The MNCC is the Monday Night Cocktail Club, an organization created in the summer of 2009 during a period of underemployment. I needed an excuse to get out of the house and get some creative inspiration, as the hermit lifestyle is not the best motivator for inspired work (at least for me). It began as trips into Boston in late afternoon/early evening on Mondays for exploring parts of the city I had never seen, and engaging in some street photography. Very soon, that grew to include grabbing a bite, then a drink, until finally it was repurposed as visiting bars around the city I had never been to before. I had drinkboston’s List of Best Cocktail Bars as a guide, and Monday evening excursions became a biweekly adventure.
What started off as as a group of one, became a solid social event with the addition of several Midwestern colleagues. Membership tends to fluctuate up and down, depending on the season and night’s targeted locations. The excursions continue on, though with less frequency than the original setup, and there are still bars out there to visit.
Why NOT Monday? Monday night is one of the slowest nights in the restaurant/bar industry. I like to go when the crowds are minimal… no lines, no waiting for a drink, plenty of seating, numerous street parking spaces, and usually a bored bartender who is glad for the company. As a drink geek, I love this opportunity to chat with the bartenders to discuss the ins-and-outs of the industry, and their opinions on all things alcohol.
It wouldn’t be a proper club if there weren’t a few rules.
1. Visit at least one new bar.
2. Have at least one cocktail (not beers all night).
3. Getting drunk is not the goal, though accidents happen.
4. One bar should be fancy.
5. Pick a section of the city (Beacon Hill, Financial, Downtown Crossing, Faneuil Hall, etc.) and limit excursions to that area (avoid bar-hopping across the city).
6. Take pictures.
7. Tip well.
Usually, I average 2-4 bars. The Club meets around 8pm (parking meters are free after 8pm) and usually ends around 11:30. As I’ve attempted to explain to others, the goal is to explore and check out bars/pubs/taverns/watering holes that we’ve never been to before, and as a result, explore parts of the city. It’s not a sloppy drunk fest, though that has happened in the past. Yes, we all have to work on Tuesday morning, but it’s a great excuse to go out on a quiet night and enjoy a few drinks.
While looking for a picture of Mary Pickford for a blog post I was working on, I came across one on your web site. Of course when I saw “Squirrel Farts” I had to check it out. What a funny name, love it. Also thanks for the wonderful drink recipes, can’t wait to try some out.
Many thanks for your nifty blog!