(Credit: AP photo by Jeff Roberson)
O's bars
Forget the ball game, take us out to the bar
By Mark Gross
MetromixMarch 25, 2008
Bleachers Sports Bar and Grille
2501 Fleet St., Baltimore410-522-1626
Don't expect stadium seating at Bleachers. Instead, expect the friendly neighborhood vibe at this spacious bar to come from genuine hometown roots. (Those roots sound something like "Gowe Owes!")
Camden Pub
647 W. Pratt St., Baltimore410-547-1280
Camden Pub is a true neighborhood sports bar. Depending on the season, patrons bleed either orange or purple, and never fail to pack the place on game day. Feed your fanaticism with Camden Pub's baseball-themed menu by starting with a few "On Deck" apps, "Grand Slam" sandwiches or "Home Run" clubs.
Carlos O'Charlie's
3508 Eastern Ave., Baltimore410-675-1485
What do you think that giant "O" is all about? Though the signage includes the curly orange cursive of our favorite ball club, this bar's Highlandtown locale is easily overlooked. When the space is all your own, it's easy to grab a bite and watch the game. (Sadly, it's a lot like Camden Yards in that respect.)
Della Rose's
1501 S. Clinton St., Baltimore410-522-7104
Admittedly, DR seems like more of a Ravens bar, but you know what they say about birds of a feather. They drink together, right? The long bar at the Canton Crossing locale is lined with nearly as many flat-screen TVs as bar stools. You won't miss a single at bat.
The Greene Turtle
408 York Road, Towson410-825-3980
With 20 locations, this regional franchise might seem an abused member of sports bar lists Maryland-wide (extending its influence into Delaware and D.C.), but Greene Turtle is a decent sports bar. Its pub-style grub is passable, its drink specials are often exemplary and if you're seeking like-minded jocks, well, Turtle has plenty of 'em.
JD's Smokehouse
3000 ODonnell St.,
Baltimore
410-675-4029
A few spots on the square afford a decent view of the game, but none besides JD's offer brisket and mac and cheese wedges. (Bonus: The tasty mac-filled wedges are almost orange inside, which means you're almost a die-hard fan.)
Looney's Pub
2900 ODonnell St., Baltimore410-675-9235
Even during less-than-stellar O's performances, Looney's boisterous bar scene won't allow fans to get too down on themselves or their team. If you can't cheer for the home team, cheer for group shots instead. Wooh!
Max's on Broadway
735 S. Broadway,
Baltimore
410-276-2850
Perhaps too easy a choice, Max's is another go-to when it comes to the sporting life in Baltimore. And, with its abundant sight lines and more abundant beer selection, why shouldn't it be? How could we ever leave Max's out of the lineup?
Padonia Station Bar, Grille & Games
63 E. Padonia Road, Cockeysville410-252-8181
We admit it: Downtown parking--even if you pony up for a garage--can be a hassle, especially to folks accustomed to the wide open spaces afforded by county living. During games, Padonia Station packs in fans and occasionally buses them into the city, as well. Any bar with a built-in designated driver is OK by us.
Pickles Pub
520 Washington Blvd., Baltimore410-752-1784
If you've ever gone to Camden Yards for a game, you've probably noticed Pickles. The bar hosts large-scale street parties during every game, which affords belligerent, orange-clad O's fans a vantage point from which to taunt anyone not wearing O's gear. (Yeah, we're looking at you, Yankees fans!)
Playbook Sports Bar and Grille
6700 German Hill, Dundalk410-633-2665
If you hope to get the most props for your orange and black, it's best not to stray too far from the city. That said, Dundalk's Playbook is still pretty darn close.
Sliders Bar & Grill
504 Washington Blvd., Baltimore410-547-8891
Another bar situated in the shadow of the Yard, Sliders is also a default game day destination. This is as close to the action as you'll get without actually buying a ticket.
