BAR may be renovated, but it's still BAR
The more things change ...
Earlier this year, BAR (1718 Lancaster St.) closed for several months for renovations. I was worried that when the longtime Fells Point dive reopened, it would be a totally different place.
Thankfully, I was wrong.
BAR is back in action, and you can hardly tell it was closed at all. The floor is new, there are some new beers on tap, but those are the only noticable differences.
The ceiling fan still only has two prongs, the wine list is still only two options (white and red), and, most importantly, the owner, Carol, is still atop her favorite stool at the far end of the bar ...
Carol is the heart and soul of BAR. If you removed her from the equation -- even with the same decor and everything -- BAR wouldn't be the same.
Of course, the (kind of) sad part about BAR is, no matter when you go, chances are you're going to be one of the only people there. That's one of the reasons I like BAR -- it's a great hideout. But it is a shame to think such a great little dive is going unnoticed.
(Photo by Shankman)
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
The sad part about BAR is with so few customers, it may not last long in the current economy.
Posted by: GDA | November 9, 2009 11:45 AM
Maybe, GDA, but BAR has been like that for years. So I feel like Carol will soldier on, no matter what.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | November 9, 2009 11:47 AM
Carol's not going anywhere. She owns the building, and, for quite some time anyway, was only bothering to even open when she felt like it. Several of my friends didn't believe that I'd actually been in, since they'd never seen it open in YEARS of going to Fell's.
Posted by: BC | November 9, 2009 12:13 PM
BC,
Fell's POINT!
Posted by: RayRay | November 9, 2009 12:19 PM
I've never been, looks and sounds like just the place i'd like. Have to check it out.
i hope sheeple don't start flocking there now, at least not too many. it's cool to be able to chill under the radar sometimes..
Posted by: SushiGirl aka Lisa | November 9, 2009 1:44 PM