Inside: The Nest

Kim Penzing and Rob Moore flew the coop to hang at The Nest. (Credit: Michael Cook)

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Immediately across from the convention center, some of Baltimore's finest real estate has changed hands. Where once DSX stood, The Nest is now home to all of Baltimore's winged fans. With an updated interior, new drinks and a brand new third floor lounge, The Nest deserves a look inside.

Vibe: Fans of either (or both!) of Baltimore's beloved birds deserve a comfortable home, and that's exactly what The Nest aims to provide. Widescreen TVs have been proliferating in bars these days like mold. The Nest is no exception, but its many screens are better placed than at other sports bars. The first two floors feel comfortable and relaxed due in part to the updated interior and in part to the casually dressed, mixed crowd. The large outside patio is just far enough away from the chaos of the Inner Harbor to provide a break. The Nest's third floor offers another feel entirely, with leather couches, subdued lighting and plush carpet bound to encourage a slightly better dressed, more trendy clientèle.

Crowd: The Nest draws mostly sports fans, particularly when there's any kind of game to watch on its many screens. The third floor lounge hasn't been open long enough to draw the swanky crowd it soon will. This is a bar for drinkers of all ages, and the regulars cover the full range. Although management is keen on catering to the local crowd, with the convention center across the street and numerous hotels nearby, a significant portion of any night's crowd will likely include tourists.

Libations: Drink prices at The Nest are great for downtown Baltimore. More than a dozen drafts cover all the classics. The Nest also features a broad martini list that includes such mouth-watering options as the mangoliscious and the reverend, an intense cocktail made with the French liqueur Lillet. Two well drinks or two domestic beers can be had for $5 during happy hour. A late night happy hour duplicates these prices, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Game day specials include 24 oz. cans for $2.

Sounds: Sound flows from the Internet jukebox or from the TVs on most nights. The third floor features a different experience, however. Wednesday is open mike night, Friday is live music and Saturday is karaoke. The open mike not only features a free drink for every performer and convenient in-house amps, but also a chance to land a paying gig in a Friday night live music slot. Wii tournaments occur on Thursdays. Don't worry about being beaten by the geek patrol; The Nest levels the playing field by serving up free shots before every round of Wii.

Service: It's too early to tell whether the new Nest's staff will hold up to the crush of a game day rush, but since many of the 'tenders have experience at DSX, the Nest's predecessor, we suspect they'll do well. On a normal night everyone was very friendly and drinks came swiftly.

Bottom line: Great improvements and specials add potential to an already good spot. We'll sit by eagerly to see if the new ideas stick, and if they lift The Nest above the competition.

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