2 ms·

We used to have some of these. Back when rents were much lower. eg The Last Exit on Brooklyn (near Univ of Wash campus). Just show up. Very diverse clientele.

We used to have some of these. Back when rents were much lower. eg The Last Exit on Brooklyn (near Univ of Wash campus). Just show up. Very diverse clientele. All tables were open (no bogarting open seats). Cribbage, go, chess, boardgames, whatever. Mostly with strangers. There was also regular poetry slams, open-mic, music, whatever. I've long wondered how to recreate such venues. Places like Mox are great. https://www.moxboardinghouse.com/seattle/ https://www.moxboardinghouse.com/seattle/ I've been many times along with my son's crew (gamers, artists, slackers). But the qwan is just a bit off. Why? Is it because we banned indoor smoking? People used to just hang out and smoke, taking in the vibe. (Gods, as a non-smoker, I loved cigs and espresso and cribbage and talking shit. Not that I'd ever want to allow indoor smoking again...) Is it because places like Mox require merch sales to remain viable? Alcohol sales are way down, so venues need something. Any way. As an old, if my local public library served espresso, I'd never leave. Our book club has tried to meet at libraries a few times, but it always sucks. Our libraries are definitely not "third places". /ramble

tokioyoyo 2y ago
I absolutely agree with every single sentence. I've tried some group meet ups as well, but it just doesn't pan out. Going out by myself is also boring in the area, because for whatever reason, everything feels like a "destination for a group". I enjoy going out for drinks with friends, sure, but would be nice to have the "sit at the bar, shoot the shit, and have a drink by myself" option. From my previous experiences, that culture is still alive in parts of Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and so on. But it just doesn't work here... My guess is the alcohol prices, as convincing yourself that paying $13 for a drink + tip, is not a good idea if you do it a couple of times a week. Ideally, you'd want people without money to be able to afford it as well, as they tend to be the "culture makers" because of the time and availability. Alas, it's hard to make that happen in current economy. Oh well, we're stuck in this weird predicament, i guess.

tokioyoyo 2y ago

I absolutely agree with every single sentence. I've tried some group meet ups as well, but it just doesn't pan out. Going out by myself is also boring in the area, because for whatever reason, everything feels like a "destination for a group". I enjoy going out for drinks with friends, sure, but would be nice to have the "sit at the bar, shoot the shit, and have a drink by myself" option. From my previous experiences, that culture is still alive in parts of Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and so on. But it just doesn't work here... My guess is the alcohol prices, as convincing yourself that paying $13 for a drink + tip, is not a good idea if you do it a couple of times a week. Ideally, you'd want people without money to be able to afford it as well, as they tend to be the "culture makers" because of the time and availability. Alas, it's hard to make that happen in current economy. Oh well, we're stuck in this weird predicament, i guess.