What are the best Latino bars in Upper Fells?
The Midnight Sun biker gang (we call ourselves the Midnight Sons) are rolling up to Fells Point later this week, searching for the best Latino joints in town.
Got any suggestions?
This is largely uncharted territory. I kinda feel like Columbo -- err, Columbus. Maybe a little of both, actually.
Our plan is to squeal wheels up Broadway, terrorizing the locals with our Harleys, stopping at as many watering holes as possible.
What traditional drinks should we order? Beers seem too obvious ...
I wonder how many of the bars/restaurants/clubs there just do cheap beers and tequila, and how many have serious traditional drinks -- way beyond the typical margaritas and such.
Right now, we're definitely hitting up the Rumba Club and Arcos. I'm not sure about Latin Palace -- there is usually a cover charge, even on weeknights.
Thoughts?
(Is this an innocent man wearing a bandanna and sombrero taking a photograph or ... Sam Sessa in disguise? AP 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
Latin Palace has waaaay too many rumors regarding filling up top-shelf liquor bottles with rail liquor.
Posted by: Tony Ravioli | May 5, 2010 11:43 AM
I went to the Latin Palace and was really disappointed. It seemed artificial. Food was AWFUL.
Posted by: kateebee | May 5, 2010 12:26 PM
Maybe I oughta go there and check it out -- I haven't given a place a bad review in a while.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | May 5, 2010 12:33 PM
Rumba, corner of pratt and broadway... they open at the crack of dawn so the folks can get their drink on before heading to 7-11 to find their employer for the day.
Posted by: Tres Borachos | May 5, 2010 12:50 PM
I think you're barking up the wrong tree.
Whenever people who are used to quality go searching for "authenticity" the end result is either disappointment or pretension.
Tecate is pretty authentic. If you go around and gringo it up by trying to drink anejos out of a coconut you're just going to get dirty looks and a headache.
Posted by: The Baltimore Chop | May 5, 2010 1:24 PM
The Tecate plant is literally a two minute drive from the US border.
Posted by: Brian | May 5, 2010 2:03 PM
I highly enjoy Arcos for their food and bar. And its right across from the Apex theater if you're into that sort of thing...
Posted by: Nikc | May 5, 2010 2:16 PM
The Ritz of course. Actually I'd say arcos most of those other places are dumps though Caroline's Tex Mex has very good food.
Posted by: drunk richard | May 5, 2010 2:49 PM
Latin Palace screwed me and almost got me sued by a third party. I blocked that place so far out of my mind I forgot about the Naughty by Nature show we did there and Treach and his request for Magnum condoms, buckets of KFC, and Captain Chrunch. Enrique, *sigh
Posted by: Tif | May 5, 2010 3:41 PM
Tif, at least I bought you a drink first.
Posted by: Latin Palace | May 5, 2010 4:10 PM
Try Las Esperanzas on Fleet street across from the bakery. Pool table and food and Mexican bakers - muy bien.
Posted by: mobtown999 | May 10, 2010 11:11 AM
Carlos O'charlies on Eastern in Highlandtown.
Posted by: jmw | May 10, 2010 2:50 PM
Stabby O"Shivs on Eastern in Highlandtown.
Posted by: RayRay | May 11, 2010 1:48 PM