


We're waiting for you. Hopefully you didn't get lost.
posted by filmgeek at 5:09 PM on August 27, 2008


Oh, man! I've been on vacation for a week + and just saw this. Another time... :(
posted by kalimac at 5:51 PM on August 27, 2008


hooray
posted by ludwig_van at 10:30 PM on August 27, 2008


Still awake and drinkin'. Thanks to all who showed and especially to ludwig and 31d1 for hangin' at my crib. More commentary when I'm more sober. :)
posted by desuetude at 10:31 PM on August 27, 2008


No pics, sadly. But yay polexa, filmgeek, ludwig_van, 31d1, Deathalicious, Tomorrowful. Welcome to South Philly. Y'all rock. Part II beergeekery soon.
posted by desuetude at 10:37 PM on August 27, 2008


If only the Manikin Pis came in bottles.
posted by 31d1 at 10:44 PM on August 27, 2008


sigh. i had work crap to deal with and had to stay late. i fail.

desuetude, did you get my memail?
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:44 AM on August 28, 2008


I did, thanks. I totally missed you.
posted by desuetude at 9:53 AM on August 28, 2008


Woohoo! It was really fun, and I'm sorry I had to leave early. Pictures (blurry or so dark you can't see anything) will be up as soon as I get off my lazy bum and grab 'em off my camera.

filmgeek & tomorrowful ... what do you think of the new Nikon DSLR that records VIDEO?!?!!
posted by polexa at 12:48 PM on August 28, 2008


Ah, socialization! Excellent time, all. Good to meet (most) of you and see those I'd already met.

polexa: Well, anyone who actually does Proper Film Stuff will probably pat it on the head endearingly and say "aww, that's adorable." For someone like me, who lives in still photography but wouldn't mind being able to produce some footage that isn't complete pants, it's a really great additional feature. That said, I haven't played with it yet or seen its output - and I'm a little too deeply invested in Canon glass for a Nikon SLR to be on my purchase radar.
posted by Tomorrowful at 1:52 PM on August 28, 2008


Hey! So, apparently goat burrito + one beer + MeFites = me puking my guts out last night around 3 am.

I'm guessing this was a one time thing, so it's not going to keep me from future Meetups. Y'all were great.
posted by Deathalicious at 2:15 PM on August 28, 2008


Drat! I just came across this now. I didn't even know there was such a thing! Must keep eyes open for next one...
posted by subgear at 12:30 AM on August 29, 2008


So. When's pinball?
posted by desuetude at 6:16 AM on August 29, 2008


Still puking, thanks for asking.

Pinball is, like, 3rd week in September I think? I'm gone through the 12th.
posted by Deathalicious at 7:38 AM on August 29, 2008


Poor Deathalicious. Feel better, dude.
posted by desuetude at 8:35 AM on August 29, 2008


I am all better! Name your dates! Name your dates!

Dates it cannot be: Anytime before the 14th, the 17th (my gf and I are going kayaking).

Keep in mind the pinball parlour does not appear to normally be open during the daytime hours, only 7-10pm, but for a big enough crowd they will hold a special party during the daytime.

Here is another link to the place in question for people who hate on scrolling. And, since recent MeTa posts have brought this into question, I am not an SEO shill for Earlington Pinball Parlours or Fun Pinball Game Locations in or around Earlington, PA.
posted by Deathalicious at 9:57 PM on August 30, 2008


Hey, Deathalicious, don't forget to absolve Meetup/Cantina of responsibility for the puking.
posted by desuetude at 6:36 AM on September 2, 2008


Oh right!

Just to be clear: turns out it was not food or MeFi poisoning. My gf, who did not eat at the Cantina, got similarly sick a couple of days later. Must be some sneaky, sneaky bug with a nice long incubation period.

Resists temptation to play Pandemic II again...
posted by Deathalicious at 9:18 AM on September 2, 2008


Fails
posted by Deathalicious at 9:46 AM on September 2, 2008


So, when's pinball?
posted by desuetude at 1:06 PM on September 2, 2008


Okay, we'll do it this way: I'll put out some possible, and you all can say yay or nay:

All in September
15 Monday
17 Wednesday
18 Thursday
22 Monday
24 Wednesday
25 Thursday

(The parlor is also open on Saturdays but apparently that does not work with some Philly MeFites. I can do Fridays theoretically but will feel appropriately guilty doing so.)

I could theoretically meet this Wednesday or Thursday, but I am gone for a week starting on Friday.

I really, really want to go, but for the good of all if a date before the 15th is better for everyone else I will go on my lonesome at another point.
posted by Deathalicious at 6:18 PM on September 2, 2008


I am pretty sure the Pinball Parlour is dry and far from everything else so prepare for a sober evening! I'm happy to carpool...I can pick people up in my car (University City is easiest for me to drive to) or if they have a TrailPass that's underused they can take it out to my station and I can drive them from there.
posted by Deathalicious at 6:19 PM on September 2, 2008


I'm cool with any of those. Deathalicious, maybe you should post a new MeTa, since it seems like it's just you and me chatting, here?
posted by desuetude at 9:15 PM on September 2, 2008


So I just added the 3 photos I took. I thought I took more but apparently not...
posted by polexa at 9:35 PM on September 7, 2008


Well, if you want to get out of town for a bit, come see my band play at the Lawrence Grill. Friday Sept 26, in the Quakerbridge Mall, Lawrenceville NJ 8:30- 12:30, 609 716 7733, www.lawrencegrill.com. Doo dah, doo dah.

You can actually dance to us, but there's also plenty of drinking that would need to be done.
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 12:02 PM on September 8, 2008


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