Fighting with the boyfriend is always a great way to start the weekend. Psych!
After finding out Alive After Five (AA5) was postponed due to the rainy weather, Thursday night was supposed to consist of a cooked meal, watching a bit of TV and going to bed as early as possible. But after getting into a tiff with the boyfriend, I made the decision that I was going to partake in libations as soon as I got off work. And even though I knew I should get food — especially since making food a priority was supposed to be me turning over a new drinking leaf in the New Year — I was on a mission to de-stress. Luckily a co-worker decided to join me and we decided to head to Tin Roof where I had my first drink — an RBV.
Once my co-worker started fumbling around, I pretended to be over drinking so he could leave without feeling guilty.
I walked reluctantly to the light rail feeling a slight buzz. Just as I was about to feel bad for myself, I realized I had gotten a text from another friend who was headed to Abari Game Bar and Snug Harbor. Now I could avoid angry drinking alone.
Still ignoring my grumbling stomach, I headed home to change and grabbed an Uber to Abari. Despite being in a bad mood, I was excited to check out the newest addition to North Davidson Street.
I had a chance to sit down with the owner, Zach Pulliam, a while back before he was even sure everything was going to be approved to begin renovations. He had already purchased many of the gaming consoles and was pretty stressed about everything coming to fruition. Seeing him in passing on Thursday, I could tell the stress was still alive and well, but Abari is officially open!
I’m a huge fan of Galaga but not a huge fan of playing games I’ve never played before. My friend, however, got me out of my comfort zone and I ended up having a blast playing games I either hadn’t played or hadn’t played in a while.
This is why this place is great for just about anyone — even kids on a Sunday afternoon. Whether you’re planning a first date or you’re a video game nerd, there’s something for everyone at Abari.
After Abari, we headed to Snug Harbor in the hopes we could catch a drag show. I haven’t managed to stop by Snug during the week but had heard a lot about their events so I was excited to see just about anything.
I was hoping the show would’ve started by the time we arrived so I could head home — the lack of dinner was starting to weigh on me. But it wasn’t until after 12, maybe even 1 a.m., that a queen appeared. By then, the tall figure strutting down the runway the crowd had created was just an apparition as I struggled to keep my RBV down. So I grabbed an Uber and headed home.
The next morning, I woke up regretting my decision to “drangry” — drink angry — but figured I’d been more hungover before, so I should suck it up and take on the day.
I managed to make it all day without racing to the bathroom, but prepping to get ready for yet another night out in the Q.C. was slow to say the least. I managed to get my mojo after realizing the fun would have to end early due to an early Saturday morning doctor’s appointment. So, I forced myself to put on a smile and decided to dance the night away.
Tinder dating for friends means playing wingman, so our first stop was Rí Rá Irish Pub — that’s where the swipe righters had decided on meeting.
We skipped the first floor which smelled of vomit and settled at the bar on the second floor. It wasn’t long before everyone had drank the long work week away as we took over the dance floor.
And then we slowly made our way to The Local on 5th. Another spot, I hadn’t been in a while, I was pleasantly surprised when I was greeted with my fave Lil’ Wayne, Beyoncé and Rihanna tunes as soon as I walked through the door.
After long conversations and quality time making up with the boyfriend, I was pretty much drained. So, I decided to refrain from nighttime fun on Saturday night. Instead, I looked forward to a boozy brunch at Little Spoon Eatery on Selwyn. And I must say, hip-hop music + brunch is never a bad idea.
My only complaint? No bottomless mimosas! Not too shabby of a week-end after a rough start on Thursday if I do say so myself.