Home > Baltimore Bars & Clubs > Bar Review > Inside: Nick's Fish House

When the weather's nice, al fresco dining is clutch. Plenty of bars and restaurants provide teetering tables along cracked sidewalks, and plenty more throw in a nauseating amount of automobile exhaust at no extra charge. Few places, though, offer the sort of comfortable, sprawling environment that encourages lounging past dusk and late into a warm, summer night.

Decor: Nick's' charm rises from the waters around it. Next to an old boat artfully rendered into an outdoor bar, visitors are guaranteed an impressive view of Hanover Street Bridge's concrete arches and the shining summer sun. Plus, there's the added bonus of a unique and convincingly "outdoorsy" aroma rising from Baltimore's harbor. Nick's carefully builds on the elements that make this an ideal drinking locale with a series of decks, picnic benches and comfy deck chairs that line the water's edge.

The aquatic theme invades the inside of Nick's, as well, through big, open windows and tastefully weathered signs and other nautical items. This is not kitschy chain restaurant flair, though. The feel of Nick's is far less cluttered than it is authentic. Everything at Nick's is wood, freshly-painted and impregnated with the lazy feel of a relaxing summer afternoon.

Crowd: Beyond the bar full of 20-something drinkers, you'll find a dining room brimming with families, including grandparents and children. On the deck, yuppies ogle yachts while old sailors drink away their cares. You'll see everything from plaid shorts, pearl necklaces and popped collars to jean shorts, red necks and vintage Orioles Ts.

Drinks: The crowd at Nick's mostly sticks to beer and simple mixed drinks. Carefully balancing a delicate martini glass would never feel right here. Consider asking Steve at the outside bar for a peach pick. Or, challenge Brendan to mix you something unique. He'll strike his thinking bartender pose and produce something delicious such as the Starburst cocktail.

Sounds: Nick's hosts live music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Bands usually play acoustic rock or reggae covers. On other nights, the house plays a good mix of relaxed rock and beach tunes. Go on Wednesdays to sing karaoke, and prove you really should have made "American Idol" after all.

Service: The seasoned bartenders at Nick's rarely find themselves behind, even though the waitstaff scrambles around the deck like crabs in a steamer. They do a good job of getting out to the crab shack and returning quickly with those delicious crabs still steaming hot. Perhaps it has something to do with working around beer, Old Bay and harbor water, but the staff seems like it's always having fun.

Bottom line: When the weather is nice, Nick's simply can't be beat. A perfect spot to spend a summer afternoon or evening.

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