Wowwwww... what a great span of days its been for Downtown. Art Walk was great last night. It's been a while since I've been able to experience it like I'd like to since I've been stuck on crutches the past couple of months. I managed to 'walk' from my place on Bay over to Adams last night though. Burrito Gallery was lively as usual and Burro Bar had a HUGE crowd outside. I also noticed that Icon Boutique had a good crowd as they were doing a live show inside of the store. It's nice to see a bunch of the Downtown businesses doing well, not to mention all of the people coming out to support Art Walk.
Enjoyed it as well... though my impression was the crowd was a bit sparse. We chalked it up to Jazz Fest hangovers... :)
Really? I was around Adams Street around 8:30 and it seemed the entire block on Ocean and Adams around Burro Bar, Icon and Poppy Loves Smoke was jammed with people and there was a continuous crowd outside of Burrito Gallery where I was for hours. I didn't really walk too much further than that since I was still limping around on one crutch.
How was the old library last night? It seems there's not as much going on in there as of late.
Comncense, you and Bridge are both right - it was super packed around Burrito Gallery and Poppy Love Smoke, and kinda sparse everywhere else.
I love Art Walk but more and more it seems to be concentrated along Adams St with a lot of Downtown remaining empty. I'm glad Poppy Love Smoke and Burrito Gallery are doing well but I do wish it would spill over to other areas. Hemming Park didn't seem as busy as it used to be during Art Walk.
Quote from: David on June 02, 2011, 09:53:07 AM
How was the old library last night? It seems there's not as much going on in there as of late.
Pretty empty... Not sure why but this place has been losing steam as a Artwalk venue...
It seems like DVI has put more emphasis on Hemming Plaza over the last 6 months...I also think the Old Library was hurt by the closure of London Bridge...maybe Burro Bar will help bring it back.
In my opinion, I'd guess alot of people hang out around Adams Street due to Burrito Gallery and Indochine. Not to mention there's a bunch of galleries right there on Adams, as well as live music, food and drinks. Unfortunately that's not all of those options, or at least as many of those options on Forsyth and Bay Street. Dos Gatos seemed to have a good crowd. I didn't get to go inside but I noticed they had a group of people hanging outside the door every time I walked by.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 02, 2011, 10:06:08 AM
Quote from: David on June 02, 2011, 09:53:07 AM
How was the old library last night? It seems there's not as much going on in there as of late.
Pretty empty... Not sure why but this place has been losing steam as a Artwalk venue...
I've displayed in the old Library and depending on the season it's either bitterly cold or almost unbearably warm. People tend to wander thru and head back outside pretty quickly. Plus all the live music and "atmosphere" is outside on the street and in the bars/restaurants.
For whatever reason, the old library's in a clear downward spiral as an Artwalk stop. It's too bad, as that's the only time it gets any real use.
Quote from: Bativac on June 02, 2011, 09:56:50 AM
Comncense, you and Bridge are both right - it was super packed around Burrito Gallery and Poppy Love Smoke, and kinda sparse everywhere else.
I love Art Walk but more and more it seems to be concentrated along Adams St with a lot of Downtown remaining empty. I'm glad Poppy Love Smoke and Burrito Gallery are doing well but I do wish it would spill over to other areas. Hemming Park didn't seem as busy as it used to be during Art Walk.
it's because so much ov the artwalk crowd is a bunch ov damn hipsters. we just need more people there who are actually there for the art rather than to be seen.
Quote from: KuroiKetsunoHana on June 02, 2011, 11:33:25 AM
it's because so much ov the artwalk crowd is a bunch ov damn hipsters. we just need more people there who are actually there for the art rather than to be seen.
::) Ya, it's always them darn hipsters...
Quote from: comncense on June 02, 2011, 10:23:00 AM
Dos Gatos seemed to have a good crowd. I didn't get to go inside but I noticed they had a group of people hanging outside the door every time I walked by.
Were they smoking? I think there's always a group hanging outside smoking.
Quote from: Tacachale on June 02, 2011, 11:21:22 AM
For whatever reason, the old library's in a clear downward spiral as an Artwalk stop. It's too bad, as that's the only time it gets any real use.
I didn't make it Wednesday, but I have a couple ideas as to why:
1. Ive noticed that at several of the Art Walk's the old library has had some of the same people and same art. I know a few get changed out but the majority seemed to stay the same. This goes for several places too. I don't know how display settings work for Art Walk, but it seems like they should rotate places at the least. If you were in old library, you're now in the store fronts by 11E. Would help shuffling people to new places.
2. You can actually see a lot of the art inside the building through the windows. A walk past, and you can see if there is anything different that you want to see or not.
3. It's emptiness. If you're going to use it, it needs to be filled with more and in a good order. Everytime I'm in there I feel a little overwhelmed once I get off the first bank of artists to the right. Where am I supposed to go next? It's like they've just started scattering other people around.
Just one man's thoughts.
Quote from: 904Scars on June 02, 2011, 12:19:57 PM
Quote from: KuroiKetsunoHana on June 02, 2011, 11:33:25 AM
it's because so much ov the artwalk crowd is a bunch ov damn hipsters. we just need more people there who are actually there for the art rather than to be seen.
::) Ya, it's always them darn hipsters...
Anyone who's coming downtown and spending money on drinks and food merchandise, and generally just keeping the energy up, is contributing.
Quote from: Bridges on June 02, 2011, 01:26:12 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on June 02, 2011, 11:21:22 AM
For whatever reason, the old library's in a clear downward spiral as an Artwalk stop. It's too bad, as that's the only time it gets any real use.
I didn't make it Wednesday, but I have a couple ideas as to why:
1. Ive noticed that at several of the Art Walk's the old library has had some of the same people and same art. I know a few get changed out but the majority seemed to stay the same. This goes for several places too. I don't know how display settings work for Art Walk, but it seems like they should rotate places at the least. If you were in old library, you're now in the store fronts by 11E. Would help shuffling people to new places.
2. You can actually see a lot of the art inside the building through the windows. A walk past, and you can see if there is anything different that you want to see or not.
3. It's emptiness. If you're going to use it, it needs to be filled with more and in a good order. Everytime I'm in there I feel a little overwhelmed once I get off the first bank of artists to the right. Where am I supposed to go next? It's like they've just started scattering other people around.
Just one man's thoughts.
That makes a lot of sense. The lack of variety is definitely a drawback.
I miss the basement...
Quote from: comncense on June 02, 2011, 09:47:33 AM
Really? I was around Adams Street around 8:30 and it seemed the entire block on Ocean and Adams around Burro Bar, Icon and Poppy Loves Smoke was jammed with people and there was a continuous crowd outside of Burrito Gallery where I was for hours. I didn't really walk too much further than that since I was still limping around on one crutch.
I try to avoid the Burrito Gallery because it is always crowded with people and has a queue that goes out the door. Too much of a hassle for a bite to eat - IMHO.
"It's so crowded, nobody goes there" - Yogi Berra
http://stuffyoushouldhate.com/2010/06/07/waiting-in-line/
Quote from: Jaxson on June 02, 2011, 02:33:51 PM
Quote from: comncense on June 02, 2011, 09:47:33 AM
Really? I was around Adams Street around 8:30 and it seemed the entire block on Ocean and Adams around Burro Bar, Icon and Poppy Loves Smoke was jammed with people and there was a continuous crowd outside of Burrito Gallery where I was for hours. I didn't really walk too much further than that since I was still limping around on one crutch.
I try to avoid the Burrito Gallery because it is always crowded with people and has a queue that goes out the door. Too much of a hassle for a bite to eat - IMHO.
"It's so crowded, nobody goes there" - Yogi Berra
http://stuffyoushouldhate.com/2010/06/07/waiting-in-line/
Yeah, hard to avoid BG being crowded. It's easily my favorite place to eat downtown. I pondered waiting in line there last night but decided to just wait till I got home to eat. Though Burrito Gallery being having REALLY good food is a big factor in the line, it's few places downtown that has the vibe and good food like they have. We definitely need more food options downtown. I'd be happy if they opened one of those Smashburgers downtown. I'd love something like NYC has in Pop Burger.
http://www.popburger.com/pop%20burger1/HTML/index.htm
To make matters worse, it was like a sauna inside of BG when I was there last night. So, not only were we herded in like cattle at a Golden Corral, we had to stand in temperatures that were simply nasty. I opted not to eat at BG, having eaten dinner before heading downtown, but had to suffer through the death march because I have a friend who insists on eating there. I agree about the quality of the food at BG being good, but prefer to have meals that are shorter than my wait...
And, yes, we do need more food options downtown!!!
I generally avoid BG on Artwalk for that same reason. The only problem is, there aren't that many other food options in the area, and none are as awesome as that. Hopefully our local restaurant community will see the opportunity there and we'll get some more options.
I wonder if anyone would set up booths and kiosks like they did at the Jazz festival... ArtWalk, after all, is a regular event where food vendors could set up in Hemming Plaza, right? Just wondering...
Like Tacachale said above, this is a golden opportunity for other options...
Quote from: Jaxson on June 02, 2011, 03:44:43 PM
I wonder if anyone would set up booths and kiosks like they did at the Jazz festival... ArtWalk, after all, is a regular event where food vendors could set up in Hemming Plaza, right? Just wondering...
The problem with that is that you would be taking dollars directly out of downtown businesses. I know that one particular popular DT establishment makes enough money every Art Walk to pay their rent, utilities, and miscellaneous costs. Art Walk enables DT businesses to stay open and sustain their businesses even when things aren't spectacular.
One thing you could do is have a booth or booths where the Downtown establishments sell their food/drinks in those booths. I know that BG and Indochine had booths open for Art Walk. I think that is the only you could make the idea work.
Read the comments and Art Walk seems more about food and drinking than about art.
My artist friend stopped showing there because there were too many lookers and no buyers for her art.
Quote from: CityLife on June 02, 2011, 03:51:43 PM
Quote from: Jaxson on June 02, 2011, 03:44:43 PM
I wonder if anyone would set up booths and kiosks like they did at the Jazz festival... ArtWalk, after all, is a regular event where food vendors could set up in Hemming Plaza, right? Just wondering...
The problem with that is that you would be taking dollars directly out of downtown businesses. I know that one particular popular DT establishment makes enough money every Art Walk to pay their rent, utilities, and miscellaneous costs. Art Walk enables DT businesses to stay open and sustain their businesses even when things aren't spectacular.
One thing you could do is have a booth or booths where the Downtown establishments sell their food/drinks in those booths. I know that BG and Indochine had booths open for Art Walk. I think that is the only you could make the idea work.
Good point about the booths possibly cannibalizing business for the existing DT establishments. I am conflicted because I believe that the crowds at the existing popular places either warrant scheduling more help at the existing places on those busy nights (They're on the calendar) or warrant more competition so we do not force people to herd into cramped, hot places...
Quote from: Overstreet on June 02, 2011, 04:04:40 PM
Read the comments and Art Walk seems more about food and drinking than about art.
My artist friend stopped showing there because there were too many lookers and no buyers for her art.
That's an unfortunate reality, and probably unavoidable with an event that occurs every month. It's a similar deal with RAM. I've bought art at Art Walk, but I know I've done a lot more looking (and drinking) than buying art. Even if you're chiefly there for the art, eventually you run out of room and money to spend on it. Booze and food are cheaper and don't stay in your house forever after you buy them.
It would be nice if we could supplement the monthly Art Walk with something less frequent and more focused, like the Gainesville Local Arts Market. That occurs only once a year, and you have to pay to get in, meaning the people who come are there with a purpose. Additionally, the booths are invitation only, so there's a good level of quality control. I can see an annual "best of Art Walk" event, where the focus was specifically on the artwork, working well.
Quote from: Overstreet on June 02, 2011, 04:04:40 PM
Read the comments and Art Walk seems more about food and drinking than about art.
My artist friend stopped showing there because there were too many lookers and no buyers for her art.
Thank you for bringing that up. I have to admit that I originally went to ArtWalk to visit the various galleries, but had no intention of buying art. It was a nice added benefit that I could enjoy some finger foods and drinks while admiring the works - or have a bite to eat at one of the downtown eateries. Then, along the way, I found various local gatherings that helped keep me off the street (Especially during inclement weather) and helped connect me to old friends and to meet new ones. I sort of took for granted that other people were the ones who were browsing and shopping. I will resolve to purchase something that I like at the next ArtWalk. IMHO, it is the least that I could do to support the spirit of this event.
Quote from: Jaxson on June 02, 2011, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: CityLife on June 02, 2011, 03:51:43 PM
Quote from: Jaxson on June 02, 2011, 03:44:43 PM
I wonder if anyone would set up booths and kiosks like they did at the Jazz festival... ArtWalk, after all, is a regular event where food vendors could set up in Hemming Plaza, right? Just wondering...
The problem with that is that you would be taking dollars directly out of downtown businesses. I know that one particular popular DT establishment makes enough money every Art Walk to pay their rent, utilities, and miscellaneous costs. Art Walk enables DT businesses to stay open and sustain their businesses even when things aren't spectacular.
One thing you could do is have a booth or booths where the Downtown establishments sell their food/drinks in those booths. I know that BG and Indochine had booths open for Art Walk. I think that is the only you could make the idea work.
Good point about the booths possibly cannibalizing business for the existing DT establishments. I am conflicted because I believe that the crowds at the existing popular places either warrant scheduling more help at the existing places on those busy nights (They're on the calendar) or warrant more competition so we do not force people to herd into cramped, hot places...
Not to mention the people (like me) who avoid eating downtown that night because the crowds at the handful of awesome restaurants are always so huge, but who would be perfectly willing to spend the money downtown if there were more options.
I think we want to see more competition and diversity, we just don't want it to be one night only. We don't want booths of non-downtown restaurants reaping the benefits of being there that one night, and not doing anything else downtown since they're already making money on the biggest night on the calendar.
Quote from: comncense on June 02, 2011, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: Jaxson on June 02, 2011, 02:33:51 PM
Quote from: comncense on June 02, 2011, 09:47:33 AM
Really? I was around Adams Street around 8:30 and it seemed the entire block on Ocean and Adams around Burro Bar, Icon and Poppy Loves Smoke was jammed with people and there was a continuous crowd outside of Burrito Gallery where I was for hours. I didn't really walk too much further than that since I was still limping around on one crutch.
I try to avoid the Burrito Gallery because it is always crowded with people and has a queue that goes out the door. Too much of a hassle for a bite to eat - IMHO.
"It's so crowded, nobody goes there" - Yogi Berra
http://stuffyoushouldhate.com/2010/06/07/waiting-in-line/
Yeah, hard to avoid BG being crowded. It's easily my favorite place to eat downtown. I pondered waiting in line there last night but decided to just wait till I got home to eat. Though Burrito Gallery being having REALLY good food is a big factor in the line, it's few places downtown that has the vibe and good food like they have. We definitely need more food options downtown. I'd be happy if they opened one of those Smashburgers downtown. I'd love something like NYC has in Pop Burger.
http://www.popburger.com/pop%20burger1/HTML/index.htm
I agree. Smashburgers is coming to jax, but no where NEAR DT. There will be one over hear on baymeadows, one on Normandy and like two others. Hopefully they will consider expanding in DT eventually. Burger King DT just does not cut it. Never has really. LMAO
Quote from: comncense on June 02, 2011, 03:09:50 PM
Yeah, hard to avoid BG being crowded. It's easily my favorite place to eat downtown. I pondered waiting in line there last night but decided to just wait till I got home to eat. Though Burrito Gallery being having REALLY good food is a big factor in the line, it's few places downtown that has the vibe and good food like they have.
We got there early (before 6p.m.) and there was no line. It's very true that people travel to good food, whether it is BG, Uptown Market, Metro Diner, La Nopalera or the Indian restaurants on Baymeadows. We need more good restaurants downtown!
QuoteNot to mention the people (like me) who avoid eating downtown that night because the crowds at the handful of awesome restaurants are always so huge, but who would be perfectly willing to spend the money downtown if there were more options.
I don't know if you realize, but those awesome places with lines out the door are also open the other 29 days of the month. Don't let the crowd of 1 wednesday/month stop you from visiting those places on, say, a random wednesday night. And typically if you go on an off night (not a typical busy restaurant time) then you will enjoy better service due the staff not even trying to turn tables quickly. (I said typically, not always) :)
My reasoning is that it's a win-win situation when I avoid those cluster-type establishments. They are already making money hand over fist without me and I get to find a nice place where I don't have to worry about being stuck in a fire hazard (I don't know if I have claustrophobia or not)...
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on June 02, 2011, 09:51:32 PM
QuoteNot to mention the people (like me) who avoid eating downtown that night because the crowds at the handful of awesome restaurants are always so huge, but who would be perfectly willing to spend the money downtown if there were more options.
I don't know if you realize, but those awesome places with lines out the door are also open the other 29 days of the month. Don't let the crowd of 1 wednesday/month stop you from visiting those places on, say, a random wednesday night. And typically if you go on an off night (not a typical busy restaurant time) then you will enjoy better service due the staff not even trying to turn tables quickly. (I said typically, not always) :)
Oh, I definitely don't avoid them on nights that aren't Art Walk! I wouldn't be able to go an entire month without a BG fish burrito. What I'm saying is that there are plenty of people, myself included, who come downtown that particular night perfectly willing to spend the money to eat there, but who don't because the crowds are so big at the comparative handful of places. The demand is so high and the supply so low that they (we) are eating elsewhere that night. If there were more options they wouldn't have to.
Quote from: Tacachale on June 03, 2011, 08:58:47 AM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on June 02, 2011, 09:51:32 PM
QuoteNot to mention the people (like me) who avoid eating downtown that night because the crowds at the handful of awesome restaurants are always so huge, but who would be perfectly willing to spend the money downtown if there were more options.
I don't know if you realize, but those awesome places with lines out the door are also open the other 29 days of the month. Don't let the crowd of 1 wednesday/month stop you from visiting those places on, say, a random wednesday night. And typically if you go on an off night (not a typical busy restaurant time) then you will enjoy better service due the staff not even trying to turn tables quickly. (I said typically, not always) :)
Oh, I definitely don't avoid them on nights that aren't Art Walk! I wouldn't be able to go an entire month without a BG fish burrito. What I'm saying is that there are plenty of people, myself included, who come downtown that particular night perfectly willing to spend the money to eat there, but who don't because the crowds are so big at the comparative handful of places. The demand is so high and the supply so low that they (we) are eating elsewhere that night. If there were more options they wouldn't have to.
AMEN!
It still sounds like you're portraying it as a bad thing....
You've been there, done that - and really love it - that's a good thing. I guess what I'm trying to say is, why don't you use that time, Art Walk, to venture out and try some of the other places?
Now, I'm not sure if they're even open during AW, but Casa Dora, Zodiaq, Da Real Ting, Nola, Chew, Northstar (the pizza is really good).... I'm sure there are places that I'm not mentioning (magnificat, indochine, Moran's place), but these are the places that I typically eat on my Friday afternoon wanderings.
I don't know if you've been to these places or if you even know about them, but they all have decent food, some better than others, and if they're open, I bet they would appreciate some more business during AW.
I love Casa Dora and the Zodiac. I would have gone to one of those places if my friend was not so dead set on going to BG. I personally am not a fan, but was willing to accommodate my pal for the sake of being a sport. I have not been to NoLa, Chew or Da Real Ting yet, but will make a point of going during the summer!
Go to one of the other places that I mentioned and take your friend out to BGExpress at Jax Beach. 7th thru 10th StN. I don't remember which, but it's just as good as the original without the liquor bar.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on June 03, 2011, 05:56:20 PM
It still sounds like you're portraying it as a bad thing....
You've been there, done that - and really love it - that's a good thing. I guess what I'm trying to say is, why don't you use that time, Art Walk, to venture out and try some of the other places?
Now, I'm not sure if they're even open during AW, but Casa Dora, Zodiaq, Da Real Ting, Nola, Chew, Northstar (the pizza is really good).... I'm sure there are places that I'm not mentioning (magnificat, indochine, Moran's place), but these are the places that I typically eat on my Friday afternoon wanderings.
I don't know if you've been to these places or if you even know about them, but they all have decent food, some better than others, and if they're open, I bet they would appreciate some more business during AW.
I don't intend it as a bad thing. Good restaurants having a huge amount of business, especially downtown, is a great thing. More i'm just suggesting that I think there are enough interested patrons to support more dining options downtown. I've eaten at several of the places you mention (not always on artwalk) and I agree that many of them are great, and virtually all of them are worth stopping by. I don't think having more restaurants downtown would necessarily take business away from what's there. Of course we don't want it to be a one night only affair, where they bank that one night and just scrape by the rest of the month.
Zodiac, Chew, Northstar, and Casa Dora are all open during ArtWalk...and NOLA used to be (not sure if they still are)
That's why those other restaurants need people like yourself to woo you friend away from the easy choice. Suggest Italian and head to Casa Dora for a little snack and then hit up Dos Gatos across the street. I realize that BG seems to be the hub, but to make this work, we've got to get everyone else involved, also.
I know your friend needs his/her BG fix, but they can get that anytime. :), but as a friend you can get them to try something different - maybe even during AW. ;D
The Magnificent cafe is also open for art walk now they make gooood food