I came once before for a show and I had a great time! But recently I had a bad experience that left me feeling dark and empty, like the cycle of the moon was causing everyone around me to radiate negative and hateful energy. The interaction forced me to go home and watch Mr. Bean's holiday to remind me that there is good in the world. I came in at 1:15 which is late but the door was open and there was a DJ in the back playing music and like 7 people at the bar. The bartender was chatting with two people at the bar so I walked up. And the bartender gave me the dirtiest look that made me question if I had known him as a child and did something wrong to him because he looked at me like I was his number one enemy. Then he said "yeahhh we're like ..... getting ready to be done....." and I said "okay is there time for one drink? Or did you already do last call" Then he just kept looking off and said yeah no. We're done. And I said okay! No problem. I was curious what was happening in the back like if it was a DJ or karaoke or what because I hadn't seen the set up before and like I said I like this place for shows. I was just genuinely curious and I was preparing to leave no matter what but like F SAKE can a girl not ask a bartender a question about the establishment??? Again he looked at me like we had ancestral beef, like he had been hating me and my families bloodline for years. And he just kind of ignored me. And said something like "you can't just go back there and hangout" and I said "I know, I was just asking. I thought it might have been karaoke or open mic I didn't know you guys did that here" Then he ignored me. Like I was not trying to hangout and get a drink after he already told me no I was just curious because if there was karaoke I'd like to come back for it!!!! Then the woman he was talking to at the bar turned to me and said "have you ever been to Royal blue? You could go there" And idk how to explain but it was in the most condescending way ever, like you don't belong here or like she was talking to me like I was 5 years old?? Anyway I said okay thanks, I was just curious have a good night. And I left. And I left feeling the anxiety and humiliation in my tummy like I had just been bullied out of the cool kids lunch table. So. Sorry for bothering that bartender by asking 2 questions about the bar that he works at and sorry for whatever crime I apparently committed against you in our first cycles of life that made you absolutely HATE MY GUYS even though I was literally wearing my "please be kind to me" shirt. Now im too humiliated to go back and it was just sinister vibes. Sad. read more

We randomly stumbled upon this bar after the royal blue on a Saturday night. We were trying to go to Club Chuck, but I guess they take a week off during the summer, which is really great. It's super super divey and oddly really long. You can tell it's a good music scene and dance space because there was a DJ and he was trying out a lot of different things so we had the dance for all to ourselves. We also found some random Halloween decoration that we ended up dancing with. I guess there's food here because Yelp is offering it to me as an option to review, but I have never eaten here. The drinks are all well and you should not expect a drink anything faster than a beer or a well drink. I really liked how empty it was and the music was really made for us. I had a great time and I would definitely stop by again. It also feels like one of those places that's a fever dream. read more

The Depot - The sign - Dance Clubs Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This bar reminds me of my 20s. Mostly in a good way. It's loud, it's dark, the walls are covered in stickers, the seats are the kind of threadbare where a spring could poke you in the rear at any moment, and the alcohol is cheap. Where the flashback to my youth fails to shine is the restroom. My trip there went in the following order: 1) uh oh, 2) whew, 3) uh oh, 4) ooh. It smelled like bleach, which was great. It made it easy to imagine that the liquid all over the floor was from it being cleaned sometime today. I had to manually turn on a light, after walking into total darkness, which was not great, but no roaches scurried up the walls when the lights blinked on. The light reaches only the sink, however, I got to use my phone to navigate a stall, and while there was blood splattered about, there was also toilet paper. So I'd consider the ladies room mostly a win. There are three signs behind the bar that give the single most important piece of advice I wish a bar wall had given me when I was 23: Don't text him. read more

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GREAT punk/goth dive bar! They run, Cryptic, a Goth + Industrial + Darkwave club night on the 3RD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH with resident DJs Day Star and eEL. Lots of punk and hardcore shows come through here and the drinks are always cheap! read more

The Depot - Cryptic Goth Night 2025 flyer - Dance Clubs Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Definitely a dive bar... decent prices and great music. Lots of local bands who are invested in their sound. No food, not sure about the accusations of watered down drinks, but I'm a beer drinker read more

They watered down drinks by no less than 50 % water. Jack Daniel's was mostly colored water. Never had that problem here before. Others were upset enough to dump their drinks on the dance floor and toss the glasses in the trash. Hugh middle finger to management. Will NEVER buy anything but beer from you again. read more

By far the best open mic night in Baltimore!! Very diverse group of Baltimore Artists! Great vibes and very comfortable environment.

This is a pretty great space in Baltimore for live music and events. We were able to perform an afternoon set with the Feed The Scene crew and had an absolute blast. Quick service at the bar. The sound is great (and so is the engineer!). I was definitely surprised at how nice it was. read more

Not quite a sleazy dive bar, but not an upscale douchebag bar at all. Chatted with one of the regular DJs, it was her night off, while that night's DJ spun a solid collection of deep 80s cuts (about 50/50 stuff I knew and sort of recognized -- which is insanely hard to do with 80s music since most of it has been solidly played out a hundred times over). It's a good spot. We'll be back. read more

The Depot - The bar at The Depot - Dance Clubs Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Drinks are heavily watered-down. Please allow us to pay more for proper drinks. Won't be drinking here again until this improves.

it's 1:30am, Saturday Night, a stranger to baltimore. Rolling deep with 4 friends, lost and thirsty. Drove downtown to the powerplant area, only to find the place infested with d-bags, got on a taxi and told him "go!" he dropped us off at the depot. It was dark, fun and cheap. Friendly bartender service, a drinking crowd worthy for a visit. read more

Dark club, spacious dance floor, strong drinks, quick service at the bar, excellent sound and DJ. We came for the 80's Industrial night and were impressed. This is definitely the new spot! The energy was better than I've experienced at other venues in the area and it's located in a pretty cool neighborhood and is walking distance from the train station for those who take public transportation. read more

The place is good for dancing. 80's prom night is fun. The only problem I've ever had, was the DJ telling me that the band Roxette was not an 80's band, so he would not play any Roxette music. I guess I should point out that Roxette released their first album in 1986, and 'Listen To Your Heart' was a hit in 1989, as was 'The Look'. But what do I know, I'm not a DJ. Back to the bar. The drinks are not cheap, I think the cheapest drink is Natty Boh. But the drinks are *good*, and the place is a ton of fun. I'd go here more often, but I don't go out as much as I used too. read more

I miss the old Depot. I really do. It disappeared a couple years ago when they re-did the decor and got some class. It was a total dive and there was never anyone there, but it was still fun. It's no more pretentious now than it used to be; which is to say it isn't. There's always a good mix of kids there as well, you can show up in anything from jeans and a t-shirt to complete goth kit and you'll fit in just fine. The drinks aren't cheap, but they're certainly no worse than anywhere else in Mt Vernon. It gets crowded, but not so bad you can't weave your way through the crowd to the floor. And really, this is why you go--to dance. 80s night on Fridays is the best; awesome music all night long. Unlike earlier reviewers, I have no problems going here just to have a drink and hang out for a while, but Friday night isn't the night to do that. All-in-all, a great place. read more

I have booked shows here and am pleased with the sound, staff and fairness with which they treated me and my bands. This venue seems truly interested in supporting the local musicians as well as touring acts. I have several more shows booked here and plan to keep coming back. In addition, they also have special interest dance nights like 80s prom and goth night. The venue itself is super clean and well kept. read more

The Depot - Sloth Herder @ Grimscape July 25, 2015 - Dance Clubs Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I came here to see a band for Bob Marley's birthday celebration. Knowing that I was expecting to see a six-piece band, I was expecting a stage and sound system, of which there were neither. There is no house sound engineer, so no one to make sure it the sound is decent. Though it was a fun night, this place is more suited to DJs than bands. I had to choose between being absolutely blasted by the speakers the band had brought in (band sounded great, but sound was atrocious) in the front, or hanging out in the back where the sound wasn't so painful, but not being able to see the musicians. My cheap ($3) vodka drink was strong and satisfying though; you can definitely get drunk for not a lot of money here on a weeknight (this was a Wednesday). The diverse crowd was in great spirits and danced the night away, despite the shitty sound, which is what made the night really fun. One weird thing was that the website said that the cost of the night was donation based. I took this to mean that if I had a few bucks in my pocket, that would suffice. Technically, donation based means that you don't really have to pay anything...right? That wasn't my intention, but I was just planning on giving whatever ones I had in my wallet. Weirdly, when we got in the door, a woman with a bucket told us it was 10 bucks...okay? Not that it's extravagant- but it's a lot different than donation-based. Luckily, we had the cash. It smells a little like dirty mop water in here, but I'm sure it's a great place to dance the night away to a DJ. read more

I've been there numerous times, and I think I've yet to experience The Depot. I've gone on Friday nights when it is 80s night, which I am ambivalent about the music (mostly good though). I've always gone earlier in the night, when the place is pretty empty (a little weird to dance). But the crowd definitely builds up with time. Then I've gone on weeknights when the whole place is just empty, and the DJ (only at that time) was somewhat of an a-hole. The drinks are cheap, and the barstaff are friendly. No problems there. I think I'd have to go at midnight on a Saturday night to decide whether I like The Depot or not. read more

Loved it, great prices, great industrial music for a Saturday and friendly people. Easy to get to also. Would have liked to see more of a crowd on a Saturday but it was raining so that killed some of the volume. read more

Cute little random spot, close enough to the ratchet side of Charles St we all know and love, far enough to enjoy some sort of class. Great margaritas and the DJ wasn't shabby either. read more

Saw some death metal bands here. Live Sound was fine. Natty boh was 3 bucks a can! Off street parking sucked....lots of bums outside begging for cigs and money. read more

OMG last Friday Night's 80's night was so epic! I'm not sure of the DJ, maybe a new one? Super cute bushy haired gentleman with glasses, was rocking my body & my mind, with his HOT mixes & stellar song selection. Will definitely be back with my seXXXy tight club shirt & dancing Crocs. read more

I think I've been here maybe 3 times and only once did I have a semi-decent time with the aide of alcohol and cigarettes. I don't even smoke, this place drove me to it. I don't necessarily blame the entire bar (I refuse to call this place a club) for that but still. The first time someone took me here (dragged) I think I literally said "This is a club? Its the size of a canoe and as inhabited as one." I recall the drink prices were cheap with average taste (I don't drink beer really) but I go to clubs to dance and this is really a bar with a hardwood floor to the side. How can you dance in this place, honestly? Maybe if you were alone or there were 5 other people here, which was the case I believe the first time I went here. Perhaps you have a fetish for seducing a brick wall? If so, this is the place for you, no one will bother you. I've honestly had bedrooms that were bigger than this entire "club". Baltimore nightlife really sucks, there are douche clubs (Power Plant area) and um... places 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. I'm being completely sarcastic, the dive aspect I can see. The sound quality usually sucks. 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. read more

One of my favorite Baltimore staples for underground 80s music. The Depot has been around since the mid 80s so they know what they're doing. Great atmosphere, cheap drinks, friendly underground environment. Just renovated the bathrooms (its about time) awesome sound system, always happy to take requests. break away from being mainstream and enjoy the cool vibe The Depot has to offer. read more

I have been frequenting this place since I was old enough to drink legally. Great owner, great staff!

this place STINKS. NO, really it does. In the complete literal sense. It smelled sooooooo funky and was a complete turn off!!! I have never been in an establishment that smelled that funky all the way through. I don't know if this is a common occurrence or if one of the patrons just smelled that bad, but ickkk.... it was bad enough that I had to warn friends that were coming in. My experience at the bar itself was so-so. There's a lot of space to take up and not a lot of people taking it...not sure if that's good or bad. I agree with Lindsey H.; it's awkward, smelly, and well, awkward. At least the bartenders were friendly to everyone! read more

This place was so awkward it made me laugh. I went on a Friday night and there were MAYBE 10 people there. The "dance floor" was deserted and the music being played was blah. read more

I love this place, unlike someother nightclubs in Baltimore with the "scene" kids, this place had a warm vibrant mix of fun people to dance with. I have never been to a better 80's dance party. I agree with Caitlins review, I wouldn't go to have drinks and just hang out. It's best to go after you've had drinks somewhere else and are pretty tanked and ready to dance! read more

I've only been here once...maybe twice. The music was good (...80's music), the drinks were okay, and the prices were decent...but there was never a crowd in here. Maybe I was just there on an off night, or it was too early. I'm not sure. But it didn't inspire me to want to come back, especially when Club Charles is right next door, and Ottobar is just down the street a few blocks. read more

Its a great dive bar and club. Super cheap drinks and a dancefloor with lights and dj. Its not a very big place and draws a non-mainstream crowd...not for your suit and ties. I like it a lot but its not quite my style---however, I may return to hangout one day with the appropriate friends. read more

This place is HORRIBLE! First of all, I showed up around 8pm on a Saturday night, and the place was DEAD. Clearly, I should have known that was a bad sign. I sat myself in front of the TV to keep myself occupied until the band was set up; the TV does not have an HD signal, and I had to watch the football game through the grainy picture. I ordered a mixed drink, and waited more than 15 minutes for my drink. FINALLY the bartender (with a bad attitude) told me the soda machine was broken and said I had to order something else. So I ordered a different drink, but I still had to pay for it! With such poor customer service, that drink should have been on the house! Once the band started playing, they had to stop several times to deal with the screeching microphone. AND this place let a homeless man in to solicit money from bar customers! NO business should let that happen! This was a terrible night, and I will never go back here! read more

The Depot is a grungy, totally unpretentious place with great music. The place isn't pretty or fancy, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's impossible to not have a good time if you like to dance. I wouldn't go to hang out and sip drinks, as the atmosphere isn't particularly attractive or interesting. But the DJs rock my socks with their selections and mixing skills. They feel the music and are obviously having a great time. I wish they would strictly turn vinyl, rather than using Apple software, but that would only slightly enhance my experience. Sometimes the electronic music can be a little hardcore. I enjoy it for 45 minutes, then I'm ready to go. I'm sure if I were on psychedelics, I could hang all night, but in a sober state, I need atleast some familiarity to keep me going. There are definitely a good number of characters at this place, so it's easy to let your inhibitions go and showcase your off the wall moves. To top it all off, The Depot is free! I suggest having a pre-party elsewhere (maybe Zodiac next door), and swinging by for a nightcap of dance. read more

still a dive bar minus dive bar beer...."we are a dive bar" said the clueless bartender, so do you have boh no she said hmmmmm...... any pabst?...... nooo as welll dive bar much ? lame bar such as always just under new lameness read more