Fab Five Friday
Stink, stank, stunk.
Are you ready for the smelliest Baltimore bars?
Here's a link with the back story, if you're new to the topic.
And now, it's time for the list ...
1. Bill's Cafe, 6701 Holabird Ave., Dundalk
Read this. Enough said.
2. JR's Bar, 1229 Hull St.
The Beav said it all: Stopped in J.R.'s on Hull Street a few days ago to grab a burger. The place smelled like a full ashtray that had been dropped in a bucket of sweat. No music on, no sound on the O's game. Just me and the person I went with, one lonely guy at the bar, and two employees playing pool. Needless to say...I got my burger to go.
3. Sonar, 407 E. Saratoga St.
If Sonar has central air, I've never felt it. That means when the club is pumping with people, body odors combine their powers like the kids from Captain Planet to create the villainous Mega Stench.
4. Smash Daddy's, 9654 Belair Road, Perry Hall
From TRA: Nothing like stale beer, mixers, and rot-gut booze to create the signature odor. Add in the lingering odor of stale and smoky air, resulting from an incredibly poor ventilation over the last 20 years. ... Last time I went, my wife made me leave my clothes in the garage and take a shower before I could come into the bedroom.
5. The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St.
A couple years ago, I wrote this, and I think it's still true -- even after the smoking ban: You can smell The Ottobar's cocktail of sweat, smoke and beer down the block.
(Photo by Kenneth K. Lam/Sun Photographer)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Ah, night on the town that's a pure, undiluted joy is apparent as an elusive as a destination as Atlantis.
The pursuit of revelry at a locale that doesn't require intestinal fortitude and a capacity for toleration seems to be part of urban, pleasure seeking search or at least that's what the casual reader would think if they happen on this column, the one linked, and the previous one.
Gasmask and a straw anyone?
Posted by: GDA | June 6, 2008 11:26 AM
HOLY CRAP!!! NOT CAPTAIN PLANET!!!!!!
Posted by: ss2 | June 6, 2008 12:21 PM
ss2,
Always remember The Doctor is Who.
Posted by: GDA | June 6, 2008 1:12 PM
GDA - Are you the Riddler?
Posted by: JTK | June 6, 2008 1:35 PM
http://tbl2.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/riddler.jpg
Posted by: Sam Sessa | June 6, 2008 1:38 PM
I agree that since the smoking ban - bars are getting smellier. But just wait - here comes summer time. It's only going to get worse. I was out in Fed Hill last night and had to walk out of a bar. It was hot and crowded and no air.
To bar owners with windows (DK, Jose's, etc)...though I am sure you want to draw in a crowd - turn on the air. Your windows are worthless. It get hot and sweaty and gross...and the summer hasn't even started yet!
Posted by: Sweaty | June 6, 2008 1:52 PM
Sam,
My hair has been that color in years
Posted by: GDA | June 6, 2008 1:52 PM
I knew it. GDA is/was a ginger kid. That explains so much.
Posted by: Allan | June 6, 2008 4:08 PM
Sweaty,
Trust me, I totally understand about the importance of AC in a bar. I have had 2 AC companies plus BGE Home at DK looking how to make the AC work better, it has nothing to do with being cheap. Unfortunately when there are a hundred people in your bar "crowded", no AC in the world can keep a place cool. I am once again on the phone looking for an alternative to keep the place cool. I apologize for the heat but I was told that it was very crowded. As of right now, it is a problem that I will do my best to take care of. Summertime is always a nightmare for me, 94 days to football.
Posted by: jason | June 6, 2008 9:09 PM
Hot town, summer in the city...
Posted by: TS | June 9, 2008 9:07 AM
My sister and I used to go to the Wishing Well over off of Perring Parkway. The smell was so bad we named it. If you stepped foot in there, you went home with the Well Smell!
Posted by: Suzie Q | June 9, 2008 1:44 PM
Sweaty,
Just wanted to let you know that DK now has a brand new AC. Please feel free to stop by and have a drink to help me pay for it. (17k) Worth every penny. I apologize for not being able to get it done sooner.
Posted by: jason | July 1, 2008 1:20 AM