not enough hipsters to keep it afloat this is what happens when you open a wine bar in Lite Beer country, bra.

I'm really surprised by this...not so much that the owners (presumably) couldn't secure capital to renovate and reopen, but moreso that they would scrap the entire place. Federal Hill has no shortage of people wanting to open bars and since the place is already (Again, presumably) outfitted with much of what you'd need for a bar (like, a license), I would think they would sell it as is. It's a shame. I heard good things about the Vine, the comment above notwithstanding.

Sam,
Any news on bajia beach being closed down?

that's a shame to hear, it would have helped out South Baltimore a lot. But I did hear that the Garden on Fort and Light just sold and the Bicycle Restaurant is taking over the old Sly Fox. Along with new owners for Clayton's, Fort Charles Pub, and Fed Hill Lounge, at least we have some more changes to look forward to in the next year.

then again, instead of spending 200k on a kitchen and bar renovations, why not spend 150k on fixing up apartments and sell the liquor license for 100k, and renting out the apartments for 1200 each. Not a bad idea, hmmm?!

Rumor is that Baja's last night is 29 February...or 01 Marc...I think 29th, though. It will probably cost them all of March's rent to be opened even one day in March.

The rent was jacked up on them, and they don't want to pay it.

Sobo Joe,

I have heard that too. The rumor has been floating around for a while, ever since BAR baltimore shut down. Sam, any thoughts?

I hope it does close down, I hate being dragged down there. Everytime I go in there, I feel the need to shower... about 10 times.

Charlottes is a great place. Owners and staff always aim to please. Music can be iffy on sat nights, but nothing a car bomb can't cure.

See ya, Baja

I'm guessing mid-level retail will be replacing it post haste.

Hey Sam,
Any news on when Lucia Cafe is going to open in Locust Point? I saw their lights and tvs on the other evening? Thanks!

Personally, I think bars like Baja have their place, like them or not. And Baja has been on the scene for a long time. So it's kind of a downtown nightlife fixture, for better or worse. And in that sense, I'll be sorry to see it go.

But I can't say I'll lose sleep over it. Personally, I thought Baja was sleaze-central.

Missy,

I'll check and let you know asap. The last I heard, they were supposed to be open by now. But I drove by there last week and they were still closed.

The Garden on Fort was asking 1.1 million. Clayton's tavern was asking 350 for the business, then 250, then 225 then bring all offers! The building was being offered at 700,000. Clayton's rent was 5500 mo. I looked at their menu (still hanging up outside) and I now know why they went under. The next place will fail also cause you can't physically fit that many people into a 1200 sqft, 6 day restaurant at reasonable prices when your overhead is that high. Hence, the $20+ entrees. You have to open for football! Just my 2 cents.

$5500 is a ton of money for rent for such a small place, even if the business is free, it would be unaffordable. I know of bigger places with lower rent and 7 day 2am licenses that struggle.

Jason,

tell me about it. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks commercial B-more rent is insane. People here don't realize why beer prices go up and up and one reason is because of rent prices. I found another place on fort ave. The owner is asking 900,000 for the building and property or 150 just for the biz and it was an asset sale. Again, rent is 5500 or neg. The landlord told me the last tenant defaulted. "No wonder", I thought. I need to make 15,000 a month to make it work. Again, physically impossible in such a small space.

Don't get me started, lol! 15k a month to make it, and $5500 a month, not possible. Sorry to [gripe], Sam, I know of places that do over 70k a month and their rent is less than 5500 a month and they struggle. I hate to see Baltimore lose another liquor license but the only way for the Vine to make a profit is to be apartments. I said farewell to Fort Charles tonight, the only way I know, with a Bud can and a shot of Jack while watching the Daytona 500!

I am gonna chine in here too... People have no clue on the overhead side of things. As a former club owner and current business owner I cry every month when I have to write that check. It';s nothing for a company doing 50-60k per month and struggle to afford a $4,000 monthly lease, especially triple net.

Speaking of that... How is Mother's gonna fill up all that new space? And who is taking over Fed Hill Lounge?

Did Porter's close as well?

Yeah!! Lucia's is opening on Wednesday (as per Elizabeth's blog!)