Porter's will reopen, possibly as Porter's
Porter's, the Federal Hill corner bar and restaurant which closed in October, could reopen as early as February -- as Porter's, according to building owner Dave Cowell.
Cowell has decided to lease the space to Kevin Cooper, who plans to keep the same low key vibe Porter's was known for while improving the menu and service. Oh, and Cooper also wants to keep the name Porter's.
"It's good news, I hope," Cowell said. "His whole goal is for the neighborhood to feel welcome and at home." ...
When Cowell was searching for the right person to run the place, he wanted someone who wouldn't rock the boat. He thinks he's found that person in Cooper.
"I'm crossing my fingers he can turn a profit and run a good business there," Cowell said. "I couldn't ask for a better tenant. I'm excited to see what he can do with the restaurant."
(Baltimore Sun archive photo)
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
Does Cooper have any experience running a bar/restaurant?
You could open a place that sells poop sandwiches in that location and it would be half full most nights. The reason Porters was never well liked by the neighborhood was the bad food, attitude, reliability and service of the previous owner/renter.
If Cooper can get it back to the way the place was run when it was Ransom's it will be a gold mine.
Posted by: Kevlar | December 24, 2009 9:56 AM
Okay, I wonder if Porter's will have any porter on draught..................
Okay, okay, I'll go stand in the corner now..........
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | December 24, 2009 5:51 PM
I frequented Porters quite a few times and thought that the food and service were both excellent.
Posted by: Davey Z. | December 26, 2009 10:36 AM
Okay, I wonder if Porter's will have any porter on draught..
i love a good porter. You don't see it much anymore. There are probably some super-fancy micro-versions but I like a plain old porter on draught. Johnny Cash even wrote a song about it (not really), Hey Porter.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gravy | December 26, 2009 11:32 AM
Porters food was awful!
Posted by: Drew | December 26, 2009 12:43 PM
Place has gone out 2x, in this economy???
Posted by: louie | December 26, 2009 1:53 PM
Place has been a bust since Joe & Marie left as Ransom's. Too much hassle to park even if it is good.
Posted by: Darby | December 26, 2009 2:53 PM
Owl Meat [Random Noun], Yuengling makes what I would regard as the best "mass production" porter you are likely to get any bar in this area to stock. Just look for, or ask for, Yuengling Porter.
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | December 26, 2009 10:06 PM
Thanks, ADM. I grew up not far from the Pottsvile. Porter probably wasn't appealing to me in high school. I vaguely remember it being exactly what you say.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gravy | December 27, 2009 4:30 PM
I too miss Ransome's Harbor Hill Cafe. Porter's was a real disappointment for all the reasons noted by Kevlar. Especially the mediocre food.
The new management should realize they have a captive audience hoping for the best.
Posted by: I miss Ransome's | December 27, 2009 6:06 PM
Cooper has been the bartender at Regis for close to a million years so he definitely has the experience. Hes a hard working guy who has quite a few SOBO regulars who I'm sure will support his efforts. I think with good service the place will do well.
Best of luck to him
Posted by: MK | December 28, 2009 10:08 PM
Glad to hear the news.. i wish them well and i agree, Cooper is a good guy with lots of people who will stop by to see him and say hi.
Glad they are keeping the name the same too ..
Posted by: SushiGirl aka Lisa | December 29, 2009 11:45 AM
I stop in Regis more now. Cooper give me and others an attitude.
Posted by: Frank | December 30, 2009 9:03 AM
I have inside information, and the food definitely won't suck anymore.
Posted by: ero | December 30, 2009 12:44 PM
Oh so it'll blow then?
Posted by: Evan | December 30, 2009 3:34 PM
Evan...be nice now ...give 'em a chance.
About the only thing Joe, the previous owner, did right was to ban a couple of disgusting white collar neighborhood drunks. I can only hope that Kevin honors the ban.
Anyone been to Marie's latest endeavor on Charles St. in Mt. Vernon? Worth the trip, IMHO.
Good luck to Kevin and Happy New Year to all!
Posted by: Tomato Head | December 31, 2009 9:34 AM
I cannot wait for it to re-open. I frequented Porters mainly due location. Not only was it conveinent but it was away from the craziness of Federal Hill which can get old at times. This is a laid back bar with good food and a great atmosphere. I am looking forward to seeing what it will be like under new ownership!
Posted by: E | January 4, 2010 10:57 AM