Portland, baby, Portland!

May 13, 2007 4:56 PM

I noticed that the meetup mentioned in this thread has made the 'gatherings' sidebar. (I'm assuming that the meetup will take place this year, and not in 2009, as suggested.) In the thread, there weren't many details regarding a place or a time. Has any of this been decided yet? Not to make like Mother Superior and jump the gun, but if this thing is really happening, I want to buy my plane tix pretty soon.
posted by Afroblanco to MetaFilter Gatherings at 4:56 PM (83 comments total)

You want to buy a plane ticket 2 years in advance? I don't even think most airlines sell them that far ahead (I know because I try; I, too, try to plan ahead).
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:02 PM on May 13, 2007 [1 favorite]

Yeah, I'd like to do something this year in Portland. I'm trying to find a small bar with a stage I can rent out and maybe do an open bar thing for a few hours and have MeFi Music people play.

Does anyone know of a place that could accommodate maybe 100 people or so and be kinda semi-private like that, and still be close enough that non-car owning Portland residents could get there? I love the McMeniman's chain and lots of their larger places have event spaces you can rent with booze but I don't know of any in convenient locations.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 5:14 PM on May 13, 2007

Matt's being really slow about the planning so that folks will not have time to make long-distance travel plans. But if you ask him about it, he will deny everything, saying that he is NOT OREGONIST.
posted by Eideteker at 6:15 PM on May 13, 2007

Now Hold On Justa Darn Second.
Only A Hundred?
posted by Dizzy at 6:25 PM on May 13, 2007

Greek Cusina has a rentable room, and is located right downtown. I have not personally been in the "Minoan Room" that they rent, but I hear it is nice.

And hey, maybe we could have some ceremonial plate breaking or belly dancing.
posted by Secretariat at 8:31 PM on May 13, 2007

Yeah, I've been at parties on the upper floor of Greek Cusina (webvisions) and it's alright. I'm not a fan of the food there but the drink selection is ok. I guess that's on the short list of possible places.

Any other places?
posted by mathowie (staff) at 8:34 PM on May 13, 2007

Any other places?
yeah, somewhere that isn't thousands of fucking kilometres from my place!
posted by dg at 8:43 PM on May 13, 2007

In MY neighborhood, we have Downtown Brew with its own microbrewery, Mongo's (where Yes' Jon Anderson hangs out and plays once every blue moon) and the wonderfully named Frog and Peach British Pub. But, yeah, it's all 800 miles too far for YOU, Matt.

(I still dream of someday hosting a meetup at the Frog and Peach, an equally long haul from LA and SF. Maybe an Anniversary Satellite Location?)
posted by wendell at 9:05 PM on May 13, 2007

A savvier mefite than I suggested checking out Ground Kontrol as well.
posted by cortex (staff) at 9:27 PM on May 13, 2007

Holy fucking shit. I didn't know Ground Kontrol added a bar last year. If we can do July 14th there, I'm totally going to rent the whole place out that night. It fits 125 people, which seems pretty big.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 10:06 PM on May 13, 2007

Ground Kontrol has a bar and arcade games. Everyone wins with this plan.
posted by cmonkey at 1:37 AM on May 14, 2007

Does anyone know of a place that could accommodate maybe 100 people or so and be kinda semi-private like that, and still be close enough that non-car owning Portland residents could get there?

This belongs on Askme. Please read the FAQ before posting.
posted by grateful at 7:00 AM on May 14, 2007

If Ground Kontrol isn't available, I'd suggest checking out the Towne Lounge. If they don't already have something booked that night, it would be a decent place for it.

Not as good as Ground Kontrol, of course.

And if this were a democracy, I'd place a vote AGAINST Greek Cusina.

Just on general principles. I fucking can't stand that place.
posted by dersins at 7:38 AM on May 14, 2007

If it's at "world" i can make it; portland probably not.
posted by Mister_A at 10:42 AM on May 14, 2007

My two favorite words: "Open bar."
posted by Dizzy at 11:12 AM on May 14, 2007

It is officially ON.

I just got off the phone with Ground Kontrol and July 14th is open and available. I'm going to be renting out the entire place from 7pm to 2am, and all games will be on freeplay. It'll accommodate up to 125 people. I'm going to figure out an open bar thing with the staff but at worst, beer and wine is a buck or two a glass during a private party.

We could be spinning MeFi Music tunes on the sound system and they've even got a stage if people want to play a live set (dunno about that part yet).
posted by mathowie (staff) at 1:09 PM on May 14, 2007 [1 favorite]

OH SHIT YES.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2007

All right!
posted by waxpancake at 1:46 PM on May 14, 2007

Thankyouthankyouthankyou for moving it to the 14th. My family reunion is the preceding weekend and I definitely would not have been able to make it. I'm going to bust my butt to be there the 14th!

Woo hoo!
posted by deborah at 2:00 PM on May 14, 2007

Oh, and I'm assuming that it's this place?
posted by deborah at 2:06 PM on May 14, 2007

Absolutely.
posted by cortex (staff) at 2:12 PM on May 14, 2007

Yay! I am so in!
posted by ugf at 2:57 PM on May 14, 2007

Damn, this'll be fun.
posted by cmonkey at 3:01 PM on May 14, 2007

Ground Kontrol is a way better place than Greek Cusina, although I suspect they are lacking in "feta dip". However, free video games!

I am secretly hoping that the Harvey Girls will play at this shindig.
posted by Secretariat at 6:08 PM on May 14, 2007

Anyone else from Seattle going to join in on this? Caravan possibilities?
posted by YoBananaBoy at 7:35 PM on May 14, 2007

I am going.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:41 PM on May 14, 2007

Yay!
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:48 PM on May 14, 2007

Yay jessamyn!
posted by deborah at 10:01 PM on May 14, 2007

Could the caravan stop in Olympia?
posted by blasdelf at 11:54 PM on May 14, 2007

They have Tron.
THEY HAVE TRON.
They. Have. Tron.
Wish I could be there.
posted by Dizzy at 12:04 PM on May 15, 2007

R.S.V.P. +1

+10 intarwebs for having this at Ground Kontrol
posted by hyperlith at 10:39 PM on May 15, 2007

I'll probably drive down from Federal Way, WA. Room for 1 comfortable and approximately 1 small or uncomfortable human, in addition to myself. Happy to pick people up on the way down I-5.
posted by reventlov at 11:36 PM on May 15, 2007

Wait, wait, wait...Hold on a minute.

All three mods will be in the same place at the same time? What if the site needs moderating? Do you understand how much chaotic damage untethered users could inflict? And what happens if -- and I'm not saying this will happen -- Ground Kontrol gets hit by a meteor in the midst of the meetup? Who's gonna be in charge here? Who's gonna delete dupes? What about chatfilter? We need to work up a comprensive COOP well in advance of this meetup.
posted by grateful at 11:07 AM on May 16, 2007

I'll probably drive down from Federal Way, WA. Room for 1 comfortable and approximately 1 small or uncomfortable human, in addition to myself. Happy to pick people up on the way down I-5.

I'm willing to trail on moto-bike. So I have room for +one on the back.

Hey, I might even have a helmet that fits ya. Sorry, said moto-bike is not a Harley nor a BMW.

So, where is Matt's house? And I call top-bunk! Or rather can anyone suggest a hotel/motel within stumbling distance of Ground Kontrol?
posted by YoBananaBoy at 11:32 AM on May 16, 2007

And what happens if -- and I'm not saying this will happen -- Ground Kontrol gets hit by a meteor in the midst of the meetup?

Well, it beats dying of TB, anyway.
posted by cortex (staff) at 11:54 AM on May 16, 2007

And what happens if -- and I'm not saying this will happen -- Ground Kontrol gets hit by a meteor in the midst of the meetup?

Then you can have my skateboard, but please give all the laptops to the senior center.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 12:04 PM on May 16, 2007

Then you can have my skateboard

Sweet! I can already feel the breeze as I circle the Lincoln Memorial, right before I stumble down the marble steps, knock out my teeth and scrape my face beyond recognition.

Thanks jessamyn, you rock!
posted by grateful at 1:17 PM on May 16, 2007

You can have my false front teeth too! Just make sure ColdChef sews my lips up right.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:19 PM on May 16, 2007

I'll definitely be there, but to add something, I tried going to ground kontrol about 3 weeks ago on a weekend night. Due to the amazing amount of construction in the area, the parking situation (even the higher priced pay lots) was pretty rough. I'd suggest getting there early, or maybe someone can post a map/pic of where the portland smartparks area close-by.

Don't get me wrong, this sounds awesome, just wanted to give a heads up.
posted by efalk at 9:21 PM on May 17, 2007

There, be I, will, dammit.
posted by eriko at 6:46 PM on May 18, 2007

Yeah, Ground Kontrol! I know I'm stoked.
posted by OverlappingElvis at 8:36 PM on May 18, 2007

Err, that is, I would be if I could go. Just a reminder for those it applies to, Ground Kontrol is strictly 21+.
posted by OverlappingElvis at 8:49 PM on May 18, 2007

I might try to come down from Vancouver. Free video games! The question is, free enough to offset the price of gas?
posted by Salmonberry at 7:52 PM on May 20, 2007

We can start a Salmonberry Petrol Fund to make it better than free.
posted by cmonkey at 11:51 AM on May 21, 2007

Ack! I'm thinking of going but I'm having a panic attack! Too shy!
posted by peep at 1:15 PM on May 24, 2007

peep, if you are too shy then I am, too. If you go, I'll buy us a round. They you will have to buy the second one.

I'll be the shy one that doesn't know anyone and isn't talking to anyone.
posted by YoBananaBoy at 3:53 PM on May 24, 2007

Would it be excessive to fly from the East Coast? Because I really need a vacation soon.
posted by smackfu at 4:27 PM on May 24, 2007

Portland is wonderful in July, come on out. It will give some portland mefites an excuse to show you around the good stuff in town and remember why its nice to live here :)
posted by efalk at 2:04 AM on May 25, 2007

We could be spinning MeFi Music tunes on the sound system and they've even got a stage if people want to play a live set (dunno about that part yet).

If I can get it set up in time (getting ahold of a laptop), I will bring Torq control vinyls and a few hundred tunes for listening pleasure. I scouted it out a week ago; sound system is pretty decent.
posted by hyperlith at 10:33 AM on May 28, 2007

Can we bring dates? Figs? Spouses? Pets?
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 12:14 PM on May 31, 2007

I'm in! Excited to experience mefi in a way that's not quite so much like lurking. :-)
posted by olecranon at 7:04 PM on June 2, 2007

Wow, this sounds like a blast. Though I do wish I were a little more active on here. The amtrak trip seems long but this is worth it!
posted by andendau at 8:00 PM on June 2, 2007

So, somebody let me know if I can have a place to stay, or recommend a nearby hotel (I don't drive).
posted by bingo at 5:31 PM on June 3, 2007

recommend a nearby hotel

what's your budget?
posted by dersins at 3:41 PM on June 4, 2007

i can't believe i missed this thread - how could i miss this?!
posted by pikachulolita at 8:29 PM on June 5, 2007

dersins: I don't need the finest luxury suite, but I can afford somewhere decent. I figure a couple hundred dollars a night would be okay.
posted by bingo at 7:47 PM on June 6, 2007

You don't need to spend that much at all. Standard rooms at the MOST expensive hotels in Portland top out at around $200/night.

The "hippest" hotels in Portland are the Hotel Lucia, the Hotel De Luxe, and the Paramount.

They all basically fill the W Hotel niche in town (there's not one here)-- that sort of sleek hip thing. My favorite of the three is the Hotel De Luxe, but really mostly just because in its previous incarnation as the Hotel Mallory, I used to LOVE LOVE LOVE the bar, the Driftwood Room, an unreconstructed (and, more importantly unironic) 60's cocktail lounge. The Driftwood Room is still there, and they didn't fuck with the decor, but they did raise the prices. At least the food is now edible. Actually more than edible. It's pretty good.

The Ace Hotel is new, and related to the one in Seattle. I don't know much about it, but it's supposed to be nice.

On the more old-school, traditional side, there's the Heathman, the Governor, and the Benson. All three are very nice. I personally prefer the Benson, but there's nothing wrong with any of them-- they are all very service oriented and great.

I'm also partial to the Hotel Vintage Plaza, largely because they have free happy hour wine for hotel guests, but also because the rooms are nice and the staff attentive.

You really can't go wrong with any of these (well, maybe the Ace-- but I only say that because I don't know enough about it. not because I know anything bad about it. All are within walking distance of Ground Kontrol (or a super-quick taxi or streetcar ride).

If you have any questions about any of these (or any others you think you might be interested in, feel free to email. It's in my profile.
posted by dersins at 8:55 AM on June 7, 2007

Oh, and stay away from the Jupiter Hotel. It's inexpensive, not terrible in an Ikea-y way (kind of like the Standard Hotel on Sunset in LA) and right across the street from the best restaurant in town (I will brook no arguments about that. It is. Gabe is a fucking food genius...) But it's on the other side of the river (the east side, which is the good side, but not so convenient for the carless in town for a west-side event) and can get super loud at night, especially as the bridge-and-tunnel crowd spills out of the Doug Fir after a show and congregates right outside your room.
posted by dersins at 9:00 AM on June 7, 2007

the east side, which is the good side

Please note that I define "good side" as "side with dive bars and inexpensive housing..."
posted by dersins at 9:02 AM on June 7, 2007

Count me in. +1
posted by nenequesadilla at 5:31 PM on June 7, 2007

Oh HELL yeah!
posted by Specklet at 9:53 AM on June 8, 2007

If I can think of a way to explain to my wife why I am going to Portland without her for an undisclosed reason, I'll come.
posted by dios at 4:45 PM on June 8, 2007

Well, Portland IS the strip club capital of the known universe.

Do you think she'd buy that as a legitimate reason?
posted by dersins at 4:50 PM on June 8, 2007

Probably preferable to the truth there. I could use that. Or I could tell her I'm seeing a mistress for the weekend. I'd probably prefer something less deleterious to the foundations of our marriage then those ideas or the truth.
posted by dios at 4:56 PM on June 8, 2007

Then I suggest you employthe following irrefutable response when she asks you why you're going to Portland:

Shake your head, sigh, and mutter disgustedly "These fucking clients..."
posted by dersins at 5:00 PM on June 8, 2007

Thanks, dersins, you get best answer. But which one is actually closest to the place we'll be meeting?
posted by bingo at 11:21 PM on June 8, 2007

bingo:

If you maps.google.com

511 NW Couch St
Portland, OR 97209

You can use the "search nearby" function on the map popup. Type "hotel" and it will show most of the hotels mentioned here and the distance between the them and Ground Kontrol.
posted by YoBananaBoy at 12:37 AM on June 9, 2007

The Benson, Lucia and Vintage Plaza are the closest of the hotels I've mentioned. They're all within about 6 blocks of Ground Control.

Please note, however, that if you use YoBananaBoy's technique, you will find many hotels IN WHICH YOU DO NOT WANT TO STAY.

I mean, unless you like SRO's targeted to the indigent.
posted by dersins at 9:02 AM on June 9, 2007

IN WHICH YOU DO NOT WANT TO STAY.

Yup. I does show some weekly rate cheapo places.

But then, that is why I said:

it will show most of the hotels mentioned here
posted by YoBananaBoy at 10:41 AM on June 9, 2007

If you don't mind walking a few blocks, anything in the downtown area is close enough to Ground Kontrol. Public transit downtown is in "Fairless Square" (free). You can hop on any bus, MAX, or streetcar you see that looks like it's going your way.

I had some friends visit the area recently, and they stayed at the downtown Days Inn for about $70 a night. I realize it isn't hip or swanky, but it's clean and has parking.
posted by Secretariat at 12:55 PM on June 9, 2007

Ok doke. I'll figure something out. Sounds like Lucia is the best of all worlds.
posted by bingo at 12:59 PM on June 9, 2007

Thanks Secretariat. I needed just such a place.
posted by YoBananaBoy at 5:52 PM on June 9, 2007

This seems too cool to miss. As of now, I'm planning to go down from Seattle (Eastside actually). I could bring along another person or two (although be warned, the back seat is pretty small in an Elantra). E-mail's in the profile if you're looking to share a ride from the Seattle area.

I have some Choice Hotels points that will expire this year (enough for 5 nights!) so I'll probably be staying at one of their properties -- though they don't seem to have any near the venue, which means I'll be driving a bit.

Anyone up for a trip to Powell's on Sunday?
posted by kindall at 1:49 AM on June 10, 2007

Booknerdery!
posted by cortex (staff) at 11:52 AM on June 10, 2007

I only permit myself to go to Powell's twice a month. I have far too many books already, and I'm incapable of entering Powell's without making at least $50 in purchases.

If I were capable of giving away (or selling) books, this would be less of a problem.

Unfortunately, that is not the case...
posted by dersins at 12:16 PM on June 10, 2007

Hey, everybody, we're going over to dersins' to steal his books on Sunday!
posted by cortex (staff) at 12:42 PM on June 10, 2007

My cat will totally eat your face off if you try.

Though you would be doing me a favor.
posted by dersins at 1:03 PM on June 10, 2007

Because dersins is out of cat food, see.
posted by Secretariat at 2:28 PM on June 10, 2007

Wow, that meetup is going to be awesome. I'm jealous of you West Coasters.
posted by danb at 7:39 AM on June 11, 2007

I'm jealous of flying out to hang with you West Coasters.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:52 AM on June 11, 2007

So what happens when this meetup thread, linked as it is on the meetup sidebar, expires more than a month before the actual meetup?

meetup meetup meetup meetup meetup
posted by dersins at 1:08 PM on June 12, 2007

Here is another Seattleite thinking about coming down. Let's coordinate when the day gets closer.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 1:47 PM on June 12, 2007

I went to Ground Kontrol the other day. It was my first time visiting the current location (used to go to the GK closer to the Downtown Library) Anyway -- Great choice! (Not the biggest space, but the game selection is awesome.)
posted by turing_test at 7:48 PM on June 12, 2007