Inside: Pratt Street Ale House

Which TV will you watch? (Credit: Lisa Wiseman)

Photos:

Pratt Street Ale House occupies the space that was once the Wharf Rat at Camden Yards. The bar has been renovated considerably, creating a newer, sleeker, brighter, space. You can't turn around without seeing a televised sporting event on one of many flat screens. The first night we visited, the place was so new we could still smell varnish. The dining areas have been upgraded to a less casual space and the menu boasts new additions such as the pear salad with grilled chicken or the Hilton Head steak wrap sandwich. It continues to serve such Wharf Rat classics as seafood gumbo, thick burgers and English pub fare like fish and chips.

Vibe: The old Wharf Rat on Pratt Street wasn't exactly a hole, but the new space is definitely a bit more upscale, and there's an overall feeling of "classiness" now. You know, you can use the bathrooms and not worry about catching communicable diseases. But don't equate "classy" with "snooty." This is still a place for a burger and a beer. Since it's within walking distance of Camden Yards, it makes a perfect spot to hang before, during or after an O's game, too.

Crowd: We visited the Ale House on two occasions: On a quiet weeknight for dinner with friends and again on a Friday night before an O's game. During the week, we encountered a few business types enjoying a post-work happy hour ($2.50 drafts and cheap chicken wings) and a smattering of couples having a quiet dinner in the upstairs dining room. The night the O's were in town was totally different. Fans and tourists packed the bar on the lower level and the smaller bar upstairs. People clamored to get spots at the sidewalk tables out front. Next to the building was the newly-created Pratt Street Patio, with a temporary bar and a guy manning a grill who sold burgers and dogs.

Libations: Don't worry, just because the name has changed, doesn't mean the Oliver Ales have left the building. You'll still find favorites like Oliver Amber Ale, Irish Red and Ironman Pale Ale along with hand-pumped ales like Oliver's Best Bitter. Hand-pumped ales are taken straight from the fermenting vessel and served at 54 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sounds: With all the TVs, we really didn't notice music inside the bar. There was some music playing outside on the patio, but with the crowd, we couldn't hear that, either.

Service: Absolutely outstanding. There were nine of us having dinner the first night we visited, and our server was on top of everything. Our group arrived at the tail end of happy hour, and the staff encouraged us to get our first round of drinks at the bar before we headed upstairs for dinner. We'd save a couple of bucks that way, which we appreciated.

When we came back on game night we wondered how we'd fare with the crush of people surrounding the bar. No worries. The bartenders were quick and attentive at the downstairs bar, the upstairs bar and on the patio. They even noticed we needed a refill before we did. Now that's service!

Bottom line: Whether you want a nice dinner, a cheap beer after work or a fun place to hang for sporting events, you can't go wrong with Pratt Street Ale House.

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