The Spirit World

Last week we walked out of Max’s after a college football game and spied Bertha’s (734 South Broadway, 410-327-5795) directly across the street. I decided that Bertha’s warranted an exploratory trip. So the next evening I met a friend at The Horse You Came In On Saloon (1626 Thames Street, 410-327-8111) for a surreal Natty Boh experience then hoofed it over to Bertha’s.

I instantly fell in love with the beautiful Bertha. She’s set up like one of those New Orleans shotgun shacks. The whole place is about twelve feet wide, a narrow beer hallway almost. The bar features eleven taps with a decent selection of microbrews including two Oliver taps (see my Wharf Rat post from last year) and one hand pump beer engine pouring Bertha’s Best Bitter (also brewed by Oliver).

The Best Bitter took me straight back to England. This golden frothy brew went down smooth and crisp and finished with a pleasant fruitiness — perfect for quenching your thirst while listening to live jazz.

Tuesday nights feature a special treat, the Paul Wingo Trio plays some smokin’ jazz all night. The set starts around 8 and they were still going strong two and a half hours later. Paul Wingo is an experienced and expressive guitar player. Fortunately, his CDs were available at the bar and I snatched one up.

I enjoyed Bertha’s so much that I had to go back the next day for another pint of Best Bitter. The atmosphere is pleasant. Strawberry red lights are strung from the ceiling. The narrow bar is made of well worn wood. There are a few tables in the front and if you are hungry you can mosey back into the dining room for a pot of steamed mussels. Bertha’s is an oasis. If you are ever in Baltimore, don’t miss it.