Third Thirsty Thursday’s

I wish the former Standard (now Garden District) didn’t get so crowded, it would be super fun to go there.

Doener Bistro in Adams Morgan?

I know Dickie’s question was a more general one, but just fyi – I’ve planned to do a Third Thursday at Capital City in Shirlington for September, but would be glad to do a Capital City Shirlington one in August as well if people would like that.

Mikey also mentioned the possibility of doing an August one in Fairfax City, but I’m not sure if he is set on that or if it is important that it be on the same date. Mikey?

I thought Northside Social was great. I thought Circa was ok at first, and then got just too crowded to be inside. Westover always makes me happy. I’d be curious how somewhere like Lyon Hall or Rustico Ballston would be, if you could get reserved outdoor space.

Cap City is great, especially in terms of how much room they give us. They seem to be extremely accomodating (thanks in no small way to Kathy, I’m sure).

As much as I love Westover, I was a bit disappointed they wouldn’t reserve a section for us, which is what contributed to the crowdedness of it. I think Cap City is the best all-around location we’ve been to so far. Northside Social was fine as a location, but unlike some, I thought the food was a little blech, and the drinks seemed overpriced. Although it’s a bit bro-hemian for my taste, Carpool seemed to have the elements necessary for a good TTHH…food was decent, lots of outdoor space, CaBi access, and plenty of bike parking. But since it’s used as a post-Two Wheel Tuesday HH location, maybe doing a TTHH there would be a little much? Also, bros…but that’s not a deal-breaker for me.

@creadinger 59154 wrote:

I do sometimes have visions of someone snatching my bike and throwing it in a pick-up truck then speeding away, but while that is technically possible who would do that?

In a population of millions, a whole ton of people.

@Dickie 59105 wrote:

Say that three times fast!

First off I want to thank Kathy for starting the lovely tradition of a BA Happy Hour on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Like many new members, Third Thursday HH gave me the opportunity to meet all of you, and my life has been happier for it. Steve, TwoWheelsDC, and Honeybadger all volunteered to organize an event this summer in Kathy’s absence but I believe we have no event planned as of yet for August. I thought this might be a good opportunity to reflect upon the previous venues and see where we want to meet next:

1. Capital City Brewery (Shirlington) – This was our first location and the site of many gatherings. I still love this location and it is actually my favorite out of the lot; cheap and good beer, free pretzels, lots of patio space, good food, and enough bike parking.
2. Westover Beer Garden (Westover) – I loved this location, the beer selection is stupid good and the food was appropriate, I loved the patio but space was a little tight. The Giro being on TV was a massive bonus!
3. Circa (Foggy Bottom) – Being in DC was awesome and a really nice change, Good beer selection and food and the prices were not bad at all.Sadly the bar had no available patio space and got really crowded with suits.
4. Northside Social (Clarendon) – This was probably my least favorite. No HH specials, very expensive beer, service was pretty poor. I did like that we could be close to our bikes and the location was good, and the pork belly was ooooooh so good! 103º sucked!

What do the rest of think? Shall we continue trying new places or return to a location we feel good about?

Were there any good locations in the old town Alexandria area? I’m trying to think of something because the folks in South Arlington and Alexandria don’t seem to represent enough.

@creadinger 59157 wrote:

After several years and tens of thousands of miles w/out a lock I have have yet to witness this or hear stories about this. Where is this “ton of people”?

I agree that there are a ton of people that would do this. However, the odds of any of them being anywhere near your bike at the exact time that you leave it unlocked, and when they have the intent and capability to steal it, are extremely small. Those odds, of course, increase over time and with population density, so the longer the bike sits and the more people around, the more likely it will be that one of the bad people will come into its proximity and have the intent and capability to steal it. But I, like you, am generally willing to play those odds and leave my bike unlocked for brief periods rather than carry a lock everywhere I go. Of course, this applies almost exclusively to fitness rides where I’m unlikely to turn my back on the bike for more than a minute or two, and I’m probably in an area that is generally safe.