Bar: Venice Tavern

Address: 339 S Conkling St, Baltimore, MD 21224

Score: 9.1/10

I can’t believe I have not written about this bar yet. Don’t let the name deceive you, it’s not in Cali or another country. It is in the great city of Baltimore. Venice Tavern has been around since 1933 and is full of rich history. From the inside of the bar you can expect a lively atmosphere. I was impressed to see such a wide age mix of patrons. Truly gave the place some character. From the outside of the bar it does not look like much. You have to walk down a set of stairs into a basement which is home of the Venice Tavern. 

This bar used to be a part of a mansion, and now sits in the basement of the mansion. The mansion has since been chopped up and allocated to different things, with a pretty cool backstory. Another thing that the bartender filled me in on was the ownership of the bar. This is a fourth generation bar. Yes that’s right, all in the family. How cool is that? In a world full of making everything the same, this bar has stood the test of time with true character and grit. 

I went during a Saturday and I was lucky to get the last stool at the bar. It was by far the best atmosphere of any bar I visited in Baltimore. The inside had cool relics such as ample boxing memorabilia, which you don’t see often in Baltimore or any bar if we are being honest. 

The tavern also was accompanied by virtual gambling/game machines. Honestly not sure how these are allowed but they rock, that’s for damn sure. If this is not enough to keep you entertained, they also got a nice pool table. Plenty of games to go around if drinking a beer and talking to fellow patrons is not enough. 

Besides the atmosphere, history, and decor, this bar had much more to offer. They were cash only (as every pre 1980’s bar should be), sold miller high life ponies (see a pony, drink a pony), and sold Miller Lite’s for $2.75. I’m not sure how it gets better than that. Personally, I would have loved to see a couple more TVs, but space is scarce in this bar, so I can’t have it all. 

Killer spot. 

Price: $2.75 Miller Lites

Decor: Unique boxing decor 

Service: A+ service, most patrons were drinking beers, but they came out quickly

Atmosphere: God, I loved the atmosphere. Very lively and everyone was friendly

High Life Bottle?: PONY bottles. 

Bonus Points: Cash only bar.