ocherdraco November 12, 2009 7:40 AM   Subscribe

The awesome ocherdraco will be in Philly December 10-12. And it's been entirely too long and I mill all y'all's shayna punim. Let's get come drinks and food and show her a good time, shall we?

That's a Thursday through a Saturday. Do people have preference for day of the week?

In the past the Belgium Cafe was accommodating with our large group and offers both food and drink. However, willing to take other suggestions for meeting places as well. I'd suggest the yummy dim sum place, but it's gone.
posted by piratebowling to MetaFilter Gatherings at 7:40 AM (83 comments total) 2 users marked this as a favorite

Hmm, meant to have the title say "ocherdraco in Philly" but I guess I messed that up. Oh well.
posted by piratebowling at 7:46 AM on November 12, 2009


That's amazing...I was just about to toss out the idea of a meetup. Thursday is the worst of those days for me...is Saturday afternoon an option? That could be fun.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 7:53 AM on November 12, 2009


I pretty much always work Saturdays, so if we did do a Saturday I'd really prefer 5 or later. I don't know how people feel about Friday nights, either...
posted by piratebowling at 8:22 AM on November 12, 2009


If it's at Belgian, I'm in.
posted by useyourmachinegunarm at 8:27 AM on November 12, 2009


Non-sequitur, but did I hear correctly that Monk's closed? I've been jonesing for a Monk burger ever since...

Have fun!
posted by Admiral Haddock at 8:49 AM on November 12, 2009


I think Monk's was only closed temporarily, after a rather nasty accident involving an upstairs tenant. They appear to have reopened, though.
posted by piratebowling at 8:53 AM on November 12, 2009


Yes! I am coming!

Though the 10th through 12th is actually Friday to Sunday—Friday night and Saturday night are the nights I'll be in town.

As an aside to the meetup planning, I've never been to Philadelphia before, and could use some guidance on what to see, and also where to stay. (If you know of cheap and safe accomodations, point me to them!)
posted by ocherdraco at 9:05 AM on November 12, 2009


And thanks for making the post, piratebowling. I will buy you a beverage of your choice at the meetup.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:06 AM on November 12, 2009


I too may be in Philly that weekend.
posted by French Fry at 9:33 AM on November 12, 2009


Friday night and Saturday after 5 are just shiny for me, and I'll never turn my back on good beer.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 10:03 AM on November 12, 2009


Belgian Cafe++
posted by ludwig_van at 10:13 AM on November 12, 2009


I can't do Saturdays due to [@I][:+:][@I] but Fridays are good ...
posted by [@I][:+:][@I] at 10:31 AM on November 12, 2009


ocherdraco, if you were coming to Thu'wal instead of Philadelphia, you could stay with me! Have a good time in the city.
posted by onalark at 10:33 AM on November 12, 2009


Ocherdraco, it's been a while, but I've always liked staying at the Alexander Inn, on 12th and Spruce.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 2:16 PM on November 12, 2009


Or, rather, I've been looking at a 2010 calendar all this time, and indeed, while I will be there Friday through Sunday, it is the 11th-13th, not the 10th-12th. This is why I never do things involving numbers in public.
posted by ocherdraco at 2:47 PM on November 12, 2009


I'll check it out, Admiral.
posted by ocherdraco at 2:47 PM on November 12, 2009


I vote Friday, but I am pretty good any which way.
posted by miagaille at 6:28 PM on November 12, 2009


Sounds like Friday works for most people...Which means I'm calling it for December 11th. Now, location?
posted by piratebowling at 6:37 AM on November 13, 2009


Thanks for posting this, piratebowling! That Friday is good for me, too.

ocherdraco, we're a bunch of awesomely opinionated people who will be happy to tell you exactly what to do in Philly. Give us some hints. What'cha wanna do?

(Note: skip the cheesesteak and get a roast pork italian instead.)
posted by desuetude at 6:59 AM on November 13, 2009


I like museums (art, history, science), I like eating (especially when the food is both cheap and good), and I really like walking around interesting neighborhoods and seeing where my fancy takes me. Like I said, I've never been to Philly before, so I don't mind hitting up a few touristy places, if they're worth seeing.

Someplace with Belgian beer would be lovely for the meetup; I'm a big fan.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:27 AM on November 13, 2009


ocherdraco, if you're planning on going to the museum email or memail me, I'll help you out.
posted by piratebowling at 7:37 PM on November 13, 2009


...and by the museum I meant the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Where Rocky ran up the stairs.
posted by piratebowling at 7:38 PM on November 13, 2009


In the past the Belgium Cafe was accommodating

if by accommodating you mean clearly wanted us to leave because we were only ordering drinks and fries and not dinner, then yes.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 9:25 PM on November 13, 2009


I can get there around 9 on a Friday, not sure if that's way late or not.
posted by The Straightener at 9:42 AM on November 14, 2009


I like museums (art, history, science), I like eating (especially when the food is both cheap and good), and I really like walking around interesting neighborhoods and seeing where my fancy takes me. Like I said, I've never been to Philly before, so I don't mind hitting up a few touristy places, if they're worth seeing.

Uh oh, you might not leave once you get here. We've got an awful lot of good walking and cheap eats.

In addition to PMA, I'll put in a plug for the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the National Constitution Center.
posted by desuetude at 11:43 AM on November 14, 2009


9 won't be too late, assuming Philly meetups are anything like New York ones. The earliest ending meetup I've ever been to stopped at 11.
posted by ocherdraco at 2:11 PM on November 14, 2009


9 isn't too late, Straightener.

Belgian Cafe is okay; I'm not opposed if everyone else wants to go there, but perhaps we should open up the discussion to consideration of other places? Certainly there's no shortage of good beer.
posted by desuetude at 9:16 AM on November 15, 2009


desuetude, the discussion is open to other places, but no one has thrown out any other options yet. You're one oh the Philly mefite foodies, is there a place we haven't gone to that you think would be good for a meetup?

I have yet to visit Brauhaus Schmitz on South, and I know they have large tables, food and a large selection of beer, but I have a feeling it may be an unpopular choice.
posted by piratebowling at 6:40 AM on November 16, 2009


Brauhaus looks muy expensivo. Has the mefite army hit up Nodding Head yet? That's among my favorite happy hour places, though not necessarily the best foodie bar.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 8:14 AM on November 16, 2009


Gah dammit! I live in Beijing, but will be back home in Philly the week after this. Have fun, everybody.
posted by bokane at 8:25 AM on November 16, 2009


I was just thinking of Nodding head! I've heard good things, but again, never been. So, a couple questions, do they have a decent amount of space? Would they be able to handle he group growing unexpectedly? Would we have trouble being there on a Friday night?
posted by piratebowling at 8:27 AM on November 16, 2009


We did nodding head before, and it worked out pretty well. I'm going to throw out the option of The Institute, too, even though I have no idea if they're public transportation-friendly. I was there once and thought they had a great beer selection, plus room for large parties and their menu looks good too.
posted by lagreen at 8:58 AM on November 16, 2009


12th and Green is a short walk from the Spring Garden station on the Broad Street line.
posted by The Straightener at 9:29 AM on November 16, 2009


The Institute sounds pretty good, and I also like that if I'm coming from work, it's a real short jaunt over there.
posted by piratebowling at 10:43 AM on November 16, 2009


Us teetotalling killjoys would definitely appreciate a place with delicious food as well as delicious beer!
posted by miagaille at 11:19 AM on November 16, 2009


The Institute sounds good to me! miagaille, their food menu seems to be both extensive and tasty.
posted by ocherdraco at 1:31 PM on November 16, 2009


Oooh, haven't been to the Institute yet.
posted by desuetude at 5:18 PM on November 16, 2009


The menu at the Institute looks awesome. Bonus points: v burger for the vegans in the house.
posted by 8dot3 at 6:13 AM on November 17, 2009


Haven't been to the Institute...sounds like a good bet.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 6:14 AM on November 17, 2009


Alright, the institute it is. Shall we say...7:30?
posted by piratebowling at 8:42 AM on November 17, 2009


7:30 sounds good to me...does anyone know of a parking lot or garage in the area?
posted by sjuhawk31 at 2:51 PM on November 17, 2009


I'll probably be getting there around eight. Very much looking forward to it; this is my first out of town meetup, and I'm excited to meet new mefites.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:43 PM on November 17, 2009


There's a ton of street parking in the area though I would imagine some Mefites might not be comfortable leaving their cars there. I park up that way and walk downtown to work every day and have for a year and have never had a problem doing that but then again I drive a total shit box. The meter parking along Spring Garden is definitely safe as it's a super high traffic street and there is a lot down at 8th and Spring Garden that Traffic Court and the Electric Factory crowds feed into, can't say how much it costs. There's also another lot on 13th between Callowhill and Spring Garden but I can't remember if that's a private lot for one of the condo complexes or a public lot.
posted by The Straightener at 6:10 AM on November 18, 2009


I was up that way last night and noticed there is also a lot behind the Spaghetti Warehouse at 10th and Spring Garden.
posted by The Straightener at 5:25 AM on November 19, 2009


I hear that Spaghetti Warehouse is actually a front for a Spaghetti Whorehouse.
posted by ludwig_van at 8:41 AM on November 19, 2009


Spaghetti Warehouse has a photo booth.
posted by useyourmachinegunarm at 10:05 AM on November 19, 2009


And Spaghetti Whorehouse has a different kind of photo booth.
posted by piratebowling at 6:43 PM on November 19, 2009


We should so crash the photo booth.

Either one.
posted by desuetude at 7:10 PM on November 19, 2009


I love photobooths! With a warm fuzziness that cannot be described!
posted by ocherdraco at 8:17 PM on November 19, 2009


I'm catching up on putting things onto my calendar...are we ready to write the 11th at 7:30 at The Institute in stone? We'll then welcome ocherdraco to the party when she gets there at 8?
posted by sjuhawk31 at 1:21 PM on November 24, 2009


I've been meaning to do one of these for a while. What the heck, I'm in!
posted by SansPoint at 7:09 PM on November 24, 2009


...and then I realize that's the day of my company Holiday Party, which starts at the same time. I'd like to meet you folks, but I like open bars more.
posted by SansPoint at 12:23 PM on November 27, 2009


I've been considering making the trek up to Philly for one of these for a while now from Baltimore and this one sounds like it could be fun. Are there any Mefites who might let me crash on their couch Friday night if I come up? I'll buy you a drink or three!
posted by youcancallmeal at 7:00 PM on November 27, 2009


I might also be looking for a couch berth, as the hotels and hostels I've tried to book have all turned out to be full up or only available to international travelers (I tried to tell them that New York is like a different country, but they didn't believe me.)
posted by ocherdraco at 12:52 AM on November 28, 2009


desuetude: TWO meetups in one week? greeeeeeeedy!

...and by "greedy" I mean "I'm jealous"
posted by greekphilosophy at 10:59 PM on November 29, 2009


I'd love to offer my spare room, but it's booked that weekend. Perhaps of you other other Philly Mefites can offer some crash space for our out-of-towners?

greekphilosophy, it's out-of-town Mefite Meetup karma!
posted by desuetude at 7:26 AM on November 30, 2009


I'm working on finding somewhere through couchsurfing.com, which a former roommate swears by. Should be interesting.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:00 AM on December 1, 2009


FWIW, I've had nothing but positive experiences with CouchSurfing.
posted by HotPatatta at 5:30 PM on December 6, 2009


i won't be there because it's our anniversary. have fun!
posted by misanthropicsarah at 5:16 PM on December 8, 2009


I'm sending hugs back with desuetude for all of you. She'll have to make a special delivery for misanthropicsarah and monochromaticgirl.
posted by greekphilosophy at 10:18 PM on December 8, 2009


I believe I'll be there.
posted by Tomorrowful at 10:21 AM on December 9, 2009


Okay, despite several weeks of trying really hard, I haven't been able to find a hotel/hostel that I can afford and will take me, or a host through couchsurfing. Does anyone have a bit of floor to spare for two nights? (I never thought it would be so hard to go to Philly.)
posted by ocherdraco at 1:10 PM on December 9, 2009


I gotcha covered, don't sweat, I'll drop you a line to work out the details.
posted by The Straightener at 1:44 PM on December 9, 2009


Hooray! Tiny American flags for everyone!

Q: Why? A: I'm not sure.
posted by ocherdraco at 1:51 PM on December 9, 2009


I'm also planning on making the trek up. If someone has floor I can borrow, that would be awesome. If not...it's only an hour and a half drive back. *shrug*
posted by youcancallmeal at 12:16 AM on December 11, 2009


Okay, awesome, I'll see you all tonight. Should I say we're expecting about 12 and try to get a table that can be added to as need be?
posted by piratebowling at 5:04 AM on December 11, 2009


Sounds like a plan. I'm very excited about meeting you all, and exploring Philly!
posted by ocherdraco at 5:26 AM on December 11, 2009


For those using transit, if you're coming in on PATCO, get off at the 9th-10th st. station, walk west to 11th st, and catch route 23. Get off at Green st (2 blocks past spring garden, same street as Progress market, and go west one block, just south of there.

Hopefully I'll see you guys tonight.
posted by Orb2069 at 1:40 PM on December 11, 2009


Trying to nip a headache in the bud right now. Also gearing up for the cold, cold night. Stay strong, all.
posted by piratebowling at 3:16 PM on December 11, 2009


It's a great bar with a terrific beer selection and if it wasn't crazy cold and I didn't just have a huge fight with mrsfixedgear I would love to join you. Have fun!
posted by fixedgear at 3:25 PM on December 11, 2009


aaaand the headache is just not going away. I'm real sorry, especially since I called it, but I think I'm homebound for the evening. I suck, I know. Have a good time, all.
posted by piratebowling at 4:06 PM on December 11, 2009


I think I'm skipping it as well. It's 7:10 and I just got home. The allure of driving an hour and a half each way tonight is lost on me at the moment. Have fun, y'all!
posted by youcancallmeal at 4:11 PM on December 11, 2009


Running late, but will absofuckinglutely be there at 8something.
posted by desuetude at 4:40 PM on December 11, 2009


I'm still on the bus, but I am seriously looking forward to drinking with y'all when I get there.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:04 PM on December 11, 2009


WTF, people. As of 8:30 there's 5 of us?!
posted by dmd at 5:36 PM on December 11, 2009


On our way!
posted by ludwig_van at 5:39 PM on December 11, 2009


WTF, people. As of 8:30 there's 5 of us?!

Wasn't the fabulousness worth it? Patience, dude.
posted by desuetude at 11:34 PM on December 11, 2009


I suppose so. I still haven't figured out which one of us was played by John Cusack.
posted by dmd at 6:42 AM on December 12, 2009


I just assumed Cusack was playing tomorrowful, hence the unnatural fixation on John Cusack.

Nice to meet everyone, some for the second time. Makes me shame myself for not going to more meetups.

(sjuhawk31 here...gonna start using my backup name because it's more inline with my other online identities)
posted by moviehawk at 9:50 AM on December 12, 2009


Screw it...I can't lose my posting history.
posted by sjuhawk31 at 10:24 AM on December 12, 2009


That was fun, y'all. I'll post my photos when I'm back at home. And I got to meet piratebowling today at the museum, so today is full of win.

Right now I'm wandering around Old City, about to check out Book Trader. If anyone's in the area over the next two hours, email me.
posted by ocherdraco at 3:56 PM on December 12, 2009


Photos added! They are dark, but at least they exist.
posted by ocherdraco at 3:33 PM on December 13, 2009


I had an excellent time, and hopefully next time I can draft in some of the semi-lurkers I know.
posted by Tomorrowful at 8:16 PM on December 13, 2009


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