Meeting Jim Quigley
The other day I said I'd post the story about my first run-in with Jim Quigley, the owner of Quigley's Half-Irish Pub in Ridgely's Delight.
Here it is ...
Normally, I visit a bar, hang out for a bit, then call it the next day and talk to the owner over the phone (so I can stay semi-anonymous).I went to Quigley's once or twice and had a good time.
Since Quigley's was brand new at the time, I couldn't find the phone number anywhere.
So I walked in wearing my Sun ID with a notepad in my back pocket.
Quigley was behind the bar.
He saw me coming, raised his arm, pointed at me and yelled "REPORTER!"
I stopped and said: "Yes ..."
He told me he wouldn't talk to me about the bar because the kitchen wasn't up and running.
I told him I was writing a review of the bar, not the kitchen, and the review was going to run whether or not I quoted him in it.
Eventually, he agreed to talk to me.
But it was by far the most awkward introduction I've ever had.
(Photo by Lloyd Fox/Sun Photographer)
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
BLOGGER!!!!
Posted by: jmgiordano | April 6, 2008 2:31 PM
That'll teach you to wear a Sun ID into a bar!
Posted by: Drew from Greektown | April 7, 2008 10:16 AM
Needless to say, once you both got out of central booking for the ensuing brawl, well, the review was less than flattering.
Given the name of the bar, I will take this opportunity to plug a great western starring Tom Selleck called Quigley Down Under. Definitely worth a Netflixing.
Posted by: JTK | April 7, 2008 10:35 AM
JTK, i still have the scars from that one.
Tom Selleck: Which is more famous -- the man or the mustache?
Posted by: Sam Sessa | April 7, 2008 12:00 PM
What's the deal with bar owners? Are they that special of a breed that Sun reporters make them shriek into the night? Or is it your ruddy good looks Sessa? What's with the kitty kat owner NOT wanting customers. RE: yuppies. I would think you can wear whatever the BLEEP you want as long as your paying for the beer.
Posted by: Rose | April 7, 2008 11:15 PM
I've been unable to get ahold of anyone at Quigleys by phone. I dialed 410-539-9052 (the posted number) No one ever answers & I get an automated voice that gives me just the phone number and says leave a message. Does anyone even get these messages? Help me. B. Berg
Posted by: b. Berg | May 9, 2008 6:18 PM
Hey sessa thats my nephew your messing around with, sam from your picture you look all "DORKED UP"(Cationsville-Old School dig) working for the Sun you gotta be a Dork. Hey drew I heard "Quigley Down Under" my entire fed career. Have a Nice day folks in Balmore
Posted by: L.J. QUIGLEY in TEXASS | July 21, 2009 1:03 PM