Looks like Red Square is in trouble
Today, In a couple weeks, Red Square, the Russian-themed restaurant and bar in the Belvedere Hotel, will come before the liquor board to discuss all kinds of violations.
UPDATE: The hearing has been pushed back two weeks to Oct. 29 (coincidentally, the date of the Midnight Sun Social).
First (and perhaps most importantly), it looks like Red Square has run afoul of the community association. That's never a good thing -- especially since this is license renewal time.
Then there's the charge that Red Square served alcohol past 2 a.m. And to top off the list, Red Square has some unpaid taxes.
Ouch ...
To get the real Russian experience, I made it a point to try a shot of garlic and black pepper vodka. It was one of the worst things I've ever tasted.
You know those puddles of oily water on the side of the road? It tasted like I'd slurped one of those. I still gag when I think about it.
But I did like trying the Baltika beer. Good stuff all around, as I remember it.
I'll let you know what comes of the hearing. But it doesn't look too good for Red Square.
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
So let me get this straight, Sam: You're saying you've actually slurped one of those oily puddles along the side of the road.
This raises the question: why?
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | October 15, 2009 9:54 AM
I thought Red Square closed years ago. I'm so out of it. A friend told me she went there and ordered a mojito that was probably $9-10. Vodka + green creme de menthe = mojito there. Ha.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gulag | October 15, 2009 10:27 AM
If it closes will anyone miss it?
Posted by: Anonymous | October 15, 2009 11:15 AM
My only trip to Red Square about 18 months ago left me with the impression the club was more urban than Russian.
Posted by: Paul | October 15, 2009 11:34 AM
Is the Cheerleaders hearing being pushed back? They are supposed to finally go in front of the board after 6 months of delays.
Good luck with that outdoor seating request too!
Posted by: Ted | October 15, 2009 12:12 PM
HEY! I like Cheerleaders!
Posted by: Meathead | October 15, 2009 12:27 PM