The review: The Get Down
I went to The Get Down the other day, and all I can say is, wow.
Owner Bryan Burkert and designer Scott Chmielewski did a fantastic job renovating the old Fletcher's space. Some of Chmielewsk's ideas blew me away.
In my review, which ran in today's paper, I called it the best new lounge in years ...
Upstairs, near where the stage used to be, he created this "woven wall" of overlapping recycled plastic strips. Underneath it, there are more than 4,000 LED lights, which glowed different colors and, together, displayed funky patterns. It was wild -- like standing in front of one of those Jumbotrons at a show, but not nearly as bright.
I loved the retro furniture, which used to be in the legendary New York club The Roxy. Burkert bought it from Roxy owner Gene DiNino, and had it reupholstered.
The reason I think The Get Down will succeed is because it looks like a high-end lounge, but it's not run like one. The drink prices are reasonable (beers are $4-$5, wine is $30 by the bottle, gin and tonics are $5.50) and the happy hour special is killer. Every day from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., drinks are half price. I got a Tanqueray and tonic for $3.25. Damn!
The Get Down's grand opening is tonight and tomorrow.All the info you need is at the club's website.
(Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.)
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
If Milan charged 4-5 bucks for a beer, prices wouldn't be reasonable. They'd be "DC prices" and "Baltimore wouldn't stand for it"
Posted by: Anonymous | July 23, 2010 9:53 AM
If Milan had a 1/2-off happy hour three hours a day, every day, I'd stand for it. Or sit at the bar. Whichever.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | July 23, 2010 10:08 AM
it looks like a high-end lounge, but it's not run like one.
Finally, someone gets it.
Posted by: voodoopork | July 23, 2010 10:33 AM
The beer selection is lame, though the happy hour looks pretty sweet. Let's see if that deal lasts.
I like how you mention the bottle service like it's some kind of benefit. How much of the place is reserved for people who are willing to pay for it?
Posted by: Anonymous | July 23, 2010 10:35 AM
Milan wanted to be a douche, and delivered. Why be defensive? Any place that adds Euros to its menu deserves whatever criticism is coming.
That South Park episode about Smug was written for a place like Milan. Congrats on being a caricature.
Posted by: LOL | July 23, 2010 12:09 PM
definitely intriged. the pictures look amazing and that is a pretty sweet HH deal. so that even includes sat nights?
Posted by: ryan97ou | July 23, 2010 12:31 PM
also interested in what the music selection will be. hopeful.
Posted by: ryan97ou | July 23, 2010 12:33 PM
mmmmmm gin and tonics are perfect for 100 degree weather.
This place looks great - I love the crazy colored lighting!
Posted by: Nakiya | July 23, 2010 3:26 PM
Will it be a real funk and soul spot or another phoney top 40 spot.... Hummm
Posted by: Josh | July 24, 2010 10:45 PM
@Josh -- Bryan told me they're not bringing in outside promoters, and want to give The Get Down a consistently cool vibe. We'll see what happens, but I doubt it will become a Top 40 spot.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | July 25, 2010 11:00 AM
"outside promoters"? Oh jeezus, just close down already!!
Posted by: JaiJ | July 30, 2010 1:30 PM