“Like so many other awesome things in life, that part was just a coincidence that wound up being a great idea,” Liner told us in 2019. “Five-hundred people showed up to a place that could only hold like 200. It was a really crazy, awesome time.”

Although the members of the iconic funk-and-blues collective have since parted ways, they’ve made a tradition of playing a reunion show during the Thanksgiving break each year.

Once again, the six-man crew—including celebrated vocalist Cris Jacobs, saxophonist Patrick Rainey, bass player Dave Markowitz, drummer Mike Gambone, and keyboard player Mark Brown—is getting together for a sold-out performance at The Recher in Towson on Nov. 22.

“It’s all about nostalgia for us,” Liner told us. “We definitely come up with some good ideas to keep people interested, but we know that, at this point, when people are coming to see The Bridge they’re not coming to hear new stuff. They want to hear the songs that they miss hearing.”

Whether squeezing their way through the crowd at the annual Bridge reunion, or heading to neighborhood bars to catch up with old friends, Baltimoreans have grown to embrace Thanksgiving Eve as a requisite kickoff to the fall holiday. Liner credited this, in part, to the area’s tight-knit high school culture.

“So many people are happy to come home and make those connections from their childhood and high school years,” he said. “On Thanksgiving, Thursday is for the families, but Wednesday is for the friends.”

In keeping with that sentiment, we’ve rounded up a few bar specials and events perfect for celebrating with your best buds. Before filling up on turkey, head to these spots around town to jumpstart the long weekend in style.

Wild Turkey Wednesday at The Royal Blue: Grab your nearest and dearest and dance the night away beneath the disco ball at this Station North spot. The Royal Blue is celebrating its second-annual Big Wednesday in style with signature cocktails, plenty of food, and DJ ES spinning starting at 9 p.m.

AYCD Specials at Crossbar: This Federal Hill biergarten goes all out every year, and this time around, the bar is offering a $25 all-you-can-drink deal on domestic beers and rail drinks from 8-10 p.m. Stick around from 10 to close to down $6 bombs and Rumple Minze shots while catching up with your crew.

Thanksgiving Eve: Old School at Charles Village Pub & Patio: Calling all Towson natives—CVP has some of the best drink specials around. If you’re hanging close to home, grab your old buds and reminisce while downing $3 Fireball and green tea shots, $4 Coronas and seltzers, and $5 bombs.

Claddagh Pub’s Thanksgiving Eve Party: Head to this Canton mainstay to sip $4 Nutrl seltzers and $6 Crushes while bumping into old pals and enjoying live DJ tracks. Drink specials run 7 p.m. to close.

Thanksgiving Eve at La Palapa: This Ellicott City watering hole is taking Drinksgiving to a whole other level this year. Aside from live DJ entertainment all night long, the bar will feature a lengthy list of drink deals that includes $4 Dos Equis, Tecate, and Heineken beers; $7 rail drinks; $8 margaritas; and $8 tequila shots.

Thanksgiving Eve with Go Go Gadget at Looney’s South: It only makes sense that this Maple Lawn go-to would book such a hype band for the biggest party night of the year. Arrive early to grab drinks and touch base with old friends before Go Go Gadget brings its high-energy covers and originals to the stage at 9 p.m. If you’re closer to the Perry Hall location, celebrate with an acoustic set during happy hour, and live DJ entertainment from 7-1:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Eve Bash at Michael’s Cafe: In Timonium, this annual extravaganza will feature the debut of local drum-and-guitar duo Umami inside, as well as bangers spun by DJ Vision in the patio bar room. Be sure to fuel up with a Crush and a crab cake before hitting the dance floor.

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Goodbye Pikesville Party at Colette: The craft cocktail community was shocked a few weeks back when it was announced that Baltimore’s beloved Pikesville Rye had been discontinued. (Apparently, us Baltimoreans are the only ones in the country who drink the stuff, so Rittenhouse could no longer justify its production.) Luckily, Colette has a few bottles of the white-label whiskey stashed away for safekeeping. On Thanksgiving Eve, give the special spirit a proper sendoff at this party featuring live DJ entertainment, whiskey cocktail specials, and rye-infused desserts. 1709 N. Charles St., 443-835-2945

Friendsgiving Fête at The Chausseur: From charity fundraisers to holiday parties, this convivial corner spot is a known go-to for neighborhood get-togethers. At a special pre-Turkey Day bash, munch on duck-fat tots, order a round of discounted drinks, and enjoy the company of old friends. Plus, in the spirit of giving, bring a few canned goods for a chance to win raffle prizes. 3328 Foster Ave., 410-327-6984

Thanksgiving Cooking Class at Schola: If the bar scene isn’t your thing, ditch the lines and prepare for Turkey Day at this cooking class led by chef Jerry Pellegrino. Whether you’re throwing together a feast for the masses or just hoping to perfect a potluck pleaser, the tutorial will go over all of the basics including how to whip up a green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, pumpkin soda bread, and maple-sausage stuffing. 1005 N. Charles St., 443-714-7516, $49

Thanksgiving Eve Bash at Michael’s Café: Head to this Timonium mainstay for its annual Black Wednesday party featuring drink specials and plenty of live music. Snag a seat at the indoor bar to jam to live alternative covers by the Luthervillians, or venture onto the heated outdoor patio to enjoy music spun by DJ Leni K. 2119 York Road, Timonium, 410-252-2022

The Last Waltz Live Toy Drive: At this special Waverly Brewing Company show, a handful of local bands are coming together to perform covers from The Last Waltz—Martin Scorcese’s 1978 documentary detailing the final performance of roots rock group The Band. Spend your “Dranksgiving” sipping craft drafts while bobbing your head to familiar renditions (think “Up on Cripple Creek”) from the likes of local rockers Mike Darby, Reggie Styte, and Dunn Brandt. The brewery will be collecting unwrapped gifts to be donated to Healthcare for the Homeless all night long. 1625 Union Ave., 443-438-5765

Thanksgiving Eve Party at Bond Street Social: With sleek woods, leather furnishings, and flickering fireplaces, this aptly named gathering place on the water in Fells Point is a great spot to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. For the price of admission, enjoy one drink on the house, complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres, and DJ entertainment from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 901 S. Bond St., 443-449-6234, $10

Friendsgiving at Black Flag Brewing: This brand new brewery in Columbia is celebrating its first Thanksgiving with a beer bash in its taproom showcasing signature releases like the Z. Morris blonde ale and the Mother of Dragons porter made with cherry wood-smoked malts. Make the most of your Turkey Wednesday by touring the brewery, filling a growler or two to stock up for the holidays, and feasting on pit beef and pulled pork from Laurel-based caterer Giggy’s BBQ. 9315 Snowden River Parkway, Ste. C, Columbia, 443-864-5139

The Bridge’s 15th Anniversary Thanksgiving Eve: The Bridge may have “broken up” a few times, but you can always count on the beloved local funk and blues band to reunite the night before Thanksgiving to commemorate the anniversary of their first show. It’s been 15 years since the sextet first started jamming together, and on November 23 they’re keeping their yearly tradition alive, taking the stage at Ram’s Head Live for a special performance with local electronic funk rockers Electric Love Machine (ELM). Grab a beer, squeeze your way into the crowd, and get nostalgic with familiar tunes like “Big Wheel” and “Easy Jane.” 20 Market Place, 410-244-1131, $29.50

Black Phriday at Baltimore Soundstage: Technically, this one is happening after Thanksgiving, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Psycho Killers’ annual Black Friday Show to benefit Toys for Tots. This year, the local Talking Heads cover band is switching things up by collaborating with members of ELM and Weekapaug Orchestra to perform a special tribute to Phish. Beloved Baltimore soul singer Bosley is also featured on the lineup for the special event, which annually collects unwrapped toys to be donated to families in need during the holidays. 124 Market Place, 410-244-0057, $15-18

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Charles Village Pub & Patio: Known for its live DJ entertainment, frequent drink deals, and laidback patio, this Towson go-to is a great place to reunite with old friends. To get the holiday weekend off to a good start, CVP will offer $3 bombs, $3 Fireball shots, $3 Jack Daniels Fire shots, $2 rails, and $2 select bottled beers all night. 19 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Towson, 410-821-8155

Kooper’s: All three Kooper’s locations in Fells Point, Lutherville, and Jacksonville will be pouring $4 Union drafts all night to jumpstart the holiday festivities. Additionally—if you’re trying to mix things up before Thanksgiving leftovers consume your entire diet—Kooper’s will be running specials on 6-oz. crab cakes ($14 for one, $25 for two) at all of its locations. Live music by local acoustic singer Jenni Eagan will be featured in Jacksonville starting at 8 p.m. Multiple locations including 1702 Thames St., 410-563-5423

Monocacy Brewing Company: Grab some friends and head to this Frederick brewery to down drafts of its signature craft beers—like the Riot Rye pale ale and the Brewtus coffee imperial stout. Monocacy’s tasting room will be open from 4-8 p.m., offering flights, full pours, and growler fills. Plus, if your family’s Thanksgiving meal is BYOB, be sure pick up a six-pack to take with you. 1781 N. Market St., Frederick, 240-457-4232

Mother’s Grill: From football games to holiday events, this Federal Hill favorite is always down to celebrate. Head to Mother’s to throw back $3 shooters, crack open $3 Miller Lite Retro cans, and sip $4 select craft beers all night. 1113 S. Charles St., 410-244-8686

Michael’s Café: This Timonium watering hole is throwing a Thanksgiving Eve Bash starting at 9 p.m. Snag a seat at the indoor bar to sip discounted drinks while jamming to live alternative covers by the Luthervillians, or venture onto the heated outdoor patio to enjoy music spun by DJ Leni K. 2119 York Road, Timonium, 410-252-2022

Mt. Washington Tavern: No matter what the event, you can always count on food and drink deals at this go-to neighborhood haunt. Post up at the front bar or the Skybar and line your stomach with free made-to-order quesadillas from 4-7 p.m. The tavern will also offer $3.30 drafts, $4 glasses of select wines, and $5 16-oz. margaritas all night. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903.

Ropewalk Tavern: No Federal Hill bar crawl is complete without a stop into this multi-level hangout. Make your way to the back piano bar to belt out your favorite throwback tunes or head upstairs to dance the night away, all while sipping $2 Bud and Bud Light bottles. Also, if you happen to show up before the kitchen closes, Ropewalk will be offering $5-off all entrees on Thanksgiving Eve. 1209 S. Charles St. 410-727-1298.

Tin Roof: This live music venue inside Power Plant Live is hosting a Thanksgiving pregame with a full reggae, rock, and ska lineup. Sip $1-off drafts and $2-off craft cocktails during happy hour while bobbing your head to the likes of Morning Fatty, Bumpin’ Uglies, and Pasadena. Tin Roof will also be offering Natty Boh drafts paired with shots of Jameson for $8. 32 Market Place, 443-873-8137.

The Bridge Pre-Thanksgiving Party: Back in 2001, Charm City’s own funk and blues band The Bridge played its first show the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, and the group has continued its annual tradition ever since. On November 25, grab a drink, fight your way into the crowd, and catch The Bridge’s 14th annual Thanksgiving Eve show at Ram’s Head Live. The night will feature opener Scrambled Greg of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at 9 p.m., and benefit Gather Baltimore, which donates healthy holiday meals to those less fortunate. 20 Market Place, 410-244-1131, $25, 8 p.m. doors.

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Thanksgiving Day Roundup

Our guide to Thanksgiving Day events, recipes, and more this holiday season.

Editors of Baltimore magazine - November 9, 2015

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Power Plant Live! 34 Market Place, 410-727-5483. If you’re planning to bar hop on Thanksgiving Eve, this nightlife destination will be hosting a “Homecoming Bar Tour” with free access to nine of its bars. Tickets include three hours of all-you-can-drink domestic beers and call cocktails at all of the bars including Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden, PBR Baltimore, Tin Roof, and Mosaic Nightclub. Group packages are also available if a reunion is in order.

No Idea Tavern 1649 S. Hanover St., 410-685-4332. “Wheel Wednesday” will be in full effect at this Federal Hill bar and lounge to highlight its recently revamped menu and inexpensive drink offerings. The wheel will feature food and drink specials including $3 drafts, $4 glasses of wine, and $4 Fireball shots, and will be spun every half-hour. Whatever it lands on becomes the running special for the next 30 minutes.

Pazo 1425 Aliceanna St., 410-534-7296. All night long, this Harbor East restaurant will be offering half-off all bottles of wine in its fully stocked cellar. If you’re trying to mix things up before Thanksgiving leftovers consume your entire diet, enjoy artisan pizzas and Southern-Italian fare from the recently transformed menu to accompany the wine special.

The Get Down 701 S. Bond St., 443-708-3564. Enjoy the house music and modern vibe of this Fells Point nightclub while sipping on half-priced beers and cocktails from 8-10:30 p.m.

Charles Village Pub & Patio 19 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Towson, 410-821-8155. A favorite of Towson University students, CVP’s provides the perfect atmosphere to grab a drink and catch up with friends. Drink specials will include $5 bombs, $3 Fireball shots, $3 Blue Moon and Redd’s Apple Ale drafts, $2 rail drinks, and $2 Miller Lite and Coors Light bottles.

Smaltimore 2522 Fait Ave., 410-522-1421. This cleverly named Canton bar, known for its diverse menu featuring sushi and burgers, will be offering 2-for-1 sushi rolls from 5-7 p.m. and $6 small batch bourbons all night. (If you’re feeling up to it after a night on the town, Smaltimore will be accepting cash and canned good donations for Maryland Food Bank while serving free turkey burgers and fries to those in need on Thanksgiving Day starting at noon.)

Ropewalk Tavern 1209 S. Charles St., 410-727-1298. What better way to celebrate our country’s history the night before Thanksgiving than by stopping into this pre-Prohibition building with walls showcasing plenty of historical décor. The Federal Hill bar will be offering $2 Bud and Bud Lites and $3 Loose Cannon drafts.

Mt. Washington Tavern 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903. The happy hour options are endless at this neighborhood tavern. Offerings from 5-7 p.m. will include $3.30 select drafts, $4 house wines, and $5 16-oz. margaritas. Guests will also receive a free order of quesadillas with the purchase of any drink.

Hudson Street Stackhouse 2626 Hudson St., 410-342-0592. This go-to Canton spot for uniquely imported craft beer will be featuring $2-off all drafts until 7 p.m. and half-off select German and Belgian bottles all night.

Michael’s Cafe 2119 York Road, Timonium, 410-252-2022. A “Thanksgiving Eve Bash” will be hosted at this trendy Timonium space starting at 9 p.m. Bartenders will be pouring discounted drinks and guests will be able to enjoy live music from DJ Der and Code Red.  

The Point in Fells 1738 Thames St, 410-327-7264. No Fells Point bar crawl is complete without a stop into this neighborhood hangout, well known for its weekly drink specials. Kick off the weekend early and enjoy music spun by DJ Mike Jointz while sipping on $5 bombs, $4 rails, and $3 Miller Lite drafts.

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