Whitlows Ugly Sweater night and clothing drive

Thanks to ClarendonPatch for the flyer

Whitlows is partnering with Arlington Street People Assistance Network (A-SPAN) tonight for a Ugly Sweater party and clothing drive. Happy hour go-ers are encouraged to arrive in the tackiest sweaters possible along with clothing donations. Guests who donate will benefit from drink specials and we have prizes for the ugliest sweater. Here is the list of items Whitlows is hopting to collect for A-SPAN.

Karaoke Saturday nights at Sobe

Stock photo via uskarokeallianace.com

I've been to Sobe before, and usually walk away dissapointed at both the food and the service. But this Saturday night I had an awesome time due to there weekly karaoke night. Every Saturday night starting at 8:30pm is open mic karaoke and every Friday night is a sing-along karaoke band.

We got there early, around 9pm and Sobe, the often overlooked restaurant next to Mad Rose, was still pretty sparesly populated. This gave us the chance to get good seats near the window with a great view of the amatuer performers.

The diverse crowd started picking up after midnight, with various singers including an office party full of suits,  black guys singing country, white girls singing "Baby Got Back", a 1920s themed dress birthday party, and an older man channeling Sinatra. It was a blast watching all the different groups get up on stange and sing a wide variety of hits.

I definately recommend checking Sobe out late on weekend nights, usually after midnight when the crowd is larger. I would stick with bottled beer when at the bar, as their mixed drinks are very watered down drinks and their wine tasted off.

Flow in the Dark plays Whitlow's Friday

At Whitlows last May, photo via flowinthedark.com

Local rock cover band Flow in the Dark is returning to Whitlow's this Friday Dec 9. They are a hiphop/mash-up with over 50 hiphop, pop, and rock songs in their reputare, and with four members of the band alternating vocals. Their live show starts at 10pm Friday.

Beer for Books Front Page Happy Hour Friday

Reading Connection Program Manager Stephanie
Berman reads aloud to children

A special happy hour called "Beer for Books" is being held at Front Page to benefit The Reading Connection. From 4 to 9pm on Friday Dec 9, drop by the Ballston bar for $5 wristbands that get you drink and food specials along with a raffle for Front Page bar tab and Pacers gift cards. RSVP on Facebook here.

The Reading Connection has been providing literacy workshops and improving the lives of at-risk families in the area for over 20 years.

Market Tavern replaces Harry's Tap Room

Downstairs bar

 Recently Harry's Tap Room, one of my favorite places for an upscale beer or fancy brunch, was revamped as Market Tavern. Despite being a "new" restaurant and having some kinks to work out, they offer great beer, wine and food in a cozy atmosphere.

The first floor is the "tavern" which features a familiar bar and free for all tables. The upstairs "chophouse" has more dining tables that are available for reservations. Although their are different menus for each section, I was able to order from either one. Their appetizer breads came with a plate full of fun spreads and spicy veggies.

Sliced NY steak salad

 Their take on a crab cake sandwich was tasty and satisifying, but not quiet as much meat as Clarendon Grill's version. The steak fries are delicious and just the right amount of grease. The sliced New York steak salad was also great, and went well with a dark glass of Malbec.

Crab cake sandwich

They have a massive drink menu, with over 77 wines by the glass and many fun beers offered. Pictured here is the "Old Rasputin" beer, which was dark and foamy like a Guiness black and tan.

I'm really happy about Market Tavern's new look and menu, and look forward to frequenting them again soon.

South Block smoothie coupons

12 oz Mango Mania Smoothie

South Block on Garfield Street currently is offering 10% off smoothie purchases if you bring a reciept from Trader's Joes. Not only are the smoothies delicious, but it includes one free energy boost supplement.

Also, they are giving out a $2 off coupon for wraps after each purchase. I perfer the "Clarendon wrap", but am looking forward to trying their new "Arlington Rap" wrap soon.

Late night at Mario's

Plenty of steak and cheeses to go around late at night

Besides Goody's, Silver Diner and Hard Times, another late night dining option in Clarendon is Mario's. Located on Wilson Blvd, Mario's servers pizza by the slice, steak and cheese subs and burgers until 2 am weekdays and 4 am Friday and Satruday night.

 I stopped in late last night, and had to wait an unsually long time because there was an order a head of me for a dozen steak and cheeses. You know the food must be good here if local late night work crews frequent it.

I like their steak and cheese, althought my favorite is still the one from Ray's. I have yet to try their pizza, but it gets good reviews on Yelp.