Happy Hour: Northside Social Goes Vintage

Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, September 15th, 2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Is there anything better than a midweek wine shindig?

We didn’t think so.

Lucky for us all, the folks at Northside Social feel the same way. Next Tuesday, September 20th, they’ll be hosting their monthly Vintage: Vinyl & Vino, a time when the music is old-school and so is the wine. Head over to the Arlington’s resident indie coffeehouse to join in the retro rumpus.

One of DC’s spinning masters, DJ Illogic, will be bringing the jams – playing downtempo/dub and yes, some old-school hip hop, completely transforming the upstairs floor into a dance-your-cares-away loft. Northside’s general manager and head sommelier, Alison Christ, is handling all things wine-related, pouring glasses from their top bottles.

Mark your calendars: it’s getting social next Tuesday night in the wine bar.

 

 

Northside Social
3211 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 465-0145
www.northsidesocialarlington.com

HH: 9 p.m. til late

Cost: no cover; glasses of wine vary

- Lorin Drinkard

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Jonesing for Java

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, January 9th, 2009

Don’t let the chilly service at corporate coffee chains leave you out in the cold. This winter, these friendly little java joints are the hottest places around.

By Abby Horowitz

Misha’s
In a Nutshell: Combination coffee shop and roaster with a funky side.
Must-Try: Route 66 Blend—a dark, house-roasted brew.
Price Range: $1.69-$3.65
Extra Perks: The aroma of roasting coffee, stacks of Scrabble boards and free Wi-Fi invite you to stay a while.
Steer Here: 102 S. Patrick St., Alexandria; 703-548-4089
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

Gusto di Vita
In a Nutshell: Family-owned and -operated drive-through kiosk with lots of variety.
Must-Try: Mocha Divine—three secret mocha recipe comes topped with lots of whipped cream.
Price Range: $1.50-$5.00
Extra Perks: The knowledgeable staff is bursting with great recommendations.
Steer Here: Warrenton Village Center (off Route 17); 540-270-6543; www.gustodivita.com
Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

The Java Shack
In a Nutshell: Intellectual yet unpretentious, a great place to meet up with friends.
Must-Try: Any of the signature lattes.
Price Range: $1.80-$4.25
Extra Perks: The Java Shack supports fair trade and goes the extra mile to be environmentally friendly.
Steer Here: 2507 N. Franklin Road; 703-527-9556; www.javashack.com
Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday

Raven’s Nest Coffee House
In a Nutshell: So warm and welcoming, you’ll think you’re at Grandma’s house.
Must-Try: Homemade Chai tea.
Price Range: $1.65-$3.95
Extra Perks: Free Wi-Fi, windows that let in lots of sunshine and plentiful seating make this the quintessential workspace or reading nook.
Steer Here: 254 E. Davis St., Culpeper; 540-827-4185
Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday

Mello Out
In a Nutshell: An inventive menu with some great non-coffee options (think apple cider and mint hot chocolate).
Must-Try: Mello Mocha—a blend of Italian hot chocolate, espresso and steamed milk.
Price Range: $1.55-$4.09
Extra Perks: Impressive homemade marshmallows and even better panini (try the Plescow!).
Steer Here: 2 E. Federal St., Middleburg; 540-687-8635; www.marshmellos.com
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

(January 2009)

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