Seasonal Affective Meetup
posted January 20, 2016 9:14 PM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Fri February 5 at 6:00 PM, The Leary Traveler
4354 Leary Way NW, Seattle, WA, USA (Map & Directions)
It's been a while! Let's chase away the winter blues with some drinks/dinner/conversation.
Friday, February 5th. Starting at 6 to maximize our table chances. @The Leary Traveler
posted by quaking fajita to Meetup (73 comments total) 3 users marked this as a favorite

I'm a firm maybe, and prefer the Ballard/Fremont area personally.
posted by ChrisR at 5:03 AM on January 21, 2016


I'm down, but maybe somewhere with decent parking?
posted by corb at 6:37 AM on January 21, 2016


North Seattle or downtown are both fine for me if I attend.
posted by Radiophonic Oddity at 7:04 AM on January 21, 2016


I unfortunately just bought tickets to an event that evening. If the date is negotiable, I could do Friday 1/29 or 2/5, or either Fri/Sat the weekend of 2/11 - 2/12.

In terms of location, the Leary Traveler in Frelard is a very nice and fairly cozy establishment with good drinks, beer, and food, not terribly loud music as I recall, and there's usually a decent amount of street parking.
posted by Errant at 7:31 AM on January 21, 2016


I am pretty flexible and both those dates would also be fine!
posted by quaking fajita at 10:23 AM on January 21, 2016


I would probably prefer the Ballard<>UW corridor, as you describe it, but if it's on a weekday downtown would be ok. I'm flexible re: date; Jan 30 is my birthday but I don't have any plans for it.
posted by valrus at 10:46 AM on January 21, 2016


I was thinking of pitching a meetup in the Greenwood Death Zone in late Feb, so N.Seattle should get covered in any case.
posted by Artw at 10:49 AM on January 21, 2016


Greenwood! Are you trying to get us murdered by the murderers?
posted by Errant at 12:36 PM on January 21, 2016 [3 favorites]


I was going to suggest the Frelard Traveler, though it's smallish. If we did earlier like 6 it would probably be fine. This date is two days before the end of Dryuary, so people might not recognize me without two tumblers of bourbon in my hands.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 1:58 PM on January 21, 2016


With a little advance notice, we can probably get them to save us the back couple tables.
posted by Errant at 2:15 PM on January 21, 2016


Dang, I'm also a maybe. I'm in and around UW most of the time, so I think Frelard shouldn't be too far...
posted by DGStieber at 3:03 PM on January 21, 2016


I am on twin toddler duty all weekend, but I might be able to sneak out after 8-ish depending on if I can get baby coverage. It would be nice to see you fine folks again.
posted by Existential Dread at 4:02 PM on January 21, 2016


This sounds lovely!

I vote for one of the dates Errant can make.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 8:39 PM on January 21, 2016 [2 favorites]


Having just recently moved to the area, I should probably actually show up to this - I know about half the names here pretty well, but can't say that I know a ton of people in the area.

I'm in the Columbia City area, so given the conversation here, sounds like I should expect to travel north. I'm still figuring out what things are around in general, so I certainly don't mind - although I've found that I'm not particularly found of driving in Ballard.
posted by MysticMCJ at 8:42 PM on January 21, 2016 [1 favorite]


MysticMCJ, I'm in your neck of the woods-- in Brighton, which is just south of Hillman Ciity. Let me know if there's anything I can do to facilitate your meet-upping.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 8:50 PM on January 21, 2016


If we do 2/5, 2/11, or 2/12, it sounds like Slarty Bartfast will be released from his geas and can make with the bourbons if he so desires.
posted by Errant at 10:07 AM on January 22, 2016 [1 favorite]


Have to admit that I'm really weary of meeting folks I've strictly talked to on-line IRL, as that hasn't always gone great in the past - but I feel like it's a different crowd here, so I'm thinking it's worth making an exception in this case. This site is probably the only exception to that rule, honestly.

Given where we live, you all will probably need something more to go on than "i'll be the guy with a beard and glasses wearing plaid," won't you?
posted by MysticMCJ at 10:12 AM on January 22, 2016 [1 favorite]


If we do 2/5, 2/11, or 2/12, it sounds like Slarty Bartfast will be released from his geas and can make with the bourbons if he so desires.

I can probably do 2/5; 2/11 and 2/12 are booked up.
posted by Existential Dread at 12:47 PM on January 22, 2016


Sounds like 2/5 has some support and the Leary Traveler sounds delightful.

Early (6) is good; I will call ahead once we know numbers otherwise I can probably be there by 5:30 to camp out.

Unless anyone has a strenuous objection I'll set it to 'confirmed'.
posted by quaking fajita at 2:04 PM on January 22, 2016


Given where we live, you all will probably need something more to go on than "i'll be the guy with a beard and glasses wearing plaid," won't you?

I have found that the largest preponderance of specs and phones on table is the best possible indication of the meetup group, so whatever you decide to go with, don't forget the glasses. Welcome to the neighborhood, looking forward to meeting you.
posted by Errant at 3:33 PM on January 22, 2016 [1 favorite]


Oh no! I have no beard at all!
posted by corb at 4:17 PM on January 22, 2016 [1 favorite]


If it's January 30th, you can all play "Make Slarty Drink."

Note: this is an easy game to win.

After 2/11 I'll be in Canadia drawing giant penises in the snow.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 7:06 PM on January 22, 2016 [1 favorite]


Flipping my commitment from MAYBE to ATTENDING. This will be fun.
posted by Existential Dread at 7:36 PM on January 22, 2016 [1 favorite]


Have to admit that I'm really weary of meeting folks I've strictly talked to on-line IRL, as that hasn't always gone great in the past - but I feel like it's a different crowd here, so I'm thinking it's worth making an exception in this case. This site is probably the only exception to that rule, honestly.

Yeah, MeFi meetups are great. That said, this will be my first since 2002 or 2003.

So is 2/5 the date? Because that's a good one. 30th is bad, 6th is bad, and 12th is also bad. I don't know how this "busyness" happened but it has to stop. Can't wait to meet you folks. And I can walk to the Leary Traveler, which bodes poorly for my liver.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:45 PM on January 22, 2016


If it's 2/5 I might make it out as well, especially as I'm hoping that by 2/5 I may have a reason to go north of Columbia City on a regular basis.
posted by wotsac at 9:54 AM on January 23, 2016


Lil' Ears and I are in as long as we can get a babysitter. Looking forward to meeting everyone.
posted by snez at 10:00 AM on January 23, 2016


Ok, confirmed. I also remembered to actually mark myself & the Significant Lurker as "attending".

Not sure about the flannel (I was informed upon moving here that the appropriate Seattle garb was 'fleece') but I will try to remember to wear my bright teal glasses that day.
posted by quaking fajita at 12:47 PM on January 23, 2016


Cool. I think me and the Mrs. are an ATTENDING for this. We're looking forward to actually getting to know some people around here!
posted by MysticMCJ at 12:48 PM on January 23, 2016


Oh fun, a Frelard meetup. Can't say no to something happening four stops away on the 40.
posted by Kwine at 7:30 AM on January 24, 2016


I remain a Maybe, but it's probable. I'll be confirming closer to the date, but hopefully we get a lot of seats.
posted by ChrisR at 11:56 AM on January 24, 2016


Totally forgot that the Traveler has a trivia night on Mondays. Oh well, we need to have a trivia meetup sometime.

The Traveler one is super easy, probably to cater to the Seattle U students. (Oops, did I say that *out loud*?)
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 7:00 PM on January 24, 2016 [2 favorites]


Marking this as a solid 'Maybe'; it depends on how much school is eating my soul by then.
posted by spinifex23 at 11:42 PM on January 24, 2016


Certainly maybe.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 4:20 PM on January 26, 2016


My maybe is looking more like "probably", though I'm not sure if you'll get drinky-corb taking public transportation or I'll just drive in.
posted by corb at 5:46 AM on January 28, 2016


I'm in, Errant please remind me.
posted by palegirl at 8:25 AM on January 28, 2016


I haven't been to one in probably 5 years or so (@ the Elysian on 1st) and am looking forward to making this one. I'm a "yes."
posted by nickjadlowe at 10:05 AM on January 28, 2016 [1 favorite]


Can someone who's been to the Leary Traveler comment on whether we should consider moving somewhere bigger? The 'attending' list is getting (pleasantly) long.
posted by quaking fajita at 12:49 PM on January 29, 2016 [1 favorite]


BAR IS FOR MEFITES
posted by corb at 3:01 PM on January 29, 2016


Can someone who's been to the Leary Traveler comment on whether we should consider moving somewhere bigger? The 'attending' list is getting (pleasantly) long.

I would say the Traveler would feel pretty crowded with 40 people and we are 18 definites and 12 maybes. Hales and 4 Bs are close by and much bigger if we overflow.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 6:51 PM on January 29, 2016 [1 favorite]


I also forgot, there's a ginormous brewery beer hall right behind the traveler, we'll be fine.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 12:35 PM on January 30, 2016 [1 favorite]


Damn it, due to a lack of babysitting, I can't make it.
posted by ChrisR at 12:59 PM on January 31, 2016


4 Bs is a decently sized place just down the street. 418 Public House on 65th might also be a good alternate location. It would probably be a good idea to call Traveler and let them know at the very least that we're thinking about bringing a big group in at that time, they might be able to reserve the back tables for us or alternately let us know that we're getting too sizable for them.
posted by Errant at 9:32 AM on February 1, 2016 [1 favorite]


Alright, I'm a definite, and look forward to meeting (and drinking) with you all. Now I just have to remember how many times I offered to buy beer for folk...
posted by corb at 12:20 PM on February 2, 2016


Talked to the manager at the Traveler and she said Fridays at 6 has been pretty mellow the last few weeks and we should be ok. They don't normally reserve tables but if we called about a half hour before we showed up they could hold a couple for us.
posted by quaking fajita at 5:41 PM on February 2, 2016


Should I attend? Will you guys be nice to me? I can only stay until 7 p.m.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 7:43 PM on February 2, 2016


I'm dropping back to a very soft maybe. I caught a bug, and I expect to be a bit disgusting tomorrow evening, if not actively feeling like garbage.
posted by wotsac at 10:53 AM on February 4, 2016


I'll probably wind up there late, maybe between 8-9 pm. If the party moves on to 4Bs or elsewhere, will someone be kind enough to update this post?
posted by Existential Dread at 8:55 AM on February 5, 2016


Aw, rats. I was hoping to make this but we suddenly have houseguests arriving today for the weekend. Hope everyone has a great time and I hope to make the next one.
posted by sapere aude at 10:06 AM on February 5, 2016



Damn it, due to a lack of babysitting, I can't make it.

Aw man, if the Traveler was just a little bit more pub-like, you could've brought Darwin and I coulda brought Ravi and it'd be like a Fremont Community School reunion.

Should I attend? Will you guys be nice to me? I can only stay until 7 p.m


Yes, I have been wanting to meet you in person since like 08. I promise to be professional, if not downright cordial, but that's the most I can promise.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 1:22 PM on February 5, 2016


Thanks! But guess what? I can't make it. I cracked a tooth at lunch, and had to go home (Eastside) for an emergency dental appointment. This sucks, because of my family stuff, I can't make the Seattle events, but this one lined up right in the strike zone for something I could get to.

Pour some out for me tonight!
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:57 PM on February 5, 2016


Unfortunately, the death of a family friend earlier this week has put me behind on some projects, and I need to bow out and take the evening to work on them. Sorry to miss such a big meetup, I hope we can have big ones more regularly!
posted by Kwine at 4:17 PM on February 5, 2016


Oh nooooooooooo. Somehow I thought the 5th was tomorrow when my husband was safely gone on mondo hiking trip, not tonight when I'm helping him prep. :/

I guess I'll see you guys at the next one.
posted by corb at 5:00 PM on February 5, 2016


I am here.
posted by quaking fajita at 5:52 PM on February 5, 2016


We are all here. My "here" will be your "here" (which is currently my "there") in about 10 minutes.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 6:03 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


The buses won't get me there until 7:30 or so. People settling in to still be there?
posted by clew at 6:22 PM on February 5, 2016


Today's storm has me dealing with arthritis pain and thus unable to meet you fine people today. I hope to experience IRL mefis in another meetup!
posted by Radiophonic Oddity at 6:31 PM on February 5, 2016


I'll post here if we move
posted by quaking fajita at 6:34 PM on February 5, 2016


I think we're all settling in, we should still be going strong for the next couple hours.
posted by Errant at 6:34 PM on February 5, 2016


Not going to make it tonight, because I also got the day wrong. Arrgh.

How often do we do these things? I was looking forward to meeting everyone.
posted by MysticMCJ at 6:50 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


We do them as often as someone says "hey I want to have a meetup". That someone could be you! I believe in you.
posted by Errant at 6:57 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]


If so, a meetup not immediately after work on a Friday night might afford an easier venue for the other than leisure class.
posted by y2karl at 9:38 PM on February 5, 2016


You have the power, homie. Make it real.
posted by Errant at 10:13 PM on February 5, 2016


I propose a Quiz Night meetup at the George and Dragon, any Tuesday night. But not without artw. You need a British ringer to win Quiz Night at the George and Dragon. I have not been to another trivia night in Seattle that's even slightly challenging, the George and Dragon's is my Everest, and this new batch of Seattle Mefites seem potentially smart enough for me to feel comfortable roping up with and scaling the mighty rock wall of trivia.

Nice to see all you beautifuls. Sorry to leave early, I need sleep.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 10:19 PM on February 5, 2016 [2 favorites]


I hereby challenge anyone to trivia night. I will destroy you.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:33 PM on February 5, 2016


Super fun night! It was nice meeting you all and look forward to next time! (And I think quaking fajita's + 1 will take you all down at trivia!)
posted by lil' ears at 11:40 PM on February 5, 2016


yeah, I'd be up for trivia.

Any interest in an Eastside meetup?
posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:57 PM on February 5, 2016


I won the meetup. It's now my birthday. The end.
posted by Errant at 12:08 AM on February 6, 2016 [2 favorites]


Happy birthday!!
posted by lil' ears at 12:26 AM on February 6, 2016 [2 favorites]


I'm glad I made it out. Let's do it again soon, friends.
posted by O9scar at 12:27 AM on February 6, 2016 [2 favorites]


Aw, Errant, it's your birthday? If I'd known, I'd have bought you a bunch of syrupy, embarassingly-named shots!
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 4:14 AM on February 6, 2016 [1 favorite]


I'm down for trivia. While I may be bad at telling days apart, I promise I have whole buckets load of generally-useless information in my head.
posted by corb at 12:05 PM on February 6, 2016


I will ponder a meetup - I've only really recently started branching out and learning the city, but I'm sure I can come up with something. Seems like a good challenge that would force me to learn it a bit more.

I certainly enjoy trivia, and I used to head a regular group a few years back. I can either be great or horrible depending on the topics... and I can deliver a surprising amount of accurate wild guesses. I am, however, one of the worst people you can have on hand for any sort of sports trivia - To give you an idea, I had precisely one strategy for answering any golf related question when I played trivial pursuit in the past that I continue to use to this day. If it's a tournament, the answer is "The Masters." If it's a person, the answer is "Jack Nicklaus" -- unless I've had too much to drink, then it's "Jack Nicholson." That last one has yet to be a correct answer, but the others have worked a surprising amount of times for trivia in general.

Anyways, looks like that pub quiz starts at 8:00 - Tuesday nights will be accounted for from 7:30-8:30ish for me for a few weeks, which would put me squarely late for it. I don't know how strict they are about that, I'm used to groups being pretty loose about that sort of thing. I certainly don't mind heckling from afar and catching up afterwards if that's the only option.
posted by MysticMCJ at 7:19 PM on February 6, 2016





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