Boston mefites, we would love to see you!
posted October 28, 2013 9:24 AM RSS | iCal | +googleCal
Sun November 3 at 5:30 PM, Stoddard's
48 Temple Place, Boston, MA, USA (Map & Directions)
gingerbeer and I will be in Boston from November 2nd through the 6th. She's there for a conference, I'm there for a nostalgia tour and just to hang out. We'd love to meet up with you.
We're staying at the Omni Parker House, near the State House. We will not have a car. We both drink. We like food. Based on gingerbeer's conference schedule, either Sunday or Tuesday evening would work. I haven't been eating or drinking in Boston in more than a decade, so I leave the recommendations to you all! Edited to add (cuz I can!): Obviously, now confirmed for Stoddard's on Sunday.
I'd consider coming from Portland. anybody want to carpool?
posted by theora55 at 2:04 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by theora55 at 2:04 PM on October 28, 2013
Assuming a clement shift schedule, I'd definitely be in!
posted by threeants at 2:27 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by threeants at 2:27 PM on October 28, 2013
(Actually, I could definitely do Sunday but Tuesday is more up in the air.)
posted by threeants at 2:28 PM on October 28, 2013
posted by threeants at 2:28 PM on October 28, 2013
I can do Tuesday but not Sunday, unfortunately.
posted by Metroid Baby at 3:53 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by Metroid Baby at 3:53 AM on October 29, 2013
Sunday or Tuesday would be fine with me. I come in from the suburbs, so I'll probably be late if it's Tuesday.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 4:34 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 4:34 AM on October 29, 2013
Tuesdays are a bit tough for me; I have my Catholic initiation class that night, so Sunday nights are better. But I would absolutely love to come.
posted by koeselitz at 4:58 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by koeselitz at 4:58 AM on October 29, 2013
Stoddards does really great poutine. I ate two the last time I was there! Right around the corner.
Marliave would also be good, and quite close to the Omni Parker House. A Boston institution.
Same goes for Jacob Wirth--close, and a Boston landmark.
A little further afield is the Tip Tap Room on Cambridge Street at Staniford (MGH Stop)--excellent beers and a wide range of local charcuterie.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 5:01 AM on October 29, 2013
Marliave would also be good, and quite close to the Omni Parker House. A Boston institution.
Same goes for Jacob Wirth--close, and a Boston landmark.
A little further afield is the Tip Tap Room on Cambridge Street at Staniford (MGH Stop)--excellent beers and a wide range of local charcuterie.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 5:01 AM on October 29, 2013
For me, Sunday's better. Wednesday I can't do at all, Tuesday is hard.
Jacob Wirth is a blast, but I had a group outing there a while back and it might be a little hard to hear each other - it's loud! But I would not whine much if we ended up there because of the deliciousness.
posted by Miko at 6:07 AM on October 29, 2013
Jacob Wirth is a blast, but I had a group outing there a while back and it might be a little hard to hear each other - it's loud! But I would not whine much if we ended up there because of the deliciousness.
posted by Miko at 6:07 AM on October 29, 2013
If it ends up being dinner on Tuesday, I'd love to join in.
posted by daisyace at 6:14 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by daisyace at 6:14 AM on October 29, 2013
I hope I can come, whatever day it is. Yay, rtha & gingerbeer!
posted by not_on_display at 6:24 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by not_on_display at 6:24 AM on October 29, 2013
Jacob Wirth is a blast, but I had a group outing there a while back and it might be a little hard to hear each other - it's loud!
I second this. I couldn't hear much that was said at the last Metafilter meetup there. Our huge table admittedly didn't help.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 6:26 AM on October 29, 2013
I second this. I couldn't hear much that was said at the last Metafilter meetup there. Our huge table admittedly didn't help.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 6:26 AM on October 29, 2013
If the plan is for Sunday afternoon (not 100% clear how to parse "Sunday and Tuesday evening"), I'd think Wirth would not be too loud, FWIW. It can get loud on a Th/Fr/Sat night, though, for sure.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:34 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:34 AM on October 29, 2013
Either the mods are testing a new feature where we get memailed about events within a given mileage from the house, or matthowie really wants me to come and this is the oddest intervention ever...
If I can somehow find coverage for two kids, I'll be there with a +1... Oh, and convince the +1 that meeting random strangers from the internet is a good idea.
posted by Nanukthedog at 6:40 AM on October 29, 2013
If I can somehow find coverage for two kids, I'll be there with a +1... Oh, and convince the +1 that meeting random strangers from the internet is a good idea.
posted by Nanukthedog at 6:40 AM on October 29, 2013
I sometimes do a deep house night at 6B Lounge on Beacon Hill on Tuesdays. I'm not scheduled to play on the 5th but it's still a nice place to chill out and have some drinks.
posted by 1adam12 at 6:40 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by 1adam12 at 6:40 AM on October 29, 2013
I second this. I couldn't hear much that was said at the last Metafilter meetup there. Our huge table admittedly didn't help.
But we could hear the guy doing piano covers of Nirvana songs, so there's that.
posted by bondcliff at 7:16 AM on October 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
But we could hear the guy doing piano covers of Nirvana songs, so there's that.
posted by bondcliff at 7:16 AM on October 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
Either the mods are testing a new feature
It's an old feature! I might be able to do Sunday. No chance on Tuesday.
posted by jessamyn at 7:25 AM on October 29, 2013
It's an old feature! I might be able to do Sunday. No chance on Tuesday.
posted by jessamyn at 7:25 AM on October 29, 2013
I don't think I can do Sunday, but I can do Tuesday.
Amhrein's is crazy loud. You must literally shout to be heard.
posted by ignignokt at 7:28 AM on October 29, 2013
Amhrein's is crazy loud. You must literally shout to be heard.
posted by ignignokt at 7:28 AM on October 29, 2013
I'm up on Hawk Hill all day today (YAY!), but I will nudge gingerbeer - once she wakes up - to offer an opinion. I'm leaning towards Sunday so far - maybe a late afternoon start? (I've already committed myself to meet a friend from high school at 8 am Monday morning in Newton Centre so if I'm out too late on Sunday I will hate myself.)
posted by rtha at 7:31 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by rtha at 7:31 AM on October 29, 2013
I have conference stuff until 6 pm on Sunday, but can join you all after that. Let's do it on Sunday, possibly starting at 6, or earlier?
Which of the proposed places is best for Sunday evening?
posted by gingerbeer at 7:46 AM on October 29, 2013
Which of the proposed places is best for Sunday evening?
posted by gingerbeer at 7:46 AM on October 29, 2013
koeselitz, young-rope-rider? Everybody's moving to Boston!
And I'd love to meet up with you two, but I'll warn you I'm expecting some pretty kick-ass cowboy boots.
Others know eating/drinking places better than I do, but I'll point out that if you haven't been back to Boston in a while you should definitely walk the Rose Kennedy Greenway ( aka where 93 used to run through downtown) up to the Garden and Causeway Street. It looks completely different now. And the seaport across Fort Point Channel is also pretty shockingly built up now too.
posted by benito.strauss at 9:37 AM on October 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
And I'd love to meet up with you two, but I'll warn you I'm expecting some pretty kick-ass cowboy boots.
Others know eating/drinking places better than I do, but I'll point out that if you haven't been back to Boston in a while you should definitely walk the Rose Kennedy Greenway ( aka where 93 used to run through downtown) up to the Garden and Causeway Street. It looks completely different now. And the seaport across Fort Point Channel is also pretty shockingly built up now too.
posted by benito.strauss at 9:37 AM on October 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
Oops, I mushed together two separate thoughts. 1) Hey, look at the people who now live near Boston, and 2) Glad for the chance to meet gingerbeer and rtha. Rtha had previously posted some pix of her cowboy boots — they looked very cool.
posted by benito.strauss at 11:16 AM on October 29, 2013
posted by benito.strauss at 11:16 AM on October 29, 2013
rtha does indeed have cool cowboy boots, and maybe I'll have to wear mine, too. I can do an Important Conference Presentation in them, right?
posted by gingerbeer at 12:46 PM on October 29, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by gingerbeer at 12:46 PM on October 29, 2013 [2 favorites]
You can do an important conference presentation EVEN BETTER in them.
posted by Miko at 1:08 PM on October 29, 2013
posted by Miko at 1:08 PM on October 29, 2013
Hmm, connections, clicked on gingerbeer's page before, what topic? Ahhh, is there a big drug conference in town? Do they give samples? Ba ding... sorry...
posted by sammyo at 3:34 PM on October 29, 2013
posted by sammyo at 3:34 PM on October 29, 2013
Nope, public health conference!
posted by gingerbeer at 6:42 PM on October 29, 2013
posted by gingerbeer at 6:42 PM on October 29, 2013
There will be free samples of public health.
posted by gingerbeer at 6:44 PM on October 29, 2013
posted by gingerbeer at 6:44 PM on October 29, 2013
I would be interested in Stoddard's, as I have not been in there before. Boston Beer Works has a nice semi-private upstairs room which we might be able to finagle again (with pool tables, if I remember correctly), but being close to the Garden might be a problem if there are sports games Sunday night - does anyone else keep better tabs on this stuff than me?
posted by backseatpilot at 7:05 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by backseatpilot at 7:05 AM on October 30, 2013
TD Garden has nothing that evening. I will probably be able to come down. Would only request a place that isn't screamo loud.
posted by jessamyn at 7:32 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 7:32 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
I am leaning towards Stoddard's in no small part because it's close to the hotel and it will be easy for gingerbeer to stroll over once her meeting is done. I'm contemplating a 5 pm-ish start.
Thoughts? And, never having been there, is it a place where I should make reservations, or is there sufficient bar space for us to just kind of colonize some space as we arrive?
posted by rtha at 9:54 AM on October 30, 2013
Thoughts? And, never having been there, is it a place where I should make reservations, or is there sufficient bar space for us to just kind of colonize some space as we arrive?
posted by rtha at 9:54 AM on October 30, 2013
There's a number of tables up front and then an ample bar area with seating in the back. I've been there a few times during the height of the week Wed/Th/Fri for after work drinks and never had a problem, and I imagine getting there at 5 would not be an issue on a Sunday.
If that's where we're going, we can reassess as more people firm up their RSVPs. I don't think there is contiguous seating for 20 like we've had at some venues. For me, that's a plus, since sitting decreases mingling, but others may disagree.
It's on my way home; I can reconnoiter tonight.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:29 AM on October 30, 2013
If that's where we're going, we can reassess as more people firm up their RSVPs. I don't think there is contiguous seating for 20 like we've had at some venues. For me, that's a plus, since sitting decreases mingling, but others may disagree.
It's on my way home; I can reconnoiter tonight.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:29 AM on October 30, 2013
I don't think there is contiguous seating for 20 like we've had at some venues. For me, that's a plus, since sitting decreases mingling
I'm totally fine with non-contiguous seating but not okay with not-enough seating since I'll be there for dinner. If that works, Stoddards sounds great.
posted by jessamyn at 11:55 AM on October 30, 2013
I'm totally fine with non-contiguous seating but not okay with not-enough seating since I'll be there for dinner. If that works, Stoddards sounds great.
posted by jessamyn at 11:55 AM on October 30, 2013
I will wait for the Admiral's update, if he's able to stop by (and thank you very much!) on his way home.
posted by rtha at 1:52 PM on October 30, 2013
posted by rtha at 1:52 PM on October 30, 2013
I scoped out Stoddard's. The hostess said they don't have any reservations for early evening Sunday, and it's usually quiet then. All the same, she recommended making a reservation if we have a firmer count on Friday, and they can be flexible the day of.
They have table seating for about 25 by the bar (18 or so are largely contiguous); seating for about 20 at the bar itself (plus two or three chairless hi-tops); with a long rank of tables seating 20 in the front.
I will now take questions from the audience.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 3:50 PM on October 30, 2013
They have table seating for about 25 by the bar (18 or so are largely contiguous); seating for about 20 at the bar itself (plus two or three chairless hi-tops); with a long rank of tables seating 20 in the front.
I will now take questions from the audience.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 3:50 PM on October 30, 2013
I'm gonna be buying your drinks, sir! Thank you so much.
I will go ahead and make this official for Stoddard's at...say 5:30, and then make reservations on Friday-ish. Can't wait to meet/see you all!
posted by rtha at 6:41 PM on October 30, 2013
I will go ahead and make this official for Stoddard's at...say 5:30, and then make reservations on Friday-ish. Can't wait to meet/see you all!
posted by rtha at 6:41 PM on October 30, 2013
Woooooo!
posted by jessamyn at 7:13 PM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 7:13 PM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
Argh, I'm jealous. Someone save some poutine for me.
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:20 AM on October 31, 2013
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:20 AM on October 31, 2013
Never!
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:43 AM on October 31, 2013
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:43 AM on October 31, 2013
Aw, I am sad I can't go to this, but we already had plans for Sunday. Have fun everyone!
posted by DiscourseMarker at 12:50 PM on October 31, 2013
posted by DiscourseMarker at 12:50 PM on October 31, 2013
I will be coming down from the Whites on Sunday but will try to make it to this meetup.
posted by Aizkolari at 8:20 AM on November 1, 2013
posted by Aizkolari at 8:20 AM on November 1, 2013
I forgot about this until just now, but I'll try to make it.
posted by maryr at 2:36 PM on November 1, 2013
posted by maryr at 2:36 PM on November 1, 2013
Reservation for 15 made. It's in Matt's name. If any of you see a significant uptick in "yes"s for this while I'm flying through the air tomorrow, feel free to give Stoddard's a headsup!
posted by rtha at 3:36 PM on November 1, 2013
posted by rtha at 3:36 PM on November 1, 2013
I had poutine this evening at a librarian meetup (in Vermont) and am looking forward to possibly MORE poutine. n_o_d reminded me that there is a RED SOX PARADE that will be fucking up all of Boston from about 10-1 tomorrow, so I hope you guys are arriving after that.
posted by jessamyn at 7:19 PM on November 1, 2013
posted by jessamyn at 7:19 PM on November 1, 2013
Sunday at 5 should be after Saturday at 10, right?
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 8:06 PM on November 1, 2013
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 8:06 PM on November 1, 2013
Ack, sorry, am tired.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 8:25 PM on November 1, 2013
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 8:25 PM on November 1, 2013
Yeah, our flight doesn't get in until 6 or so, so the parade stuff and most drunk people will like be elsewhere. Right?
posted by rtha at 10:14 PM on November 1, 2013
posted by rtha at 10:14 PM on November 1, 2013
Sorry to report that I will be cowboy boot-less. At the last minute this morning the ones I was going to wear were uncharacteristically making my right foot feel weird. So, shoes.
posted by rtha at 7:37 AM on November 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by rtha at 7:37 AM on November 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
Ah well, healthy feet are more important than fashion. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
posted by benito.strauss at 9:00 AM on November 2, 2013
posted by benito.strauss at 9:00 AM on November 2, 2013
Well, we've arrived safely in Boston, and have already made good friends with a bar proprietor. I do have my cowboy boots but am not sure if I'll be wearing them tomorrow evening. Looking forward to the meetup.
posted by gingerbeer at 7:33 PM on November 2, 2013
posted by gingerbeer at 7:33 PM on November 2, 2013
I'm putting myself down as a maybe--was in Finland this past week and am jetlagged.
For future reference, I think a really good meetup place downtown would be Petit Robert Central. It's not too loud, Saturday nights are quiet, the bartenders are great, and the food is good. They're closed on Sundays though, so it's a moot point this time around. Anyway, worth checking out. I've heard good things about Stoddard's and hope I can make it.
posted by A dead Quaker at 4:04 AM on November 3, 2013
For future reference, I think a really good meetup place downtown would be Petit Robert Central. It's not too loud, Saturday nights are quiet, the bartenders are great, and the food is good. They're closed on Sundays though, so it's a moot point this time around. Anyway, worth checking out. I've heard good things about Stoddard's and hope I can make it.
posted by A dead Quaker at 4:04 AM on November 3, 2013
Oh! I'd missed this until going thru memail this morning. I would love to meet y'all - I'll see if I can swing by, but will list myself as a 'maybe' for now.
posted by rmd1023 at 9:11 AM on November 3, 2013
posted by rmd1023 at 9:11 AM on November 3, 2013
I list with bated breath to attend the resolution of the cowboy boot question.
posted by koeselitz at 10:44 AM on November 3, 2013
posted by koeselitz at 10:44 AM on November 3, 2013
When I was walking up Newbury at a little while ago I found a shop that sells vintage cowboy boots (and they have a store chicken!) and the only reason I didn't get any is there weren't any that fit me. Whew. Or, boo. Little if both, maybe.
posted by rtha at 11:32 AM on November 3, 2013
posted by rtha at 11:32 AM on November 3, 2013
I am also upgrading to a yes.
posted by A dead Quaker at 2:20 PM on November 3, 2013
posted by A dead Quaker at 2:20 PM on November 3, 2013
I am here. There's a long set of tables near the host station. I am wearing a blue sweater and have very short hair.
posted by rtha at 2:32 PM on November 3, 2013
posted by rtha at 2:32 PM on November 3, 2013
Ugh! We are not going to be able to make it--earlier event is running long. Very sorry to miss you all!
posted by Admiral Haddock at 2:47 PM on November 3, 2013
posted by Admiral Haddock at 2:47 PM on November 3, 2013
I'm really sorry to have ducked out so early - I had to run home and take the cat to the emergency room. We're waiting in the exam room now. Hope everyone had fun and I'll see you all at the next one.
posted by backseatpilot at 4:52 PM on November 3, 2013
posted by backseatpilot at 4:52 PM on November 3, 2013
Fingers crossed for your cat, and I hope to meet you in the future.
posted by rtha at 4:53 PM on November 3, 2013
posted by rtha at 4:53 PM on November 3, 2013
Great time! Re-upping old acquaintances, meeting some new, and putting faces to some names. And don't worry, Haddock, I basically had two poutines in your stead.
posted by benito.strauss at 6:05 PM on November 3, 2013
posted by benito.strauss at 6:05 PM on November 3, 2013
A number of us are still here. Secrets being spilled, strange notions flying through the air. It's fantastic, and I'm sure I'll regret it in the morning.
posted by koeselitz at 6:22 PM on November 3, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by koeselitz at 6:22 PM on November 3, 2013 [3 favorites]
I had a great time. It was good to meet the people I didn't know and to see again the people I did. backseatpilot, hope your cat's okay!
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 8:53 PM on November 3, 2013
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 8:53 PM on November 3, 2013
I made it all the way back to Vermont! Thanks so much to everyone for coming out, it was a fun time. rtha and gingerbeer, wonderful to see you again. Hope you enjoy the rest of the time in Boston.
posted by jessamyn at 9:31 PM on November 3, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by jessamyn at 9:31 PM on November 3, 2013 [2 favorites]
Yes, good luck, backseatpilot. Extra skritches behind the ear for the cat.
And it was great shooting the breeze with the rest of you. That food was amazeballs!
posted by not_on_display at 6:34 AM on November 4, 2013
And it was great shooting the breeze with the rest of you. That food was amazeballs!
posted by not_on_display at 6:34 AM on November 4, 2013
That comment just re minded me that I left my leftovers at the restaurant. Oops.
posted by maryr at 1:34 PM on November 4, 2013
posted by maryr at 1:34 PM on November 4, 2013
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
If you want a short walk, jm curley and Stoddard's are both around the corner. I like the Sail Loft as a dive bar on the harbor. Boston Beer Works has also been good to us in the past.
Down by Kenmore, Eastern Standard is a great drinking establishment but can get pricey. There's also the Hawthorne and Island Creek Oyster House which are similarly priced and very good.
Heading back towards downtown, there's the Pour House on Boylston St. - ridiculously cheap food and giant beers (most nights have a half-off food special). There's a Mexican place next door (Cactus Club, I think? I don't remember the name) that is pretty decent if I remember correctly.
If you don't mind hopping on the Red Line, there's a good number of things in Kendall - Cambridge Brewing Company (they've been very accommodating in the past), Belly Wine Bar, West Bridge, and Flat Top Johnny's (pool hall) are all in the same block. In the other direction, in South Boston, Amrhein's and Franklin Southie are both good picks.
Now I'm hungry.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:32 PM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]