Welcome me back to Seattle!

posted February 1, 2013 3:36 PM | |

Sun February 24 at 2:00 PM, The Bar

516 15th Avenue East, Seattle, WA, USA (Map & Directions)

Oh yay! Let's do something! Cap Hill++
posted by kthxbi at 10:34 PM on February 1 [1 favorite]

Sounds good to me, it's been a while.
posted by Errant at 5:42 AM on February 2

Let's go to The Bar.
posted by cirocco at 10:21 AM on February 2

If it's a weekend I'm free, this might be fun!
posted by dotgirl at 10:44 AM on February 2

Childcare and money allowing, I am up for this.
posted by Artw at 10:54 AM on February 2

I live in Seattle and like meeting up!

O9scar, I'm sorry your planned potato farm/squirrel ranch venture didn't pan out. Do you have the money I loaned you?
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:41 AM on February 2

I am in favor of this. Who's going to choose a day?
posted by hattifattener at 1:26 AM on February 3

I am up for this, and Capitol Hill sounds like a great plan.

I can't do w/e of 16 Feb, otherwise I'll try to make any other date the group agrees on.

Thanks for calling the meetup!
posted by pymsical at 7:32 PM on February 3

I'm down, depending on day and location. Fun! When do you return, O9scar?
posted by librarina at 8:57 PM on February 3

Barely settled in, but back already.

This Saturday sound okay to people?
posted by O9scar at 10:55 AM on February 4

I'll be in Las Vegas this weekend. (Not that I think the date should be moved on my behalf -- just posting for head-count purposes.)
posted by cirocco at 12:39 PM on February 4

Both Saturdays more or less good for me.
posted by Artw at 12:40 PM on February 4

I'm taking Saturday afternoon classes, but can make an evening event (like >7pm). Never heard of The Bar but it looks ok, and if not there then ++Cap Hill.
posted by jacalata at 4:41 PM on February 4

Wish I didn't have to work on Saturdays, otherwise I'd come along! Maybe next one.
posted by E3 at 10:20 AM on February 5

I'd prefer next Saturday, the 16th, on account of already having plans this Saturday for dumb birthday stuff.
posted by Errant at 5:16 PM on February 5

This sunday would also work for me, just because I don't want to shut out pymsical who is awesome.
posted by Errant at 6:34 PM on February 5

I'm game when/where ever. Yeah, I'm coming out of hiding.
posted by spinifex23 at 11:38 AM on February 7 [1 favorite]

I'd prefer... somewhere you don't have to shout in someone's ear at a distance of two feet for them to be able to hear you and vice versa. Which, ideally, would be an inexpensive place with no loud music and no crowd of already shouting drunks.
posted by y2karl at 3:23 PM on February 7

We're pretty close to the wire for settling on the Sunday, so can we get a straw poll on if it is doable for people? If it's not doable then we're on to next week or *gasp* the week after...
posted by Artw at 4:54 PM on February 7

Sunday possibly doable for me and stet; Saturday unlikely.
posted by librarina at 5:59 PM on February 7

This Sunday the 10th would be great. I note that I owe errant a beer ;)
Looking forward to it!
posted by pymsical at 9:34 PM on February 7

I can do Sunday.
posted by jacalata at 10:06 PM on February 7

I'm fine with Sunday. Do we want to go to The Bar, or some other place? I do like the 15th stretch, and feel like parking's a little less horrible there.

Sorry for all the hemming and hawing on my part.
posted by O9scar at 11:56 AM on February 8

Oh hey Sunday! I can go anywhere after 7:30pm unless work wears me out. I'll keep an eye on this for location and stop by if I can.
posted by E3 at 2:08 PM on February 8

The bar sounds good, and possibly Sunday will mean it is not loud and hectic? I'm free in the mid afternoon. Hopefully you guys will be there long enough for E3 to join!
posted by pymsical at 6:53 PM on February 9

I'd love to come if it's Sunday afternoon.
posted by dotgirl at 7:45 PM on February 9

Is there a decision?
posted by librarina at 10:56 PM on February 9

5 minutes to go till it actually is Sunday...
posted by Artw at 11:55 PM on February 9

This is why we can't have nice things ...
posted by dotgirl at 12:05 AM on February 10

Should we plan for a Sunday in the future? It looks like we have missed our window on confirming today. Or at the least I've missed my window, so will need to bow out if you guys meetup.

What about Sunday 24th feb? Same location (the bar). Mid afternoon, 2pmish?
Would that work?
posted by pymsical at 1:01 PM on February 10

That's Oscars night!
posted by Artw at 1:09 PM on February 10

Then let's make it O9scar's night.
posted by MoonOrb at 1:53 PM on February 10 [1 favorite]

Ha ha. I don't usually watch the Oscars, but if it's on...

Sorry I kinda blew the planning. Anyhow, I'm fine with Sunday the 24th at 2ish at The Bar.
posted by O9scar at 2:22 PM on February 10 [1 favorite]

Sunday the 24th is one of many days I will NOT be in Las Vegas. So I'll be there.

Karl, The Bar is a classic sedate neighborhood bar attached to Olympia Pizza. I've been there with large parties before and there was no shrieking required to make ourselves heard. I linked to the Yelp page so people who haven't been there can get a feel for it. The only real drawback is that the food's not great, but we're not going to be there at a Traditional Meal Hour, so it all works out beautifully.
posted by cirocco at 4:59 PM on February 12 [1 favorite]

I will be going to this because Errant will buy me a beer. That is the plan I just made up in head without telling him so we'll see how it goes. Won't be around until 3:30ish though.
posted by P.o.B. at 10:01 PM on February 12

Wait, is that Olympia Pizza I, II, or III? And if it's Olympia Pizza II is it the Wallingford or West Seattle location?

Sadly, it looks like I have to fly out of town so I can't make it next weekend.
posted by grouse at 10:12 PM on February 12

I'm going to try to make it for a few drinks - probably leaving early rather than closing out the place with Errant and going to Karaoke or whatnot as the Oscars really like our familys Super Bowl.
posted by Artw at 11:12 PM on February 12

Sure, cadge a drink off the unemployed guy, that ought to end well for you.
posted by Errant at 8:32 AM on February 13

I start a new job on the Monday! Which is also my birthday! Buying a round is a distinct posibility!
posted by Artw at 9:00 AM on February 13

*Scribbles in Timeline Test Report* "Problematic, but hopeful. Further examination warranted."
posted by P.o.B. at 12:50 PM on February 13

grouse, there's a map at the top of the page that shows you precisely which Olympia Pizza is being spoken of here. The address and a similar map appear in the Yelp link.

Can I answer any other logistical questions for anyone else who's not even going to be in town? I live to serve, my friends.
posted by cirocco at 5:55 PM on February 13

Sorry, for whatever reason I derive amusement from the separate-businesses-with-the-same-name phenomenon that is Olympia Pizza and I wanted to share.
posted by grouse at 6:04 PM on February 13 [1 favorite]

Well, Olympia Pizza, if I recall correctly, has never had much of a crowd in it when I have gone there or walked by, which is an extreme plus to me.Because it means quiet and much better service than the average bear. Of course, there's no fifty dollar whiskey or other hard liquor for the likes of Errant, which is unlikely to be a plus for him.
posted by y2karl at 12:12 AM on February 15

I have the weirdest reputation around here.
posted by Errant at 2:14 AM on February 15 [2 favorites]

Can there be pizza had? I like pizza.
posted by Apropos of Something at 4:07 PM on February 16

y2k, The Bar is an actual bar, with an epic Victorian backbar I once knew the heritage of - for some reason I want to say it was bought from the J&M when that business was closed and the fixtures auctioned a few years back, before the J&M resurrected. But in truth I don't even know if my recollection of the J&M closing is accurate.

Huh. Closure and auction recollection: accurate.

It appears that the J&M back bar is NOT the one at this place, which, it appears, is actually called Harry's Bar, after Olympia III's owner Harry Nicoloudakis.

There's a large painting in the back of a lakeside villa with English and Swiss flags. It took me a meal or two to figure out what house it most likely is, and I am not sure if I ever confirmed to my own satisfaction it is the building I think it must be. I leave retracing my thoughts on this matter as an exercise for the reader.
posted by mwhybark at 10:57 AM on February 17 [1 favorite]

Having now researched it, the painting definitely does NOT depict the actual building I thought it might represent.
posted by mwhybark at 11:23 AM on February 17

I can neither confirm nor deny circulating rumors that a certain Mefite is indeed a wealthy generous dandy with a penchant for the sweet taste of a wide and varying selection of alcohol, spirits, and lagers.
posted by P.o.B. at 12:18 PM on February 17

It appears that the J&M back bar is NOT the one at this place...

If I recall correctly, that back bar might have come from some old time place in a small town outside of Billings, Montana -- which state was the point of origin for the back bar in Jake O'Shaughnessy's and about six similar Fakey O'Irish bars popular back in the 70's in Seattle, of which F. X. McRory's is about the last survivor. Copper was not the only thing strip mined in Montana.

I can neither confirm nor deny circulating rumors that a certain Mefite is indeed a wealthy generous dandy...

To paraphrase Ross Perot, that giant sucking sound is not your jobs going to Mexico...
posted by y2karl at 1:50 PM on February 17

mwhybark, that painting is of the villa on Lake Como that was used in the Star Wars prequels. It's where Padme and Anakin hide out and fall in love. I actually can't sit facing it, or the more I drink, the more I talk about how much I hated Episode II.
posted by cirocco at 4:06 PM on February 20

holy shit, that is so far from what I was thinking. Have you ever asked Harry about it? I want to know if it was purchased for a specific reason beyond decor. it must have been, right?

ooookay then; seating must be directly under it, affording the opportunity to face away.
posted by mwhybark at 7:19 PM on February 20

I of course never doubted you for a second but OMFG you are right as you are in all things. Subspace chatter indicates it is a getaway available for weddings, so there may be a romantic reason for its presence as well.

YOU HAVE SCRATCHED A FIVE YEAR BRAIN ITCH and I thank you.
posted by mwhybark at 7:23 PM on February 20 [1 favorite]

I haven't done a Metafilter meetup in a billion years. Perhaps I can make this one. I don't remember any plans for Sunday and I like The Bar. Also I think I might know one or two of you.
posted by Mars Saxman at 4:04 PM on February 21

I am not sure if I can make it . . . but although I think I'm clear it is here, and on Sunday 2/24, when? 2ish or 7ish?
posted by bearwife at 5:26 PM on February 22

dropping this in here for reference.
posted by mwhybark at 9:19 PM on February 22

2ish, I think. Due to Oscar, the non O9scar kind.
posted by mwhybark at 9:20 PM on February 22

What are the chances any of you will still be there between 3-4pm?
posted by E3 at 10:36 AM on February 23

AM or PM?
posted by Artw at 10:57 AM on February 23

2pm? Oh, ok.
posted by spinifex23 at 8:46 AM on February 24

Yes, I'm showing up for this.
posted by spinifex23 at 8:54 AM on February 24 [1 favorite]

mwhybark, that link to steinwald's gaming party is not the first tale of its kind I've heard. The problem with trying to get your internet friends to come play with you in the real world is that a lot of your internet friends are on the internet because they are not good at being in the real world. I include myself, internet friend to many, in this statement. Fortunately, The Bar is well-stocked with the introvert's trusty companion.

I'm going to get there a few minutes early and see if I can lock down the upholstered seating near the front window. We'll have to move if anyone orders anything that needs to be eaten with a knife and fork, but at least we'll be on the opposite side of the room from that Episode II painting (ugh, that movie.)
posted by cirocco at 10:13 AM on February 24 [1 favorite]

I dropped the no-show link in here because it was set in my hometown, and I found it amusing that introverternet socialization runs along the same lines there as here: it ain't all Seattle chill when we hide and flee to our glowing rectangles.

I'm acting as ferryman for this Welshman, or someone who looks like him but dresses differently yet possesses a shared geographic history.
posted by mwhybark at 11:05 AM on February 24

We're here! It's a party, yo!
posted by spinifex23 at 2:48 PM on February 24

Errant is not here - I am confused.

Free beers for you when you do show up.
posted by Artw at 2:48 PM on February 24

I live in Ballard now, it takes me an extra five hours to get anywhere.
posted by Errant at 3:10 PM on February 24 [1 favorite]

Errant is now here. And y2k just walked in.

spinifex23
hattipfeffner (?)
sarah (?)
O9scar
cirocco
moonorb
artw
mwhybark
y2karl and friend

I think
posted by mwhybark at 3:10 PM on February 24 [1 favorite]

Me and friend are on our way, we had to get up and get coffee first.
posted by jacalata at 3:55 PM on February 24

I am finding Terminator 2 very distracting.
posted by Artw at 4:17 PM on February 24 [2 favorites]

I am finding Terminator 2 very rewarding. Same with the conversations and great, great friends.
posted by spinifex23 at 4:18 PM on February 24

Great time as usual guys! I'm now safely home eating popcorn and watching the stupid Oscars.
posted by Artw at 6:17 PM on February 24 [1 favorite]

Pictures! Pictures!

I was in screaming toddler land which was way more fun for me.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 6:34 PM on February 24

I win, again.
posted by Errant at 7:00 PM on February 24 [1 favorite]

/shakes fist.
posted by Artw at 7:09 PM on February 24

Good times. I'm not sure anyone took photos, sorry to say.
posted by O9scar at 9:44 PM on February 24

Shoot, this was today, I'd just gotten over my cold, and have been starving for interaction! Hopefully there will be another soon.
posted by batter_my_heart at 11:31 PM on February 24

Fortunately, The Bar is well-stocked with the introvert's trusty companion.

They have an enormous collection of bad science fiction novels? Why was I not told? I had to make do with alcohol.
posted by hattifattener at 12:14 AM on February 25 [2 favorites]

Shoot, this was today, I'd just gotten over my cold, and have been starving for interaction! Hopefully there will be another soon.

Yeah, I bit the big one on this too. Let's plan another one shortly.
posted by Apropos of Something at 8:15 AM on February 25

They have an enormous collection of bad science fiction novels?

They had some pretty bad pizza.
posted by Artw at 8:35 AM on February 25

I warned you about the food. They screw up salads and pizza, which shouldn't be possible. I hope Harry can forgive me for saying that after all I've spent on booze there over the years.

I was thrilled that when I left (early, I had a pig roast to attend) all the sofas were full of MeFites. A head-count in the thread before I got to the venue had me thinking I only needed to save seats for six. People were a lot more excited about O9scar being back in town than they let on before the event.
posted by cirocco at 10:47 AM on February 25

Yes, the food was unremarkable. The meetup was great. I've been weirdly isolated since getting back, so I was happy to hang with fellow nerds and weirdos. We should do another one soonish.
posted by O9scar at 9:07 PM on February 25 [1 favorite]

We were half joking, and this is totally self serving as it's a block from my house, but I rather like the Take Over Sully's plan.
posted by Artw at 9:18 PM on February 25 [1 favorite]

I would suggest take over Targy's if that were possible without reprising the opening minutes of Saving Private Ryan.
posted by y2karl at 10:15 AM on February 26