Fare Bistro - Suitable for a Male Bonding Evening?

[jgloverwork]

Hello all,

I have been put in charge of organizing a gathering of 7-8 friends I've known since high-school. While Fare is only a few blocks from my house, I've embarrassingly never visited.

I am considering this as a location for the get-together because the menu definitely fits the bill. I wanted to ask a question about the ambiance before booking, however. Is the energy of the room conducive to warm conversation and the inevitable laughs, or is it more of a hushed couple’s vibe.

If it's #2, I'll visit with the wife at another time.

Thanks very much!

[millygirl]

I'd say 100% #2.

[childofthestorm]

Oh god #2 for sure.

If you're looking for a fun vibe in the Lesliveille area, Batifole and Gio's both fit the bill.

[millygirl]

Celi Cottage might be a good option also.

[fickle]

2nd the Celli rec. Try and get the booth in the northeast corner, it's perfect for 8 people. The space is definitely conductive to warm conversation and occasional boisterous laughs. You can even hang outside by the fire pit if the weather's cooperative.

[millygirl]

Hey child, have you been to Gio's lately? I've not been in many months and the last time we drove by, hubby thought it looked different inside, somehow.

[jgloverwork]

Gio's is the same as always. They did expand into the space next door (Tomi-Kro style) a while back to gain extra seating, but everything else remains constant.

Thanks for the feedback!

[childofthestorm]

Yeah, I've been. Frankly, the food has been just so-so, I heard something about the owner not being around? It's still a good option for the area, but one thing I wanted to mention but didn't is that it's probably a better spot for a girl's night out rather than a guy's night out. When they blare Duran Duran and you see all these fun groups of girls chugging martinis, well, it's not exactly Fight Club in there.

I like the Ceili option too, cooked food can be hit and miss, check other threads, but for me pounding excellent oysters and pints is way more dude-ish.

[jgloverwork]

If Fare was to be the dinner option, I was planning to do Ceili afterwards. It would have been the perfect nightcap.

We weren't looking for wings and hollering - we actually insist on jackets for dinner - but it sounds like Fare is still a little on the tame side.

Batifole was a great idea - exactly the sort of vibe we were seeking. Option #2 after Fare was to do the distillery, so I think your comments have solidified that decision.

Thanks again!