A neighborhood blog has to keep on its toes with Dan Savage hanging around. Amid all the sugar-coated Halloween hubbub, we missed his report on what just might be the most important 15th Ave E. news ever — soon, neighbor Dan says, you will be able to bring kids inside Smith:
Later this week a tasteful railing will be installed around Smith’s bar—and you know that means, Seattle.
Children.
Once the Liquor Control Board drops by, checks out the rail, and gives the okay under-21s will be welcome at Smith.
With a baby on the way any minute now, we’ve been savoring each visit to Smith as our last. We’re guessing that lots of other neighborhood parents like us — and Dan Savage — are excited too. Still, it is a risky move for Linda Derschang. One of the strongest value propositions for a drinking establishment like Smith is leering and being leered at. While the presence of children doesn’t completely negate this value proposition, it can damage it for all but the most shameless. So, we’re wondering if Linda is planning some kind of no-kids hours. Or maybe she’ll just leave it up to your excellent parental judgement.
Regardless, the move is a symbol of the strong presence of the parent category in our neighborhood’s demographic and an acknowledgment that the ages of going out and raising children are intermixed and overlapping. The change also shows how ridiculous morality laws can be — install a bit of metal and wood and supposedly the place is changed in its purpose. Still, we have to admit we’re quite happy with the news. Maybe we’ll chip in to get a railing installed at the Hopvine next.
(thanks a million to neighbor Paul for letting us know about this!)
I remember we once went to Le Pichet down on first when little big noise was a wee six months. I had him in a carrier. We sidled up to the bar just for a coffee actually and the bartender told me that I’d have to leave the bar area because I had a SIX MONTH OLD BABY with me.
Needless to say I had to cancel little big noise’s Appletini order.
Hopefully one won’t have to brush up on 8-year-old soccer pep talks just to feel comfortable like one must at Fuel.
C’mon, it’s a bar. When you want to go to a bar, get a sitter and leave the little ones at home.
Having just come back from Smith’s Happy Hour tonight, all I can say is Nooooooooooooooooo!!!!
Actually, I was hoping the liquor license application notice on Victrola meant no more kids there. ;)
On a related note, the other day I was in Starbucks on Olive Way or whatever street that is–the one by the B&O and Glo’s. This woman brought in a small child who started to act up. Fortunately for all the patrons, she knew that meant she had to leave and not allow the little stinker to bother the patrons. I felt like clapping, but refrained. It’s just nice to know that there are parents out there who know their responsibilities.
Well I have the car seats loaded, the stroller is in the trunk and sippy cups are filled and ready for Smith. Hopefully the 4-year-old appreciates “Devils on Horseback” (dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon) or I am going to be very disappointed.