Should Have Sat Outside at Pratt Street Ale House

Pratt Street Ale House

Address: 206 W Pratt St
Rating: ★ ★ ★
Cost: $ $
Sports? Yes
Dancing? No

Even though Pratt Street Ale House has been around seemingly forever, I work downtown, and I pass the bar on my way to Orioles games, my first time at this bar/restaurant was just recently. The bar area was nicely spaced out. I definitely didn't feel crammed in with other patrons, but that might have been a function of the number of people there (or lack thereof). The look and feel was exactly as I expected: exposed brick, wood everywhere. Pretty much what you think a taphouse bar would look like. The bartenders were friendly and knew many of the regulars by name. Pratt Street Ale House is a neighborhood establishment located in the heart of downtown.

I Plan to Know Everyone at Smaltimore

Smaltimore

Address: 2522 Fait Avenue
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cost: $ $
Sports? Yes
Dancing? No

Smaltimore's tag line, "Where everybody knows everybody and everybody's business," is totally true. This neighborhood bar is the perfect place to post up, meet your barmates, and chat with the bartenders. I call it a neighborhood bar because it's just far enough from Canton Square to miss the bar-hopping circuit, and that's a good thing. Because of its separation, I got the impression that Smaltimore is a destination: people drive or cab to the place and stay there for the evening. With plenty of tables, a long bar, and tons of TVs, I will gladly spend a full evening there. The recent nice weather has been a big plus for the bar's atmosphere. Instead of a handful of small windows, not unusual in the city, Smaltimore has a couple of french doors and big windows that they open up when weather permits. The result is a sheltered outdoor feel, with a good breeze through the usually crowded space. The bartenders were accommodating and friendly, and I wasn't uncomfortable asking about the beer list on a crowded night. Smaltimore is a little loud, even when the bar is empty. They have a great playlist and turn it up just enough to make it hard to talk. It doesn't bother me, but I can imagine some people will be a little put off by it.