Huckas goes up in smoke
Sorry for the pun, but I couldn't resist.
Midnight Sun spies report that Huckas, the three-year-old hybrid sports bar/hookah lounge on Boston Street, has closed.
The phone number has been disconnected, and passersby told me there is paper in the windows (the mark of death).
If I had to speculate on why it went under, I'd say the space was just too big and, just like the late Bedrock, it suffered from an identity crisis. Was it a sports bar? Or a hookah bar? It ended up being the worst of both worlds.
Not to mention the smoking ban, which threw co-owner Jay Sikander for a loop. I don't know if they ever really recovered from it.
But I do want to take a moment and tell you about the time we went a couple years ago ...
We walked to the back part of the downstairs, where a couple guys were smoking a hookah. Our conversation went something like this:
Them: Hey! Have you ever tried one of these bongs? They're crazy!
Us: Yes, actually, they're called hookahs --
Them: Dude. You gotta try one of these bongs. We'll get you one. Hey, can we get another bong? We want a bong for our friends here.
Us: Uhhh ... thanks.
(Photo by Christopher T. Assaf/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
if they were paying, i have no idea why you'd bother correcting them.
Posted by: Allan | December 30, 2008 9:27 AM
The problem with Huckas and with every bar along that stretch of Boston St is location. It is no mans land between Fells Point and Canton with little and no parking. Not many places thrive there.
Posted by: Fells Point Craig | December 30, 2008 9:42 AM
Maybe they never recovered from being closed down by the health department. (See health dept. site on the Entertainment page.)
Posted by: RayRay | December 30, 2008 9:55 AM
That's a bummer. Although the space was dingy and crowd a little sketch at times, it was a good place to watch a game. Especially during March Madness, b/c they would have the sound on, which I think is crucial for a sports bar.
Posted by: duffster | December 30, 2008 10:02 AM
Boston Street Curse lives on. It was the Spot, then the Grille, then Huckas, and now nothing. At this point, maybe they shoud just convert it to offices.
I can't begin to fatham how many bars will close in 2009.
Posted by: Drew from Greektown | December 30, 2008 10:37 AM
i guess the bssc is going to need to find a new place to hold their douchebag and hooknasty socials.
Posted by: bill | December 30, 2008 10:39 AM
Sam,
That's interesting. Less than two weeks ago they started circulating a petition for a live entertainment license.
Posted by: Mark Twain | December 30, 2008 10:59 AM
ugh. that place was terrible.
Posted by: aeb | December 30, 2008 12:52 PM
I'm vindicated! I knew this place was closed (or close to it) when I passed by a few weeks ago.
Posted by: Andrew | December 30, 2008 2:50 PM
who the hell wants to smoke a houka? do you get high? is that stupid fancy upstairs closed also? Boy that bar sucked...
Posted by: y | December 31, 2008 10:44 AM
It closed because of the thugs it attracted. Never fails. If you get tired of running your bar, start attracting thug types and you'll get your wish. Fights, shady dealings, loud, obnoxious, classless and they don't tip. Man oh man I can't wait to move away from this place.
Posted by: Thomas | December 31, 2008 12:32 PM
This is a tragedy. The atmosphere of Boston Street just won't be the same without the Hucka's clientele. Who is going to try to run down the neighbors in tricked-out Bentleys? Who will stage shoot-outs in the parking lot of the rowhomes across the street? And what about the illegal valet parking service Hucka's provided, which ensured the side streets nearby would always be packed solid with Escalades, with no room for homeowners to park? My heart is broken.
Posted by: KB | December 31, 2008 2:00 PM
The secret to survival in Canton: Locals.
Wanna know if a bar or restaraunt is going to make it? Ask the locals if they go there.
Posted by: Paul in Canton | December 31, 2008 2:34 PM
I went there about a year ago with 3 other friends. Been to ever other bar except this one (should have said no). There was only three other people there on a saturday night around 8 pm or so. Out of the 4 of us, one person ordered a burger and the rest ordered cold wraps. It took them over an hour to make (we waited over twenty minutes for a drink). Then, the waitress finally gave us the check and she actually stood over my shoulder waiting for the check. I am glad that place is gone, whoever mentioned offices, that might be the best idea (there's so many other bars of better quality).
Posted by: s | December 31, 2008 2:39 PM
This place was a nightmare for the residents of Canton. Thank god it is gone!! It attracted thugs and low lifes from outside the neighborhhood and everyone is now heaving a sigh of relief. Why do these bars on Boston St. go so far out of their way to turn their backs on their neighbors? Pur seemed to be closed last night too. Lets hope its out of business as well!
Posted by: post6 | January 1, 2009 11:28 AM
Why not just make the next place a prison...thats where all the people who went to these bars belong
Posted by: Dixon is a crook | January 1, 2009 3:19 PM
Ok, it took some digging, but here it is. This is the petition Huckas sent out on December 23, 2008 (less than 48 hours before they closed their doors.
The petition was written by and sent by Brian Pettit. It is terribly written, but should give you all a good laugh.
I've never seen anything quite like this... Also, Sam, I have a bone to pick with you regarding your "2008 was a good year for Baltimore Bars." article.
---------------------------------------------
Canton Arts and Entertainment
Greetings!
Petition supporting 2324-32 Boston Street entertainment under it's conditional use M3 zoning.If you reside in these zip codes your reply would be a YES to the petition and greatly appreciated.
21222 - city only
21224
21231
21233
Please reply by Dec 23rd.Read the outline below, if you support this idea reply back with your name, address and zip code. Thank you so much for your time.
Huckas will be transformed into the concept CANTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT.
CANTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT is a panorama of enjoyment offering a combination or the singularity of Food, Libations, Arts and Entertainment. Friendliness and service greet you and your family or friends as you kick back and relax or intellectually and emotionally absorb the arts while sipping libations and sampling hors d'oeuvre or trip down memory lane with the nostalgic songs of yesteryear or mellow to classical, blues and jazz or roar to comedic jokes or route your favorite team to victory. When it comes to Events and Social Activities CANTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT accommodates any need through its multidimensional facility. From community association meetings to fund raisers, we do the work, you enjoy your time.
Arts:
* Exhibits of young Maryland Artist
* Fine arts exhibits
* Poetry forums - Science forums
* Film
Entertainment:
* Nostalgic singers and groups from the 60's-70's - 80's
* Classical - Jazz - blues - country
* Comedy acts
* Local Talent
Events:
* Sports - Personal - Business - Community
Social Activities:
* Community Associations - Fund Raisers
Food:
Euroameritranean Fusion: The fusion of European, American and Mediterranean foods and spices creating flavorful and tantalizing dishes.
Liberating Libations:
Worldly Wines
Hearty Beers
Aromatic Coffees
Natures Teas
Dreamy Cocktails
Elegant Champagnes
Glacial Waters
Sweet Juices
Syrupy Sodas
Friendly Cordials
Earthy Liquors
* We, the undersigned, are community members in district one of Baltimore City who support and endorse CANTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT concept at 2324-32 Boston Street :
.
Thank you again ahead of time, urgency in this matter is needed and your support will help Canton Arts and Entertainment bring a positive vibe to the area. Again to say yes to the petition, reply with your Name, Address and zip code.
Sincerely,
Brian Pettit
Canton Arts and Entertainment
Posted by: Mark Twain | January 3, 2009 8:26 PM
I received another petition today.
Posted by: Mark Twain | January 6, 2009 10:23 AM
Funny - I emailed them last week about this petition but never heard back. Wonder what the deal is. Also, mark, did you see Anon's comment?
Posted by: Sam Sessa | January 6, 2009 10:34 AM
sam - where is anon's comment?
Posted by: karlosi | January 7, 2009 1:27 AM