I've only been here once and that was for the NOLAfunk Mardi Gras concert (which was AMAZING), but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The location is convenient to PPL and the Inner Harbor, and there is a parking garage right next door. I didn't eat here, so I can't comment on the food, but the drinks were hit or miss depending on which bar you went to (they have 3) and which bartender was pouring. Although I was just drinking beer, my friend had Crown & Coke, two of which were good but one tasted like it was all Coke. And the drinks are expensive! Two beers and one Crown & Coke was $18. So don't plan on getting drunk in here unless someone made it rain for you. They do validate your parking, though, which will take $10 off your parking fee, which does help but I still ended up paying $10, which really isn't that bad by Baltimore standards I guess.
The guy at the door was pretty friendly and helpful, and the bartenders were pretty quick to acknowledge us. But the true highlight of the night was the music (as it should be). Being a HUGE fan of anything New Orleans, I was thrilled to see that Kermit Ruffins was coming to Baltimore, and he didn't disappoint. The opening acts were good, but really Kermit brought the house down, as he always does. If you're used to buying tickets to a show and having a designated seat, this isn't your place....this is standing room, and yes, you're gonna have to push your way up to get close. But this really didn't seem to be a problem....all of the concert-goers were pretty considerate, and everyone was just there to enjoy the music and have a good time. With that said, I did hear a couple of people complaining that they had bought "VIP Packages" to have a table reserved (think small bar tables), and that "some women" had taken over their table. OK, I'm just gonna say it though.....judging by these guys' looks and attitudes who were complaining, they should be thanking God that these women came to their table and just smile and share rather than whine about it. Really. Fellas....when a couple of pretty girls come to sit at your table, just go with it!
Looking at their website for upcoming acts, I'm not sure how often I'll be coming back as the music isn't really my cup of tea, and seems to be geared more toward the college crowd.
My one complaint (other than the weak/high priced drink) is the bathroom. First of all, the lighting sucks. Second, the doors to the stalls won't close, so you have to do a Cirque de Soleil routine to be able to hold the door closed, get your pants down, do your business, then get yourself back together without exposing yourself to everyone else in the room. And really.....WHAT is the deal with Baltimore and the restroom attendants? PLEASE get rid of this! It seems like every restroom in PPL and the Harbor area has this ridiculous feature, and I utterly hate it! I know how to turn on the faucet, get my own soap, and dry my own hands. I shouldn't feel guilted into tipping someone just because I had to go pee. Really, this is just intrusive and VERY annoying. I realize these people work only for tips, but I shouldn't have to tip someone for handing me a paper towel that I would not only be perfectly capable of getting for myself, but would actually prefer to do so. read more