I like the Abbey Burger Bistro's second floor
Of course, I only have a photo of the first floor.
But at least it's the Abbey (1041 Marshall St.).
The second floor is all wood and brick -- a drastic departure from its predecessor, Sky Lounge.
Amie and I went there a month or two ago, and the service has improved noticeably since I reviewed it.
If you haven't checked it out yet, put it on your itinerary. The burgers and beer list ain't half bad.
(Photo courtesy of Alexander D. Mitchell IV)
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've tried eating there four times now...ordinarilly, i'd give up after two bad experiences but people have told me to give it another chance...still haven't had a good experience there. such awesome potential too...very disapointed.
Posted by: Chris | March 31, 2009 10:11 AM
Chris, I can't say I blame you. I have heard so many horror stories about bad service at that place. I am 2/4 there, with the last two times being good ones.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | March 31, 2009 10:13 AM
Thanks Sam,
Now I have to find a new hiding place!
Posted by: jason | March 31, 2009 10:38 AM
I love the upstairs at Abbey. It's well lit and you get taken care of much quicker. However I was grabbing a bite up while basketball was on and it seemed like one guy lost his trail of breadcrumbs leading to a certain meathead bar on the cornor of Cross and Charles. He was (The Only one) screaming at one of the TVs while everyone else would shoot him looks. That has been my only poor experience there.
Posted by: Tyler | March 31, 2009 12:45 PM
I'm a BIG fan of The Abbey! My last visit was maybe 5-6 weeks ago & it's still by far my favorite place for burgers!! I'm a fan of the bison burgers myself - so juicy :0) Russ & John T have done a great job at getting a great local dining crowd in there & still provide a great bar atmosphere to hang out in for drinks with friends. Around the market you have to have a good balance of both if you're going to survive & I think they've hit the nail right on the head with their renovations & menu. I encourage more people to give them a try & I'll keep returning as often as I can!
Posted by: flowerbabe | March 31, 2009 2:14 PM
^^^
I'm Abbey Burger Bistro, and I approved this message.
(hopefully, this shows up under flowerbabe's message)
Posted by: Abbey Burger Bistro | March 31, 2009 3:23 PM
I agree - awesome burgers at the Abbey, but hit or miss service. Actually know a few bartenders there and I've given them the feedback. Maybe Russ and John could open their ears a little because it's too bad such a good burger joint gets marred with bad service.
I recall a few people having the same complaints after Don't Know opened. Things have changed considerably - nice work Jason.
Posted by: JTN | March 31, 2009 3:28 PM
flowerbabe a shill perhaps? How does the average bar patron (or possible patron) know the names of the people behind the establishment?
Posted by: Mike | March 31, 2009 3:52 PM
"flowerbabe a shill perhaps? How does the average bar patron (or possible patron) know the names of the people behind the establishment?"
Could be because JT and Russ have been working in the neighborhood for years and if you live in Fed Hill everyone knows everyone's business, a little bit of Smalltimore.
Posted by: LGood | March 31, 2009 7:26 PM
No Mike, there's no hidden association behind my comments. I promise! Totally on the up & up!
It doesn't take much to get to know the bar owners, management, staff, etc. of neighborhood joints after frequenting them regularly for years :) And in the cases of Russ & JT...if you know the Fed Hill bar area at all, you also know they're no newbies to being around these parts! haha. (of course...that's only said with complete love & respect guys ;o)!!)
Posted by: flowerbabe | March 31, 2009 11:18 PM
Well I am definitely not a schill but I have been accused of being an anti-NJ biggot on these boards, LOL! I digress. When I have been to the bistro the service was not exceptional but also not bad at all for Federal Hill. However, the burgers are always yummy and delicious :-) This spot could be one of my all-time favorite burger joints if they just improved the sweet potato fries (the ones at Annebelle Lee's are literally sent from heaven!)
Posted by: Totalvicky | March 31, 2009 11:55 PM
"if you live in Fed Hill everyone knows everyone's business"
...and at Abbey's everyone will know if you washed your hands after you tinkle.
Posted by: Tomato Head | April 1, 2009 8:25 AM
Well put. One of the only things I really dislike about that place.
Posted by: LGood | April 1, 2009 9:31 AM
Well, now we know who doesn't wash their hands after using the bathroom....a public one at that! Eewwww!!!!
Posted by: flowerbabe | April 1, 2009 9:46 AM
I'm with you LGood. While sitting at a near table and trying to enjoy a burger, it's kinda disgusting to witness someone washing their hands after visiting the potty. There needs to be, IMHO, a bit more privacy, especially for the gals who might like to adjust their make-up or hair.
Posted by: Tomato Head | April 1, 2009 10:43 AM
@ Tyler: if it was a trail of PowerBars, surely the lone screamer wouldn't have lost his way. A pity really ;)
Since I'm already here, I love Abbey...it's where we bring friends who come to visit and where we send anyone from the area who hasn't had the chance to get there. It's really nice to have options like this in the area. It does a nice job of debunking the myth that Federal Hill is strictly meatheads, popped collars, Coors lights and Journey (not that there's anything wrong with that!)
Posted by: Neighbor | April 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Service is terrible. Come on guys, lets go!
Posted by: my 2 dollar cents | April 1, 2009 12:27 PM