First and foremost, Eutaw Street Report (and our sister site, Russell Street Report) is a fan site. We make no bones about it – we’re fans.
And, like so many other fans like to do before (during, and after) O’s games, we enjoy an adult beverage or two. When attending a game in person at OPACY, those adult beverages are usually purchased at one of the stadium’s neighboring watering holes. Pickles is the big name, but Sliders, The Bullpen, and even Pratt Street Alehouse further down the road are all options.
Well, now there is going to be another spot for thirsty Birds fans to congregate before heading into the Yard.
According to The Baltimore Sun, The Deck at Camden Yards, a new beer garden at the Hampton Inn next to Pickles, will open this year.
Deck partner Fritz Brogan says the latest addition to Washington Boulevard will open for Orioles home games, Ravens home games and special events such as the Grand Prix. He says the Deck, which has no affiliation with the Orioles, is not in direct competition with Pickles or Sliders, another bar that shares the street.
“We think we’re offering a service for the people that can’t get into Pickles or Sliders,” Brogan said. “I think there’s plenty of business for everybody.”
At first glance, the Hampton Inn looks like an odd choice for an outdoor bar. But Brogan says the patio, combined with a cleared-out parking lot and valet area, will make the Deck the largest outdoor space of any bar on the street. He says the staff, led by former Mex general manager Rob Napier, is expecting at least 1,000 people next Friday.
“No matter what way you’re walking to the stadium, you’re going to have to pass us,” Brogan said. “You’re going to smell good barbecue. You’re going to see a good atmosphere. I think we’ll get a lot of walk-by traffic.”
Hey, options are always good. The area around those bars is ridiculously packed on Opening Day, and this year will surely be no different. After that, if the Birds are as good as we all hope they can be in 2013, there should indeed be plenty of business to go around. In addition, more competition can always mean lower prices for customers.
The area around OPACY is one of the best in baseball for fans’ pre-game festivities. Hopefully this new establishment only serves to add to that great atmosphere.
