Bar: The Owl Bar
Location: 1 E. Chase St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Score: 8.8/10
When it comes to bars there are two things that I despise. One would be bars that solely rely on karaoke. Having karaoke nights or certain times of the day is great, but do not make that your only selling point. While this is an unpopular opinion, it’s one that I have had a firm stance on. The second thing I hate when it comes to bars is hotel bars. Hotel bars are lame. Simple as that. If it is a weekday and you have to be up early or you are looking for a nightcap before going to bed, fine. But if you are going to a hotel bar mid-day or relying on that for your entertainment, that is lame. Explore the new city, and visit a dive, that is how you learn about the city you are in. Furthermore, hotel bars are always expensive. It seems like your typical domestic runs you $7 and anything less than that is a bargain.
While my opinion on karaoke bars remains unchanged, what has changed is my perspective on hotel bars, all thanks to The Owl Bar. While I recognize The Owl Bar is an outlier when it comes to hotel bars it is a damn convincing outlier. From the moment I was recommended this bar I had to give it a go. It was described to me as the oldest bar in the city, being founded in 1903. I was told nothing more. Nothing about location, prices, atmosphere, etc… So, once I get a good recommendation, I go to the bar. I was excited to visit The Owl Bar until my Uber dropped me off at a hotel, begrudgingly I walked in, and my mood completely flipped. From the second I entered the bar I knew it was special.
The walls leading to the front of the bar were headshots of all the famous people who have stopped by The Owl Bar in the last 120 years. Every one of them is more famous than the last. From the moment you are inside the physical bar itself, you are transported to the prohibition era. A very aged bar top and stools along with brick walls lining the inside. Just how we like it at WeRateBars. This bar once being a speakeasy maintained that feel, but modernized it in a way that just worked. There were no gimmicky hurdles to get into the bar like some “speakeasies” tend to do. Walk right in, and order a drink. Simple as that.
Aside from the aged walls and bar, I appreciated the stained glass throughout the bar and the chandeliers. Stained glass is a nice touch in bars. One area of décor you do not see often, but every time I do I question why we don’t see it more. This was not your typical WeRateBars review as there was minimal signage, but they made up for it with a cohesive theme of having Owls and other animals at the center theme of the bar. Because I was riding solo into this bar I elected to sit at the bar but noticed a ton of great seating options, even some massive animal-printed Zebra booths that were fun and not tacky at all.
Overall, my experience at the Owl Bar was one to remember. Once I was able to get past the hurdle of it being a “hotel bar” I was able to enjoy the place and appreciate all the rich history.
Decor: Minimal décor aside from the stained glass and chandeliers. Some animal heads mounted on the wall in spots, but other elements assisted with the lack of signage.
Price: Surprisingly fair. I opted for a Guinness and it ran me $8. Very similar to other pubs in Baltimore that I visited.
Service: Great service. Got a shit poor of Guinness at first since the keg was running out, the bartender gave me this one on the house and poured me a fresh one once the keg was switched out.
Atmosphere: Very lively atmosphere. I imagine every weekend is the same at The Owl Bar. Big crowds and everyone having a good time.
Cleanliness: Very high standards of cleanliness, being in a hotel helps.
Bonus points: No bonus points.