We’ve fielded the question a thousand times: Where should I go for a drink and some decent food before the game/show/concert downtown? Over the years we’ve had a standard answer: Pratt Street Ale House.
But is that good advice? The restaurant and bar, nestled in the shadow of the Baltimore Convention Center—in comfortable walking distance from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, and CFG Bank Arena—has been a pre-event gathering spot since the ‘90s, when it was the Wharf Rat. We’ve always been fans, but, we have to admit, it’s been too long since we stopped in.
When we did this winter, we found exactly what we remembered: friendly bartenders, reliable food, solid cocktails, and an eclectic gathering of patrons who all seemed to be having a good time. There’s nothing outwardly remarkable about the place, but the combination of downtown workers, hotel guests visiting the city, and the occasional local seems to work.
Pratt Street Ale House began its life in 1993 as the home of Oliver Brewing, one of the city’s first microbreweries. While the beer is no longer made there, the 206 Restaurant Group still owns both entities, so the label is featured prominently on tap. When we visited, the company’s hazy IPA, easy drinking Social Lager, sour, and even a nitro breakfast stout were among the Oliver varieties available.
There’s also cider, other local breweries’ beers (including Evolution and Raven), and room for some of the bigger microbrews, like Dogfish Head, Sierra Nevada, and Troegs. Craving an old standby? Miller Lite, Yuengling, Bud Light, and Michelob were on tap, as well. Truly something for everyone.
At its core, Pratt Street Ale House is certainly a beer bar (it’s in the name, after all), but there’s also a full beverage menu of mixed drinks, wine, whiskies and bourbons. The Escalade margarita is one of five signature cocktails. A combination of Corazon blanco and reposado, Gran Gala liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar, it was made with care despite the lone bartender dealing with a crowded house. Spicier than a standard margarita, it warmed our bones on this cold winter night. There’s also a section of the drink menu dedicated to mules and crushes, including the Dole—whipped cream vodka, pineapple juice, and lemon lime soda—which is as sweet at it sounds.
The kitchen churns out bar food that sometimes exceeds expectations, like in the case of the fish and chips. Haddock is dipped in beer and fried delicately, resulting in flaky, crispy bites. The Old Bay wings, which were too lightly seasoned, didn’t stand out. Smashburgers seem to be a favorite here, and there’s a pulled pork sandwich, Bmore hot chicken sandwich, and Philly cheesesteak, too.
Pratt Street Ale House is not a gourmet restaurant, nor is it a flashy cocktail bar. It’s not trying to be either. It’s been known—rightfully—as a solid spot to stop by before or after an evening out. But it’s also a good call if it is your evening out.