If you want to be transported to Berlin for the night with a bunch of hipsters of Baltimore in-tow Club Charles is the place for you. There are no fancy drinks here, but you are in the heart of art Mecca of Baltimore, Station North right across from the Charles Theatre. It is a very special place. There's an interior red hue that just glows over the entire bar and there's a really cool seat which is a nook and you're basically kind of secluded from the rest of the group. I always come here pretty late at night and one time I trjed to come and and they were closed for a vacation, this is a quintessential cigarette smoking (not inside) bar. Like I said, there's nothing really special in terms of the drinks. They have all of your classic dive bar favorites. The last time I was here I took a shot of Fernette, but the team here is hipster friendly so sometimes good service other times fine. Iconic Baltimore Bar. They also have fun things on the TVs. read more

Club Charles - Neon sign - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Had my first experience at "Club Chuck" this weekend and it was great! The dark red atmosphere coupled with the delicious drinks made for a great spot to hang out. I grabbed a classic vodka cran, which was good (how could a vodka cran be bad). The crowd was early twenties to late thirties, with some MICA professors and students out and about. Despite being a busy Saturday night, it wasn't too loud inside and I was still able to have a nice conversation without having to yell. read more

Love this spooky little dive bar in Baltimore. It really captures the whole vibe that is Baltimore. Decor is on point. Eclectic and creepy. This place has a lot of great nooks to cozy up in as well as a second level with an additional bar and more seating. I personally love how dimly lit it is, gives is a great ambiance and the drinks are cheap! What more can you ask for? read more

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Really cool bar! Sage was our bartender and was amazing. We sat at the bar and enjoyed our drinks and the cool Halloween decorations they had! Drinks were good and it was a chill dive bar vibe. I'll definitely return! read more

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This place is Baltimore af. - *Super* weird decor (desiccated aliens holding crystal balls? okay, sure) - Extremely nice people (they don't have anything non-alcoholic on the menu but the bartender whipped me up some off-menu mocktails for $1 each ) - So homey you might forget you're out Top-tier dive bar. Plenty of nice little cushioned nooks to sit and chat in. Seems like a fantastic hangout spot. read more

Club Charles - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

One of the most unique dive bars in the Baltimore area. Did a little bar-hopping while I was in town recently, and Club Charles has been on my list for a while. It did not disappoint! As soon as you walk through the door, this place just oozes with an eclectic and quirky atmosphere that makes you feel like you're truly somewhere special. The drinks were priced decently and the staff had a very welcome spark that I appreciate from bartenders at a dive. Being a huge horror fan, I adored the inclusion of classic movie monsters on display and the vintage carnival props. Will definitely return when I come back to visit. read more

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Stopped by at this place on Friday night after our dinner with a group of people. The place was busy but we were able to get some seating on the second floor. Loved the decor and the ambiance of this dive bar. Everyone seemed like having a great time! read more

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Very cool dive bar, loved the vibes. The bartender was very cool. They had a few beers on draft and a few bottles and cans, but the cocktails were really where it's at. They are so interesting! I had the Love Bomb, which was similar to an espresso martini but really delicious. read more

Club Charles - Love Bomb - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Outstanding bar but would've preferred to be a little brighter on the first level. I understand what they were going for but I could barely read the menu. The bartender was fabulous and made the drinks delicious and fast. Plenty of seating available on a Saturday night and great place to visit after a show at the metro gallery. read more

Club Charles - Leloos wurm - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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If Baltimore could be captured in the confines of one bar, Club Charles would be it. Club Charles, or as us locals lovingly refer to it, "Club Chuck", is like if a dive bar in a Quentin Tarantino film and the favorite hideout of John Waters had a baby. No seriously, you might even see the man, the myth, the legend responsible for Hairspray here if you're lucky. Cheap drinks, neon signs, weird vintage decor, plenty of bar and booth seating. I personally love their Manhattan. It's one of the best in the city and won't break the bank. They usually have some good specials going on too like discounted sours on Wednesdays. Expect very little and leave feeling like you got in on Baltimore's best kept secret that everyone seems to know about. Glad to see Club Chuck back in action and thriving! read more

Club Charles - a bar with a neon clock above the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Lorenzo (bar manager we met tonight) was drunk out of his mind and had the audacity to shove his nasty fingers in my mouth and thought it was funny. I just met the guy. He apparently manages this place. Absolutely disgusting for him to do that. it was super unexpected and I felt assaulted and ashamed that happened to me. I tried telling the police and they didn't even believe me because they KNEW him. Like how unlucky and disgusting is that?!!!??? It was our first time visiting the bars in Baltimore and it's safe to say we're never coming back here ever again and will definitely alert all our friends and family to stay clear of this place. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!! read more

Club Charles - Man in the picture I thought we could trust. - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

It's the kind of place where the bartender has to buzz you in the door. But the interior is amazing. Like you stepped back in time. Not quite to old Hollywood glamour, but maybe to the 1980s stockroom where all that was stored. You will have a good time here, and there's no telling who you might meet in a dark corner. But bring cash, because they don't take anything else. read more

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Interesting clientele. Best bartenders in Baltimore. The coolest decor in the city. Cheap beer and wild cocktails.

I stopped by Club Charles for the first time a few weeks ago with my husband and our friends. We were on a bit of a bar crawl, and our friends suggested stopping in at Club Charles (they had been once before for a friend's birthday). I've probably walked past it a dozen times and not noticed it or thought it was closed! Once you buzz in, it's cool inside - eclectic, retro, fun. The cocktail menu was amazing, and the drinks were good. Definitely one of the coolest bars that I've been to in Baltimore - and one with really different vibes than some of the other great spots in the city! read more

Club Charles - a bar with stools and a neon sign - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

There is a little nook of a room with 4 - 5 chairs and a little table. You can keep intimate company and all the conversations right outside. It's pretty erie. I'm not sure they all knew that I could hear every word they were saying like they were sitting right next to me but it echos in there. This is a cute little divey bar right near Charles Theatre, Single Carrot Theatre and Teatro Tapas. There's a main bar and then one on the upper level. They may not have Natty Boh, but Miller Lite will do. read more

Club Charles - Standing on the upper level looking down the stairs - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Kinda reminds me of Mount Royal Tavern. This bar is old, dated, and slightly creepy, looks like a place you'd see in the Rob Zombie movie "Devils Rejects". Nothing fancy here, but it's a pretty cool place. Drinks are reasonably priced ,there was music playing so I'm not sure if was a juke box or someone from the bar playing. Not a place I'm dying to go back to, but I'm sure I'll return. read more

this bar is the best bar in baltimore. hands down. forever and ever. it's a dive with charm. an old friend when you need a hug. don't say anything negative about this wonderful gem of an icon. read more

Fun dive bar! Felt so exclusive! You had to get buzzed in to enter. Plenty of bar and lounge seating. The drinks were great. The service was a bit slow and they only had one bar tender until about 10pm and then they had a 2nd bartender for the 2nd bar upstairs. Fun place though! read more

I really liked this place. Great atmosphere, good selection of suds, a cute bartender, but no natty bo? Wha? Isn't this Baltimore? Get some if your finest cheap beer on tap please. That is all. read more

This place looks like it walked out of a Chandler novel. It's the kind of place you stop in for a beer and wake up in Singapore with a full beard. One must be buzzed in which is appropriate because you'll be buzzed on the way out too. Club Charles has one of the best jukeboxes in the city. The music compliment the red seats and art deco decor. In a town where new bars open up all the time and eacwith all the personality of a paper cup, the Club Chuck stands the test of time. The room is as dark Carrie Nation's bonnet. But that's ok because you don't go here to be seen. You go to kill time. And it dies hard. There are a row of neat bottles on the bar back and the lovely shining glasses sit with anticipation. The first quiet drink of the evening in a quiet bar--that's wonderful. That's this place. read more

I can't believe there is only one review for Club Chuck! This one of the best bars in Baltimore. It is has a very cool atmosphere (very art deco, 1930's black & red furniture, lots of murals), friendly bartenders, and good drinks. Don't be suprised if you see John Waters here, this place is a Baltimore staple. Barry Levinson actually filmed scenes for his 1999 movie "Liberty Heights" in this bar. And if you get hungry just walk next door to Zodiac, the food is awesome and cheap too read more

Club Charles - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

When it comes to Baltimore dive bars, Club Charles (Club "Chuck" if your a local), is arguably the most legendary one of them all. It's also a semi frequent watering hole for Charm City's most celebrated and colorful film director, screenwriter, and actor, John Waters. The most spot on description I've ever heard of Club Charles' interior is "1920s Art Deco meets The Shining"... Deco mural'ed walls, Dimly lit, Red hued lighting, that bathes everyone and everything inside... Red leather booths & chairs... At any moment you kinda expect little Danny Torrance to come running through the bar yelling "Redrum ! Redrum !" But it's also got all the characteristics of a great dive bar. Located in a slightly seedy part of town, cheap but strong drinks, wobbly bar stools, a jukebox with a wide selection from Ray Charles to Dan Deacon, and always friendly bartenders. The size and mix of the crowd seems to depend on the night, it can be anything from artsy film student types to blue collar locals from the neighborhood. But if dive bars are your thing, a single visit to Club Charles will probably be enough to ensure it a spot in your regular rotation of favorite dives. read more

I go to this bar so often that my phone started trying auto-correct the word "chick" to "chuck" (if you get what I mean) I could go on and on about how cute the bartenders are, but the really important part is how dependably nice they are. I've gone to plenty of other places where the bartenders are occasionally tired, visibly spent, and a little bit grouchy... that's human. But at Club Charles you are greeted with a big friendly smile 100% of the time. I'll also give an "amen" to the reviews mentioning the good prices and good jukebox. The one slight downside to Club Charles is that it's not really the kind of place where you introduce yourself to a stranger. It's not impossible, but most of the crowd there is inclined to stick to the circle of friends they know/showed up with. read more

You know what, Baltimore bars are not bad at all. Baltimore food sucks, but you can't really rip on the bar scene aside from the 1:30 last call. I used to live right by here, so I'd come here all the time. Now I live in Hampden, and I still come here all the time. (Not a fan of Hampden bars and the affectations of Rocket to Venus or Golden West. ESPECIALLY not a fan of their prices.) Club Charles is awesome on Sunday nights when it's dead and it's still awesome when it's completely packed on a Friday night with a show at the Zodiac next door. The bartenders are always so nice and friendly despite the crowds hovering at every end of the bar waiting for a drink or their tab, so I will drink a mixed drink that's sometimes a little too strong. Next time I'll order a $3 Yuengling off the draft. And most of the times they have total babes working behind the bar. The barback with glasses is totally awesome dude too. Also, Sunday nights are "Shipwreck Sundays" so it's $2 Red Stripes and $3 rum drinks. The only downfall is that it's so dark and red inside that you can't really tell who's a girl or a guy. I like it though, because I think the darkness lends itself to the attitude of not-giving-a-shit. I don't see why all these "artsy" pretentious assholes bother some of the other reviewers when you can't really see or hear them anyway. Either way it's the bar atmosphere I prefer the most, especially in comparison to Brewer's or Dionysis or anything in Hampden. read more

As a long time aficionado of dive bars, Club Charles is right up there in my national top ten. It's got everything a good dive bar needs, friendly bartenders, cheap/strong drinks, an eclectic jukebox (from Dusty Springfield to The Clash and back again) and lighting low enuf to hide all the facade flaws, dirty corners and broken furniture. There's the main, downstairs bar, and on busy nights an equal sized upstairs bar. It's located in a cool neighbourhood as well with lots of good places to eat nearby and nice city walking, if you should so desire. My only complaint was about the music, not that it was bad, but that it was nonexistent when I first got there. Just a dozen or so early drinkers and NO tunes. When I asked the bartender about it, she said that they just waited till patrons got tired of no music and ponied up for the jukebox themselves. This is a mistake bar owner, whoever you are, you should most surely splurge the few bucks it takes to get the clientele to start buying songs. A good dive bar without music is just a sad bar. As for all the so-called John Waters sightings, nope never seen him here, but if I do, I will definitely ask him about his solo cross country hitchhiking experience. Oh John, you rebel. read more

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Ran in here for a drink because this was the closest bar near after hour spot I was in. First impression pretty cool looking bar with two levels, bartender attentive for the short time I was there, but what almost killed me was the smell. I'm not sure why it smells like it does but there is a nagging offensive odor, I wish I had my Lysol and bleach. I could never just sit there for any length of time due to this smell. It actually didn't look like it would smell bad but unfortunately it does. read more

Dive bar, Shmive Bar. Club Charles, or "Club Chuck" as I like to say, makes frequent appearances in my weekly bar rotation. Not because the drinks are cheap-ish (even thought I can never figure out the deals or promos for the day), or because there is surprisingly good food (try their pizza or nachos), but because of one, glowing, life force tucked away inside the bar. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the jukebox. Whether it's Fleetwood Mac, my favorite Baltimore band, or an artist I'm not cool enough to know about yet, it's there. read more

Maybe I don't understand this word "gastropub" that I hear tossed around by foodie sorts. Maybe this is how they're supposed to work- high prices, iffy-at-best food, and awful service. But wow, was this place a letdown! I went here for food, which I guess is frowned upon, even though their website makes a big deal about the non-booze element of this place. When I got there and asked the bartender/waitress (only one, who looked to be about 22 and really unhappy to be there), where I should sit if I were to get food, she responded as if she didn't work there and didn't know why I was asking her. A long time later, we get menus. Menus read "ask about our specials" and "ask about our homemade deserts". Being the enthusiastic out of towner I am, I asked about both and got this response from the ray of sunshine that was our server: "Uhhhh...some kind of turkey...thing. And we don't do vegan desserts anymore." Ooook. I looked for a cheap item on the not-so-cheap menu, and got the vegan chili with cornbread, which arrived barely warm with nachos instead of cornbread, and no warning about the switch. My date got the spinach and artichoke dip, which was reportedly mediocre at best. We asked for the check, and she came by the the table with paper, but held on to the paper and said "Oh..yer total is $18.95" and walked away. I'm no food service expert, but I thought it was pretty customary to like... see your bill. Maybe even get it face down for discretion. Not here. I followed her back to the bar, asked if I could pay by credit card, and did. $20 for a soup and an apetizer, both kinda bland, from a dive bar with some seriously bad service. The only thing saving this place from a one star rating was the decor (kinda nice!) and the hipster eyecandy (I can't help myself) that arrived later. But wow. Serious diappointment. read more

I would like to get a shirt made that just says "Club Chuck" on it and wear it 24/7. And when people would ask me about the meaning of my shirt, I would say that it's to pay homage to one of the best, most understated bars in Baltimore. You might be saying to yourself: dude, come on. This place looks creepy on the outside and there's a good chance I'll get robbed on North Avenue. And what do I say to that? If you're thinking about that, you don't understand this bar. It's not supposed to be glamorous, it's not supposed to be trendy. It has character and with great bartenders and prices to boot, you should just savor the ambiance. Club Chuck has trapeze artists, for Christ's sake. +50 right there! This bar isn't for everyone but for those regulars and understanding folks out there, you know how cool this place is. Think of it like a 'Cheers'--- except everyone might not know your name and yeah, you might get jumped out on North Ave. But psshhh, details. read more

I'm basically just going to copy and paste my review for 'The Depot' for 'Club Charles', just changing a few keywords because my review is almost exactly the same. Yay, it's review mad libs. I think I've been here maybe 3 times and only once did I have a semi-decent time with the aide of excessive amounts of alcohol. I don't necessarily blame the entire bar for that but still. The first time someone invited me I approached the door and almost turned around and ran all the way back to my car. In retrospect I wish I had. I recall the drinks got me drunk, but I really don't go out just to drink. I drink so I can socialize more easily and feel less awkward when I dance and this not a place to dance. Maybe if you were alone or there were 5 other people here, which was the case I believe every time I went here. I've honestly had bedrooms that were bigger than this entire bar, not that bars need to be big. Baltimore nightlife really sucks, there are douche clubs (Power Plant area) and um... places to get drunk at. I guess this is a place to get drunk at? It has a lonely, heartbreak hotel, dive bar that has been lost in time vibe to it which I suppose could be appealing... The people are usually clannish, not speaking to anyone but the people they came with, and goat help you if you're single, everyone is too busy being up their own donkey to talk to anyone new. It sounds asinine but this place feels so sad, I even feel like slitting my wrists just reminiscing about it. The decor is dark and twisted which I actually liked and I don't really recall the music they played since I was talking to my "friend" the whole time. Oh, this was years ago by the way when I went here. read more

Club Charles is great if you want a super divey night with good music. Value: Miller High Life bottles were $3 and my amaretto sour was $6. Vibe: Great music but definitely a bit on the hipster side. Ample booth seating. Bathrooms a bit dirty but to be expected in late night spots. Location: Location is a bit sketchy but since it's away from the more downtown locations, free street parking is pretty easy. Note: They start making last call at 1:20am by turning on the lights with a 2am close. read more

A pretty hip spot! While it isn't exactly my "style", Club Charles is an interesting enough place that I would bring a friend who likes to drink out here. I wish I took more pictures because the ones posted here really don't give you a great idea of what the place feels like. You do have to like red neon though. The reason why I have given this place 5-stars is because the place exudes an unpretentious swankiness with absurdly low drink prices...this combination creates an unparalleled bang-for-the-buck value. The barmaid who served us was witty and sassy. Although my friends didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I still rate it perfect. read more

If you're looking for a club that will give you night terrors,in a good way,for the next 40 years,look no further. Baltimores hottest new club is Club Charles. Opened in 2003 by ginger pornstar Charlie Faplin, this club will have you yelling.. "ANGELA?" THIS CLUB HAS EVERYTHING! pee pants music, chum from the goonies,and the grandson of the Taco Bell dog smoking a Newport cigarette. You'll never want to leave this place,and you can't because the doors lock from the outside. read more

Club Charles - First night there I met chow yung fat - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Not bad for a dive. We came here for a drink after dining at Tapas Teatro. As with most dives, very dimly lit, pretty loud, a little dirty, okay drinks at decent prices. The lower level bar was pretty crowded, but the upstairs one was fairly empty. We sat in the tiny red room, which wasn't bad- just a little crowded with 6 people. Some of the beers tasted very watered down or a bit off, but no big deal as they were cheap. The hipster bartenders seemed pretty nice. read more

Oh, Club Charles. Or "The Chuck" as some like to say. This is a typical dive bar with a hipster-vibe. The bartenders have never been particularly friendly or attentive, but there's still something I like about it and I'm not sure why. Whenever I first step in, I chuckle a bit on the inside. I think this feeling will last as long as I don't go more than twice...okay, maybe once...a month. They offer one cider, comes in a bottle, I believe it's strongbow. read more

A dive in the best sense of the word. Retro without being kitschy, unpretentious yet hip, Club Charles is a Baltimore institution. And I love the fact that I have to get buzzed in. It makes me feel edgy and seedy! (Yep, I'm just that much of a dork.) Come February 2nd, it'll be smoke-free (as will all bars in B'more), which I have to say will kind of spoil it for me. It's not so much that I'll miss smoking, it's more that I'll miss the vaguely noir touch of a low-hanging fog of second-hand smoke that gave it that, "Yep, this is a dive" feel. I'll get over it! Great place for a pre- or after-movie drink. Interesting Yelp from Christie S. about the influx of art-crowd.... read more

I like Club Charles, I really do. The inside is dark, the feeling is seedy but hipster-y, and I've been there more often while John Waters was having a drink than when he wasn't. The beer selection is slightly above average, and the service is great, and it's a good hangout before or after a flick at The Charles. That said, the food menu isn't really anything worthwhile, and I feel like I've tried quite a few things. The hours also leave a lot to be desired - I've walked across the street from the movies for a beer, and they've been closed, and this was around 4 or 4:30pm. It's definitely a place everyone who lives in Baltimore should visit, and the atmosphere is fantastic - a good mix of all kinds of personalities and styles. read more

Ah, Club Charles. You and your trapeze delivered some of the few bright spots of my Baltimorean tenure. I'd come visit you on a Friday night, cram myself into your teeming throngs, be bathed in red lighting, order a Manhattan, and listen to music that I'd actually want to hear. There were times when I'd go by and the crowd would be completely dead (once in the heat of summer when your air conditioner was broken, but other times unexplained). The barstaff seemed friendly but I never really got the opportunity to befriend them because Baltimore's version of hipster boys were all throwing their nonchalant fervor into trying to woo them at once. I can't recommend Club Charles as a non-stop all the time extravaganza of fun. But it's head and shoulders above most of the local competition. read more

Club Chuck is a great place to go drown your sorrows. Lots of room, central to the movie theater, train station and close to all of the good stuff on North Av. This is typically where I end my Saturday nights. Typical Baltimore bar scene for better or worse. read more

Stereotypical [not used in as a pejorative] dive-bar that would be good to use as an illustrative example of what a dive-bar is, if you were ever to have a guest from another part of the world where dive-bars aren't "a thing." I often drop in after I've seen a film at The Charles for a bombay tonic and find the staff adequately competent and pleasant. There's a very subtle difference between date-rape bar lighting and actual dive-bar lighting. This place manages to dwell firmly in the dive-bar lighting of the pub-cosmos. Food isn't something I'd urge you to try [specially when there's Sofi's crepes across the street] but hey, it's not the worst either. A high OK that translates into four-stars because three would imply it's not worth a visit or re-visit. read more