Hurricane Sandy Ballston Poker Bar Crawl

This Saturday, December 1st there is another day long benefit to raise money for victums of the recent east coast hurricane. Starting at 12:00 PM, the Ballston are Bars will be throwing a blow out fundraising event to support those who were devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The DC Restaurant Group partners Kevin Roberts and Chip Thompson have started a Non-Profit called Delaware Coast Aid to benefit this and have already raised over $50K for those suffering in New Jersey and New York. Here are the Details for the Pub Crawl / Poker Run: Starts at The Front Page in Arlington at 12pm Registration is $10 or $15 which gets you an event t-shirt $2 Bud Lights, $3 Fireballs Start at Front Page then go to: 1st stop - Union Jacks 2nd stop - Rock Bottom Brewery 3rd stop - Bailey's 4th stop - World of Beer 5th stop - A-Town 6th stop - Carpool 7th stop - First Down   There will also be a poker prize give away at Front Page. You need to get a playing card from each bar listed above, then return to Front Page by 4pm. The best hands sit down at poker tables and play for the grand prizes, including Redskins and Capitals gear, gift cards and golf bags. There will also be 5-10 more poker tables available for people to buy in and play rounds of poker.   Zippy Shell Mobile Moving & Storage will also be out in front of The Front Page in Ballston on Wilson Blvd from 9am-8pm for donations. They will be collecting: canned goods, diapers, blankets, pillows, clothes, and all other non perishable items to be delivered to the folks in New Jersey and New York who have lost so much.

Mad Rose Hurricane Sandy Sunday Funday

This Sunday Dec 2 Mad Rose is hosting a benefit for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. They are donating 20% of bar proceeds to the Red Cross. The fundraiser goes from noon until close (around 1:30am) with music provided by DJ Clinton Matthews. Drink specials include $2 Miller Lite, Bud Lite or Coors Lite, 1/2 price drafts, $2 Mimosas, $3 Bloody Mary's and food specials.

9 Songwriter Series at Iota Tuesday

I'm always enthusiastic when the 9 Songwriter Series returns to Clarendon. This Tuesday, Iota is again hosting a wonderful night of talented musicians for a single cover charge of $10. Starting at 8pm, you get to see live performances from nine people, including:

 Justin Trawick 

 Chris Behrmann 

 Cathy DiToro 

 Elyse Krachman 

 Nita Chawla 

 Nathaniel Davis 

 Jason Masi 

 Laura Baron 

 Laura Van Duzer

Thanksgiving at Arlington Rooftop

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill is also hosting a special turkey day menu this Thursday. Their three course Thanksgiving meal and dessert is $40 per person and is highlighted by a roasted turkey breast with homemade gravy and cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving at Lyon Hall

One of the best Clarendon restaurants Lyon Hall is offering a three course feast on Thanksgiving day for those who don't want to stay at home. The $35 menu includes favorites like their steak frites and French beignets. Call them for a reservation or check out their Facebook page.

Pics from Iota Red Cross show

Iota hosted a great night of live music last Saturday night with proceeds going towards Red Cross' diaster relief fund. There was such a wonderful diversity with different styles of music, but my favorite was the multitracking and great vocals of Margot MacDonald.

 

Hurricane Benefit Concert at Iota Sat

This Saturday night get ready for a night of great live music for a good cause at IOTA. The venue is hosting a benefit concert for the Red Cross Hurricane Relief fund. Their stage is going to be filled with local talent, as ten musicians will be entertaining you including my favorites Margot MacDonald, Lost Civilizations and the Highballers.

Instead of a cover charge, the suggested donation is $10. If you want to contribute directly to the Red Cross, check this link out.

DC101 Halloween bash at Ballroom

80s cartoons were represented well

Halloween is really the only time of the year I frequent the Clarendon Ballroom. The large three level dance club has the reputation of aggressive bouncers, sleazy guys, tons of girl drama, sticky floors and predictable cover band music. But on Halloween weekend that all changes and Ballroom becomes a fun and happy place with everyone in costume being friendly to each other. I call this the "Halloween effect", as all the patrons are so happy to show off their costumes and very willing to compliment others on their creativitiy.

Last Friday night was DC101's annual Halloween party and costume contest. Since the winner gets a grand prize of $3,000, tons of creative and hilarious costume ideas are brought out to the Arlington club.


Crazy huge homemade angel wings
barely fit throught he door

As always, a long line forms around the block for entrance into Ballroom around 10pm. But even those standing in line seem happy, as being in costume and "being seen" outside Ballroom is popular. The $15 to $20 cover and no re-entry rule didn't discourage people and Ballroom was filled up early.


Best costumes this year in my opinion were anything 80s cartoon related (pictured here is an amazing Thundercats get up), giant Bender and Beaker suits, and original couple sets like The Price Is Right contestants. Costumes to avoid included adult Alice in Wonderland, as there were countless girls wearing the same light blue short dress costume.

Be a zombie at RiRa Saturday

If you are in the mood for Irish zombies this Halloween, check out RiRa this Saturday Oct 27. RiRa is waving their cover charge (usually $5 or $10) to anyone dressed as an Irish zombie! The night will also include costume contest with a $250 prize for best contest and anotehr $250 for best couple.

Nightmare on M Street Saturday

This Saturday, October 27 Lindy Promotions, Coors Light, & Bacardi present the 13th annual Nightmare on M Street bar tour and costume contest. Specials run from 5pm-1am at many DC bars, including  $2 Coors Lights, $3 Blue Moons, $3 Red Bull and $4 Bacardi Oakheart drinks:


Black FinnBread 'n' Brew
James Hoban's
Mackey's
MadhatterMcFadden's
Ozio
Public Bar
Rumors
The Front Page
Mighty Pint
Buffalo Billards
Sign of the Whale
Black Rooster PubDirty Martini
Fiesta Lounge
Cafe Citron
Elephant and Castle
Irish Whiskey Public House
Maddy's
Midtown Party Plex
Panache
The Bottom Line
The Exchange
Lindy's Red Lion
19th
One Lounge

Don't miss out on this Halloween bar crawl and midnight costume contest at McFadden's! Advance discounted tickets are available online for $12.50 (price will increase as event nears) Purchase tickets here.