Patrick’s of Pratt Street – Baltimore Magazine

Drinks Are On The House

Christine Jackson — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 14:00:05 +0000

When Jim Phelan, a former jockey and pub owner, moved to Baltimore from his native Ireland 15 years ago and began looking for a home, he had one big must-have on his list: a perfect basement.

A home with a bar in the basement is hardly uncommon, but most wouldn’t have designs on transforming their basement into an authentic pub. Nor would they spend a couple months and several thousand dollars turning a bare space into a bona fide piece of the Emerald Isle on American soil. But lucky for one Parkville street, their friendly neighborhood Irishman isn’t most people.

“The worst part about owning the pub [in Ireland] was having to deal with customers,” says Phelan, who these days manages farm animals at the Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture instead of rowdy bar patrons. “I joked at the time that I’d love to have a house and just put in a private bar, so I don’t have to deal with all the hassle. So eventually when I came over here about 15 years ago, I decided that I would look for a place with a basement that was basically wide open, a blank canvas to build something like that.”

He found the future home of Phelan’s Irish Pub in a three bed, two bath, 1,334-square-foot house, where the entire lower level had been combined into one room. Just white walls, carpet, a fireplace, and an exit that led up a few stairs into the yard. And with inspiration from a few local pubs back home, Phelan set about designing his own. A bar along one wall, a stage where his band, The ShamRogues, could practice and play, and a pool table were the essentials.

Opener: Jim Phelan and his wife Katie turned their blank canvas basement into Phelan’s Irish Pub almost entirely on their own, from the hand-built bar to the mock tin ceiling above. From top: One of the must-haves when the Phelans were building their bar was a stage where Jim’s band, The ShamRogues, could practice; Scenes from behind the bar; A pool table was another essential.

“I just started doing it from scratch, and everything ended up being done by hand,” says Phelan. “My wife, Katie, and I did all the building of bits and pieces, like the bar and the stage and everything. My mother-in-law painted the place for me. So it was kind of a little family project between the three of us for a while.”

They created every part of the pub together, save for the floors, which were laid down by a friend. A group of friends then joined Jim to lend a hand when flood damage to the space required major repairs three years ago. And the DIY-ing goes all the way up to the mock tin ceiling.

“I had an idea to put in a nice tin ceiling,” Phelan says. “I knew nothing about that sort of a thing.” After doing some research, he discovered that the real tin tiles ran about $25 apiece, but a cheaper PVC alternative that could be cut at home had a nearly identical look. “I bought a hundred fully expecting that I would return them, that they wouldn’t look as good as they did online—like most things. But they arrived, and no one could tell the difference.” Instead of $2,500, Phelan ended up spending $600 on the project.

The result is a near-perfect replica of the antique tin tiles that came into fashion around the turn of the 19th-century. With the basement’s low seven-foot ceilings, visitors to Phelan’s Irish Pub can, and have, reached up to touch the intricate pattern. Still, they don’t believe it’s not tin. It’s just one of the many successful projects that the rookie DIYer took on to create his dream bar.

“I spent a lifetime riding horses, so I never did anything artistic or anything like that before. I kind of joked about it, because I have a wood-burning fireplace upstairs, and I was just going to go out, buy a bunch of two-by-fours, and worst-case scenario, I’ll just tear the whole thing down and I’ve got firewood,” says Phelan. “So I started from scratch, and bit-by-bit-by-bit it just started to come together. And the more I did, the more confident I got. I got pretty decent at it by the time it was all finished.”

Owners of Irish pubs around the region have donated items to the Phelans’ project, including barstools from longtime Belvedere watering hole Ryan’s Daughter.

Pretty decent is one way to describe it. Lucky friends and neighbors can take the outside stairs to a door under a glowing Guinness sign and enter a dim, welcoming space with felt green walls for a drink and good company. (To be clear, tempting though it may be, folks can’t just walk in off the street. This pub is private, and no one’s keeping a tab.)

While Phelan himself is a Bud Light man (“I don’t drink whiskey or spirits at all, which is not very stereotypically Irish.”), there are bottles of every type lining the back wall and plenty of beer on offer. And whether they choose to belly up to the handmade bar or gather around one of the high tops, there’s plenty of history to look at—or sit on.

Invited friends and neighbors enter from the outside stairs under a glowing Guinness sign.

The barstools were saved from Ryan’s Daughter, the shuttered Irish pub where Phelan had one of his first drinks in America. So, too, was the shelf on the left side of the bar, where eagle-eyed visitors might spot knickknacks and tchotchkes from the former Belvedere watering hole.

Phelan’s home has become a final resting place for relics from quite a few past pubs. As bars have closed, friendly owners who have hosted his band have gifted Phelan with glasses, mirrors, signage, and all manner of ephemera.

“There was one bar in Baltimore called Patrick’s of Pratt Street, which was the oldest family-owned Irish pub in America,” says Phelan. “They closed down four or five years ago, and Pat, the owner, I knew him very well. He gave me some lovely bits of pieces that had been hanging up in that pub for years and years. He wanted to keep them local, and he said that he’d like to have them in a pub. So he gave them to me.”

Trinkets surround the fully stocked bar in Jim Phelan’s Parkville basement.

Everywhere you look, there’s a theme. One wall is covered with motocross jerseys, plaques, and trophies collected by Katie’s brother, Sean Simmons, who died shortly after the pub was completed. Another corner is dedicated to pieces Phelan’s brother sent over from his own pub back in Ireland, signs for Guinness and the like.

But the wall above the fireplace features the collection that Phelan is perhaps proudest of. Above the mantel, a custom-built cabinet (another DIY project, with a decal painted by a friend) houses 49 Preakness Stakes commemorative glasses—so far.

Former jockey Jim has collected commemorative Preakness glasses from every race since they began producing them in 1973, the year Secretariat won the Triple Crown.

“They introduced the Preakness commemorative glasses in 1973, and there were only a few of them made that year because it was a brand-new thing. But it worked out that Secretariat happened to win the Triple Crown that year. He became the most famous American racehorse of all time. So from that, the glasses became very, very sought after and rare,” says Phelan.

He searched all over the country, eventually coming across a 1973 glass in excellent condition. When the cabinet was built, it housed just two glasses. Now, only the slot for 2022 remains. Phelan even had plans to have Secretariat’s jockey, Ronnie Turcotte, sign the original glass last year, but the appearance was canceled due to COVID-19.

“I’ve reached out to his team, and they’re going to let me know when he’s going to make another appearance,” Phelan says. “Wherever it is, I’m going to go and get that thing signed.”

Pandemic life slowed the stream of friends and guests that typically filled the space, but pre-COVID, the pub played host to birthday parties, New Year’s celebrations, concerts, and gatherings for races and game days. And with restrictions loosened up and vaccinations on the rise, the couple has slowly returned to hosting friends, even getting a few live bands back on stage. As we return to normal, Phelan is looking forward to living above a proper gathering place again.

“It’s nothing if you don’t have the friends around you,” he says. “The people make a great pub.”

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Open & Shut: THB Bagels & Deli; Sauté; Patrick’s of Pratt Street

Lauren Cohen — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 12:04:00 +0000

OPEN

The Elephant: After an 18-month renovation, this storied special occasion spot re-opened its doors in Mt. Vernon last week. Though infrastructure and design changes were necessary, new owners Steve and Linda Rivelis made it a priority to preserve the historic charm of the famed 19th century mansion, maintaining its dangling crystal, stained glass, and intricate teak woodwork. Executive chef Andy Thomas, who previously worked for Spike Gjerde, presents a menu listing globally inspired plates such as zucchini fritters, seared scallops with corn polenta, and Singapore rice noodles. 924 N. Charles, 443-447-7878

COMING SOON

Ceremony Coffee Roasters: Come winter, this Mt. Vernon coffeehouse will expand its Charm City footprint with a second shop in Beatty Development Group’s Harbor Point project. The new 75-seat shop will debut inside the yet-to-open Exelon Building, showcasing its signature brews alongside grab-and-go food options. Other retail tenants that have signed on to lease space in the building include West Elm, CorePower Yoga, and DIY stir fry and salad spot Honeygrow. 1310 Point St.

The Point in Towson: In yet another city-to-county expansion, The Point in Fells recently announced its plans to open a second location in Towson this fall. Taking over the former home of The Crease on York Road, The Point in Towson will feature live music and a menu of pub grub with vegetarian and vegan options. The news comes at a time where many city bars, including Nacho Mama’s and Mother’s Grille, have orchestrated spinoffs in the suburbs. 523 York Road.

THB Bagels & Deli: With established shops in Towson, Timonium, and Canton, this homegrown chain has become a go-to neighborhood spot for breakfast and lunch. Earlier this month, owner Tony Scotto announced plans for the business to launch a fourth location in Charles Village. Slated to open by the end of 2016, the new cafe will occupy the bottom level of a student housing building at the intersection of St. Paul and 33rd streets, serving its classic assortment of bagels, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. 9 E. 33rd St.

CH-CH CHANGES

Sauté: In a message posted to Facebook earlier this week, the owners of this Canton fixture announced that a major rebranding is in the works. The restaurant will be closed for renovations for the next six weeks, and is expected to re-open with a new concept and design, as well as a new menu with raw bar options and reimagined cocktails. Stay tuned for updates.2844 Hudson St., 410-327-2883

Parts & Labor: After spending nearly one year trying to acquire the proper permits, Spike Gjerde’s beloved Remington hotspot finally premiered its patio last week. The outdoor space, surrounded by the restaurant’s lively flower and vegetable garden, is now open daily for lunch and dinner service. 2600 N. Howard St., 443-873-8887

Greg’s Bagels: Owner Greg Novik closed his beloved Belvedere Square bagel shop earlier this week for health reasons. After recovering from abdominal surgery, he hopes to re-open in September.519 E. Belvedere Road, 410-323-9463

POP-UPS

Ejji Ramen: Speaking of Belvedere Square, the market’s go-to ramen purveyor is making its mark on a different communal food hub next week. Ejji will set up shop in Lexington Market’s rotating pop-up space from August 11-13, serving a special menu of Asian comfort food. Highlights will include a mac and cheese ramen dog and customizable noodle bowls that can be topped with fried pork belly, shrimp tempura, pulled pork, or grilled chicken. 400 W. Lexington St.

Hersh’s and The Corner Pantry Swap Kitchens: In a special two-part dinner series kicking off this month, chef Neil Howell of The Corner Pantry and chef Josh Hershkovitz of Hersh’s Pizza & Drinks are swapping kitchens. Hershkovitz will host an Italian invasion at The Corner Pantry on August 4 featuring squid ink tagliolini with Maryland crab and fresh corn pancakes with smoked mackerel. Then, on September 11, Howell will take over the kitchen at Hersh’s, whipping up classic cuisine (think Yorkshire puddings and Scotch eggs) inspired by his upbringing in England. 1843 Light St. and 6080 Falls Rd.

R. House: Seawall Development, the property management group behind this highly-anticipated Remington food incubator, recently announced that the space will feature a designated stall for rotating pop-ups when it debuts this fall. In addition to 10 resident micro-restaurants serving everything from fried chicken to bibimbap, R. House will boast a fully-equipped kitchen specifically for visiting chefs who want to test their concepts. 301 W. 29th St., 443-347-3570

SHUT

Patrick’s of Pratt Street: After deciding to retire, husband and wife owners Patrick and Anne Rowley will be putting their beloved Hollins Market pub up for auction later this summer. Dubbed the oldest Irish pub in the country, Patrick’s has long been a favorite for locals looking to chow down on shepherd’s pie and jam to live Celtic music. “We’ve been around for so long that celebrations just happen,” Patrick told us last St. Patrick’s Day. Though an official auction date has not been set, here’s hoping the new owners preserve the spirit of the historic neighborhood haunt. 934 W. Pratt St., 443-438-3749

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St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls, Concerts, and Parade Events

Lauren Cohen — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 17:10:00 +0000

As we roll into March, the local community is gearing up for sunshine, shamrocks, and plenty of bar blarney in honor of the Emerald Isle. Whether you’re hoping to spend your St. Patrick’s Day downing drafts of green beer, jamming to Celtic rock, or people-watching at parades, there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit.

One of the many downtown bars throwing large-scale celebrations this year is Slainte Irish Pub, whose annual “17 Days of Saint Patrick” festivities will be in full swing. While the Fells Point fixture will once again offer daily dining deals, drink specials, and live music, chief marketing officer Willy Dely says that the pub made it a point to throw new events—like a whiskey pairings dinner with Glendalough Distillery—into the mix this year.

“Every year we try to introduce new things and keep it exciting so that people have something to look forward to each day,” says Dely, who specifically notes that the pub’s festivities will include a pour-your-own-pint fundraiser benefiting recent DogWatch Tavern hit-and-run victim Jill Boram. “The local community is very strong, there is no issue at all when it’s about coming together and helping each other out.”

While a handful of city establishments have huge blowouts in the works, old-school neighborhood haunts like Patrick’s of Pratt Street, dubbed the oldest Irish pub in America, prefer to stick to the basics: finger-picking music, authentic eats, and pints of beer.

“We take a softer, kinder approach to St. Patrick’s Day,” says owner Patrick Rowley. “Of course people come and drink and have fun, but we don’t really plan anything big. We’ve been around for so long that these celebrations just happen.”

So whether you’re hoping to mix things up or celebrate the old-fashioned way, the local community boasts a wide array of options. Here are our picks:

BAR BLARNEY:

3/1: TULLAMORE D.E.W. IRISH WHISKEY TOAST AND TASTING
Nothing says Irish tradition like triple-distilled Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey, and this month, Tullamore ambassador Tim Herlihy is touring the United States to debut the brand’s 15-year-old trilogy blend. While in Baltimore, Herlihy will pay a visit Patrick’s of Pratt Street to toast the new blend and offer samples to diners. Patrick’s of Pratt Street, 934 W. Pratt St., 4:30 p.m., Free, 443-438-3749

3/5: CANTON IRISH STROLL
Throw on your most festive green and gold garb and wander around O’Donnell Square to take advantage of deals at more than 12 of Canton’s top taverns. Drink specials at participating square spots (like Looney’s Pub, Plug Ugly’s, and El Bufalo) will include $3 Miller Lites, $4 Blue Moons, and $5 Four Olives and Kraken Rum drinks. Registration at O’Donnell Square, 2919 O’Donnell St., 1 p.m., $10, 240-316-4170

3/12: FEDERAL HILL IRISH STROLL
Catch a glimpse of strolling bagpipers and lucky leprechauns while navigating your way through the crowds in the heart of Federal Hill. More than 15 of the neighborhood’s best bars have signed up to participate this year (think Ropewalk Tavern, Banditos, Stalking Horse, and the like) offering crawlers specials such as $3 Miller Lite cans, $4 Blue Moon and Summer Shandy bottles, and $5 Jameson Whiskey drinks. Registration at beer garden on East Cross St, 38 E. Cross St., 1 p.m., $15, 240-316-4170

3/12: FIRST ANNUAL BROAD AVENUE BAR CRAWL
Shortly after Mother’s Grille cuts the ribbon at its newest location in Timonium, the beloved burger bar will host this St. Paddy’s-inspired crawl with its new neighbors Ryleigh’s Oyster and Five Martini Bar. In honor of the occasion, all spots will feature Guinness and Bud Light specials. Multiple locations including 2450 Broad Ave., Timonium, 12 p.m., Free, 410-244-8686

3/12: ST. NATTY’S DAY PUB CRAWL
Fells Point Main Street is teaming up with Natty Boh to put a hometown-inspired spin on the neighborhood’s green bash this year. The price of admission includes no-cover access to all participating bars (including The Horse You Came in On Saloon and Cat’s Eye Pub), a festive T-shirt, and a commemorative coozie to use while guzzling down discounted cans of Natty Boh. Registration at Broadway Square, Intersection of S. Broadway and Eastern Ave., 11 a.m., $20, 410-675-8900

3/12: SHAMROCKS & SHENANIGANS
It should come as no surprise that Power Plant Live is getting in on the fun with one of its annual St. Paddy’s Day blowouts. The party starts with a Kegs & Eggs breakfast buffet at 10 a.m., followed by a full-fledged shamrock festival at 3p.m. Sip $3 domestic beers, $4 Irish whiskeys, and $5 shot and car bomb specials at all of the bars in the district while jamming to the Celtic sounds of The Shamrogues and Alter Ego. 34 Market Pl., 3 p.m., Free-$5, 410-727-5483

3/17: ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION AT B’MORE BEERS
Hang out beneath the twinkling lights at this circular beer bar, located on the bottom level of Horseshoe Casino, and put the luck of the Irish to the test. In addition to festive drink deals (like $4 Irish cocktails, $9 car bombs, and $10 green beer pitchers), the bar will host a Beer Pong tournament and a beer stein-hoisting competition for cash prizes. B’More Beers, Horseshoe Casino, 1525 Russell St., 11 a.m., Free, 844-777-7463

FAMILY FUN:

3/13: SHAMROCK SHINDIG
Head downtown to celebrate at this massive festival featuring food trucks, beer and wine, live music, and kid-friendly activities like face painting, interactive crafts, and step dancing. Pierce’s Park, Pier 5, 10:30 a.m., Free, 410-779-5308

3/13: SAINT PATRICK’S SNAKES
Legend has it that Saint Patrick banished all of the snakes from the Emerald Isle back in the fifth century. Though the snakes in Ireland might be lacking, Lake Roland has plenty of them. Kids are invited to meet some of the slithering creatures up close and create a festive craft at this event hosted by the Lake Roland Nature Council. Lake Roland, 1000 Lakeside Drive, 2 p.m., $3, 410-887-4154

3/17: HERE’S TO THE GREEN
Learn the meanings behind all of the traditional Irish symbols at this after-school event hosted by the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Kids will practice an authentic jig, read a St. Patrick’s Day story, and sample Irish soda bread. Enoch Pratt Free Library Cherry Hill Branch, 606 Cherry Hill Road, 3 p.m., Free, 410-396-1168

PARADE PARTIES:

3/13: ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Grab your lawn chairs, claim your spot, and watch as a bounty of colorful floats and marching bands make their way from the Washington Monument to the Inner Harbor in this annual tradition. Washington Monument, 699 N. Charles St., 2 p.m., Free

3/13: SHAMROCK 5K
Before the big parade steps off, lace up your running shoes and partake in this jolly jog around the city. After you cross the finish line at Power Plant Live, celebrate the accomplishment at a post-race party with music, prizes, and awards. Charles and Mulberry Streets, 1:15 p.m., $45

3/13: ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE PARTY BUS
If you’re worried about parking and Uber surges on parade day, The Life of Reilly has got you covered. The Butcher’s Hill pub is offering round-trip transportation to and from Mt. Vernon, and a post-parade party with a bottomless buffet and all-you-can-drink craft beer. The Life of Reilly, 2031 E. Fairmount Avenue, 12:30 p.m., $55, 410-327-6425

3/13: PARADE DAY AT TIR NA NOG
Pregame for the parade by sipping $5 mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Jameson shots, while enjoying live music by Anne O’Doherty and Danny Burns. If you can’t make it on parade day, the pub’s live music lineup on March 17 will feature The Shamrogues and The Ernie Fowler Trio. Tir na Nog Irish Bar and Grill, 201 E. Pratt St., Times vary, Free, 410-483-8968

3/13: PARADE DAY AT MICK O’SHEA’S
Snag a front-row seat to the parade at this Mt. Vernon pub, which will sell concession-style eats and drinks in its alley for spectators. After the floats pass by, rockers Gaelic Mishap will take the stage inside the bar at 2 p.m. Mark your calendar for Mick O’Shea’s official St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the 17th, complete with a full Irish breakfast and tunes from Donegal XPress at 5:30 p.m. Mick O’Shea’s Irish Pub, 328 N. Charles St., Times vary, Free, 410-539-7504

MERRY MUSIC:

3/11-3/12: CLADDAGH PUB’S 21st ANNUAL MEET IN THE STREET
Head to the heated tents in Canton’s O’Donnell Square to partake in this annual event hosted by Irish staple Claddagh Pub. The weekend-long festivities will feature authentic eats, live music, and, of course, plenty of beer. The tents will be up rain or shine, boasting performances by local bands Hot Tub Limo, Kristen and the Noise, Starcrush, and Crushing Day. 2918 O’Donnell St., Times vary, Free, 410-522-4220

3/17: THE WHISKEY FEATHERS AT DELIA FOLEY’S
Sparks-based folk band The Whiskey Feathers will provide the soundtrack to the St. Paddy’s Day party Delia Foley’s Irish Pub in Federal Hill this year. Take in the bluesy harmonica riffs while digging in to authentic Irish eats like Shepherd’s Pie, smoked Reuben sandwiches, mac and cheese with corned beef, and chicken roulade. Delia Foley’s Irish Pub, 1439 S. Charles St., 4:30 p.m., Free, 443-682-9141

3/17: HOOLEY AT THE HARBOR
Former governor Martin O’Malley (who recently withdrew his name from the presidential ballot) is making a musical comeback at this all-day soiree, which will feature live music by his seven-member pub rock band, O’Malley’s March. The event will also highlight James Joyce’s signature Irish delicacies, including its award-winning beef and Guinness stew and corned beef and cabbage. No need to worry if you can’t make it to the party; Mix 106.5 will be on hand to broadcast the entire thing live. The James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant, 616 President St., 6 a.m., Free, 410-727-5107

MULTI-DAY SOIREES:

3/1-3/17: THE 17 DAYS OF SAINT PATRICK
St. Patrick’s Day is a month-long event at this Fells Point staple. Daily happenings on the calendar leading up to St. Paddy’s include everything from whiskey tasting dinners and complimentary dance tutorials to Guinness-engraving programs and a pour-your-own-pint contest to benefit Jill Boram, who sustained serious injuries after a violent hit and run outside of DogWatch Tavern earlier this month. All of the events lead up to the big celebration on March 17, when the pub will open at 6 a.m. Slainte Irish Pub, 1700 Thames St., Times vary, 410-563-6600

3/5-3/17: ANNAPOLIS IRISH WEEK
Downtown Annapolis has orchestrated an entire week of festive events leading up to the big day. The celebration kicks off with a pub crawl and a benefit bash at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, followed by the annual Annapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade,whiskey tastings, and a performance by Celtic rockers The Young Dubliners at Ram’s Head on Stage. Downtown Annapolis. Locations, times, and prices vary. 410-280-0445

3/11-3/17: ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL AT AN POITIN STIL
If you’ll be celebrating from the county, head to this Timonium watering hole for a week of live music, food and drink specials, and even a family-fun day with clowns, balloon artists, face painters, and a hot chocolate bar on March 13. Daily specials will include $12 Irish stew, $10 bangers and mash, and $5 Tullamore D.E.W. Irish coffees, and the live music lineup will feature The New Brigade and The Luthervillians. An Poitin Stil, 2323 York Road, Times vary, 410-560-7900

3/16-3/20: ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY AT THE HARP
With more than 11,000-square-feet of entertainment space, this Bel Air hangout boasts plenty of room for a celebration. Highlights of this year’s fete will include beat-the-clock craft beer specials starting at $1, raffles, prizes, and live music by local rockers Synful Pleasure, The Rollex Band, and the Ernie Fowler Trio. The Harp Restaurant & Catering, 8706 Bel Air Road, Nottingham, Times vary, 410-529-4277

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