Metafilter Bar Crawl
posted March 9, 2012 7:46 AM RSS | iCal | +googleCal
Sat March 31 at 5:00 PM, Hungry Mother
233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge, MA, USA (Map & Directions)
There seems to be interest, so let's have a Boston Bar Crawl!
Picking one neighborhood/T Stop seems like a good idea, but if no one minds we could head all over the place. Central or Union Squares seem to be good starting points, and we can flesh out an itinerary from there.
Starting at Hungry Mother, we'll update our locations here as we head up Mass Ave towards Harvard.
Starting at Hungry Mother, we'll update our locations here as we head up Mass Ave towards Harvard.
The problem with Union is that since it's off the T getting from place to place could be a pain.
If we go Central to Kendall we can hit 4 places mentioned in that thread in 1.2 miles and have a mixture of beer-centric and cocktail-centric places. CBC is also on that route for more beer.
posted by Aizkolari at 8:18 AM on March 9, 2012
If we go Central to Kendall we can hit 4 places mentioned in that thread in 1.2 miles and have a mixture of beer-centric and cocktail-centric places. CBC is also on that route for more beer.
posted by Aizkolari at 8:18 AM on March 9, 2012
Central is pretty much the sweet spot: Craigie on Main, Rendezvous, Green Street, and Brick and Mortar are all within a few blocks of each other.
posted by dfan at 8:24 AM on March 9, 2012
posted by dfan at 8:24 AM on March 9, 2012
Some friends and I went on one in the reverse direction one drunken Saturday - started with brunch at the Friendly Toast, followed by the CBC and then up Mass Ave in to Harvard. I would be happy with this plan, and I definitely want to check out Brick and Mortar.
posted by backseatpilot at 8:32 AM on March 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by backseatpilot at 8:32 AM on March 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
I would love to be in. (Does the Attending/Maybe widget show up when this leaves "Proposed"?)
posted by benito.strauss at 8:48 AM on March 9, 2012
posted by benito.strauss at 8:48 AM on March 9, 2012
Rereading this post, I see that it just says "bar crawl"; my Central Square list above was pretty cocktail-focused because that's what the the original thread that spawned this was about. The bars/restaurants I listed all do have interesting beers, though, and fairly nearby are the more beer-focused Lord Hobo, Cambridge Brewing Company, and Meadhall.
posted by dfan at 9:03 AM on March 9, 2012
posted by dfan at 9:03 AM on March 9, 2012
How soon are you thinking about doing this? Only cause I have to go back to Memphis on Monday, so this is my last weekend here. I like drinking.
posted by DiscourseMarker at 9:14 AM on March 9, 2012
posted by DiscourseMarker at 9:14 AM on March 9, 2012
I didn't note the title, Based on the original thread, I was hoping for more of a cocktail sidle than a bar crawl.
posted by benito.strauss at 10:02 AM on March 9, 2012
posted by benito.strauss at 10:02 AM on March 9, 2012
I'm not sure I know the term "cocktail sidle", but I'm sure that would be fine! If you want to find one bar and run through their cocktail menu, you won't get any complaints from me.
As far as timing... I'm fairly free on the weekends, but I would be interested in hearing from other folks before making a declaration.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:51 AM on March 9, 2012
As far as timing... I'm fairly free on the weekends, but I would be interested in hearing from other folks before making a declaration.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:51 AM on March 9, 2012
I'd love to be in on this. I have to go to Melbourne for work week after next, so 3/16 - 3/18 and 3/23-3/25 are off limits for me, but everything else afterwards is good.
Also voting for Central. Craigie + Brick & Mortar + Green Street + Rendezvous > Backbar + Bergamot + Trina's.
Though Backbar -> Hungry Mother -> various points in Central could be neat.
posted by bl1nk at 1:55 PM on March 9, 2012
Also voting for Central. Craigie + Brick & Mortar + Green Street + Rendezvous > Backbar + Bergamot + Trina's.
Though Backbar -> Hungry Mother -> various points in Central could be neat.
posted by bl1nk at 1:55 PM on March 9, 2012
I would SO be in! but can it wait until after the 19th please? if not, I shall have to yearn wistfully from Toronto.
posted by idlethink at 5:16 PM on March 9, 2012
posted by idlethink at 5:16 PM on March 9, 2012
This is relevant to my interests.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 4:59 AM on March 10, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Horace Rumpole at 4:59 AM on March 10, 2012 [1 favorite]
Yes! I'm in favor of Union, just because it's within walking distance for me, but Central works, too.
posted by angels in the architecture at 6:20 AM on March 10, 2012
posted by angels in the architecture at 6:20 AM on March 10, 2012
What Horace said. How is Cuchi Cuchi not being mentioned re: cocktails in Central?
Maybe Central is a good start for now and when the weather is nice (in a month or two) we could do Union? It is off the T, but it's a reasonable bus ride from Davis, Lechmere, Sullivan, or Harvard.
posted by maryr at 7:55 AM on March 10, 2012
Maybe Central is a good start for now and when the weather is nice (in a month or two) we could do Union? It is off the T, but it's a reasonable bus ride from Davis, Lechmere, Sullivan, or Harvard.
posted by maryr at 7:55 AM on March 10, 2012
How perfect. If it's this week, I'm definitely in (Spring Break) otherwise, I'll try to make it!
posted by smirkette at 8:03 AM on March 10, 2012
posted by smirkette at 8:03 AM on March 10, 2012
I'll take "Potent Potables" for two hundred, Alex.
I am interested! I will not wax eloquent about my bacon vodka, but I can bring a sample if I attend.
posted by not_on_display at 9:38 AM on March 10, 2012
I am interested! I will not wax eloquent about my bacon vodka, but I can bring a sample if I attend.
posted by not_on_display at 9:38 AM on March 10, 2012
If I'm in town, I'd love to come to my first meet-up!
posted by barnone at 10:02 AM on March 10, 2012
posted by barnone at 10:02 AM on March 10, 2012
We might be up for this, depending on the date. Pro cocktail and pro beer, either way!
posted by little cow make small moo at 10:16 AM on March 10, 2012
posted by little cow make small moo at 10:16 AM on March 10, 2012
How many places are feasible to do in one sidle?Craigie is always packed after, say, 6pm on anything but Sun-Tues., so I might vote for starting early in Central (Brick and Mortar and Rendezvous open at 5pm, Green Street can't be far behind) if we want to include Craigie, especially.
In Kendall there's Hungry Mother (though the bar is small), Friendly Toast, Abigail's, and Meadhall, which are all good along with CBC/Kika's/Evoo/Firebrand Saint's. So maybe we need Three cocktail sidles, Kendall, Central, and Union?
So many great cocktails, so little time!
posted by ldthomps at 12:30 PM on March 10, 2012
In Kendall there's Hungry Mother (though the bar is small), Friendly Toast, Abigail's, and Meadhall, which are all good along with CBC/Kika's/Evoo/Firebrand Saint's. So maybe we need Three cocktail sidles, Kendall, Central, and Union?
So many great cocktails, so little time!
posted by ldthomps at 12:30 PM on March 10, 2012
I do love cocktails.
posted by Diablevert at 1:53 PM on March 10, 2012
posted by Diablevert at 1:53 PM on March 10, 2012
Looking at the calendar, I am just remembering now that St. Patrick's Day is next weekend which may not be the best day to try to organize something like this. Two Saturdays from now, the 24th? Any strong objections to that?
posted by backseatpilot at 5:11 AM on March 11, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 5:11 AM on March 11, 2012
I've never been to some of these places, but they sound enticing, as long as we pick far away enough from St. Patty's.
Saloon at Davis Square isn't on this list, me thinks, but probably warrants a meetup all its own!
I don't get the love for CBC, and have always had abysmally slow service there, with mediocre food.
posted by canine epigram at 3:38 PM on March 11, 2012
Saloon at Davis Square isn't on this list, me thinks, but probably warrants a meetup all its own!
I don't get the love for CBC, and have always had abysmally slow service there, with mediocre food.
posted by canine epigram at 3:38 PM on March 11, 2012
It is at this point that I sulk and wish the green line extended a few more miles to the west. Perhaps I could come for a cocktail or two before I switch to the virgin martinis. Otherwise known as an olive.
posted by bondcliff at 5:33 PM on March 11, 2012
posted by bondcliff at 5:33 PM on March 11, 2012
Evoo is in Kendall now?
The trick with Saloon, or so I hear, is that it is incredibly crowded/popular right now. I say "so I hear" because the one time I tried to go, there was a line out the door, which is impressive with the number of decent bars and/or popular bars in Davis.
posted by maryr at 8:43 PM on March 11, 2012
The trick with Saloon, or so I hear, is that it is incredibly crowded/popular right now. I say "so I hear" because the one time I tried to go, there was a line out the door, which is impressive with the number of decent bars and/or popular bars in Davis.
posted by maryr at 8:43 PM on March 11, 2012
I went to Saloon two Fridays ago with a friend and as maryr indicated, there was a line out the door, but the line moved fairly fast. However, inside was super packed and crowded. I would also be of a mind to wait a few months for the "OMG!NEWPLACE!" vibe to mellow out before organizing a meetup there.
I think, depending on the size of the meetup, cocktail bars that are more accomodating to larger groups would probably be Green Street, Trina's and maybe Brick & Mortar (though, I was only there when they were early and soft-opening, and I have no idea how mobbed they can get now that they're fully open). Hungry Mother is tiny, and as others have pointed out, the bar at Craigie has its own line on weekends. Highland Kitchen can also probably handle groups, but it's crowded and a long uphill walk\inconvenient bus ride from Union
If the CBC suggestions also indicate that people are open for beer, then an alternative that I'd put forward is Atwood's on Cambridge St. near Inman. Good beer list (though the cocktails are not their strength) not crazy crowded\ noisy like Bukowski's and only a five block walk up from CBC.
posted by bl1nk at 8:34 AM on March 12, 2012
I think, depending on the size of the meetup, cocktail bars that are more accomodating to larger groups would probably be Green Street, Trina's and maybe Brick & Mortar (though, I was only there when they were early and soft-opening, and I have no idea how mobbed they can get now that they're fully open). Hungry Mother is tiny, and as others have pointed out, the bar at Craigie has its own line on weekends. Highland Kitchen can also probably handle groups, but it's crowded and a long uphill walk\inconvenient bus ride from Union
If the CBC suggestions also indicate that people are open for beer, then an alternative that I'd put forward is Atwood's on Cambridge St. near Inman. Good beer list (though the cocktails are not their strength) not crazy crowded\ noisy like Bukowski's and only a five block walk up from CBC.
posted by bl1nk at 8:34 AM on March 12, 2012
Crud, I just remembered we have orchestra tickets for the 24th, so that day would probably be out for me. Friday ok with everyone?
posted by backseatpilot at 2:02 PM on March 12, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 2:02 PM on March 12, 2012
I think a Friday night is going to be an awfully tough time to get a large group into these places, between people going out after work, and people going out for dinner a couple hours later.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 7:48 AM on March 13, 2012
posted by Horace Rumpole at 7:48 AM on March 13, 2012
Alright - I'm going to call it for the 31st, then. If there's serious heartache about that we can change it. Let's start at Hungry Mother and work towards Harvard - we can update locations in the thread as we move.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:46 PM on March 13, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 12:46 PM on March 13, 2012
Sounds good. For the record, I would very much rather go to a place where I could actually hear you all talk than go someplace to be "seen."
posted by smirkette at 6:31 PM on March 15, 2012
posted by smirkette at 6:31 PM on March 15, 2012
Okay, that might sound kinda bitchy. Translation: I care more about company than venue; that is all.
shoves foot in mouth, a hobby of mine.
posted by smirkette at 6:34 PM on March 15, 2012
shoves foot in mouth, a hobby of mine.
posted by smirkette at 6:34 PM on March 15, 2012
Not bitchy at all. And I agree — I'm hoping for a place with interesting cocktails we can get into and talk to each. I've been pointed at a drink with Becherovka and Pine Liqueur that I hope to try.
posted by benito.strauss at 7:13 PM on March 15, 2012
posted by benito.strauss at 7:13 PM on March 15, 2012
Hungry Mother opens at 5, so it shouldn't be too busy. In fact, people might want to arrive a couple minutes late so we're not barreling down the door right at opening!
posted by backseatpilot at 5:52 AM on March 16, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 5:52 AM on March 16, 2012
Date won't work for me due to a work event, but y'all have fun and I'll catch you on the flipside.
posted by Miko at 6:17 AM on March 16, 2012
posted by Miko at 6:17 AM on March 16, 2012
Ha ha ha ha, being out of work at 5, that's hilarious.
Oh, wait, SATURDAY. Yes, I can do Saturday. Excellent.
posted by maryr at 7:52 AM on March 16, 2012
Oh, wait, SATURDAY. Yes, I can do Saturday. Excellent.
posted by maryr at 7:52 AM on March 16, 2012
In, I think. Hope to bring my lady too--a cocktail enthusiast (and technically a MeFite--she has a very dormant account around here somewhere).
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:26 AM on March 19, 2012
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:26 AM on March 19, 2012
Any sense what the *second* stop is likely to be, or is the plan to decide on the fly? Because I'd consider joining a little later if there's a danger of overwhelming Hungry Mother's tiny little bar area.
posted by Dixon Ticonderoga at 6:12 PM on March 28, 2012
posted by Dixon Ticonderoga at 6:12 PM on March 28, 2012
Looking at the map, second stop will probably be CBC or Lord Hobo. After that (or if no one's up for beer) then... Craigie on Main, probably? It'll be a voice vote after we're done with Hungry Mother, but I'll keep this thread updated with our location.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:18 AM on March 29, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 5:18 AM on March 29, 2012
Good idea. It looks like the lady and I will be joining--and likely promptly, as Hungry Mother is one of our favorite watering holes. But I think at 5:00 on a Saturday there should be plenty of room for all of us (though it would probably be considerate to refrain from lingering and monopolizing all their bar space for too long...)
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:34 AM on March 29, 2012
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:34 AM on March 29, 2012
BTW, is there a plan to eat at some point? Or just bar food along the way? (Which given these restaurants, is perfectly fine with me!) Or should I have a giant late lunch?
posted by maryr at 6:49 PM on March 29, 2012
posted by maryr at 6:49 PM on March 29, 2012
I was thinking bar bites - I didn't think making a reservation anywhere was going to be terrible convenient if we're wandering up Mass Ave without a schedule otherwise.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:08 AM on March 30, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 5:08 AM on March 30, 2012
The bar bites at Hungry Mother, for one, are delicious! Although I also never turn down a slice of pizza en route from bar to bar...
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:15 AM on March 30, 2012
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:15 AM on March 30, 2012
The bar area at Craigie on Main will probably be super full at prime time on a Saturday. I hear it empties out a bit later (say, after 9). Before then, Brick and Mortar is probably our best bet for a place directly in Central Square that does interesting drinks and is suitable for a medium group of people, although they can sometimes be crowded too.
I just heard that Green Street is closed until early April, so they're out :( Plenty of other options, though.
posted by dfan at 7:06 AM on March 30, 2012
I just heard that Green Street is closed until early April, so they're out :( Plenty of other options, though.
posted by dfan at 7:06 AM on March 30, 2012
I just heard that Green Street is closed until early April, so they're out :( Plenty of other options, though.
Is that right? I just walked past there a week or so ago and it was hopping! Too bad!
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:24 AM on March 30, 2012
Is that right? I just walked past there a week or so ago and it was hopping! Too bad!
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:24 AM on March 30, 2012
The Green Street news is second-hand but it's from a friend who tried to go yesterday. It's not like it's that far out of our way if we want to give it a shot anyway.
posted by dfan at 10:36 AM on March 30, 2012
posted by dfan at 10:36 AM on March 30, 2012
I'm putting myself down as a maybe, but would like to recommend Lord Hobo regardless. I've been there once and will go back. The one time I was there, I got a sampler of IPAs from Mikkeller. They were all brewed exactly the same way, except with different hops. So I got to see what different types of hops tasted like, which was pretty cool.
posted by A dead Quaker at 4:22 PM on March 30, 2012
posted by A dead Quaker at 4:22 PM on March 30, 2012
FYI, I walked around the block and checked on Green Street while waiting for the 1 this evening. They are closed for repairs until April 2.
posted by maryr at 10:01 PM on March 30, 2012
posted by maryr at 10:01 PM on March 30, 2012
how late are people planning on boozing? I have a prior commitment that's likely to run over and may not be able to get into town until 8 or so.
posted by bl1nk at 7:26 AM on March 31, 2012
posted by bl1nk at 7:26 AM on March 31, 2012
Putting this in the thread for later removal: my cell is 508-415-9074. People can text us to see where we are and I should be able to text back, if that's easy. We may make an earlyish night of it, but it might be easier to text me than check this thread.
posted by jessamyn at 9:21 AM on March 31, 2012
posted by jessamyn at 9:21 AM on March 31, 2012
thanks for the phone number! I've been coerced into a last-minute meeting, so I'll only be able to join around 7, and it'll be easier to get in touch by phone. my vote to Lord Hobo or Brick & Mortar, but more importantly to good company! in haste/anticipation --
posted by idlethink at 1:58 PM on March 31, 2012
posted by idlethink at 1:58 PM on March 31, 2012
Sorry to arrive starving and then bolt. We are at CBC awaiting flights and snacks in case anyone else needs a seat/snack.
posted by jessamyn at 2:45 PM on March 31, 2012
posted by jessamyn at 2:45 PM on March 31, 2012
Just settling up at Hungry Mother right now and we'll be heading to the CBC.
posted by backseatpilot at 3:03 PM on March 31, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 3:03 PM on March 31, 2012
Off to Lord Hobo!
posted by backseatpilot at 4:18 PM on March 31, 2012
posted by backseatpilot at 4:18 PM on March 31, 2012
That was so much fun!
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:57 AM on April 1, 2012
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:57 AM on April 1, 2012
It was indeed! Thanks to everyone for a fun night and especially backseatpilot for organizing.
posted by dfan at 8:40 AM on April 1, 2012
posted by dfan at 8:40 AM on April 1, 2012
That was a super good time and probably the best bar crawl I have been to because you are all so charming and reasonable so there was no late night drama or puking and I do not have a headache this morning. Thanks to everyone for coming out and backseatpilot for putting it together.
posted by jessamyn at 10:04 AM on April 1, 2012
posted by jessamyn at 10:04 AM on April 1, 2012
Mmmm, those were some good drinks and some fun conversations. Thanks backseatpilot and everyone, it was great seeing you all and making new acquaintances!
posted by not_on_display at 10:14 AM on April 1, 2012
posted by not_on_display at 10:14 AM on April 1, 2012
Great event. Good drinks and great cocktail wisdom from you guys.
(Sorry for cutting out early; the least time talking above crowd noise scratches up my voice something harsh. I'm definitely going to go back and check out Bricks&Mortar at some more boring hour of the day.)
posted by benito.strauss at 11:17 AM on April 1, 2012
(Sorry for cutting out early; the least time talking above crowd noise scratches up my voice something harsh. I'm definitely going to go back and check out Bricks&Mortar at some more boring hour of the day.)
posted by benito.strauss at 11:17 AM on April 1, 2012
Photos are up!
posted by not_on_display at 9:31 PM on April 1, 2012
posted by not_on_display at 9:31 PM on April 1, 2012
Photos are up!
posted by not_on_display
Epony-contradictory?
posted by benito.strauss at 10:27 PM on April 1, 2012
posted by not_on_display
Epony-contradictory?
posted by benito.strauss at 10:27 PM on April 1, 2012
Contraponysterical
posted by not_on_display at 12:41 PM on April 2, 2012
posted by not_on_display at 12:41 PM on April 2, 2012
Glad I made it out to this. Mefites are less intimidating than I expected!
posted by Dixon Ticonderoga at 2:27 PM on April 2, 2012
posted by Dixon Ticonderoga at 2:27 PM on April 2, 2012
Thanks again to bsp for setting this up, and thanks to n_o_d for the pictures!
posted by Horace Rumpole at 5:14 PM on April 2, 2012
posted by Horace Rumpole at 5:14 PM on April 2, 2012
Nev (check his contacts).
posted by Horace Rumpole at 6:38 PM on April 5, 2012
posted by Horace Rumpole at 6:38 PM on April 5, 2012
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by Sublimity at 7:56 AM on March 9, 2012