Coffee

Get ready to close out the year and welcome the new one in style! Join Social Sips & Bites for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at WHINO, a venue that perfectly matches our vibe with great energy, plenty of room to mingle, and an atmosphere made for celebrating together. 🕣 8:30–10:00 PM We’ll start the evening at El Rey for food, drinks, and a chance to meet and hang out with the group. 🕙 10:00 PM–2:00 AM Then we’ll head to WHINO to celebrate the rest of the night, count down to midnight together, and welcome the New Year in a high-energy setting. 🎟️ Tickets are $25. Please purchase your ticket as soon as possible to secure your spot. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! ———— https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whino-2026-new-years-party-tickets-1975196530995?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=484dd01a8c6045378c1334f9db07f78d79344b4254b1b4353483f919b4c086ee35b3e46a04d7d09209b3b625785014a21ee119f8599baa05f19064d96b36d3ea87a070587fc2e7071a40e22287d1

Join us for lunch after our scenic hike around beautiful Burke Lake! Meeting Time: 2:30 PM (right after the hike) After we’ve enjoyed the trails and fresh air, we’ll head over to Glory Days Grill for a relaxed, casual lunch - the perfect way to unwind, refuel, and share some laughs together. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there for good food, great company, and plenty of post-hike stories! https://www.glorydaysgrill.com/

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Divino, where good food, great wine, and timeless Italian hospitality come together. Enjoy a four-course prix-fixe dinner for $75, featuring seasonal specialties and signature favorites designed for a night of celebration. Gather with friends and family, toast to new beginnings, and let us take care of the rest. Live music will set the tone for an evening of laughter, conversation, and even dancing—just like in Italy, where the night doesn’t end until everyone has shared a toast, a story, and a twirl on the dance floor! **[RESERVE HERE](https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1390855&restref=1390855&experienceId=613859&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared)** MENU *House-made rosemary focaccia for the table* **ANTIPASTO** **Scallop Crudo** *olive oil, lemon zest, pomegranate seeds* **Baby Gem Caesar Salad** *Earth - Eats romaine, Grana Padano, anchovies, pangrattato* **Zuppa d’ Aragosta** *lobster bisque with San Marzano tomatoes DOP, saffron & leeks, mascarpone, Calabrian chil* **PRIMO** **House-made Ravioli con Aragosta** *lobster, ricotta, parmesan & leek foam* **House-made Pappardelle** *slow-braised wild boar ragù infused with juniper, bay leaf and tomato finished with shaved pecorino sardo* **Melanzane alla Parmigiana** *layered eggplant, tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano* **SECONDO** **Barolo Braised Beef Short Rib** *served with mashed potatoes, lentils, seasonal vegetables* **Poached Branzino Fillet** *saffron, fennel, cherry tomatoes, clams, creamy white wine sauce* **DOLCE** **Classic Tiramisú** *mascarpone zabaglione, cocoa nib crisp* **Ring In The New Year** **Happy Hour Food and Drinks at the BAR from 10:00pm-Midnight** *Complimentary prosecco at midnigh*

Hello Social Sips & Bites friends! Let’s kick off 2026 with fresh air, nature, and great company. We’re starting the year with a New Year’s Day hike at Burke Lake, one of the most beautiful and peaceful trails in the area. We’ll walk at a friendly, easy pace - plenty of time to chat, take photos, and enjoy the views around the lake. After the hike, we’ll head out for lunch nearby to keep the good conversations going and start the year on a high note. Meeting Time: 12:30 PM Meeting Location: Burke Lake Park Marina Parking Lot Bring your positive energy, comfy shoes, and maybe a warm drink for the trail. Let’s start 2026 together- outdoors, active, and smiling.

Zorba's Cafe on Thursdays! We will be on the 2nd floor, or if the weather allows, we will be sitting outside at a table in the street. If you don't see anyone on the 2nd floor and the weather is favorable, it means we're sitting at the table in the street. Уважаемые участники группы! Информация для тех, кто еще не посещал наши встречи - обычно подписывается меньше людей, чем приходит на встречу, "старожилы" привыкли к тому, что записываться необязательно, и просто приходят в любое удобное для них время с 5:30 до 8 часов. Так что не стесняйтесь, записывайтесь на встречу! Welcome to the old venue! Old - since we used to get together at Zorba's Cafe for many years. Come to the 2nd floor. 1612 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 This is very close to Metro Dupont Circle station. This is the same place where we got together every Thursday evening for many years before 2015. Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian. There are happy hour prices available. Timing: Someone is usually there by 5:30, but it sometimes takes the organizers till 5:45 or so. If you get there first, please wait - we will be there! And people are usually there till at least 8. So if you can't make it right at the beginning, that is perfectly fine to arrive late! RSVP's: I encourage you to RSVP. But please know that many people don't RSVP. So it may seem like only 3 people are planning to attend, but have no fear, we usually have a good-sized fun group! (And we almost always have newcomers. So if you are planning on coming for the first time, you most likely won't be the only one.) Also, when the weather is nice we are frequently sitting outdoors. So if nobody is on the second floor, just look for the group speaking Russian at tables out on the street. And to say again - we have often had only 3 or 4 people RSVP but have 15 or so show up. So don't worry about that. See you there! Questions? Check our FAQ (http://www.meetup.com/russki-razgovor-dc/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/) page.

It’s likely cold so we’ll be meeting inside for the first coffee meetup of the new year! Come out for some low key conversations and the chance to meet new people in person over a hot cup of something. The venue also has a decent array of food options! We typically take over some chairs in the upstairs alcove to the left. Note there is an attendance cap and waitlist because we will be indoors and have limited space available - please be considerate and update your RSVP if you won’t be able to attend so someone else has the chance. *for everyone’s safety, please ensure your profile has at least a first name and/or face photo so we can see who is attending the event. Fully appreciate online privacy but we need the basics to keep everyone safe meeting strangers*

We’re doing it again! The Social Sips and Bites is heading back to the State Theatre for another round of $5 COMEDY NIGHT! If you missed it last time, here’s your chance to redeem yourself (and your sense of humor). For just $5, you’ll get a night full of laughs, good vibes, and memories that might just become inside jokes. Grab your friends, prep your laugh muscles, and join us for another epic night of comedy gold. The State Theater is offering a fantastic deal—tickets for just $5! But act fast, as they’re selling quickly. If you’re interested, here’s the link to grab your tickets Don’t miss out! http://m.thestatetheatre.com/events/e2221.xml

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching.

* We meet inside Compass Coffee. * Details on parking below. * Bring something to read, as we often take some time at the beginning telling each other about what we're currently reading. * I have a favor to ask of you. To offset the cost of Meetup fees (\~$200 a year), I kindly request that you consider a small donation to my my [Pledge account](https://www.meetup.com/a-different-type-of-book-club-arlington/#pledge). 😊 **NOTE: NO DISCUSSION OF POLITICS: 12/31/21 UPDATE** For the sake of polite company, moving forward, we will avoid the discussion of politics at meetings of the book club. Please let me know if you have any questions. **PARKING** On Saturdays and Sundays, parking is free on 16th Street N. (near Hillside Park, 1601 N. Pierce Street, Arlington, Va.), and also on the adjacent N. Pierce Street (between Clarendon Blvd. and Fairfax Dr.). Likewise, on weekends, parking on N. Queen Street (between Clarendon Blvd. and Fairfax Dr.) is free. **NON-ATTENDANCE / NO-SHOW POLICY** If you have said that you will attend this event, but no longer are able to attend, please kindly update your status to "Not Attending" so that someone on the waitlist is able to RSVP. **Because this Meetup group is popular, and typically has a waitlist, effective immediately, I'm instituting a two-event no-show policy. If you RSVP as "Attending" but do not show at two events, you will be removed from this Meetup group.** We look forward to seeing you! Best, Jay

**NOTE: no Host 12/20 & 27 and 1/3 (Michael might be present part of 12/20, but otherwise, on Christmas vacation)** _Coordinate on comments here, in comments, or on Discord in the #events channel_ DM me with questions if necessary. ########## Expect a fun afternoon of drawing and socializing with like-minded artists! Although each Session is 3 hours, feel free to drop in as your schedule permits. This is a casual gathering, and we know that people might only be able to stay a little while -- drop in, and stay, as long as you are having fun, and as your day allows. **Note: about RSVP's, please respect the RSVP process. If you RSVP YES, you are commited and we are all looking to seeing you. If your plans change however, that's OK, but please be courteous and change your RSVP to NO. We are reaching the headcount limit regularly now and it is rude to take a spot and not relinquish it if your plans change... Respect others; don't be rude. Thank you for your cooperation**. All skill levels are welcome -- this is not a competition. This Group and all its Events are intended to be in equal parts, Drawing/Art AND Socializing. As such, conversation is expected and encouraged. ***However, in all cases, please refrain from discussion of Political topics.*** Our goal is enjoyment, in the form of drawing together while socializing, and political conversation is too polarizing for that to happen. We are looking forward to seeing you there! **Note (in parting): Be aware, and keep in mind that our group, meeting as it does at Starbucks, depends on this business's generosity for the space it allows us. As such, please make a point of purchasing something from the business to express our appreciation as a group using their facility. If you are experiencing hardship and can't afford a modest purchase, get my attention discreetly, and arrangements will be made with no judgment whatsoever. Thank you for your understanding... Michael (your host)**

Social Sips & Bites Presents: A Monthly Culinary Experience **Small Group • Big Flavor • Great Company** We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly food series designed for those who truly appreciate great food and even better company. Each month, a small group of just 10 food lovers will gather at one handpicked spot in the DMV area, chosen for its vibrant flavors, cozy vibe, and overall wow factor. Think hidden gems, chef-driven menus, and memorable bites. This isn’t just about eating out. It’s about sharing a beautiful meal, great conversation, and unrushed time together. Reservations will be made in advance, so you can relax, savor the moment, and connect. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or just someone who loves a well-plated dish, this is your table.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

**MEET FOR DESSERT**: Since it's cold outside, let's meet for warm chocolate inside! Hot chocolate and warm chocolate fondue (chocolate fondue day is Feb 5th) are offered at this cafe filled with the smell of chocolate! *The hot chocolate at Chocolate Cafe is arguably the best hot chocolate you will ever have.* They have a huge variety, including Hot Chocolate, Dark Hot Chocolate (my fave), White Hot Chocolate, as well as specialty hot chocolates, including Cherry Jubilee, LaSalle Mint, Caramel, Mexican, Kaffee Wien, Peanut Butter, Nutella, and Butterscotch. **EARLY ARRIVALS**: Go ahead and order dinner (before dessert). I love their toasted sandwiches and their soups. **PARKING**: In our parking lot, on the street (but not between 4-6 pm) or behind the Buckeye State Building. [Chocolate Cafe](https://www.chocolatecafecolumbus.com/): A fully stocked amount of *chocolate candies* including truffles, chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate and caramel turtles. We have menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Join us for brunch or a late night meal. Soups, salads & sandwiches served daily. Check out our [menu](https://www.chocolatecafecolumbus.com/_files/ugd/7ea733_0ebab62dcfc0435aa189b6d1a3c3ec82.pdf) for more information. We also offer wine, martinis and cocktails! Enjoy a *famous chocolate martini* or hand crafted cocktail, too!

First attempt at this. If it's good, we'll do it again. If it sucks, we tried. (Event photo is from a recent trip to Flagstaff. Stock photos of fake people drinking coffee are the worst.) **Why I'm doing this:** You're the average of the people you spend the most time with. Running a business solo means I've been spending most of my time with myself. And AI tools, which are great for thinking through business problems, but terrible for actual human connection. I want to raise that average. Looking for people who want real conversations. Not networking, not pitches, just the kind of talk that makes you think differently about what you're building and why. If we all end up making a few friends along the way, even better. **What to expect:** Coffee. Conversation. No pitches, no elevator speeches, no going around the table introducing ourselves like it's a corporate icebreaker. Just show up and talk like a normal human. **Ground rules:** * No pitching your business * No recruiting * No MLM talk * No hustle porn **RSVP cap:** 6 people max so it doesn't turn into a crowd. **Location:** Transcend Coffee & Roastery in Grove City **Time:** Friday, January 16th at 11 AM. See you there!