Village Idiot question of the day... Bela Dubby?

[Joe Ott]

I don't mind being the village idiot. I got used to it a long time ago... what is Bela Dubby? Is it a bar? Coffee shop? Grille? Place for young folk? Is their a minimum age?

I've seen if referenced here a few times. I don't know anybody who has been in there. I was on that end of town today and drove by. All I could tell was it looks like they desperately need to wash their windows...

Just wondering.
Thanks.

[DougHuntingdon]

I haven't been there in awhile, but I will take a stab at the questions.

yes
yes
i don't think so
yes
no

I don't "get" the place, but a lot of people told me they like it. What scared me away most was the children's play area. If I am going somewhere to use wifi, drink pop, coffee, or relax, the last place I want to be is romper room. This is their myspace site--don't know if they have a regular site. http://www.myspace.com/beladubby

Doug

[Gary Rice]

Hi Joe,

The Bela Dubby is a central meet-and-greet coffee, muffins, munchies and drinks place, on the east end of Lakewood- on Madison.

There are couches, tables and chairs, and good friends and conversation.

I've seen LO writers and editors meeting there. We've had LO meetings there as well.

Best wishes!

Gary

[Mike Deneen]

There are no stupid questions here in Observerland, so never be afraid to ask.

Bela is very difficult to explain, so I will refer you to some links.
It's a great hangout located on Madison Avenue. Great beer, great atmosphere, and lots of interesting people.

I can attest to the fact there is no age minimum.....I have seen quite a few toddlers there over the years.


http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/news/c ... fi-hotspot

http://www.clevescene.com/bestof/award.php?award=128215

[Danielle Masters]

I've been there many times with and without my children. During the day it's a great place to meet friends and bring the small our small children. It's also great for hanging out in the evening without the kiddos.

[Kate McCarthy]

Bela Dubby defies description....other than it's a wonderful place to be. I've been there to have coffee, go to art openings, have some dessert (good cake), and listen to music and have a beer. I've been surrounded by children with their parents so I'm not sure there is an age restriction if a minor is accompanied by an adult.

I think it's a place for everyone ... unless you don't like children.

I wish there was a Bella Dubby when our kids were wee. It is a wonderful child-friendly place where parents can take their children and relax and talk to other adults.

[Joe Ott]

Thanks for the replies.

Joe

[Jim O'Bryan]

Joe

bela dubby - uttered first by Kitty Crino, as some of her first words so the proud parents and owners of bela dubby, used it for their name.

They lived in Brooklyn, and wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. John grew up in Euclid, both went to school in Kent, and they choose Lakewood because of affordability and "cool" factor.

The coffee/shop bar features premium Phoenix Coffee, with kitchen table from the 40s and 50s, surrounded by an art gallery that changes ever month. Jill is a very good artist in her own right, and John, well deep in good conversation.

Because of Kitty and now Rocco they wanted a place that was kid friendly, and comfortable. They have succeeded in spades. Favorite hang out for parents and families, also has become the defacto meeting place for everything from Stitch and Bitch to PTA, Dog Park to Democratic Club, and the Observer.

Also have music, comedy and other things at night.

Features Brooklyn Beer on Tap and Growlers.

Nice place to be alone, with a group or just talk with John and Jill.

.

[c. dawson]

Isn't it awesome that it's a place that can't easily be defined? That's just wonderful!! More places should blur the lines.

If anything, if you really need to categorize it, call it a "third place," because it fits the loose definition created by Ray Oldenburg.

And the world needs more of those!!!

[Joe Ott]

defacto meeting place for <snip>Democratic Club
.

Darn. That's too bad. I was thinking about checking it out...

Thanks.
Joe

[Jeff Endress]

Joe

You can go incognito, and take notes for future political use.

Jeff

[Jim O'Bryan]

defacto meeting place for <snip>Democratic Club
.

Darn. That's too bad. I was thinking about checking it out...

Thanks.
Joe

Joe

One night every 4 weeks. What are the chances?

They did a Dan Ott photo show, last year.

That should offset something.

.

[dl meckes]

The Dems don't hold their regular club meetings at the Dub.

I'd be more worried about the Stitch and Bitch. They have pointy sticks.

[Joe Ott]

I'd be more worried about the Stitch and Bitch. They have pointy sticks.