Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Good lord, these people are nuts.

Second rate reporter says what?

Take hopelessness and turn it into resilience.

After roe, women are no longer free.

A sufficient plurality of insane, greedy people can tank any democratic system ever devised, apparently.

So it was an October Surprise A Day, like an Advent calendar but for crime.

No one could have predicted…

Insiders who complain to politico: please report to the white house office of shut the fuck up.

Anyone who bans teaching American history has no right to shape America’s future.

The GOP couldn’t organize an orgy in a whorehouse with a fist full of 50s.

Roe isn’t about choice, it’s about freedom.

Red lights blinking on democracy’s dashboard

Reality always lies in wait for … Democrats.

Fuck the extremist election deniers. What’s money for if not for keeping them out of office?

It’s the corruption, stupid.

Some judge needs to shut this circus down soon.

Their freedom requires your slavery.

Fuck these fucking interesting times.

No offense, but this thread hasn’t been about you for quite a while.

Technically true, but collectively nonsense

I’d like to think you all would remain faithful to me if i ever tried to have some of you killed.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

I see no possible difficulties whatsoever with this fool-proof plan.

A snarling mass of vitriolic jackals

You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Events / NYC Meet-Up — This FRIDAY, 5/20, Old Town Bar, 6pm

NYC Meet-Up — This FRIDAY, 5/20, Old Town Bar, 6pm

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After previous discussions, Commentor RedDirtGirl has agreed to call the Old Town Bar and make reservations — I estimated six-plus people, so if you plan to be there, leave a comment below and let’s see if we can get a better head count.

The Old Town Bar is located at 45 E 18th St (Phone (212) 529-6732). It’s got a long history, is easy to reach by public transit, the burgers are good, and there’s a quiet area upstairs for conversation.

Somebody be sure to take pictures, send ’em to me and I’ll post them afterwards, so the rest of us can be properly envious!

********
And speaking of meet-up envy… readers from other areas have expressed interest in getting together, and this should be a great time of year to do so (after the worst potential weather delays / before everyone goes on vacation). All it takes is a willingness for at least one person to propose a date and maybe a venue, and wishes can come true!

Here’s a list of potential party people, from the comments:

Pittsburgh area – GEG6

Los Angeles – James E Powell (‘after the 6/7 primary’), Ruemara (‘Comic-con-ish’), BillinGlendale CA

Phoenix area – Prescott Cactus, Suzanne, PirateDan

San Francisco – Major Major Major Major

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Amir Khalid (one never knows… )

Reader Interactions

74Comments

  3. 3.

    Corner Stone

    I’m going to be in/near Tucson and/or Nogales for the next four days. Meat up?

  4. 4.

    Mnemosyne

    For the LA crowd, it looks like the Story Tavern only has live music every other week, if we wanted to chance that again. Also, they now offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, which could also be fun.

    Suggestion #2 would be Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste, which is in Pasadena near Pasadena City College. It’s mostly a sports bar and they have a pretty nice patio.

  10. 10.

    BruceFromOhio

    Pittsburgh is about a 2-hr ride, if the timing was right I can do that. This time of year need lots of advance notice, though; many irons, many fires.

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Amir Khalid

    I would *love* to go to KL … If wishes were fishes, we’d all cast nets.

    @Corner Stone: That sounds …. suggestive of something other than congregating in a public place.

  11. 11.

    Mike J

    At one time I actually made a website to coördinate meetups, but I don’t think I remember the admin password anymore.

    But Seattle gets meetups done.

  14. 14.

    demz taters

    Count me in for Phx, even though I escaped it last month for the Verde Valley. Anyone interested in a Prescott or Flagstaff meetup? There’s always Cliff Castle too ;)

  15. 15.

    Prescott Cactus

    @Suzanne: Within the next week would be great (-Sat).

    After that I have a mish mash of expandable commitments and undefinable projects for a few weeks.

  18. 18.

    Suzanne

    @karen marie: I don’t know if I’m worth it. That’s a lot of pressure.

    Where do y’all want to meet up?? Bar or restaurant? Old Tortilla Factory in Scottsdale has an amazing patio.

  20. 20.

    Comrade Colette Collaboratrice

    I’m in San Francisco and I am not a potential party person, I am a confirmed, nay, hardened party person. I even came to the meetup with DougJ here a few years back (which was terrific, BTW). Also, my office is only a few blocks from the Zen Center that Major x 4 sometimes visits.

  23. 23.

    Ruckus

    I’m in for an LA meet up. They are fun and interesting and we are due for another.

  24. 24.

    Ruckus

    @Mnemosyne:
    There is also a Lucky Baldwins Pup in Old Town on Raymond. But it is rather smallish and loud. But other than walking by it a few times I’ve never been in. Of course I don’t frequent bars any more without a meeting going on.

  25. 25.

    MDC

    I’ve come very close to attending a couple of the previous NYC meetups. I love Old Town, and would come out this time… but I’ll be in France this Friday! Next time, perhaps.

  26. 26.

    Mnemosyne

    @Ruckus:

    The Trappiste location is better — more parking, not as crowded and noisy. Pretty much the same menu of pub food.

    My criteria are: (reasonably) centrally located, decent parking, and NO LIVE MUSIC!

    The advantage to Story Tavern is they have a dog patio, so Juicers could bring their pups. It may mostly be Monday thru Wednesday for that, though.

  27. 27.

    sam

    I may be able to pop by the NYC meetup after work, even though i’m lurky mclurkerson around here most of the time.

  28. 28.

    Ruckus

    @Mnemosyne:
    Figured it had to be better, the LB Pub is too small and next door to the Scientology center. That alone gets it rated an F minus.

  29. 29.

    eemom

    @Baud:

    Is the DC meetup/Baud! steering committee meeting still going on? I want a report.

    It fizzled out before the authorities — or I — arrived. Apparently turnout was not as represented in the comments. :(

    Sorry I missed meeting EF & the Mrs. and whoever did show up.

  33. 33.

    PurpleGirl

    @sam: Please do come to the meet-up. I’ve been to several and the BJ people are good company, good food and conversation. There often are a number of people who lurk but that doesn’t really matter. You’re a reader and that’s all that matters. You’ll put names to commenters.

  35. 35.

    Yutsano

    @Mike J: Hold that thought. I have another set of appointments coming up in late June or early July. Will keep you posted.

  37. 37.

    piratedan

    @Corner Stone: CS, since I am here in Tucson, we can do something if you wish, it can be a bar of your choice or cervezas at my place….

  38. 38.

    piratedan

    @Prescott Cactus: I might be able to pry the wife outta the house on Sunday night, I am unavailable on Sat due to work coverage… say a late Sunday afternoon perhaps, your thoughts Ms. Suzanne?

  39. 39.

    Llelldorin

    I’m technically a Hayward person, but I work in San Francisco, and could in principle meet…

  40. 40.

    Prescott Cactus

    @Suzanne:
    @karen marie:
    @demz taters:
    & Prescott Cactus: I have a face made for radio and a voice made for a newspaper.

    As of now it looks like only 4 near confirmed / interested without Pirate Dan.

    I hate to leave Corner Stone: hanging, but It’s 6 hours round trip to Nogales.

    We have had one day mentioned and one place mentioned. Sunday & Old Tortilla Factory in Scottsdale.

    Up to you guys. We are working with less than 6 days to plan, though there isn’t really much to plan. If we waited a few weeks I would hope we could double our size. It doesn’t matter, but the more the merrier.

    How say Ye !

  42. 42.

    Major Major Major Major

    @Llelldorin: Come one come all! Um, I don’t really know where to suggest, but I’ve been meaning to go back to Kennedy’s Pub & Indian Restaurant, although the parking is horrid… sounds like some of us are near Hayes Valley. Noir Lounge is always cool.

  43. 43.

    Yutsano

    @PurpleGirl: The lurkers are the best part of any meet-up IMHO. Then you get the perspective from someone who is truly watching from outside our little bubble. And it’s fascinating.

  44. 44.

    piratedan

    @Prescott Cactus: well, unknown about anyone else, but I have to say that I am rather fond of Oreganos, I can find my way to the one in Chandler, any others just need to know which one.

  45. 45.

    Prescott Cactus

    Sunday 5-22-16 4pm Balloon Juice Meet & Greet
    @ the Old Tortilla Factory in Scottsdale.

    @Bumper: Yeah – Sun Afternoon
    @Prescott Cactus: Sun Afternoon
    @piratedan: Yeah – Sun Afternoon
    @demz taters: Yeah – Need Confirm
    @karen marie: Need Confirm
    @Suzanne: Need Confirm

    Is everybody flying solo or bringing spousal units or um friends

    May need reservations

    Pirate Dan also suggests Oregano’s as a possible !

    The floor is open ! ! !

  46. 46.

    Ivan X

    I’ll be at Old Town on Friday. It’s a block from my office, so I’d kind of be a dickbag not to make it. Plus the last one with DougJ that I attended was a blast.

  48. 48.

    Suzanne

    @Prescott Cactus: Oregano’s is always good. There’s one in Tempe just off I-10 on Elliot. They don’t take reservations tho, so possible we have a wait??

    Confirm for me and Mr. Suzanne.

  50. 50.

    PsiFighter37

    Unfortunately got pulled into a work trip in Miami – won’t be back in town until later on Friday evening. :(

  54. 54.

    Uncle Cosmo

    @eemom: Yes it did. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who had to leave early.

    One of the things that killed it off was a fucking “trivia contest” that the pub started a few minutes before 8 PM with a miked-up MC who was so fucking LOUD you couldn’t hear yourself think. Convenient or not, I don’t ever want to see the inside of that overpriced fake-Irish dump again.

    Redshift arrived just as the crowd (about 10 at max) was dispersing; we walked to Union Station together & had a pleasant conversation en route & in the food court before my 9 PM MARC train left for Baltimore.

  56. 56.

    Robin Gittelman

    I’m going to try to be there. I’d love to attach faces to the “names.”

  57. 57.

    Uncle Ebeneezer

    @Mnemosyne: The Sierra Madre Lucky B’s is even better imo, in the overall vibe/style/atmosphere but I’d be down for wherever. Another option for the future is the Altadena Alehouse (opened by the same guy who started Lucky B’s.) It’s right down the street from me and I play jazz there sometimes, so I’m biased, but it’s much less crazy than Lucky B’s as far as noise and crowd. Anyways, just a thought. I’d be down for anything in the general Eastside/Glendale/Pasadena area. Would be cool to meet some locals.

  58. 58.

    PaulWartenberg2016

    I’m gonna be at the Orlando MegaCon on Friday May 27 and Saturday May 28, and I would love to meet with people and go to the movie theater across the street from the convention center on Friday evening to see the new X-Men movie.

  59. 59.

    RedDirtGirl

    Just talked to someone at Old Town and although they don’t take reservations, they said if I check in Friday afternoon it shouldn’t be a problem to set up some tables for us.

  62. 62.

    Prescott Cactus

    PHX Meet UP tentative
    5/22/16
    Sunday afternoon (3 to 4pm arrival?)
    Oregano’s, the one in Tempe just off I-10 on Elliot.

    @Suzanne: + one
    @karen marie:
    *Prescott Cactus: + one
    5 confimed

    @Bumper ( You OK with new location? )
    @piratedan ?
    @demz taters: ?

    @Corner Stone: If you get stuck in town, we’d love to have you.

    * Rowing, not steering.

  64. 64.

    Prescott Cactus

    @Bumper: Glad you can make it !

    All Welcome
    to
    PHX Balloon Juice Meet UP
    5/22/16
    Sunday afternoon (3 to 4pm arrival?)
    Oregano’s Pizza Bistro     (the one in Tempe just off I-10 on Elliot.)
    1475 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
    Phone: (480) 966-0401

    Oregano’s does NOT take reservations. Once we have 1/2 the party present, they will seat us. They said to expect a little wait. 6 confirmed hoping for 10 total.

    @Suzanne: + one
    @karen marie:
    @Bumper
    *Prescott Cactus: + one

    Awaiting Responses
    @piratedan ?
    @demz taters: ?

    @Corner Stone: If you get stuck in town, we’d love to have you.

    * Rowing, not steering.

  66. 66.

    karen marie

    @Suzanne: @Prescott Cactus: Reviewing the location, I am wondering if there is a reason for that location. It is practically Ahwatukee! Eighteen miles, for me, which is huge if I am going to have a beverage with alcohol. Any reason, since it’s a chain, we can’t do, say, the 523 W. University Drive, Tempe location? Not a biggy but …

  67. 67.

    bemused senior

    MajorMajorMajorMajor – I would be interested in the San Francisco meetup. (I am another infrequent commenter but frequent lurker.)

  68. 68.

    JAFD

    Unfortunately, instead of catching ye PATH to Manhattan, yours truly must out of the metro area that weekend be. Sorry I am.

    Hope to see y’all sometime in the near future.

  69. 69.

    sam

    Thanks all for the welcome-ness (? – not sure that’s a word). I usually get out of work around 6/6:30, so I’ll show up sometime after that!

  70. 70.

    RedDirtGirl

    So far, as of right now, this is what I got:
    Me (lurker-instigator)
    Robin
    Ivan X
    DaveNYC
    Celia and ______
    Sam
    PurpleGirl
    LAO
    and maybe PsiFighter, if we are still hanging out when he gets in from…Miami?

    MDC and JAFD, we’ll see you at the next one.

  73. 73.

    RedDirtGirl

    @LAO: Not sure what makes the most sense. I’ll give them a head’s up in the afternoon with a head count (including ads) and I’ll check in upstairs when I get there, but maybe we will need to gather at the bar until we reach a quorum. I’ll be the 50 yo white woman with shoulder-length brown hair and a navy blue shirt with 3/4 sleeves :) ( and a red rose in my lapel… jk).

  74. 74.

    LAO

    @RedDirtGirl: I expect the bar will be crowded — but, I’ll be the 46 year old white women, wearing a blue and white shirt, with glasses and chin length brown hair. Thanks again for organizing this.

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