Bar: Cat Eye Pub
Location: 1730 Thames St, Baltimore MD 21231
Score: 9.0/10
There are not many things in life better than a good bar. One of those things is a good bar with great live music (emphasis on the great). I do not want to hear shitty karaoke if it is live music, I want some amateurs or pros that genuinely have a passion for music. Live music at bars often brings in a unique crowd that allows everyone to vibe and have a great time while enjoying some pints.
My visit to the Cat Eye Pub was just that. Good people, vibes, and live music. The Cat Eye Pub is located in Fells Point in Baltimore, Maryland. Through my expedition in Baltimore, I can confidently say this bar was in the best location of them all. Conveniently across from the water, you could easily fool yourself that you are in Boston. The Cat Eye Pub has been in Baltimore in its current location since 1975, making it one of the oldest bars in the city. As mentioned they are known for live music but take this to the next level by having live music 365 days of the year. This is not only dedication but allows for upcoming talents to showcase their musical abilities at the Cat Eye. When I was talking to someone at the bar, they said they take the 365 seriously. Rain or shine, or some of the snow that Baltimore frequently gets does not stop this bar from having live music. The commitment is something to admire for sure.
At WeRateBars we have come across many different types of décor. Some have been very unique, but the façade of the Cat Eye takes the cake for sure. On a street full of brick buildings, the Cat Eye is painted a bright blue on the outside and has a nautical element to the bar with lifesavers/lifebuoys on both inside and outside of the bar. If you were not in the mood for live music for whatever reason the Cat Eye Pub has a patio which would be awesome in the summertime. Tons of umbrellas overlooking the water, what could be better than that?
When you enter the bar, the nautical theme meets a pub. From the brick walls in the bar to the wooden stools and aged wooden bar top, I loved it all. The bar had sport flags hanging on the ceiling and just about every domestic on tap.
The patrons in the bar were simply great. I struck up a conversation with a gentleman that was wearing a Kelly green, Philadelphia Eagles, Reggie White jersey. The birds were playing the next day and of course, I had to get his take on the game. What I was not expecting was the conversation to take a turn (in a good way) and we started talking about my beloved Grateful Dead. The gentleman (Bill) noticed my Dead crewneck and we spoke about how he saw the Dead play many times and even saw PigPen play. After, he pulled out the crewneck he wore that day, an “Old & In The Way” crewneck. After Bill and his wife generously bought me a beer, we continued to talk about music and life for a solid 45 minutes. It was one of those conversations that you will not ever forget. Solid guy, he and his wife could not have been nicer.
Finally, this does not impact the ratings but I experienced my first Natty Boh or National Bohemian beer at this bar. It is a local Baltimore beer that I kept seeing people drink at the bar. I would compare it to a Blatz, was not the best beer, but I respect how every bar carries it and uses it as a lower-end, value beer selection for patrons.
If I do visit Baltimore again, this bar would be one of my first stops.
Decor: Unique décor, walls were covered. The nautical theme was very interesting.
Price: Fair prices. This was one of the nicer areas in the city and a pint only ran me $5.
Service: Stellar service. The place was packed and drinks came flowing.
Atmosphere: I went a little over an hour after they opened and the place was packed. Good mix of older and younger patrons.
Cleanliness: Very clean bar.
Bonus points: No Bonus Points.