(Credit: Molly V. Strzelecki)
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First off, Canton’s newest addition smells delicious. The air is fruity and cool, and if it was possible to eat the entire place, we would have.
The next thing you’ll notice is that Pur is unlike any place you’ve seen on Baltimore's bar scene. Its Miami feel is enhanced with far prettier people than you'd normally expect to see, and remains hip with only a hint of trying too hard. With its combination of all-white décor, patrons dressed to the nines (and some to the 10s and 11s) and the see-and-be-seen atmosphere, we wouldn’t have been surprised if Beyonce or Jay-Z walked in. In fact, we had kind of hoped for one of them to stroll through the door, but with little luck.
No matter. Hanging at Pur Lounge is a nice break from the norm. The place was busy when Metromix hit the scene, but it wasn’t frenzied or chaotic, and the drinks went down as smoothly as the atmosphere.
Food: Pur is more focused on its lounge appeal. Food doesn’t really factor into the equation. If you’re a bit peckish, there are sleek silver bowls filled with snack mix on each bar.
Booze: If you’re looking for cheap beer and body shots, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Hard liquor is the preferred drink here—with row upon row behind each bar—as well as a smattering of upscale brews. Fancy mixed drinks—some with umbrellas, some without—like the Mason martini, are also de rigeur. Every third Saturday winos can get their grape on, as Pur features wine tastings on the second floor.
Digs: White. Everywhere. So be careful with your Pinot Noir. The walls are white, the furniture is white, the décor is white and the lights strung around potted, leafless branches contribute to the clean look that's neither cheesy nor dated. Note to high heel wearers: Some of the flooring is smooth wood, and other parts are not-so-smooth stone, which makes for a wobbly evening whether you've had one drink or nine.
Vibe: R&B and hip-hop music pulse through all three floors, and the second floor has a small area if you’re in the mood to shake what your mama gave ya. There are TVs above each bar, but Pur isn’t the place to watch the game. Besides, who cares about the game when there are so many foxy people to ogle?
If you’ve got the cash, the third level is reserved for those special patrons who can afford table service. A personal cocktail server guarantees you won’t spend the night standing two deep at the bar waving a Jackson frantically at the bartender, but there is a chance you'll part with a Franklin or two for this convenience.
Bottom line: Until now, Charm City in winter offered none of the comforts of Miami. Get a dose of South Beach at Pur Lounge, even if it is just for the night.
