Yelpers and yelpettes across Minneapolis and St. Paul rolled up to 514 Studios in the North Loop for a 1950s sock hop to celebrate some of the most exciting local businesses in the Cities—and the community is still gabbing about it. Why? Yelp's Drive-In was unforgettable!
Yelpers never cease to amaze when it comes to dressing up in their dandiest and it was no surprise that the guests pulled out all the stops for the biggest Yelp bash yet. Mighty Swell Vintage Pop-Up Shop offered a special discount during their October sale, which no doubt had a hand in outfitting this good-lookin' crowd. During the Elite Squad VIP Hour (exclusively for the yelpiest of yelpers), the gals from Smart & Chic Beauty Lounge teased up beehives, offered mini makeovers and more in On Solid Ground Vintage Rentals' soda fountain lounge. No beauty school dropouts here! 
Party goers noshed on culinary concessions that put plain ol' movie popcorn to shame: all-natural wieners from Natedogs, Minnesota-style sliders from Gastrotruck, balls (and kombucha AND bike-powered smoothies) from garbanzo gal Foxy Falafel, frites from Chowgirls, Guinness chili from Fork In The Road, strawberry lemongrass and lavender ice pops from the new 10,000 Licks, sweet nectar from Bare Honey & The Beez Kneez (the baddest beekeepers in town—see photo), mini cupcakes from Sweets Bakeshop and the always addictive Popchips.
We spiked the soda fountain with carbonated craft cocktails like Cool As A Cuke, Beauty School Dropout and Spiced Cream Soda courtesy of DRY Soda, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Bacardi Oakheart and Kinky Liqueur. Crispin Cider served up their popular Brownslane, as well as a few new Fox Barrel flavors. Local craft beer was flowing too, with Harriet Brewery's buzz-worthy West Side Ale and smoky seasonal Rauchfest. Fulton Brewery was showing off their brand new growlers (they were delivered that day!) and tapped Lonley Blonde, in addition to a tasty citrus infusion.
Aside from raising a glass, what breaks the ice among new yelpy friends? Photo booths, that's what. Clewell Photgraphy's adorable Unbooth came stocked with decade appropriate props and the retro-inspired Snapz Photo Booth was a popular destination as well. Not only that, but the darling Eliesa Johnson of Photogen Inc. shot party pics through the evening… even climbing atop of one of the food trucks to get the perfect shot. That's commitment, people.
Vintage films played on the big drive-in screen (thanks to Scott from Corner Coffee), and the evening's soundtrack was an oldie but a goodie as Dana and Anna from Girl Germs Radio kept the grooves going all night. And our very own car-hops, the North Star Roller Girls, flitted around the studio on their skates, while pin-up caricaturist Robin Schwartzman illustrated up a storm!
This throwback throwdown wasn't just a fab fête—it was for a great charity cause! Yelp raised a cool $1,000 for Secondhand Hounds, a local nonprofit dog adoption and fostering program that helps find happy homes for their pups. Wanna put 'em over the top? You can check them out and make a donation online!
If you still aren't sure that this was the best. party. ever., you're welcome to take a gander at the rave-reviews on Yelp (or write one yourself, if you were there). And make sure to check out all the Photogen Inc. photos and the Unbooth pics on Flickr!
There aren't enough thank yous in the world for all of the event sponsors (especially our amazing host Conor Lawrence at 514), raffle sponsors (pH OREM, Lake Wine & Spirits, Spot Spa Boutique and martinpatrick3), Intern Liz W., Farrah A., Tiffany N. and every single soul that came out to make this the biggest Yelp bash in Twin Cities history!
Yelpfully yours,
Annie D.
