Inside the Hudson Street Stackhouse
The Hudson Street Stackhouse (2624 Hudson St.) is open for business.
I stopped in a couple days ago to review it and was really impressed.
There are about 10-12 good beers on tap (standards like Guinness and odd ones like Leffe) and another couple dozen delicious bottles.
I had a fantastic Scottish ale called SkullSplitter (it's 8.5 percent alcohol).
But you know what stunned me most? The service. Both bartenders kept our glasses full and, when we needed it, gave us some advice on what to try. Good service in Baltimore. Imagine that!
Everything feels new -- from the six flat screen TVs to the brick on the outside of the building. The floor is concrete and stone tiles coat the walls in the men's bathroom.
One tip for Dominic DeSantis, who owns the place: Put some lights outside. I like the metal sign, but since the bar is in the middle of the block, you think it's a house and drive right by the first time.
Otherwise, the Stackhouse just might give Mahaffey's Pub some competition. Not in terms of quantity, but quality.
But definitely check this place out.
(Photo by me)
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
A bunch of friends and I went there on Friday. It looked very nice and the service was great. It was a little dark inside and the TV's were not on, but it was a nice place. The men's room was one of the nicest I have seen a in bar. Hopefully it will stay that way for a while.
Posted by: Rick | July 28, 2008 1:22 PM
Went there last week Sam, seemed liked a good place to hang out.
Posted by: Drew from Greektown | July 28, 2008 2:40 PM
Leffe on tap... I'm there!
Posted by: CD | July 28, 2008 7:48 PM
Sorry, but this place does not beat nor meet Mahaffey's. The Beer Selection while better than some has average and unoriginal selections that try to be outside the box. They also have no food nor Wayne.
I will note that the space is nice but in know way does it have the true Baltimore Neighborhood feel that Mahaffey's envelopes.
Posted by: I-Support-The-Draft | July 30, 2008 6:07 PM
Ahhh.... Crazy Wayne. There is nothing better than sitting there all night and watching Wayne nervously bite off the tips of his fingers until they are bloody stubs
Posted by: eCommerce Consultant | July 30, 2008 11:19 PM
Mahaffey's is a good bar despite Wayne. If Dominic doesn't act like a nut, he may give Mahaffey's a run for his money.
Posted by: BeerMan | August 1, 2008 8:36 AM
Mahaffey's--Buy bottles. Don't drink from pint glasses. Ever look at the owners mouth?
Posted by: CantonDan | August 1, 2008 8:45 AM