Bar: Mums
Address: 1132 S Hanover St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Score: 8.4/10
While in Baltimore I visited a wide variety of bars. I can confidently say that Mums was the diviest. From the outside of the bar you know that the place will have some character. The outside of the bar screamed dirty hole in the wall, but the inside was quite charming and drew me in immediately. Right when I saw the Carlsberg and Fosters neon from the outside of the bar, I knew I found myself a unique one. A bar that truly appeared to exuberate the definition of grit.
Once I entered the bar, I noticed all the essentials for a great dive. Wood panel walls, a weathered bar top, locals that have been there since the place opened, and the most unique set of wall signage. Seriously, this signage made no sense that it made perfect sense. From Camel cig signage, to Leinenhugels and everything in between.
Right when I sat at the bar, I knew the bartender was going to be a character. Immediately gave me shit over my Cubs hat even though the Orioles and Cubs have literally no rivalry with each other. Nonetheless, I appreciated the heckling and she even gave me a bunch of food recommendations for dinner. One of them I listened to and the place was incredible, never would have found it without the friendly service.
After drinking a couple ice cold $3 Millers, I wandered inside the bar and saw even more details that I loved. I loved the array of games that the bar had. All your classics. Pool, darts, and a Golden Tee machine. Literally everything you need. Even the bathroom fit the dive theme, graffiti and stickers all over the walls, I was lucky to add a WeRateBars sticker to their collection.
The most important feel of a great dive bar is the community sense of the bar. Even though I was a tourist visiting in the middle of January, I was welcomed like a local. These experiences keep bringing people back. Next time I visit Mums will hopefully be on a Ravens game day. I heard the games get absolutely rowdy and free hot dogs are served.
As I was walking out the door, to put the cherry on top, the same bartender tossed me a shot that they called “evel”. It tasted like cinnamon and went down smoothly. After this experience Ill be back to Mums. Do not be intimidated by the outside of the bar, its a solid place.
Decor: Random decor, bucks mounted on the wall, very on par dive decor.
Price: $3 for a Miller, as it should be everywhere.
Service: A+ service, great conversation.
Atmosphere: It was in the middle of January so I am giving the place the benefit of the doubt, I bet it’s better during nights.
Cleanliness: Grimey, but still clean. Has the grit you want to see from your neighborhood dive.
Bonus Points: None. I will be honest, it was a long day with a lot of bars. They might have been cash only. If so, score will be adjusted.