TUCSON
Armitage Wine Lounge / 2905 E Skyline Dr / 520.682.9740

This patio holds the trump card for outside seating: large, comfy couches. With half-off wine on Wednesdays and a brunch menu on Sundays, this is the place to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful vistas Tucson is known for. The only drawback is the people watching is lackluster because the lounge is cloistered inside an outdoor mall. For those looking for a private session, disregard what I just said. For you, this will be everything.

PORTLAND
Gladstone Street Pub / 3737 SE Gladstone St / 503.775.3502

It can be hard to find a truly friendly little pub in a hip city like Portland. A place where a smiling face is sure to greet you isn’t just everywhere. Although Portland is a pretty friendly mid-sized city, Gladstone Street Pub is a cut above in the hip-corner-pub type of way. But more importantly, their patio contains the necessities for a game of corn hole, and a grill for some added earthly delights.

NEW DELHI
Bemisal Restaurant / District Center, Janakpuri

Located in West Delhi, this little restaurant is right in the center of an open-air market. That makes for excellent people watching (obviously something I’m concerned with), and the shade means a respite from the sweltering Indian heat. Coupled with a large variety of cuisines to choose from, Bemisal Restaurant has all the trappings of a fine, fine patio.

LONDON
The Big Chill House / 257-259 Pentonville Rd / 020.7427.2540

London can be a cold place, both literally and metaphorically. So it’s nice to a place to go with some warmth. This has comfort in spades plus good food, good people and a great rooftop view to get you (literally) above it all. And The Big Chill House will raise to the top of your London go-tos if you care about eclectic music at all , they always have something good playing.

-Alexsey Kashtelyan

Tres / 210 N 4th Ave / 310.754.0621

Right smack-dab on Fourth Avenue, Tucson’s favorite strip for shopping and imbibing, Tres is a new boutique for the seriously fashion-minded. This is the type of shop you would expect to see in Brooklyn or San Francisco. Tres’ savvy owners mix actually-great-vintage goods (not stuff you could just walk into a thrift store and pick up yourself) alongside ahead-of-the-trend new stuff. The women and men’s selection is a cut-above most boutiques you could compare Tres to and everything is laid out in the most accessible way. If you need any extra help, the owners are always around to lend their taste, they’ve got lots to spare.

BLX / 35 E Toole Ave / 520.622.5858

Tucson may have the feel of a small town but it is still an urban city. And with concrete, come decks with wheels. Right next to cultural-hub Solar Culture on Toole Avenue, BLX (say it like “blocks”) offers everything a skater might need, from a superior offering of boards and accessories, to fresh Adidas and whatever random paraphernalia the owners see fit to include (books, toys, etc.). They host local art shows and the openings are definitely worth checking out. The owners are not just trying to make a buck, this is their culture. And this new addition to the Tucson scene is destined to become a legend, not only amongst skaters.

The Union Public House / 4340 N Campbell Ave / 520.329.8575

This new go-to is situated farther north than the rest of the list and maybe that’s for a reason, this pub was designed with a chicer crowd in mind. One BRINKer says it is a spot in Tucson where you know every one of the hip and clean-cut patrons has a job, and that can’t be assumed everywhere in town. This place is definitely no dive. If you have a laid-back, but sophisticated time in mind, try making a trek up north a bit. The Union boasts an honest American aesthetic, delicious food and just-as-good cocktails.

The Parish / 6453 N Oracle Rd / 520.797.1233

A little way out west is a new gastropub with a southern-fusion style called simply The Parish. Three staples of Tucson’s culinary scene founded this new spot: the general manager and the executive chef of Tucson’s famed Cup Cafe and the founder of the French Quarter. The Parish is sure to be a gourmand’s delight with its new take on the old New Orleans’ cuisine. A hospitable happy hour menu helps it rise to the top of our list of places to be when you’re hungry (and thirsty). The Parish is located on the northwest corner of Oracle and Orange Grove which is a bit out of our range normally but a little cruise up Oracle is worth it.

-Alexsey Kashtelyan, BRINKtern
(Photos and editing by Caroline Jackson)

GET BBQ FROM IRONWORKS
100 Red River St./ironworksbbq.com

This no-fuss BBQ joint is much talked about in Austin and I think they live up to the hype. My brisket was perfectly cooked and incredibly savory, plus the hot sauce (a big deal for me) and potato salad (which I normally don’t even like) are top-notch. We tried out a couple places while in Texas, but this was head and shoulders above the rest.

GO VINTAGE SHOPPING AT NEW BROHEMIA
2209 S. 1st St.

Austin has a lot of thrift and vintage stores that are worth looking at but New Brohemia is my favorite. And they don’t even cater to me! It’s a men’s shop but they carry all the way down to little boys sizes (I got a silk shirt and a Native American-inspired jacket). Plus they have loads of inexpensive silver jewelry and colorful cumberbands that I re-imagine as a belt. I can’t pump this place up enough. Look how happy Isaiah Toothtaker is in his New Brohemia find.

PERUSE BOOKS AND ZINES AT DOMY
913 E. Cesar Chavez St./domystore.com/austin


I am infatuated with Domy books. They have an extensive zine selection plus they gather some of the most interesting books out and host art shows. When we were here they had a backyard party show which supposedly happen even with the ruckus of SXSW is over.

BOWL AND SING KARAOKE AT THE HIGHBALL
1142 S. Lamar Blvd./thehighball.com

The historic High Ball is right next to the much praised Alamo Drafthouse (which we digged also), but it shouldn’t be overlooked. The decor is wonderfully restored and they have bowling, karaoke and they host concerts. The bar is great looking but they also have tasty drinks and competent bartenders.

TRACK DOWN THE NICE KICKS ‘NICE CREAM’ TRUCK
nicekicks.com

We have a warm spot in our hearts for anything mobile. Afterall, we did drive the BRINKmobile to Austin. And sneaker shop Nice Kick’s ‘Nice Cream’ Truck is a very cool idea. Track them down for exclusive roll-outs of Vans and Nikes.

-Caroline Jackson, editor

PORTLAND
Red Fox/ Mississippi/ 5128 N Albina

Reading the review of this “North Portland treasure” is what got me off and running on this blog post. It’s warm and cozy inside, and the entrance is in a small field. The hidden location must be what keeps out the droves of unwitting hipsters who might otherwise wander in from the main drag of Albina. But you’ll know it by the iconic fox logo sign and gigantic carrot perched on the adjacent natural food market. They have it all: awesome jukebox, covered patio and lots of good beer on-tap. We’re told the bar is often populated with locals and friendly bartenders. Our reviewer says all-in-all, it “is hard to beat.”

MADRID
Cervecería Restaurante Quevedo/ Huertas/ Calle de Quevedo, 7

I have definitely not been overwhelmed with suggestions of beer joints for our BRINKguide Madrid but this spots sounds choice no matter where you’re from. They offer “well-poured and reasonably priced cañas” (along with tapas) in an “on-the-up” area, where usually an adult beverage will cost you a pretty penny. Plus, it is charmingly old school and there is a stuffed pig head wearing sunglasses hanging on the wall.

SAN FRANCISCO
The Irish Bank/ Downtown/ 10 Mark Lane/

The huge outdoor seating area, great beer and stiff drinks The Irish Bank has will please anyway. And they are especially a standout as far as Downtown SF is concerned. It is situated in a charming alley in Union Square and the varied crowd loves to get loose. Our reviewer makes note of the back room which offers more seating (and good food) for when it is crowded or crappy outside (or when you need to soak up some of that booze).

TUCSON
The Bashful Bandit/ Central/ 3686 East Speedway Boulevard

Now, BRINK’s hometown of Tucson has lots of better beer options, but this is where you’ll get a taste of the huge local motorcycle scene (and occasionally run into some University of Arizona co-eds too). Plus I wanted to show you a picture of the mural because I love it. Sidle past the row of motorcycles posted up outside, grab a bottle of good old domestic beer and belch if you got to. This spot is simple, entertaining and cheap.

LONDON
The Champion/ West End/ 13 Wells Street

London is known for their pubs so we had to pull out one of their bests. The Champion is a Samuel Smith style spot tucked away just north of the Oxford Street shopping crowd. The beer is good and reasonable and a review said to order (or maybe just ask about) “the man in a box” if you are feeling adventurous. She also added that this was a spot to go if you want to look and act like a local. I’ll take that over a played out tourist spot any day.

NEW YORK
Cherry Tavern/East Village/ 441 East 6th Street

This quirky, low-key joint is the perfect place to gather some friends up and enjoy a beer and a shot of tequila (for only five bucks!) The prices are unreasonably reasonable for NYC, which makes it a favorite amongst reviews and locals alike. Plus, they have pool and it isn’t pretentious. If you spent a day doing all things quintessentially New York (and surely spending too much money) this will be the perfect place to take a break.

-Caroline Jackson

If you think I totally missed a beer drinking spot in YOUR city, e-mail me at editor@brink.com or fill out your info here.

Langlitz Leathers / 2443-A SE Division / langlitz.com / 503.235.0959
This was one of the first entries I saw when I started editing BRINKguide Portland, and I immediately began pinning for some leather from Langlitz’s. This family-owned business specializes in custom motorcycle jackets and they have been around since 1947. All their leather is premium quality and they offer a variety of styles (chaps, vests, boots, etc.). It is a bit pricy but well-worth it, whether you ride a motorcycle or you just love a solid, good-looking garment made locally.

Green Noise Records / 3840 SE Gladstone St. / greennoiserecords.com / 503.736.0909
A good record store has long been the sign of a good neighborhood, but they are getting harder and harder to come by. But Southeast Portland’s Green Noise Records is one of the best record stores left. They have a small but truly phenomenal selection of the best vintage and contemporary (new and used) punk, indie and rock vinyl imaginable. The store’s operated by a local record label owner with sublime taste in the hard stuff, and they also feature releases by some of the better Portland local scene bands.

Oblation Papers and Press / 516 NW 12th Ave / oblationpapers.com / 503.223.1093
This spot is a 19th century print shop where they design wedding invitations, baby shower announcements and anything you want printed on paper. And that paper will be exceptionally fine and the design will be perfectly simple. Our reviewer said “this place is truly incomparable to any other stationary,” and I back her 100%. And you can tour their urban paper mill and see them employing traditional techniques (they make sheets of cotton paper from recycled remnants of the garment industry). The already made goods they sell are far from disappointing also.

Goorin Bros. / 808 NW 23rd Ave. / goorin.com (Nob-Hill) / 503.227.5300
This isn’t a Portland one off, but it is the only Goorin Bros. in Oregon and inside the shop is wonderful. These stylish hats will cost you around one Benjamin Franklin, but they will last forever and are timeless. I’d gladly fork over a big bill for any hat in their ‘Heritage’ collection. In particular, “Pierre Renoir” (a boater), “Whiskey Pete” (a safari fedora), “Lady Lefty” (a cloche) and “Vinnie the Brain” (a porkpie) are impeccably-made classics.

Portland Design Collective / 902 SW Morrison St.
This list would be remiss if it didn’t include at least one of Portland’s great vintage shops. This is my favorite spot. Any shop that carries vintage is only as good as their curators, and this shop is obviously being run by some keen eyes. This boutique is styled perfectly, the merchandise is unique and there’s lots of variety. The inventory is constantly changing according to the season, so you are likely to find something completely unique for whatever occasion you have coming up.

If you think we are totally missing out on some great Portland venue, check out brinkguide.com to point out where we screwed up.

-Caroline Jackson

A flood of Portland entries for BRINKguide this week  has got me very pumped! Our four new editors are uncovering so many great places, so I decided I’d give you a sneak peek into their entries with a Valentine’s date.

This week, we are planning a night out for Portlanders with the edge you’ll need to impress a lucky someone on Feb. 14th. Grab your umbrella and follow these instructions.

FIRST, HEAD TO>>>

Sammy’s Floral Shop/2280 NW Gilsan St./sammysflowers.com

Portlanders might be a bit scruffy but your date would still be pleased with a bouquet, terrarium or single rose from the local farmers market. They do custom stuff and they have a quick turn-around but check into it now, Valentine’s Day is obviously a busy time for the shop given the title “Best Florist in Portland” from multiple magazines.

AND THEN>>>

Sweets Etc./7828 SW Capitol Hwy/sweetsetc.com

If your date is more keen on something edible, Sweets Etc. will have any sweet you need. They really have a lot of unique treats from around the world. Our editor recommends the fresh fudge or chocolate dipped cheesecake but show your sweetheart you really get him/her and slyly pry their favorite kind of delicacy out of them before heading in. If Sweets Etc. doesn’t have something, the employees will know where you can find it.

TO START OFF THE AFTERNOON>>>

Glowing Greens Miniature Golf/509 SW Taylor Street/glowinggreens.com

If you and your date are adventurous (and it isn’t too crappy outside) head to this pirate-themed indoor 3D black light miniature golf course. The course itself is a little “rinky dink”, but the decor and overall wackiness is charming. And it captures the city of Portland, which tends to lean a little towards a laid-back eccentricity.

THEN FOR DINNER>>>

Toro Bravo/120 NE Russell Street/torobravopdx.com

This is on one editor’s “short list of the city’s finest restaurant’s” so it’ll be fitting for a special night out. Foodie’s praise the tapas-style dishes especially, the brussel sprouts with bacon sherry cream, pork and almond empanadas and signature Paella Toro. The wine list is huge and the cocktails are creative (and great), so it is a good first stop to unwind after some mini-golf and get the rest of the night started. Get out of their by 7:30pm so you can make it to this next bit in time.

CATCH THE ROMANTIC FLICK WILD AT HEART>>>

The Bagdad Theater/3702 SE Hawthorne/mcmenamins.com/219-bagdad-theater-pub-home

Who doesn’t love watching a young Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern in the off-kilter romantic movie Wild at Heart. And you can see the 35mm David Lynch cult classic in the perfect venue this Valentine’s day starting at 8:30pm. Tickets are only five bucks, so if you spent too much at dinner, rest assured you can impress your date for a lot less. The Bagdad Theater has been a Portland landmark since 1927, its Vaudeville days have passed, but it is still one of the best spots in town to take in a show and you can drink a delicious IPA or a cocktail from the full bar while you do it.

AFTERWARDS FOR DRINKS>>>

Silk by Pho Van/1012 NW Glisan/phovanrestaurant.com

You certainly could have chose this for your dinner spot, the authentic Vietnamese cuisine is modern and unique, but we are more keen on their upscale bar. It is appropriately elegant for Valentine’s Day and infused with a bit of exoticism to make the night not so run-of-the-mill. That’s why it’s a great spot for an after-the-movie sip. Try the Thai Chili-infused Tuk Tuk martini to get the full experience of the place.

IF YOU’RE STILL GOING >>>

Aalto Lounge/3356 SE Belmont St./aaltolounge.com

This bar masters the hip bar triumvirate: a well-priced and interesting drink selection, hilarious bartenders and a colorful environment. If you prefer to enjoy your date in a quiet space, take your libations to the couches near the front of the bar. But the back patio is great to socialize and smoke, if you care for that sort of thing.

AND THE NEXT MORNING>>>

Gold Rush Coffee Bar/2601 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd/goldrushcoffeebar.wordpress.com

Whether the night went so great that you spent the night together or you dropped them at their door with a smooch, it’s not a bad idea for you to enjoy some more time with your Valentine’s day over a really great cup of coffee. You could almost walk across Portland on the roofs of coffee shops – they are everywhere. But Gold Rush sticks out because in addition to their good brew, they have friendly, long-time employees (low turnover is always a clue to a great place), Wild West decor and stellar breakfast options (they are inexpensive AND tasty, novel).

-Caroline Jackson

We figured there’s enough going on in your day-to-day, so we sent out a call to our editors in New York City. We asked for the most romantic spots and pulled together a supreme Valentine’s Day schedule. Just make sure your sweetheart is free on February 14th and follow these simple instructions.

Before your meet up with somebody special, you’re going to need a bottle of something nice (for enjoying back at the hotel) and/or flowers (to woo them before your date).

For a bottle:

Astor Wines & Spirits/ 399 Lafayette Street/212-674-7500

This wine shop has just about every option you can think of. If you live anywhere close to here, it should already be your liquor store of choice. Countless wines, spirits and sakes grin at you in technicolor hues. They herald from all places and across decades, and run the full gamut of grape varieties.

For some flowers:

Anthology Floral Design/1 Fifth Ave/212-677-0102

Call or visit ahead and send your lovely something at work, or plan to pick a bouquet up on the way to dinner. This is downtown’s best all-purpose flower shop. The flower arrangers are “seasoned,” so to speak and the prices can be a bit steep, but it’s a special occasion and arrangements won’t disappoint.

Now, make a reservation for dinner:

Blossom/187 9th Avenue/212-627-1144

This is where ‘fancy with a fireplace’ meets ‘organic vegan eats.’ This spot is intimate and romantic, the perfect atmosphere for a cuddly Valentine’s Day, and the food options will please any sort of date. Enjoy a cocktail, or some wine, and gaze into each others eyes and prepare for your next stop.

No need to plan ahead of time for the next event on your sultry agenda. Take your date for some dancing at the ultimate spot.

Groove Bar & Grill/125 MacDougal Street/212-254-9393

This place is one of the only bars in downtown Manhattan that focuses on Funk, Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop. And the artists aren’t just of any caliber – these are the best. This is perfect for a sexy, laid-back night with a special someone. It may get a little full on the 14th, since others may be looking to get close to their honeys, but the crowd is always super easy going.

Book a room at a hip hotel, in a prime spot.

The Standard/848 Washington Street/212-645-4646

Hotelier Andre Balazas doesn’t disappoint. You’ll pay a pretty penny to stay in these hipster-chic digs but for one special night, it is perfect. It straddles the High Line elevated park and looks great from outside, even better from inside one of the posh rooms. This is where you whip out the fine wine you got a deal on at Astor Wines and Spirits and enjoy your lucky significant other.

Don’t feel left out if you aren’t going to be in the Big Apple on the most romantic day of the year. Every venue in our BRINKguides is carefully selected, so you can create your own special day where ever you are. 

(Luv ‘N Stuff, 1037 Nw 23rd Avenue, Portland)

This new review reminded me of an older one from one of our trusted guides in Madrid, Kelly Hurd. Hurd added the Tirso de Molina Plaza flower stands to our guide a month or so ago. I asked her for some additional photos for the blog because I was intrigued by her description: “If you walk through this small plaza between La Latina and Lavapiés at night, you may wonder “What are all these strange cube sculptures for?” But if you happen to find yourself there during the day you will discover that these mysterious giant cubes open up like origami into flower stands.” They slipped my mind until now but they are quite a sight. She says the cafes along the plaza are also good for café con leche and some people watching.

I’m proud to say we have received and edited all of the entries for BRINKguide Madrid, so soon reviews like Hurd’s will be easily accessible on your smart phone. And if you think you have what it takes to be an editor for Portland, Tucson, Bisbee or Boston, apply here.

-Caroline Jackson, editor of BRINKguide

(Photo from NYmag.com)

DANZIG!! If you are in Manhattan or anywhere in the NY Burroughs, head out to Hammerstein Ballroom ( 311 W. 34th St) October 29th to hear some classic Samhain and Misfits songs from the dark idol himself. But if you can’t get tickets or the price is to steep for your blood (you can get them for $36.50-$97), fear not, the Boogaween Costume Ball is happening down on Houston St. the same night. There is sure to be dancing at the Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St) and tickets to the ball will only cost you $25 the night of the show.

(Photo from timeout.com)

In London, the Round Chapel (Clapton Park United Reformed Church, 1d Glenarm Rd.) will show horror classics all weekend. Showings, or “screamings” as they’re calling them, happen early (at either 4:45pm or 7:30pm October 28-31) so you can get spooked before you head out for a night of partying. Choose from “The Omen”, “The Exorcist”, “The Blair Witch Project” or “Halloween.” From what we can tell, the hallowed halls of the historic church is the perfect venue to get you in the mood for the holiday.

(Photo from Halloween 2007, Pitussi’s flickr stream)

From what our Madrid editors have told us, Spaniards haven’t quite caught on to celebrating Halloween, save for the students. A little bit of digging and we found the goth club Dark Hole has been putting on a Semana Gotica de Madrid kick off event each year. We have found pictures of wonderfully costumed patrons from years passed but can’t find exact details for this years event. Ask a local, show up at the venue in your darkest costume (13 Mesoneros Romanos, Metro: Gran Via) or go to find Madrid’s Gothic Week website to find out the latest event offerings in the area.

(Photo from Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli Photography + Design)

This weekend Tucsonians will have plenty of house parties and concerts to choose from but really we are saving our energy for the big event next weekend. Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday for celebrating the dead, will be celebrated the weekend after Halloween. Floats and folks with black and white painted faces will parade through downtown on November 6th for the All Souls Procession, with the route ending in a Dance of the Dead. Residents don’t skimp on costuming as you can see from the photo above, taken at last year’s event. This will be the 21st walk and the community organized event has attracted as many as 20,000 participants in the past.

-Caroline Jackson, editor of BrinkGuide

Rosemary’s Green Point Tavern (188 Bedford Ave.): A local treasure. The beer comes in styrofam cups, perfect for sneaking a big, cold brew out the front door and talking a walk around Williamsburg but if the weather isn’t permitting, enjoying the seasoned bar patrons is the second best option. Year round Christmas lights provide stellar decor for party time.

Juliette (135 N. 5th St.): Another lovely spot to get a drink in Williamsburg but with a bit of a different flavor. This French brassiere has a totally cozy roof but will require a prettier penny than Rosemary’s. We recommend grabbing an Irish coffee in colder months or a St. Germain cocktail in warmer and enjoying the outdoor seating. Their food, desserts and coffee come recommended as well if you’re interested in something more substantial or non-alcoholic.

Buffalo Exchange: This now chain originated in BrinkGuide’s hometown of Tucson (we may be world travelers but I’m in Arizona as I type this post) but this location gets particularly choice items. Grab the hip and affluent’s cast offs for pennies on the dollar. You can find well-known current designers and also vintage pieces in great shape. But it gets packed out on weekends and even some weekday afternoons so be prepared to duke it out with other shoppers.

Masten Lake (285 Bedford Ave.): After fighting elbow-to-elbow with other fashion connoisseurs, this restaurant may be the perfect spot to unwind. Inspired by the owners’ childhood vacation home in the Catskills, Masten Lake proves to be a great departure from the bustle of Williamsburg and the big city in general. It has only been around since July but the kinks are all worked out (the chef has some cred: he worked at Roberta’s and Lupa). The food (Italian-influenced, simple, market-driven) is the highlight but the wine is on-point as well, featuring great female winemakers of the world in particular.

I’m looking forward to you all getting your hands on the full range of what New York Burroughs has to offer (including Liz’s full bar crawl report) when the new BrinkGuide comes out soon! Check back for more traveling tips and for the date of the big launch of our forth-coming BrinkGuides London, Madrid and NY Burroughs.

-Caroline Jackson, Editor of BrinkGuide