California dreaming is so last month. This time of year we're picturing ourselves by the pool on a warm, dry Arizona day -- and we could use a sunscreen buddy. If you're an Arizonan or just a temporary sunbird, check out these Phoenix-area hot spots:
Randy's Restaurant and Ice Cream: This family style joint specializes in breakfast "fast and hot and cooked the way I like it" according to one Citysearch reviewer. 7904 E. Chaparral Rd. in Scottsdale
Philly may be the City of Brotherly Love, but you don't go to Craigslist to get that platonic good feeling of which Ben Franklin was such a fan. Recapture that real lovin' feeling at one of these hot spots:
The Khyber 56 S. 2nd Street -- This seven-days-a-week music venue is hosting upcoming shows by indie acts Takka Takka, Electric Six and Now It's Overhead -- the perfect place to meet the ironic-T'd, the tattooed, and people who look "so freaking amazing on the dance floor."
Woody's 202 S. 13th Street -- This gay bar and dance club, a fixture in the m4m listings, has been open since 1980 -- or as the About.com review puts it, "it merely seems like it's older than Independence Hall."
Aspen 747 N. 25th Street -- This fusion restaurant around the corner from the Philadelphia Museum of Art has dozens of beers on tap and cinnamon challah french toast on the plate.
When we first directed our attention to Washington DC's Missed Connections on Craigslist, we were half expecting the standard disclaimer page to allow us to filter out by party affiliation -- m/w4d or m/w4r. (It's okay, Independents, you can read both pages!) That isn't the case, proving that perhaps the Capitol's shadow isn't as long as we thought. Looking for someone who's lobbying for you? Try these spots:
Toledo Lounge 2435 18th St. NW -- This dive in the trendy Adams Morgan neighborhood offers a $15 dinner for two on Sundays -- half-price burger night for your cheap date. Who cares if it's "grungy, dank, shoddy and poorly decorated?"
Wonderland Ballroom 1101 Kenyon St. NW -- Its website may be comically outdated -- "see why 2005 is turning out to be the year of the rabbit!" -- but this Columbia Heights sports bar is a site for making connections, whether you're an m4m drinking the politically incorrect Carbombs or a w4m who made out with "Mr. Class of '94." And don't forget Baby Happy Hour on Wednesdays, a smoke-free oasis for hipster parents and their cool kids.
Archa Thai 2311 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA -- Cuteboys abound at this Zagat-rated restaurant with a full bar -- and in case you meet him in line, there's takeout available.
In a car-crazed city like H-town, it's no wonder most missed connections listings have phrases like "You were at the light" or "We got pulled over together." Step out of the vehicle, put your hands behind your head and find your cough syrup-swilling other half at these places instead:
Barnaby's 604 Fairview St. -- This local chain with four locations around Houston has a place for all your comfort-food needs, but 604 Fairview in the heart of the artsy, gay-friendly Montrose neighborhood is the original -- the perfect place to tuck into some meatloaf or some smoked chicken tostadas. And anyone looks good next to those cartoon steaks (above)!
Catbirds Lounge 1336 Westheimer Rd. -- Any bar with its own MySpace account is definitely ready to mingle. If you don't have plans for Sunday's Academy Awards yet, why not drop by for some $2 Miller Lite pints? We're sure Oscar nominee Helen Mirren would want you to drink in her honor.
Houston Galleria 5085 Westheimer Rd., Ste. 4850 -- We know what you're thinking: the last time you met someone at the mall, you were still listening to Milli Vanilli. But the massive Galleria is a great place to see a lot of people, quickly -- like a busy bar without that haze of alcohol. Catch her eye in line to go ice skating, or offer to buy him some Jelly Bellys at Dylan's Candy Bar.
Valentine's Day may have just passed, but you could still catch that special someone if the Missed Connections section of Vancouver's Craigslist is any indication. Try these two spots in the trendy, young-people-heavy Kitsilano neighborhood:
For The Days: Calhoun's 3035 West Broadway -- Catch him or her for cupcakes or pints at this 24-hour bakery and cafe. Their "order something every hour" policy means you are practically obligated to follow up that vegetarian lasagna with some chocolate ganache cake.
For The Nights: Bimini's
2010 W. 4th Avenue -- From Craigslist, it seems most people are meeting on Wednesday's 20-cent wing nights at this local pub, but if that's not your scene you could try Thursdays, with martinis for $5.55 and steak frites for $10.
You'd think that in L.A., most missed connections occur on the highway, but the most secret admirations seem to originate at the gym (or gym parking lot) and Starbucks. If you don't like scouting out potential lovers at the gym and are hoping to branch out when it comes to coffee, here are a few places in town where the most Craigslist Missed Connections take place:
Fred 62
1854 N. Vermont Ave., L.A.
According to the L.A. Times, "the place has all the elements of a traditional American coffee shop" that serves "New Age diner cuisine that is consistently good." Enjoy punnily-named dishes as you check out the talent.
Pavilion's
8969 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
This is a grocery store. We're not sure what it is with the grocery stores in L.A. but people sure like spotting each other there. Maybe it's the temptation of all the food they're not eating. M4M spottings abound at this particular location. Heterosexual couples should try just about any Trader Joe's outpost.
Marco's Trattoria & Pizzeria
8136 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
"Marcos is where you will find the best Italian food at affordable prices. The space is intimate and charming. Food prepared just the way you like it." So says the Marco's website. Enjoy the airy atmosphere while you look for potential lovers or celebrity customers like Sam Mendes and Clay Aiken.
While you'd think that most of Seattle's Craigslist Missed Connections would happen in coffeeshops, apparently you're most likely to be spotted if you're mobile--the majority of missed connections appear to be hotties either riding the bus or driving their cars.
However, there are a few stationary hot spots that do turn up more than once, so if you're hoping to be someone's Missed Connection, park yourself at one of these places:
El Camino
607 N. 35th St.
When the weather permits it, enjoy people watching on this 'fancy' Mexican restaurant's patio. The Stranger recommends that you "don't miss the deep-fried plantain chips with guacamole."
Crypt
113 Tenth Ave.
Guys looking for other guys to share an interest in all things leather should linger in this erotica shop to see who is making eyes at who. You might not want to linger and ogle TOO much, though. That's just creepy.
Noc Noc
1516 Second Ave.
This homey bar and dance club is known for friendly waitstaff, cheap drinks and cheery clientele, but you never know who might be too shy to approach you as you do your thang on the dance floor.
