COMING SOON
Patterson Pins: Residents in and around Patterson Park mourned the loss of the longstanding Patterson Bowling Center back in 2022, but there had always been talk of keeping the space on Eastern Avenue a haven for duckpin. Now, a reboot is finally ready to roll. On Thursday, Dec. 12, Patterson Pins will open as a bar and entertainment lounge where locals can still enjoy the Charm City pastime. Expect two lanes, a rotating selection of arcades, and a video game-inspired cocktail menu (along with classics) from beverage director Shaun Stewart—an alum of Hampden Yards and The Bluebird Cocktail Room.
“We see people grabbing our cocktail menu off the welcome wall, ordering from the bar, and then heading downstairs to hang out in our arcade, maybe grabbing a bite from across the street at Johnny Rads and bringing it in to enjoy downstairs,” Stewart said in a statement. “With the innovative cocktails, well-selected beer menu, and thoughtful nonalcoholic menu, we are trying to put together a space that feels comfortable, fun, and innovative.”
Aside from the partnership encouraging patrons to grab a bite from Johnny Rads, Patterson Pins will offer daily bar snacks and organize routine collabs with food trucks and pop-ups.
NEWS
Mother’s Federal Hill Grille: It’s the end of an era for Baltimoreans who have made this Federal Hill fixture a part of their routine for game days, pajama brunches, and community fundraisers throughout the past 27 years. This week, the beloved sports bar—perhaps best known for its Purple Patio ragers—announced that its final day of service will be Jan. 19, 2025. The team wrote on social media that the business at 1113 S Charles St. has been sold to a new owner who will take over in the New Year, although there’s no word yet on what will become of the concept. The other two Mother’s locations in Timonium and Arnold will remain open and unchanged.
“While this chapter is closing, we are excited to look ahead to the next phase in Mother’s history, with the younger generation continuing to grow and expand the brand,” the post reads. Owner Dave Rather told The Baltimore Banner that competition for staff in Fed Hill and the challenges of off-site catering were factors in the decision to sell. “Baltimore City will always hold a special place in our hearts, and this location has been the flagship of our brand,” Rather wrote in the post. “While it is difficult to turn the page, we know it is the right decision for our family as we look ahead to the future.”
OPEN
Bubbakoo’s Burritos: This Mexican-fusion chain just opened its eighth Maryland location at Putty Hill Plaza in Nottingham. Expect its customizable burritos and bowls, plus other fun items like loaded birria fries, jalapeño poppers, Southwest eggrolls, and Boardwalk Cookies (aka fried Oreos.) “We’re thrilled to continue to introduce our flavorful menu to the Baltimore area,” said owner Parth Patel in a press release. “The brand has built a strong reputation both locally and across the East Coast, and I’m proud to play a role in its growth here in Maryland.”
The Duchess: Tony Foreman’s highly anticipated new concept, The Duchess, continues its grand debut with a ticketed fundraiser supporting B’More Healthy Babies tonight in Hampden. Serving the bold flavors of the tropics, the authentic public house is perched on The Avenue in the former home of Café Hon. Foreman tapped executive chef/partner Kiko Fejarang to helm the menu, which will feature the cuisine of the Mariana Islands, including Fejarang’s birthplace of Guam.
“The Duchess is an homage to where I grew up with a lot of Asian influence,” Fejarang told Baltimore last week. “Guam is similar to Hawaii in that it’s a tropical island with a melting pot of Asian flavors, including Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and even some Spanish cuisine.”
Fejarang said to expect offerings like different versions of fried rice, tuna poke bowls, tempura-battered fish and chips, Spam musubi with furikake rice, pork belly skewers with miso-barbecue glaze, and duck donburi (a Japanese rice bowl of sorts). Foreman added that the beverage menu will include beers on tap and wine, plus tropical-inspired, rum-based cocktails.
Regular service begins this weekend with reservations available via Resy. Read our full preview, here.
MONUMENT LIGHTING EVENTS (TONIGHT!)
Hotel Revival’s Viewing Party: There might be no better way to officially ring in the holiday season in Baltimore than with the annual Mt. Vernon Monument Lighting—and nearby businesses are once again capitalizing on the extra foot traffic. Hotel Revival’s rooftop restaurant Topside, which boasts a prime view of the monument, is hosting an all-inclusive viewing party with light fare, drinks, and a live holiday jazz ensemble from the Peabody Institute. Tickets can be purchased here. Other festivities open to the public for free will take place throughout the hotel’s public spaces like the lobby and its speakeasy lounge, B-Side. Everything kicks off at 6 p.m.
Bloom’s After Party: If you’re looking for a spot to warm up after the fireworks, head to Bloom’s, the cocktail lounge at the Ulysses hotel. Holiday revelers can enjoy special cocktails named after the streets guests will pass while walking to the bar from Mount Vernon Place. This includes the “Washington Place,” an orange and spice rye Old Fashioned; the “Branch Lane” hibiscus spritz; and “The Charles,” a Baltimore iced tea.
OTHER EPICUREAN EVENTS
12/6-12/8: HEX Superette’s Tasting Weekend
Get a taste of local food and beverage creations this weekend at HEX Superette, the hybrid bar and small supermarket in Govans. The shop will host ongoing tastings Friday through Sunday, highlighting more than 15 local makers like Baltimore Spirits Company, Taharka Bros. Ice Cream, Barkada Bread, and Chacho’s Aguardiente. “During the hectic holiday shopping season, we wanted to offer a chance for shoppers to unwind and taste the best of what Baltimore and the region has to offer,” co-founder and owner Shane Carpenter said in a press release. “from adult beverages to mouthwatering indulgent sweets, artisanal cheeses, tea, baked goods and more.” See the full schedule here.
SHUT
Bark Social: This bar-meets-dog-park chain abruptly closed all of its locations at the end of November. Bark Social locations in Canton and a newly opened park in Columbia chained their gates, much to the chagrin of Charm City dog owners. The company shared on social media that financing fell through and it has entered bankruptcy.
Sizka: Canton also just lost a sushi hangout. Sizka, located on O’Donnell Square, shuttered its doors at the end of November. Known for its Japanese fusion and Korean dishes, plus a hidden gem of an omakase counter, Sizka has resided at the intersection of O’Donnell Street and South Linwood Avenue since 2019. Owner and chef Jung Kim told the Baltimore Business Journal that the restaurant couldn’t quite recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also said the restaurant’s lease was ending.
Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz: Though this nearly decade-old favorite—which gave diners a taste of Hawaii by way of Harford County—will close beginning January 1, the business has plans to live on as a catering company. “It has been our privilege to share Hawaiian food and culture with Harford County and beyond over the last eight years,” reads a social media announcement. “We have met so many amazing people along the way…that have contributed their time and efforts to making Uncle’s an Ohana.” The post goes on to invite patrons in for one last “Spam Musubi, Uncle’s Mix Plate [smoked chicken, garlic shrimp, teriyaki ribeye, and mac salad] and laugh with our staff” before the end of the year.