A Maryland legend, Irv's in Pasadena the last legal basement bar in Maryland! As you'd guess it is located in the basement of Irv's home. He's had the home since I believe the 1940s and the biz has been open since the 50s or 60s. Irv is also the only bartender and single handely has run the place for decades. If you were in Greek life like myself you'll feel right at home -- the basement feels like a frat house (in the best way). With bras on the ceiling and plenty of MD decor, it's got a vibe that to me feels cozy! Make sure you bring cash and a good attitude and you'll have a great time! read more

Prepare yourself for a bar experience like no other. I heard about Irv's from a customer at another bar and it seemed almost made up - like mythology. Rest assured, it's not. I made the trek with some buddies the day before the 2025 home opener, and it did not disappoint. We were immediately greeted by a young man who directed us downstairs, and said "Irv will be down in a minute, make yourselves at home." We descended into the basement of this unassuming waterfront house, and there he was. 101 year old Irv, emerging from the shadows like an old wizard from your favorite sci-fi movie, almost like Yoda. He politely and softly asked us what we wanted, and proceeded to serve us the best round of Natty Bohs I may have had in my life. This bar isn't like your neighbor's basement bar - it's a full bar with a pool table, full service rest rooms, a functional jukebox, and a lot of the charm you'd find in your favorite dive bar. The only thing you won't find at your favorite bar is Irv. At 101, he's sharp as a tack. Funny, with a lifetime of stories. Sign his wall, by a t shirt or shot glass, admire the bras hanging from the ceiling, and soak in what could be a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you, Irv. read more

Irv's Basement Bar - Irv! - Bars Near Me - Pasadena, Maryland

I had the great pleasure of meeting Irv. Showed up one rainy day to an empty parking lot, knocked on the door and Irv answered and said come on down. We went down, turned on the lights, juke box and bar and had great time, clearly we were only one of many. Hope to go back one day. read more

Maryland's best bar! In the basement of Irv's house in Pasadena. Irv may be 102, but he is sharp as a whip, and doesn't miss a thing. Reasonably priced drinks, bras hanging from the ceiling, a terrific jukebox, and a grest crowd. read more

Irv's Basement Bar - Irv and customers - Bars Near Me - Pasadena, Maryland

Unique and fun! Irv is a hoot at 102 years old!! Saw this on IG a month back, and while visiting from California I had to make a detour. read more

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Just one of the boxes in life that you need to check. Was a pleasure to meet Irv and support his establishment.

The end of THIS August (2024), owner of Irv's Basement Bar, Irv Koch will be turning 101 years old. ONE HUNDRED AND ONE YEARS OLD. What a effing legend. Seriously. Irv was a Navy boy who came to Pasadena and made his basement a legit Maryland landmark. There are only two basement dwelling "home" bars in Maryland--Irv's is the oldest. You must come in this summer to play pool, listen to music on Irv's beloved jukebox and grab a beer or two (he has twist off wine and cocktails too but mainly beer). Please note that it is CASH only. Images have not yet been updated due to the fact that the famous bar ceiling has been pulled down to mildew and mold formation. BOOOO! The bar ceiling was the perfect backdrop for picture taking, haha. Guess we will all just have to start revamping the wall! Bonus points if you can sing Patsy Cline -- he always serves a bottle when I sing his favorites =) Such a sweet man with so much history. I can sit at his bar and listen to his stories forever. read more

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Irv's Basement Bar deserves every one of these five stars! This hidden gem has an unbeatable vibe--dark, cozy, and just the right amount of gritty charm that makes you feel like you've stumbled into something special. read more

Irv's Basement Bar - Bars Near Me - Pasadena, Maryland

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Irv is a legend. 102 and serving brews late into the night. The last bar of its kind. Jukebox solid as well

So, bring cash. Plan to drink domestic beer or bottom shelf liquor. Don't look too hard at pretty much anything. Have a great time. Irv is a legend, enjoy it while you can. Total upside is you will likely never be in a bar that is worse, and none of them will have an owner as old. Don't read reviews, just go, no words can describe it. DO NOT GO ON MONDAY NIGHT. It's closed. Unless it's not. Who knows? read more

I was there recently with some friends and it was a great experience! I sat and talked to Irv for a while listening to his stories from the past adds all of the changes he's seen over the years! This is definitely a must see before it's gone!! read more

Irv's is a legendary establishment in Pasadena. Located in a household basement on the water, Irv tends a comfortable bar in a way he has since 1963. A wide selection of beer and booze with reasonable prices will keep you coming back. Irv's wit will keep you laughing. We got there in the early part of the evening, just as folks were starting to come around. By the time we left, the place was rolling. Irv serves them up quick, and with a smile or smart comment. Definitely a good place to hang out with friends. The juke box and pool table make the bar feel real old-school authentic! read more

I'm so happy I got to meet Mr. Irv last night. What a kind, funny, and laid-back man. He's 101 and still slangin beers in his little basement bar on the water for over 60 years. Amazing views from the property when you pull up. Will be back soon read more

Irv's Basement Bar - Mr. Irv - Bars Near Me - Pasadena, Maryland

Mr Irv is over 100 years old and still has his basement bar!!! Locals have been celebrating 100, 101 and his most recent 102 year birthday!

Historic basement bar. A must if you're in the area! Irv is a landmark himself 101 years old

Such a cool experience! Irv was there slinging drinks and welcoming all with a smile as he rings the til of his register. The vibe is the coolest of cool 80's dive basement bars. Tip - bring quarters for the pool table and jukebox. Cash only for your drinks too. I can't believe Irv is over 100 - he is doing great! So glad I got to experience it. read more

A great experience, all made possible -- and courtesy of -- by Irv, the 100 year old proprietor. It's in the basement of his house, no sign outside. You'll definitely have a story to tell, and if it's like the one two friends and I have who visited about a week ago, it'll be accompanied by lots of smiles. read more

Character abounds!! Definitely worth a visit before it closes permanently when Irv is gone!

It was a great time, Irv was so hospitable and warm!! We came from Baltimore to meet him and it was everything and more. We love Irv and can't wait to celebrate his 101st birthday! read more

Glad we were able to stop in before they closed. Got to spend some good time with Irv learning about the history of the bar.

Legend. 'Nuff said. Rate this at less than a five star and your an a-hole. Bathroom ambience must be experienced. Don't forget to give to Amy's Legacy.. read more

Irv's Basement Bar - a pool table in the foreground - Bars Near Me - Pasadena, Maryland

Oh my... where to start. Irv has one of the last true basement bars in the US. You go there for him. He is 96 years young and just a hoot to talk to. They don't make them like him anymore. We have heard rumors of Irv... all are true. One of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Best stories too. Not a trendy hipster place, actually the complete opposite. The beer is cold (don't think about even ordering about ordering your favorite craft beer here). No menu for food. We went here after six months of talking about it tonight. His water heater flooded the basement bar and my friends and I figured there isn't anything we can't fix. A short trip to the hardware store and we were pumping out the bar in short order. He was more than greatful. Actually, we were the greatful ones having met him. This place is amazing, you don't go there for the ambiance... although it is unique. Look online, there are plenty of pictures of his place on line. Know what you are getting into. There are no signs. The view from the back door is completely amazing. The entry way is on the front right hand side of the house. If it's locked, yell through the front door and say you are thirsty. Seriously, this is the protocol. I can't make this up. Someone created him a Facebook page... all the picture are accurate. read more

I'm really sorry to say this but our amazing Pasadena institution looks like it may be coming to an end. Drove by a few days ago with my wife and they were closed. Got a little curious and this morning drove over just to see if people were working on the place and they were. The people doing construction told me that the bar is closed permanently. I have been going here for over 30 years now and I hope that's not true. But it looks like it is, hopefully people find out and get together to celebrate the good times and find out what's happening with Irv also. Thanks for all the drinks, laughs and pep talks when no one was around Irv! Pasadena and the entire country thank you for your service! Just not making guys like you anymore, thank you buddy! Good times!!!! read more

Irv is a living legend. The person who gave this place 2 stars is clearly a giant douche.

So sad to hear someone had something bad to say about irvs. He's 96 years old and a LEGEND. I've always had great service and love going to his place! Also...it's a basement bar so what did you expect? read more