Home > Baltimore Bars & Clubs > Bar Review > Inside: Eden's Lounge

Vibe: You can divide Baltimore's nightspots into two categories: those which embrace Baltimore's dirty, grimy image and those which try -- sometimes self-consciously -- to evoke the classier, upscale vibe of cities like New York or Miami. Eden's Lounge is unquestionably part of the latter: the soft lighting, the velvety couches and the wood bar practically grab you by the lapels, pull you close and holler, "Holy crap! Look at how tastefully chic, sophisticated and laid back I am!."

Crowd: On our Tuesday night visit, it seemed that the majority of the crowd was a little older than most Baltimore nightspots -- mid-30s and up, with an amusingly out-of-place 50ish couple cutting an awkward rug to bass-heavy hip-hop.

Libations: Intent on portraying an upscale vibe, the bar at Eden's Lounge is staggeringly well-stocked with a colossal supply of alcoholic beverages. As a salt-of-the-earth type who believes beer is often more effective than fancy wines, I won't get too distracted with these highbrow options. Suffice it to say the other patrons seemed partial to martinis and wine.

Sounds: The sound system kicks out some satisfyingly thick and solid bass, which is fitting since most of the music the DJs play seems to be downtempo groove and hip-hop -- just laid-back enough to be lounge-worthy, but energetic enough to keep your head bobbing.

Service: Our waitress was friendly. We were too poor to live as large as the lounge atmosphere encouraged, so if she looked down on us for drinking Miller Lite, she hid it well.

Bottom line: It's tough not to feel like Eden's Lounge isn't trying too hard for the elusive "cool" label, but it's actually kind of endearing, like an overzealous puppy that just wants to please you. It's hard to say no, unless you're the kind of sick bastard who likes to kick puppies.

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