Bad Decisions is open
OK, so here's the (live, local and late-breaking) news:
There's a new bar at 1928 Fleet Street in Fells Point called Bad Decisions. It opened Friday June 13 in the space formerly occupied by Island II Bar & Grill (right across from Ale Mary's), and features a number of hand-crafted specialty drinks.
John Reusing, formerly a bartender at Chiapparelli's and Sammy's Trattoria, is the man behind Bad Decisions.
"I've been pouring drinks for more than a couple years at this point," Reusing said. "I do all kinds of fun drinks, depending on what kind of mood I'm in."
We're talking, S'mores martinis with marshmallow-infused vodka, Godiva Liqueur and graham cracker crumbs around the rim. We're talking martinis with little edible beads in 'em (modeled after Orbitz soda).
Bad Decisions is open 5 p.m.-2 a.m. daily. The Web site, which should be up in a couple days, is makeabaddecision.com.
"I'm envisioning a relaxed neighborhood bar, with a very unique drink menu," Reusing said.
(Photo by Mary Hartney)
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
I went to high school with John. I hope his bar is a big success.
Posted by: Drew from Greektown | August 19, 2008 2:55 PM
Is that you Mark Twain? Is this me?
Posted by: JMGiordano | August 19, 2008 4:50 PM
John Reusing -- Following in a distinguished line of Archbishop Curley High School graduates to open a successful bar in the Baltimore area. The other ones? I know of the Della Roses and Manhattan Grill in Perry Hall. Any others?
Posted by: Dean | August 19, 2008 5:58 PM
I know one or two that went to Perry Hall.
Posted by: jason | August 19, 2008 8:08 PM
Walked by there last week as they were painting the sign on the awning. First thought: I much prefer a Dominican place. Second thought: possibly the worst name for a bar in Baltimore. After reading this blurb, third thought: just what I don't need, another place attracting meat heads to my neighborhood. I'm pretty sure that "relaxed neighborhood bar" = drunk college girls. Woo hoo!!!
Posted by: mobtown999 | August 19, 2008 8:10 PM
JM: Nope, not me. We started doing demo about a month ago in Harbor East. We are on a timeline to open Spring 2009.
Those drinks are a bit too fancy for me.
Posted by: Mark Twain | August 20, 2008 8:28 AM
When is Midnight Sun getting a snazzy blog header ala Ring Posts or Schmuck Stops Here?
Posted by: JD | August 20, 2008 8:30 AM
JD, I'm not sure. It was supposed to switch over Monday, but nothing happened. I'll check with the powers that be and let everybody know.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | August 20, 2008 8:50 AM
If they are going to have fancy drinks like that, they need a nicer sign to go with it. It looks like someone used a stencil to paint the name on the awning. I’m curious to see what they have done inside.
Posted by: CantonK | August 20, 2008 9:41 AM
Mark Twain - weren't you touting a bar with drinks that would "blow your mind" and such? But these are too fancy? I'm confused.
Posted by: BA | August 20, 2008 10:43 AM
Marshmallow infused vodka?? Who knew?? I can't express how excited I am to check this place out!!
(although I'm not sure this is as juicy as yesterday's teaser implied....)
Also, yay for another bar within 2 blocks of home that isn't chubby's. Love it.
Posted by: Kate | August 20, 2008 12:03 PM
I'm another Curley graduate.......met John nice guy....I can throw a stone from my house and hit bad decisions...pretty cool place
Posted by: DavidS | August 20, 2008 9:51 PM
BA: I'm sure the drinks at Bad Decisions will "blow your mind." The focus of our drinks has more to do with ingredients, perpetration and overall quality.
It's difficult for me to explain in detail without compromising the concept. However, there is nothing "gimmicky" about our drinks. I don't want to imply that the drinks at Bad Decisions are gimmicky, because I haven't tried them; they may be great.
Posted by: Mark Twain | August 21, 2008 8:47 AM
The S'mores martini lived up to my expectations :D
Posted by: Kate | August 29, 2008 11:58 AM