Bar: Butts & Betty’s Tavern
Address: 2200 Gough St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Score: 7.7/10
Butts & Betty’s has been a bar for 70 years. Previously named Max’s tavern, the bar was renamed after the current owner purchased the establishment. I was told the name Betty comes from the owner’s mothers name, not sure where the Butts comes in though, hopefully someone can fill me in. The bar has been owned by the same family for four generations which is very neat. The bar itself is in a great location in Baltimore. A very walkable location that features plenty of bars and restaurants.
When I first laid my eyes on Butts & Betty’s I was convinced it was surely going to be a top 10 bar. The outside of the bar featured a brick building and one of the coolest bar signs I have ever seen. It was a massive yellow rectangle shaped sign that featured the name of the bar in black lettering. This sign stuck out from multiple blocks away and is what ironically steered me to the bar. After seeing this sign, it is making me highly consider adding outdoor signage as a rating criteria, as we have encountered some good ones during our visits. Another window outside of the bar also featured unique signage as they had a neon sign that said “Lottery and sandwiches”. Quite the promising proposition if you ask me.
When I entered the inside of the bar, my opinion of the bar slowly started to shift. The bar featured a nice wooden bar top that was very long. Along with a pool table, the bar had ample space. The bartender was very friendly and overall I had good service. The part that bummed me out was the lack of signage. Nothing about the inside of the place impressed me like other bars nearby in Baltimore. More signage would have gone a long way and would have made this bar more lively.
Also, I am not sure if it is the day I went or what, but the atmosphere was poor. I went to multiple bars that day that had a great atmosphere. I am sure it just happened to be timing and that the bar is a great time. If I went again I would need to ensure that it was on a Ravens game day or during a big O’s game.
Look, 7.7 is not a bad score. If you saw the sign of the bar, your expectations would be higher as well. If the bar had more decor it would have crept up into the 8 range. Still, not a top 10 bar for WeRateBars, but one that is worth stopping in if you are in the area.
Decor: Very bland, what ultimately drove a lower score. I was missing that wow factor.
Price: The best category of this bar. $2.50-3 Miller Lite’s and cheap Natty Bohs
Service: Great service, bartender was friendly and talked to me during most of my visit.
Atmosphere: Once again, very “meh” atmosphere.
Cleanliness: Very clean establishment.
Bonus Points: None.