Had a burger in Rafters on Fort Avenue last night.

At one point, I went to the bathroom, and as I was washing my hands, realized the ceiling was only a couple inches above my head -- and I'm not a tall guy. I'd say I'm between 5'8" and 5'9". Some people think that's short.

Made me wonder -- what happens when a dude who stands 6'5" walks in there?

Also got me thinking ... what are some of the smallest bar bathrooms in Baltimore? I've heard LP Docks further down on Fort Avenue has one no bigger than a coffin. You know of any more bathrooms that size?

Posted by Sam Sessa at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
                    

Here's my list of the city's best karaoke bars. Feel free to debate them.

1. Frazier's on The Avenue, 919 W. 36th St.

Yes, it's on everyone's top list, and for good reason. I gave the crowd here a taste of my soaring falsetto once, and they ate it up. 

2. Walt's Inn, 3201 O'Donnell St.

Only been here once, but it sticks out as one of the craziest karaoke bars I've been to. The corner bar was jammed, and the wait for a song was long. But we had a blast.

3. Nevin's Cross Street Station, 31 E. Cross St.

Drunken, crazy karaoke. I've seen some hilariously sloppy performances late night at Nevin's.

4. 1.7th Generation, 123 W. 27th St.

Singing karaoke from your seat? Why not?

5. Nick's Fish House, 2600 Insulator Drive

I've never been, but I've heard good things about this karaoke night. I'm sure the crowd is full of Polo shirts and gelled hair, but I'll bet they sing a mean "Livin' on a Prayer."

(Chiaki Kawajiri/Sun Photographer) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

1. Street Beat Festival in Federal Hill Sunday

Live music by Bill Iuso & the Restless Natives, the Eva Castillo Trio, Can't Hang, Old Man Brown, the Kelly Bell Band, Lafayette Gilchrest, Kustom Blend and a slew of other bands. The free festival starts at 11 a.m.  

2. MD Microbrewery Festival Saturday in Westminster 

About ten local microbreweries -- Clipper City, DuClaw, Ellicott Mills and more -- will be on hand at this day-long festival. There will also be seminars, food and live music. $12 for designated drivers and $18 for drinkers.

3. Savory James/Squaaks CD release party at the Talking Head tomorrow

Indie rockers the Squaaks were supposed to release their new CD Rock Control at the ill-fated Lo-Fi re-opening a few weeks ago. Second time's the charm. Savory James also has a new album out. Doors at 8:30 p.m. $7.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Totally missed the boat on this one: early '90s superstar Vanilla Ice was at Mex in Power Plant Live last month. I'm so mad I wasn't there.

Luckily, someone shot this video. Here it is:

Ice (who is almost 40, by the way) was dumping shots of Jagermeister into an ice luge and rapping along to his hit single "Ice, Ice Baby." Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Or, in this case, melted.

Remember a few years back when he changed his performing name to V-Ice and put out that horrible rap/rock album? Or when Todd Bridges broke his face in Celebrity Boxing?

Now, Ice is on the club tour repping Jager. I have to say -- whoever came up with the idea of sending Vanilla Ice to city clubs with an ice luge gets serious Awesomely Bad points. If I were there, I'd probably do an ice luge shot from the Ice Man. Word to your mother.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Whenever I'm driving on President Street, I always notice the old DeGroen's building, with its big logo.

A couple days ago, I snapped the picture to the right from my car.

From this angle, it's hard to see, but the words "lunch + dinner" are written just to the left of the DeGroen's stamp.

DeGroen's was a restaurant and brewpub until it closed a couple of years ago.

I never got the chance to go to DeGroen's before it closed, but I've heard good things about it from local beer geeks.

I just wish someone would either paint over or remove the logo. I'm sure plenty of people have tried to find the place, only to discover it's been shuttered for some time. It's really misleading.

DeGroen's still brews beer, though out of state, now, I think. And I don't think there are any plans to bring back the brewpub. So, DeGroen's people, if you're reading, please remove the sign. 

(Photo by me) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

In today's City Paper, Bar Scars columnist Anna Ditkoff says she's ending the monthly nightlife feature's five year run.

The reason? 

"When I first thought about sitting at home watching movies and tinkering with my house it sounded boring, but when I gave it a try I realized how great it could be," Ditkoff writes.

Ditkoff is 31 now, and says she thinks her heavy partying days are behind her. I'll miss the column, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Bar Scars hadn't run for the past couple months, which made me curious about its future. I e-mailed Ditkoff last week about the column, but she never got back to me. Guess this explains
it.

I hope City Paper reincarnates Bar Scars in some form or another in the coming months. And Anna, I hope there are still plenty of fun nights out in your future. Even if they don't last until 2 a.m.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Indie rocker Jason Dove is going bald. See how mopey he looks in this picture?

Luckily, Dove has a penchant for wigs. ... 

"I go and collect them, sometimes at thrift stores -- especially around Halloween time," Dove said. "I always try to get a bunch. If they look goofy, and if they can make somebody laugh -- if you can take a good photograph with one on, then you're successful."

Witness the transformation brought about by this black wig:

The moral? When wigs are worn, women worship. 

(Photos by John Fabrizio and Jim Lucio) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 1:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                    

Who doesn't like to rock the mike?

This week's Fab Five Friday is the best spots for karaoke around town.

Whatcha got for me?

Places that only have karaoke once a week or once a month still count.  

(Kenneth K. Lam/Sun Photographer) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
                    

When people think of local music venues, the Brass Monkey Saloon usually doesn't pop into mind.

I think this Fells Point bar/live music venue doesn't get the credit it deserves.

The Monkey has been hosting several shows a week for years now on Eastern Avenue -- everybody from semi-unknown local and regional bands to totally obscure local bands.

I'm sure countless bands have played their first club gig at the Monkey.

Don't get me wrong -- the Monkey is nothing special. It's far from being the cleanest, newest club on the scene.

But the Monkey is someplace for a local band to get up and play. 

I played in bands in high school and college, and, as a musician, you always remember the one or two bars that will give you a shot to perform in front of somebody -- anybody. Sometimes even nobody.

And unlike some other clubs around town, the Monkey only charges a small production fee for bands. They don't make groups sell 100 tickets at $5 a pop to play there.

So thanks, Brass Monkey. Keep it up.

(Photo by me) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Walked by Alexander's Tavern in Fells Point (which replaced Gemini on Broadway) and saw people working on the place.

I talked to a woman through the glass who said Alexander's should be open for food next week.

It may already be open for drinks. I'm not sure. She said something about drinks, but I couldn't hear her well through the glass.

Hope that answers your question, Mags.

(Photo by me) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Wanna know why the Ravens won last Sunday?

My beer.

Normally, I toast the Ravens with a Baltimore brew -- usually something by Clipper City.

But last weekend, another brand caught my eye: Victory Lager (pictured). It's made by the Pennsylvania-based Victory Brewing Company, whose slogan is "Taste Victory."

What could be a better game time brew than Victory Lager? So I bought a six pack, and ended up drinking two or three bottles of the smooth and tasty suds Sunday afternoon.

Needless to say, the Ravens won. Barely. But still -- they won. They ... tasted victory. We both tasted victory.

You know what I call that? Karma, baby.

You're welcome, Brian Billick. 

(Photo courtesy of Victory Brewing Company) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
                    

Yes, in addition to this blog (and the arctic weather phenomenon), Midnight Sun is also a brewery in South Anchorage, Alaska. Their Web Site was down this morning, but I'll post a link when it gets back up again.

I e-mailed them today to see if they ship beer -- I'd love to see what liquid Midnight Sun tastes like. They have some pretty funny names for their brews, too: Old Whiskers, Sockeye Red, Kodiak Brown.

I'll let you know what I hear from them.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                    

The Stalking Horse barely got out of the gate.

It was only open for a couple months before an electrical fire took the new restaurant/bar out of commission several weeks ago, and it doesn't look like it'll be coming back any time soon.

I peered into the place late last week, and it looks like the owners have gutted the interior.

I'm going to make a couple calls today or tomorrow to see if the owners have an estimate for the Horse's reopening. 

(Photo by me)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Got some interesting comments from Friday's post on free drinks.

I've never thought of it as stealing, but I guess it technically is -- unless the bartender is the owner, as Jason said.

You can also look at it as a marketing ploy, though. I think Bill was onto something.

If my friends and I get a free shot from a bartender after a night of decent tipping, we're more likely to head back to that place at a later date.

So it cuts both ways. I think the occasional shot or beer on the house cultivates clientele. But a bartender giving free drinks to his/her friends all night is a bit too much.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

It's always nice to have a buddy who's a bartender.

You get automatically bumped to the front of the line. You get the best service in the room. And, you get your drinks either for free or for a fraction of the price.

But does that actually save you money?

I've been to bars with friends who knew the bartender. A few of us would drink liquor all night and get a bill for only $20 total.

But then we'd feel the need to compensate our friend for giving us such a big discount. So we'd each chip in $10 or $15 bucks.

At the end of the night, I was never really sure if I saved money or not.

Maybe, I tipped too much. But I always figured the service (and the extra-strong drinks) were worth it.

What do you think?

(Chris Goodney/Bloomberg News)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                    

This is by far one of the trickiest lists I've come up with. Thanks for some great suggestions.

Here you go: the five best places for blind dates.

1. Tapas Teatro, 1711 N. Charles St. (pictured)

From Maryann James, Sun dating columnist/blogger: You can have a drink, and if it goes well, you can bond over the so-played out tapas concept, and if it's even better, check out a movie at the Charles. also, since it's tapas, if the date falls flat midway through your meal, it's not like it's a long, drawn-out dinner to wade through. 

2. One World Cafe, 100 W. University Parkway

Here's a fun, fairly low-key locale where you can have a coffee or something stronger, and then, if everything goes well, move on to dinner (and more drinks). It's not too far north of the Charles or too far south of the Rotunda if you want to see a movie.

3. Ale Mary's, 1939 Fleet St.

This cozy corner bar is clean and rarely crowded around dinnertime, which means you can talk at a normal volume. The food is good and decently priced. Plus, the place's religious-themed decor gives you something to talk about if the conversation runs dry. 

4. Sobo Cafe, 6 W. Cross St.

Probably the most expensive spot on the list, Sobo is a cute little restaurant with a small bar. It's intimate and romantic, but not over the top. 

5. Red Brick Station, White Marsh

I nominate this spot based on its success rate. From commenter Andrew: "About five years ago I went on a blind date at Red Brick Station in White Marsh. We're getting married in two weeks. So yeah, that turned out pretty well ..."

(Michelle Gienow/The Sun) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                    

1. Bukowski in Baltimore at Flux Studios Saturday

Local actor Wayne Willinger portrays the infamous writer/alcoholic in this roughly hour-long recreation of one of Bukowski's poetry readings. This is going to be great. 9 p.m. $6.

2. Mouth Curved Moonlike at Lo-Fi Social Club Saturday, 1825 N. Charles St.

Yes, the Lo-Fi is back open. And this time for good (fingers crossed). Local progressive rockers Mouth Curved Moonlike is the featured act. 

3. The last Interpretations Sundays, 1 Azar Court, 3rd Floor 

I've heard good things about the open mike event Interpretations Sundays, and I'm sad to find out this Sunday will be their last one. Poetry for the People member Temple will be celebrating the release of her new CD this Sunday. 7 p.m.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 5:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

I need Fab Five Friday suggestions. The topic is best places to take a blind date.

If you wanna see a good list, you gotta do your part and post a comment. Come on, now. 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                    

So is UFC the new hot sport for frat guys to watch?

And if so, where do you go around town to watch it? I was at Club X Ultra Lounge on Calvert Street (before it became Xanadu) about a year or so ago, and they had UFC on.

I have no problem with UFC (it is, after all, my generation's boxing), but I don't think high-end lounges should be showing it. The last thing I want to see is two dudes kicking the crap out of each other when I'm spending tons of money to hang out in a trendy club.

I know Fletchers in Fells Point advertises their UFC. But are there bars that specialize in it, and advertise themselves as UFC go-to spots? 

(AP Photo/John Locher) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

If you can get out of work a little early today, head to Soundgarden in Fells Point.

Americana/blues band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (pictured) are putting on a free show there at 5 p.m., followed by the Avett Brothers at 6 p.m.

It's all part of the ongoing Noise in the Basement free and ticketed festivities, which run through Saturday at various locations around town. Here's the site with more info.

(Photo by Taylor Crothers) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

For this week's Fab Five Friday, I'm going to enlist the help of Sun dating columnist/blogger Maryann James.

The topic: Best places to go for drinks on a blind date.

Last week, some of you complained that my lists were too repetitive. Hogwash, I say. I've repeated two bars twice in two months. Still, I've retired the Brewer's Art and also promise not to include the Dog Pub for a long time to come.

Now you gotta hold up your end of this. Every week I ask for your suggestions. So if you want to see new names on my lists, you need to post your offerings. So let's hear 'em.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

The protest at the Sly Fox Pub over some comments I made a while back went well last night, according to organizer Dennis E. Robinson.

About 25 protesters rolled into the Redskins bar wearing Ravens jerseys and cheering for the Eagles during the game, Robinson wrote in an e-mail this morning.

"We acted with sincerity in trying to prove that we're not trash, we're not rowdy, and that we just want to be recognized as valued members of the community, not some subclass of people who aren't worthy to enter the bar," he wrote. 

According to Robinson, the staff was friendly and inviting, but the Redskins fans were just the opposite.

"It went beyond the colorful profanities they yelled, beyond the loud cheers directed at us, sometimes a couple inches from our faces, when the Redskins scored," he wrote. "No, Sam, this was much more."

Click on the link below for more ...

According to Robinson, one of the protesters had beer poured down her back, another was pushed toward the door, and some rather nasty things were said.

If that's true, than it sounds like the patrons acted unacceptably immature. Either way, Robinson felt he benefited from the whole ordeal.

"I guess I should thank you," he wrote. "I learned a lot here. I'm motivated, and I think I'm learning how to positively motivate people. You contributed to that, though you did so adversely. So thanks."

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (26)