RDU holiday meetup
posted December 5, 2013 10:11 AM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Sat December 14 at 7:00 PM, Troy Mezze Lounge
315 Blake Street, Raleigh, NC, USA (Map & Directions)
We should have a Triangle holiday meetup! We're gonna do Troy Mezze Lounge at 7PM on Saturday, Dec 14th, 2013 - ask for Jenny!
I am thinking next Saturday (Dec. 14th) if that works for people, though I could also do Friday or Sunday evening. The last meetup we had was in Durham, so let's do Raleigh again this time? Open to suggestions for potential venues!

I am also leaving the Triangle area indefinitely at the end of December so uh you should come say goodbye to a person you barely know because I said so. Yeah.
posted by Phire to Meetup (56 comments total) 1 user marked this as a favorite

This would be a great thing, despite the somewhat bummer of an occasion. It has been way too long. I am only a maybe at this point, as I may have family plans firming up that would preclude this, sadly, but I am very much in favor of it being in Raleigh.
posted by Rock Steady at 10:17 AM on December 5, 2013


As long as we do it dinnertime or later, I'm free on Saturday. No idea where to go in Raleigh though!
posted by leesh at 10:21 AM on December 5, 2013


I can do this!
posted by something something at 11:31 AM on December 5, 2013


Huzzah! I mean... you're leaving?? :(

What sort of food were you thinking? It's your goodbye, so presumably you should pick the cake/pie/whatever.
posted by tarheelcoxn at 12:44 PM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]


I'm into this as an evening activity. Any quiet bars in Raleigh?
posted by oceanjesse at 1:09 PM on December 5, 2013


We should probably be able to make this.

I think you should eat N.C. barbecue till you burst before you leave.
posted by research monkey at 1:53 PM on December 5, 2013


Would people prefer 7 or 8 PM? I am also in favour of a quiet bar, but I'd also be up for some super southern food if anyone has any favourite places for that.
posted by Phire at 1:54 PM on December 5, 2013


Quiet is really, really good for my needs. I can use quiet.

This sounds like a good opportunity for some hardcore bbq on the Raleigh outskirts somewhere. Which also makes 7 PM a better target time, some of them are closed by 8.

Allen & Son has something thereabouts, I think. We really like their Chapel Hill location, haven't tried the other one yet.
posted by ardgedee at 2:06 PM on December 5, 2013


Problem with bbq joints is that they're not exactly vegetarian-friendly. Although The Pit in Raleigh is a possibility.

Are you thinking of the Allen & Son in Pittsboro? That's not close to people either in Durham or Raleigh. And I hear the Allen & Son in Pittsboro does not cook their meat over wood.
posted by research monkey at 2:16 PM on December 5, 2013


If you're looking for 'cue in Raleigh itself, I can vouch that The Pit is pretty decent (now with a Durham location, too!). Some casual yelping also suggests a place called Clyde Cooper's, but I don't have any experience with it.
posted by Maecenas at 2:39 PM on December 5, 2013


I have never been to The Pit and hear good things about it a lot. If it is vegetarian-friendly (I will leave that up to an actual vegetarian/vegan to decide) I'd love to check it out.
posted by Phire at 3:01 PM on December 5, 2013


I'm voting for The Pit.

Looks like they have vegan options, too.
posted by oceanjesse at 3:51 PM on December 5, 2013


I was gonna make fun of how even the salads at the Pit have "jowl bacon" (what even is that? No, I don't actually want to know, never mind) but they have BBQ tofu and a bunch of apps I can eat, so ok, I'm in! Might be a bit late, just FYI, but will try to make it as close to 7 as possible.
posted by leesh at 4:25 PM on December 5, 2013


The Pit does have tofu and I have heard it's good. We will definitely need to make a reservation in advance, though - that place is packed even during the week.
posted by something something at 6:46 PM on December 5, 2013


Hm! I'd probably be in. Closer to 7 is way better. Neato!
posted by Stewriffic at 4:10 AM on December 6, 2013


I can probably make it, in Raleigh or elsewhere. Didn't we eat at the Pit years ago when Cortex came through? I think it was kind of pricey for a full dinner, but there is one bbq tofu option. Last meetup I attended in Raleigh was at Beasley's, which is locavore/Southern with veggie options and/or enough veggie sides to make a meal. Or we could go the reverse option and try Fiction Kitchen, the new locavore/Southern/vegetarian place that's gotten deservedly rave reviews. They have a mock bbq pulled pork thing that carnivore pals say is great, fried "chicken" and waffles, great soups and daily special pix on their Facebook page that will make your mouth water. Might be tough with a big crowd, though; they don't take reservations.

Also, "quiet bar" and "Saturday night" don't mix well in Raleigh, in my experience. Pretty much every spot downtown will be noisy.
posted by mediareport at 4:48 AM on December 6, 2013


mediareport: Also, "quiet bar" and "Saturday night" don't mix well in Raleigh, in my experience. Pretty much every spot downtown will be noisy.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Is there a hotel downtown with a big lobby/bar we could find a quiet corner of? The Marriott or Sheraton, maybe?
posted by Rock Steady at 5:22 AM on December 6, 2013


I would like to go. (Never could find anyone at the last Triangle meet-up that I tried to attend, bah!) I'm hugely pregnant at the moment... so I'll figure out whether I should show up, based on what everyone decides to do. Definitely don't want to bomb the fun with my pregnancy blergh.
posted by Coatlicue at 6:43 AM on December 6, 2013


I'm in and I like The Pit too. Agree that it will be tough to find a quiet bar on Saturday. Foundation is usually my Quiet Bar of Choice but they get crowded too. The Sheraton on Fayetteville street has a bar but it's only open til 11.
posted by scose at 8:10 AM on December 6, 2013


I've heard good things about The Pit as well. That said, I'm good with anything whatsoever.
posted by Slitherrr at 8:18 AM on December 6, 2013


I am a maybe. I'll be in Raleigh that day for my Chinese class, and am open to staying later - but I do have to drive back to Eastern NC at the end of the night, so I am not 100% in yet. I will think on it.
posted by chainsofreedom at 8:39 AM on December 6, 2013


So aside from The Pit, we have suggestions for Foundation, the Sheraton, Fiction Kitchen, and Beasley's. Does anyone have any particularly strong feelings about any of these? I am cool with whatever, though I would prefer a place that takes reservations since it looks like we might end up being a big-ish party.
posted by Phire at 9:38 AM on December 6, 2013


The Fiction Kitchen is very, very small and always packed. We would need to get there right when they open in order to get a table, and even then it might be dicey with a large group. The last time I went we got there at 5:45 and had to sit at the bar.
posted by something something at 9:48 AM on December 6, 2013


Boo, doing a Messiah sing-along on Saturday (with another mefite, I might add), so I won't be able to make it.

If you do go to The Pit, I would strongly suggest seeing if you can make a reservation. Twice we've gone and twice we've waited for at least a half hour, with a party of four.
posted by msali at 11:35 AM on December 6, 2013


(Foundation is bar only, no food)
posted by scose at 1:20 PM on December 6, 2013


Didn't we eat at the Pit years ago when Cortex came through?

YES. That experience actually had me buying a GPS the next day. So now I'm prepared to face the drive again! Unless there's a better place to go?
posted by leesh at 6:22 PM on December 6, 2013


Damn - I've not been to a MeFi Meetup and wish I could make this. Too much holiday madness and it's my wife's Birthday weekend.

Hope we have another one early in 2014. I'm a Carrboronian but open for anywhere in the Triangle. Y'all have fun!

- Bill -
posted by skepticbill at 12:25 PM on December 7, 2013


I don't think we've had a meetup in Carrboro / Chapel Hill, so perhaps the first meetup of 2014 should happen there. You should propose one!
posted by research monkey at 1:34 PM on December 7, 2013


Totally down with the Pit, which seems to be the choice du jour. And something something is right that it would be next to impossible to fit a decent-sized table at Fiction Kitchen on a Saturday without a long wait.

(Also, I love potlucks. Might be worth doing for one of the next ones?)
posted by mediareport at 4:25 PM on December 7, 2013


Cool, I will set the meetup for Saturday Dec 14th at 7PM at The Pit. Everyone RSVP asap and I will call in a reservation at The Pit for the whole group.

Hurray!
posted by Phire at 10:23 PM on December 7, 2013


Consider me repondez'd.
posted by Slitherrr at 8:52 AM on December 8, 2013


I second the motion for a Carrboro/Chapel Hill meetup in 2014.
posted by msali at 10:05 AM on December 8, 2013


I third the motion for a Carrboro/Chapel Hill meetup in 2014. I second the motion for a potluck meetup. I first the motion for making a Google Drive shared spreadsheet for that potluck so that we don't all accidentally bring liquor or macaroni.
posted by oceanjesse at 8:15 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]


I second the motion for a potluck meetup.

Yeah, I am all about that. I'd offer stately Rock Steady Manor as a location, but we are about a 45 minute drive from CH.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:04 AM on December 10, 2013


I work for a wine & beer distributor! I've got the drinks covered!
posted by something something at 4:15 PM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]


Bad news, The Pit is totally booked on Saturday. We can try walking in but we'll be taking our chances with a wait list. Thoughts? Beasley's did okay with the 9-10 we had last time, IIRC. I'll call both them and Foundation when they open. I've also heard good things about The Big Easy, downtown. Plus there's always the Sheraton.
posted by Phire at 6:48 AM on December 12, 2013


With a group of more than 4, you will be waiting multiple hours at The Pit. Wherever it is, it does not look like I am going to make it, as I will have family in town after all. Sorry to not be there to see you off, Phire. Have extra fun on my behalf, everyone. If you do go to Beasley's, Fox Liquor Bar is right downstairs, and if you go right after dinner, it will probably be pretty quiet for a while. Great drinks, but super expensive.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:58 AM on December 12, 2013


Sorry we will miss you, Rock Steady!

I just did a search on Open Table for 12 just to see what might be available, and Troy Mezze Lounge came up as being able to accommodate us. I've been there - the food was good, there are a lot of vegetarian options, and it's on the quieter side. It's downtown in the city market area, near ArtScape.
posted by something something at 7:11 AM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]


I just did a search on Open Table for 12 just to see what might be available

That is so cool that you can do that! I never knew! That will come in handy.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:21 AM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]


Great find, something something, you are awesome. I booked a table at Troy Mezze Lounge for 15* on Saturday at 7 PM, because I am paranoid now about not finding a place. Ask for Jenny. If people have objections to TML please please don't hesitate to speak up and I can change the reservation, but this way at least we know there is a fallback we can go to.

*We have 13 RSVPs + Slitherrr, and people always drop out or join at the last minute, so I figure 15 was safe and we could modify it if things change significantly.
posted by Phire at 7:26 AM on December 12, 2013


Good work, team! Looking forward to seeing you all.
posted by leesh at 8:39 AM on December 12, 2013


Great choice, y'all. Troy has wonderful Turkish/Mediterranean food, great appetizers, tons of vegetarian options and a generally friendly atmosphere, all at reasonable prices. Great work in a pinch, for sure, something something & Phire. See you there!
posted by mediareport at 6:40 PM on December 12, 2013


I'm excited about trying non-caffeinated Turkish cuisine for the first time!
posted by oceanjesse at 8:47 AM on December 13, 2013


I can make it! I can make it! It'll be me and my mom, who's been in town for the last month while I've been dealing with some medical issues.
posted by Stewriffic at 2:10 PM on December 13, 2013


Ugh, now I'm not sure if I'll make it or not. Putting myself back at "Maybe."
posted by Stewriffic at 12:11 PM on December 14, 2013


The traffic is pretty nuts downtown right now and the rain isn't helping. Not sure if it'll let up in the next hour or so, but I thought I'd let people know so they can factor that into plans if necessary.
posted by Phire at 2:41 PM on December 14, 2013


Free Parking in Downtown Raleigh, with a mobile map option

Apparently the lot at the east end of City Market, right next to Troy, charges $5 for Saturday all-day parking. If so, don't ignore that, McLaurin is a bunch of jerks.
posted by mediareport at 3:35 PM on December 14, 2013


There is lots of free on-street parking now, too; the city doesn't charge on weekends. The rain will probably help with that, and even in good weather I can usually find something within a couple blocks by driving around with my eyes open.
posted by mediareport at 3:37 PM on December 14, 2013


You guys, this waiter is OOZING charisma.
posted by Ian A.T. at 4:07 PM on December 14, 2013 [1 favorite]


Aww crap...it's sucks I'm missing this! I moved to the Triangle this Summer, and looking to get out there and meet some cool new people. Anyway, I hope that there will be other events in the near future.
posted by beatmenace at 4:14 PM on December 14, 2013


On the way! Sorry I'm a bit late.
posted by oceanjesse at 4:30 PM on December 14, 2013


Sorry I missed you all. Working through the weekend because things.
posted by ardgedee at 5:46 AM on December 15, 2013


You guys, this waiter is OOZING charisma.

Jeez, you're not kidding. Must've had a bad day or something. But the rest was fun; it was great meeting/seeing folks. We'll miss you, Phire, but thanks for the meetup going-away present. Next one before March in Chapel Hill?
posted by mediareport at 9:30 AM on December 15, 2013 [2 favorites]


I had a TON of fun on Saturday, and it was a wonderful way to cap off my brief stay in NC. Thanks to all of you for coming out! I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing old(ish) faces. ardgedee and Rock Steady, we missed you! Stewriffic, I hope you're doing okay.

Have a lovely holiday season, everyone.
posted by Phire at 7:16 AM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]


We need to have that Chapel Hill meetup before it rains...we have mediareport's umbrella!
posted by Ian A.T. at 8:22 AM on December 16, 2013


Ha! Keep it, or give it away. I'm such an airhead (more when I've been drinking) that I keep extras around for just this reason. It really was fun to hang out with you all; I always learn something and laugh a lot.

Phire, the last part of my previous comment reads a bit clumsy in the cold light of day, so I wanted to say again how grateful I am; without you I wouldn't have attended any meetup in the last few years. You'll be missed and we'll have to pick up the slack to honor your spirit once you've moved away.

p.s. to scose: I'm keeping an eye out for a software engineer to punch in the head for you.
posted by mediareport at 11:39 AM on December 16, 2013 [2 favorites]



This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments