Where should we hold the next Midnight Sun throwdown?
It's time.
Time, methinks, for all of us to carelessly cast off our inhibitions and drink until someone somewhere does something silly. That someone will probably be me.
What I'm saying is, I'm itching for another Midnight Sun swill-fest. But where should we hold it? We've done South Baltimore, Mount Vernon and Fells Point. To me, that says we should be eying Canton or -- gasp -- somewhere in the 'burbs.
Thoughts? ...
And let's not forget the just-as-important task of naming it. We've had the Midnight Sun Social (pictured), Shindig and Soiree. I'm running out of S-words that mean party.
I put "party" into thesaurus.com and was given this list of adjectives:
affair, amusement, at-home, ball, banquet, barbecue, bash, blowout, carousal, carousing, celebration, cocktails, coffee klatch, coming-out, dinner, diversion, do, entertainment, feast, festive occasion, festivity, fete, fun, function, gala, get-together, luncheon, movable feast, orgy, prom, reception, riot, shindig, social, soiree, splurge, spree, tea
I think "orgy" and "tea" are probably not the best idea, and I have no idea what a "coffee clatch" is. Ideally, I'd like the event to be something like this.
Hmm.
(Photo by Alexander D. Mitchell IV)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Make it a Box Social and I can guarantee it will be a success.
You're right about the burbs for one major reason - parking. PWe need to find a place with a decent sized parking lot so everyone can attend that wants to.
Suggestions: The Crease in Towson because they have plenty of space in there (despite a lack of a parking lot) OR the Treehouse in Cockeysville. It's an awesome dive bar with good food.
I vote officially for the Treehouse.
Posted by: bryanintowson | February 18, 2010 11:08 AM
"Gasp" is right! Don't retreat to the burbs before you hit some other key areas of the city first. Hampden, Hamilton, and yes, even parking-starved Canton should play host before the county. Wherever it ends up I hope I'll actually be able to come this time.
Posted by: Dave the wave | February 18, 2010 11:30 AM
For convenience, I vote canton....no real preference what venue tho
Posted by: Pills | February 18, 2010 11:31 AM
SoWeBo!!! Zella's Pizzeria or Baltimore Pho would be great, PLUS they'd get some folks to, IMHO, a pretty cool up-and-coming neighborhood.
Posted by: BC | February 18, 2010 11:43 AM
The Laughing Pint in Highlandtown
Posted by: Jonathan Sullivan | February 18, 2010 11:47 AM
Pür or Canton Arts and Entertainment. You would likely have CAE all to yourself.
Posted by: JD | February 18, 2010 11:53 AM
Midnight Sun Silliness? Kinda a stretch.
If we do the 'burbs, I'm voiting for Treehouse (even though I've never been there) because I'd love to have a reason to go to Cockeysville. Driving all the way up there just for nachos from Moe's is embarassing. Doesn't stop me from doing it though.
I'd probably prefer Canton though... or selfishly, Chaz Village or Hampden!
Posted by: kateebee | February 18, 2010 11:58 AM
I propose we do a bar crawl instead of having a single location.
Posted by: BA | February 18, 2010 11:59 AM
The Walt's Inn, Canton.
MP3 karaoke (don't let the book fool you; they have everything) and "blue" flavored jello shots.
Your first blue is on me, Sammy.
Posted by: Jay Trucker | February 18, 2010 12:03 PM
Frazier's.
Posted by: Evan | February 18, 2010 12:17 PM
could always call it a "sudsational,", or a "sudsocial" :P
Posted by: ss2 | February 18, 2010 12:21 PM
Baltimore Taphouse (Formerly Growler's) if it is in "Canton" or Racer's if it is in the county, both great beer bars.
Posted by: jason z | February 18, 2010 12:31 PM
FRAZIERS!!
Posted by: Jessica | February 18, 2010 12:31 PM
kateebee is right, let's do what bryanintowson says!
Posted by: bryanintowson | February 18, 2010 12:48 PM
Stackhouse is Canton
Posted by: drunk richard | February 18, 2010 12:59 PM
Bourbon Blue in Philadelphia.
Posted by: JTK | February 18, 2010 1:04 PM
you won't find me in the burbs. The general consensus seems to be Canton but where? What's that bar on the corner of the square across from the bofa machine? Blue Oyster? Wait that might be the gay bar from Police Academy. It has the upstairs and really clean bathrooms. And great orange crushes.
Posted by: Tif | February 18, 2010 1:11 PM
The Firehouse Tavern, I think the mixture of the "oh we're not hipsters" hipsters and rednecks would make for a fun evening.
Otherwise, why not the brand new LAGERS!
Posted by: Herbert | February 18, 2010 1:52 PM
I second The Laughing Pint.
Posted by: RayRay | February 18, 2010 2:18 PM
Or maybe Shirley's Honey Hole.
Posted by: RayRay | February 18, 2010 2:19 PM
Field House :)
Posted by: BaltBabs | February 18, 2010 2:25 PM
Midnight Sun Sophistebacle at Milan. Bring your Euros!
Posted by: PJ | February 18, 2010 3:06 PM
I think at this point, why sell the Midnight Sun Prom short? I cast my vote for the First Mariner Center.
Posted by: JTK | February 18, 2010 3:20 PM
What about Locust Point, I guess that would still fall under south baltimore, but any I am gonna try and make it to this event
Posted by: Joe | February 18, 2010 4:07 PM
my biased Canton suggestions:
silks!
bartenders: they have the upstairs, decent beer selection and they know how to sling
mahaffey's: see almost any post on this blog re:beer selection. ditto the upstairs.
stackhouse: belgian beer
yellow dog: not a huge draft selection, but a lot of microbrew bottles; good drinks
annabel lee / jack's / helen's: we'd never fit
blue hill tavern: big enough and valet parking for those who still haven't figured out walking and chewing gum
jd's: pretty broad beer selection and also has an upstairs they may let us utilize
canton taphouse: then name is pretty literal
Posted by: 21224 | February 18, 2010 4:15 PM
third on laughing pint.
midnight sun spectacle
Posted by: ryan97ou | February 18, 2010 5:15 PM
"The Midnight Sun Situation"
Posted by: BA | February 18, 2010 5:36 PM
I like the Midnight Sun Situation or the Midnight Sun Sh*tshow!
Posted by: jason z | February 18, 2010 7:07 PM
Brew hill? Elliots Pour House? there would be popcorn for everyone!
I have been finding the Taphouse quite amusing (last week I saw the front door get broken in a friendly snow-wrastlin' match).
Posted by: Samantha Sessa | February 18, 2010 8:45 PM
Elliott's Pour House will be able to fit a large crowd and they have 20 drafts. Great bar, so I'll second the suggestion.
I love Walt's and there are some of you who I would love to see sing some karaoke.
There is always the Pickled Parrot and they have plenty of room for a big crowd.
Posted by: Siana | February 19, 2010 12:45 AM
Mama Mia's is the name http://tinyurl.com/yzaopad
Posted by: Tif | February 19, 2010 12:50 AM
I second Elliots Pour House
Posted by: BrewersHill | February 19, 2010 7:46 AM
Mahaffey's, hudson st stackhouse, or Portside
Posted by: Poops McGoops | February 19, 2010 9:42 AM
I agree with the Stackhouse suggestions
Posted by: double b | February 19, 2010 10:52 AM
No Hampden? What about Rocket to Venus?
Posted by: Patti | February 19, 2010 10:52 AM
The Parkside in Hamilton. The owners are super chill, and it has plenty of space with a huge bar and great beer selection...
Posted by: jamie | February 19, 2010 11:08 AM
I vote for here: http://www.theparksideonline.com/
They have a large bar, good beer selection and friendly staff
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 19, 2010 11:49 AM
I like how you are thinking BA. maybe it could be called, Midnight Sun- "The Sitiuation" or is that copyrighted?
Posted by: It's Me | February 19, 2010 11:52 AM
I'm digging the Laughing Pint suggestion. Highlandtown could always use the love, and parking wouldn't be any worse than the O'Donnell Square.
The Midnight Sun 'Stravaganza?
Posted by: m4rk | February 19, 2010 1:46 PM
The Parkside would be fun. You (meaning Sam) mentioned a northeast gathering a few months back...and it's not far from your barber!
Posted by: Odie B | February 19, 2010 2:16 PM
Thanks for all the great suggestions, gang. I like the sound of Parkside, Pickled Parrot, Elliott's Pour House, Racers Cafe, Hudson Street Stackhouse and Laughing Pint. The verdict's still out on the name, too. The Midnight Sun Situation is pretty freaking awesome. We've got a situation on our hands oh no oh no OH YEAH! hee hee. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | February 19, 2010 2:27 PM
I'm going for Laughing Pint.
Posted by: Josh | February 19, 2010 2:29 PM
Midnight Sun ... storm
Posted by: Odie B | February 19, 2010 2:40 PM
I selfishly vote for the date to be after April 29th so I can FINALLY GET MY DRINK ON.
Posted by: AC-M | February 19, 2010 3:10 PM
I like the idea of doing it at Bartenders. The upstairs bar would be ideal and the guys that run the place are awesome. And the pizzas they kick out are pretty freakin' tasty!!
Posted by: Cardwell | February 19, 2010 3:24 PM
how about the midnight hootenanny
Posted by: joe | February 19, 2010 4:06 PM
I like Laughing Pint but it'll get crammed, I vote Pour House and calling the "The Midnight Sun (the) Situation."
(since Frazier's is out).
Posted by: Evan | February 19, 2010 4:27 PM
Since Growlers is out, if it is in the county I am sticking with Racer's and if it is in the city I will now go with Pickled Parrot, I met the owner the other week, wild guy to say the least.
Posted by: jason z | February 19, 2010 5:28 PM
How about some cool place in Harbor East. Oh yeah, never mind.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gravy | February 19, 2010 5:36 PM
first, call it the Midnight Slum
How about Choices?
Posted by: madisson smartt ass | February 19, 2010 5:47 PM
I like the EPH suggestions, the parking situation is a bit better there than other Canton/Brewer's Hill spots & I'll be able to enjoy plenty of booze filled slushies & Beauch beer shots.
Midnight Sunpocalypse/mageddon, perhaps?
Posted by: zapkrafty | February 19, 2010 9:36 PM
My vote is for Elliott's Pour House. It's the best neighborhood bar around!
Posted by: Meagan Corless | February 19, 2010 9:44 PM
I recommend Elliott's Pour House. As a transplant from Arizona, the bartenders have given me a proper welcome, from the intro to all regulars to how to properly celebrate snow day/ week, to how to mark my parking spot. EPH is always the first and last spot for any night out.
Posted by: Josh | February 19, 2010 9:52 PM
I love EPH for so many reasons. We moved to Baltimore about a year ago from the other side of the country, and since we came here, EPH has made us feel like we've lived here for years. Its a classy, well kept bar with hilarious and attentive bartenders with an eclectic selection of beers on tap. Since coming here, we've made some life time friends, and I've had friends travel to Baltimore just because of the atmosphere it offers. A added bonus is all the group events the bar offers. There is always something awesome going on at Elliotts. And PS I don't feel like a total douche when I sing at sing your face off kereoke,... it's SO MUCH FUN!
Posted by: Liz Lohman | February 19, 2010 10:01 PM
I would like to place my vote for Elliot's Pour House! My vote should count double on account of my coolness factor. The vibe is friendly, laid back, corner bar, but there is so much more to it. With creative events, unique drinks, and great service, I think it would be the perfect spot for your throw down!!!!! See you there!!!!
Posted by: gretchen | February 19, 2010 10:08 PM
I gotta say Elliotts Pour House (EPH) would be the best place for it. It's an AWESOME local bar with the best family style crowd, it's truly where you will come back to once you've been here once. I also have to agree with the girl that commented on all the group events we do together i.e. Kings of Leon bus, and the punkin' chunkin' bus that's an every year road trip. So if you want the best place I gotta say ELLIOTTS POUR HOUSE IS THE PLACE
Posted by: John Qatsha | February 19, 2010 10:18 PM
EPH is the place to go. The atmosphere is so friendly and inviting. Everyone is so friendly that you feel right at home even if you don't know anyone. Cheers aint got s**t on Elliott's.
Posted by: Matty | February 19, 2010 10:24 PM
I also suggest Elliot's Pour House. Great corner bar with the best bartender and the owner isn't half bad either.
Posted by: Adam Lennon | February 19, 2010 10:28 PM
EPH has been my home for the past three years. It is my Cheers. The best bar staff in Baltimore!
Posted by: Natalie Howland | February 19, 2010 10:32 PM
You should pick Elliotts Pour House. The craft beer selection is the best!!!
Posted by: Tiffany | February 19, 2010 10:40 PM
EPH
Got Shills?
Posted by: RayRay | February 20, 2010 10:51 AM
Seriously. Publishing all those pro-EPH comments was more painful than watching men's figure skating. This isn't a popularity contest, folks.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | February 20, 2010 11:01 AM
the eph comments seemed like the work of either one person, or eph paid everyone on their iphone at the bar .....to go make comments. You notice this alot on other websites that have a review section about restaurants, you can spot the fakeness after about the second comment..their grammer is way to good for posting messages...its almost like they were copied from another site
just out of spite and ridiculousness, i will boycott going to this establishment they call eph...they are trying to rig the vote.
Posted by: joe | February 20, 2010 11:35 AM
eph? Eh, isn't that a home pregnancy test?
Posted by: Tony Danza | February 20, 2010 2:37 PM
Let's go to EPH for a summer party, when it isn't so shilly outside.
Posted by: anon;) | February 20, 2010 3:30 PM
i say SCORES baltimore its got the best view :)
Posted by: sean lewis | February 21, 2010 3:23 PM
fraziers, for sure. also if you hold it on the 2nd or 4th tuesday of the month, there's karaoke as well. and wouldn't we all love to see Sam belt out some Journey, or whatever he might choose?
Posted by: Allan | February 22, 2010 9:18 AM
Have camera, may travel. As long as I don't have to bootleg my own beer in just to have something I would willingly drink, I'm game. Of course, about 2/3rd of the suggestions above would pass muster with this beer geek: Growlers, Parkside, Ale Mary's Hamilton, Parkside, Elliotts Pour House (an no, no one's buying me beer to shill for them), Muggsy's Mug House (has an upstairs, after all), Metropolitan (ditto an upstairs), Mahaffey's, Alonso's, Racer's . . . .
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | February 22, 2010 10:46 AM
If its Canton, Baltimore Taphouse knows how to have fun and always good beer.
What about Hamilton? Los Amigos has a big beautiful new bar and its super kitchy and fun.
Posted by: KQ | February 22, 2010 3:59 PM
I'm going to put in my vote for Canton and name it the Midnight Sun Shaker. Sounds like a good time to me.
Posted by: ash | February 22, 2010 8:31 PM
EPH CURED MY RICKETS!!
Posted by: Evan | February 22, 2010 10:47 PM
I'm not just the owner of EPH -- I'm also a client!
Posted by: Sam Sessa | February 23, 2010 8:25 AM
Can we end the madness?
How about writing all of the serious suggestions on a piece of paper, put them in a hat, shake it up and pick one.
Ditto for the title.
I have camera and will travel. Looking forward to it since I missed the last one.
Posted by: Courtney B | February 23, 2010 9:50 AM
I second The Scores nomination. We had our holiday party there. Those girls have mad skills. If that isn't a popular consensus then I just ask we stay in the city. Me no drinkie and drive. And I definitely like to drink. Thanks!
Posted by: queen_colleen | February 23, 2010 12:22 PM
Molleen loves her some Scores!
Posted by: One half of Molleen | February 23, 2010 3:10 PM
Well damn if it's good enough for Molleeen then Scores gets HottieMcSexyPants Vote!
Posted by: HottieMcSexyPants | February 23, 2010 10:28 PM
I know you're busy Sam, but have you made a decision on where/when/what it's called?
I need a break from caregiving. Soon.
Posted by: Courtney B | March 2, 2010 9:37 AM