The skinny on Bourbon Street
For starters, it's just Bourbon Street -- not Bourbon Street Live. Here's a link to the official web site.
Owner Jim Temple said the Cordish Company objected to his original name, so he dropped the "Live."
Bourbon Street will have a soft opening Sept. 14 with a concert by O'Malley's March. It officially opens the weekend of Sept. 26-27.
Temple is a lawyer who represented the original Hammerjack's and helped run Iguana Cantina for about three years. He said Bourbon Street will start having music regularly in about two or three months.
"We feel very confident about what we're going to do," Temple said.
"Like any club, it's going to take some time. But we're familiar with Baltimore. We're not coming from another jurisdiction and starting here. You have to know Baltimore."
I like the new wood floor and the hanging lamps. But I think one of the biggest aces up Bourbon Street's sleeve is the roof deck. Check this out ...
Bam!
Looks pretty darn cool, doesn't it? Since it's open, you'll be able to smoke up there (that's huge) and admire the view.
"We spent a lot of money in decorations," Temple said. "It's become its own advertisement. People see it from I-83, and it really catches their eye."
All told, renovations cost about $1 million, Temple said. He doesn't own the building and wouldn't comment on the details of the lease. Capacity is 2,500.
Bourbon Street's address is 316 Guilford Ave., and the number is 410-528-8377.
(Photos courtesy of Bourbon Street)
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
I am always amazed at how many bars/restaurants don't have rooftop decks. Especially considering how many rowhomes around the city have them. Is this some sort of liability issue or something? the only ones i can think of are: top floor of slante, and lp steamers. Am i missing any?
Also, having just returned from montreal...it's a travesty how little outdoor seating bars/restaurants have in this city. especially on the waterfront (not including the inner harbor).
Posted by: ryan97ou | September 4, 2008 12:04 PM
Given the photo of front posted elsewhere, this may an unexplored and underutilized oasis by too many possible patrons.
Posted by: GDA | September 4, 2008 12:36 PM
Wow - that roofdeck looks awesome.
ryan97ou - you are right on. One of my biggest gripes is the lack of places even with a minimal outdoor component. The few places that have it are always jam packed. One would think that people might get the hint!
Posted by: bryanintimonium | September 4, 2008 12:56 PM
Ryan97ou, don't forget Stalking Horse, Mount Washington Tavern, Bobby's Jazz Club, Grand Central and a couple more I can't remember off hand.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | September 4, 2008 1:14 PM
The city makes you jump through hoops to get outdoor seating and god forbid one of you neighbors is old school and doesn't want you to have it. The five tables with only ten seats at No Idea Tavern cost over 20k in legal fees.
Posted by: jason | September 4, 2008 1:28 PM
I can't speak to other neighborhoods, but I know in Federal Hill it's nearly impossible to get a roofdeck for a bar. I think the "roofdeck" at Grumpies was some kind of coup, and if are familiar with it I think you'd agree it barely qualifies as a roofdeck.
Posted by: AC | September 4, 2008 1:56 PM
I was watching them hoist the palms up to the roof with a crane. No doubt, $ was spent...
Posted by: Bob UU | September 5, 2008 9:41 AM
Best outdoor seating in Baltimore...Havana. Second best outdoor seating in Baltimore...my patio (cheap drinks too). This place looks promising.
Posted by: TS | September 5, 2008 4:21 PM