Quintessential Baltimore "scene" bar/hang out. Cheap and BIG drinks, cute hip waitresses, and cool funky retro style. Could use some cleaning, but definitely worth grabbing a drink here!
(4)
Lauren S.
It's hard for me to really find a problem with this place. It's a good bar. Don't know about the food (never had it) but the drinks are strong and cheap, so what more can you ask for?
(4)
Peter F.
Maybe I don't understand this word "gastropub" that I hear tossed around by foodie sorts. Maybe this is how they're supposed to work- high prices, iffy-at-best food, and awful service. But wow, was this place a letdown! I went here for food, which I guess is frowned upon, even though their website makes a big deal about the non-booze element of this place. When I got there and asked the bartender/waitress (only one, who looked to be about 22 and really unhappy to be there), where I should sit if I were to get food, she responded as if she didn't work there and didn't know why I was asking her. A long time later, we get menus. Menus read "ask about our specials" and "ask about our homemade deserts". Being the enthusiastic out of towner I am, I asked about both and got this response from the ray of sunshine that was our server: "Uhhhh...some kind of turkey...thing. And we don't do vegan desserts anymore." Ooook. I looked for a cheap item on the not-so-cheap menu, and got the vegan chili with cornbread, which arrived barely warm with nachos instead of cornbread, and no warning about the switch. My date got the spinach and artichoke dip, which was reportedly mediocre at best. We asked for the check, and she came by the the table with paper, but held on to the paper and said "Oh..yer total is $18.95" and walked away. I'm no food service expert, but I thought it was pretty customary to like... see your bill. Maybe even get it face down for discretion. Not here. I followed her back to the bar, asked if I could pay by credit card, and did. $20 for a soup and an apetizer, both kinda bland, from a dive bar with some seriously bad service. The only thing saving this place from a one star rating was the decor (kinda nice!) and the hipster eyecandy (I can't help myself) that arrived later. But wow. Serious diappointment.
(2)
Lee M.
A little too expensive, considering its pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, but it has its charm. Good music, comfortable booths, and a "unique" crowd make it worth coming back to but I could do without the neo-beatnick hipster doofi that somethimes plague the front bar.
(3)
Takaki K.
They have a very nice atmosphere inside that I don't just want to call it dive. Eclectic, decadent, hip, dive, each of these words describes part of its feel. I may as well give up categorizing it because the bartender in a mistress dress did tricks on the swing over the bar. Duh. I like this place. It's across from the movie theater so it's a good place to get a drink when waiting for the show time and the pretentious tapas place is full.
(4)
Mike W.
It's where you go for drinks before/after a movie at the Charles Theater if you don't want to pay a million dollars at tapas teatro. They have a captive audience yet the drinks are still reasonable cheap. The juke box is great and I'm told the food isn't half bad either. Though, if it's the same as the old Zodiac restaurant next store, it's fair to middling and reasonable for the price.
(4)
Lisa P.
Fun night and the bartender upstairs was super friendly. I liked the atmosphere (especially the cool Halloween decor) and the drinks were cheap. Comfy chairs upstairs in the back!
(4)
Dean C.
Great bar, great diverse mix of people, no drama, great atmosphere and super awesome bar tenders ;) what more do you want? ghosts? well they sometimes have that too!
(5)
Nora E.
This is my favorite place to drink incredibly sweet whisky sours, listen to David Bowie and people watch. I get all of my fashion tips from twenty something cool kids. Thanks, guys.
(4)
Jamie S.
If you like to constantly update your phone while at a bar then stay at that bar and don't come here. If you like cool conversation with good friends and random folks then this is your place. If you like retro feel that's retro because shit ain't changed since long enough to come full circle and be, well, retro then this is your place. If you like heavy pours and the promise of a good time if you're not a dick then this is your place. Ya dig? Possible John Waters sighting if you're into shit like that.
(5)
Ed W.
Beers were inexpensive compared to other places and the place has enough room where you can enjoy yourself with your friends without being constantly bumped into. Music was decent and the scenery is always entertaining with the turbo hipsters. Definitely a great place to go before or after a show or film. The service wasn't excellent, but by no means was it bad. I'll be back soon.
(3)
Melody C.
The first time I was introduced to Club Charles I was very intoxicated, so I loved it. Dark and creepy with red walls. Right up my alley ;) This is all I recall, and I kept this memory with me for a while. I just recently went back to grab a couple drinks with my boyfriend. I was kind of disappointed. Despite its local fame, I don't really see the big draw. Still cool atmosphere, but the drinks weren't cheap (kinda seemed they should've been), the bar stools were falling apart, and the crowd was just local hipsters. As described everywhere, they're pretentious. Don't expect random conversations with strangers to start or to make any new friends. And where the hell were these trapeze artists I hear about?! That would've sold it for me I think. The bartender chick was cute and friendly. We got a couple beverages and left. I'd go back with a group, but eh, I could take it or leave it.
(3)
Keith K.
As a long time aficionado of dive bars, Club Charles is right up there in my national top ten. It's got everything a good dive bar needs, friendly bartenders, cheap/strong drinks, an eclectic jukebox (from Dusty Springfield to The Clash and back again) and lighting low enuf to hide all the facade flaws, dirty corners and broken furniture. There's the main, downstairs bar, and on busy nights an equal sized upstairs bar. It's located in a cool neighbourhood as well with lots of good places to eat nearby and nice city walking, if you should so desire. My only complaint was about the music, not that it was bad, but that it was nonexistent when I first got there. Just a dozen or so early drinkers and NO tunes. When I asked the bartender about it, she said that they just waited till patrons got tired of no music and ponied up for the jukebox themselves. This is a mistake bar owner, whoever you are, you should most surely splurge the few bucks it takes to get the clientele to start buying songs. A good dive bar without music is just a sad bar. As for all the so-called John Waters sightings, nope never seen him here, but if I do, I will definitely ask him about his solo cross country hitchhiking experience. Oh John, you rebel.
(5)
Laura Lee T.
Club Chuck is bar none (Haha! Get it? "Bar" none? Because it's, well, you know...) my favorite bar in Baltimore. Actually, it was the first bar I visited in the city after moving here from Portland and six months and about six dozen bars later, it's still my favorite. The atmosphere is cozy, dark and divey. The clientele is pretty diverse and apparently includes John Waters. They have a great jukebox and the bartenders here are all really sweet and genuinely happy to see you when you visit. The tap beer selection is pretty small, but good. They at least have Loose Cannon IPA on draft. They no longer serve food which would be a huge bummer if it wasn't for Royal Farms' fried chicken, which is pretty much the best drunk food on the planet. It gets a little crowded around nine or ten but if you get there earlier you can sit at the bar, chat with the bartender, do a crossword and play whatever you want at the jukebox--generally for free. (I'm not the only person in the world who does crosswords at the bar, surely.) I've taken to calling it Love Chuck. Let's make a trend here.
(5)
Rumen K.
Big jukebox request: Please add the greatest hits of ABBA ! Thank You !
(5)
Incidental M.
My favorite bar of all time. Heavy pours and always a great blend of people. Stellar jukebox and the best bartenders. I've been coming here for many years and it always feels like home. Here's to many more!
(5)
Kelsey V.
If you have a vertical drivers license, you will not be let in. Even if you are 23. Apparently the place is a good place to go but if you have a vertical ID, don't even try to get in. This makes zero sense to me.
(1)
Katie H.
I love Club Charles. It has become my favorite bar in Baltimore hands down. The atmosphere alone is reason to go. They have these great Art Deco murals on the walls. I almost feel like they belong on the cover of an Ayn Rand novel. If you think about them too hard they can be a little creepy, but I love them. There is also a jukebox in the corner that plays mostly 70s and 80s albums. Good picks in my opinion. I usually go on week nights, so I'm not sure how busy it gets on Friday or Saturday, but for me it never gets too crowded.
(5)
Kt H.
The ambiance here is awesome! $2.50 Ballantines tonight, which is an awesome deal. The bartender is amazingly friendly and the clientele is as warm as the bar itself. Definitely recommend for a low key night out!!
(5)
Alison Q.
This place reminded me of home (Brooklyn). It's your quintessential hipster dive joint. I approve.
(4)
Caleb L.
I go to this bar so often that my phone started trying auto-correct the word "chick" to "chuck" (if you get what I mean) I could go on and on about how cute the bartenders are, but the really important part is how dependably nice they are. I've gone to plenty of other places where the bartenders are occasionally tired, visibly spent, and a little bit grouchy... that's human. But at Club Charles you are greeted with a big friendly smile 100% of the time. I'll also give an "amen" to the reviews mentioning the good prices and good jukebox. The one slight downside to Club Charles is that it's not really the kind of place where you introduce yourself to a stranger. It's not impossible, but most of the crowd there is inclined to stick to the circle of friends they know/showed up with.
(5)
Sara J.
Love the vibe, but wish they were more consistent with the music. That's such a big part of a bar's atmosphere, but the reliance on the Jukebox can make it overly stiff if no one is fronting the expense. Like how red it is, and great location
(4)
Laura F.
I came to Club Charles during a recent trip to Baltimore. I loved this place, what else can I say! I loved the darkness, the red lights, the chairs, the crowd, the music, even the bathroom graffiti. The bartender was very friendly. If I lived in Baltimore, I would hang out here all the time.
(5)
J. M.
Stereotypical [not used in as a pejorative] dive-bar that would be good to use as an illustrative example of what a dive-bar is, if you were ever to have a guest from another part of the world where dive-bars aren't "a thing." I often drop in after I've seen a film at The Charles for a bombay tonic and find the staff adequately competent and pleasant. There's a very subtle difference between date-rape bar lighting and actual dive-bar lighting. This place manages to dwell firmly in the dive-bar lighting of the pub-cosmos. Food isn't something I'd urge you to try [specially when there's Sofi's crepes across the street] but hey, it's not the worst either. A high OK that translates into four-stars because three would imply it's not worth a visit or re-visit.
(4)
Kurt I.
I really liked this place. Great atmosphere, good selection of suds, a cute bartender, but no natty bo? Wha? Isn't this Baltimore? Get some if your finest cheap beer on tap please. That is all.
(4)
Cheryl D.
Although I haven't been to the Club Charles in years, it sounds like it is still the best bar in Baltimore. Having spent many weekends at the Club Charles in the late 80's and early 90's, always my favorite bar in Baltimore!
(5)
Rachel E.
I'm basically just going to copy and paste my review for 'The Depot' for 'Club Charles', just changing a few keywords because my review is almost exactly the same. Yay, it's review mad libs. I think I've been here maybe 3 times and only once did I have a semi-decent time with the aide of excessive amounts of alcohol. I don't necessarily blame the entire bar for that but still. The first time someone invited me I approached the door and almost turned around and ran all the way back to my car. In retrospect I wish I had. I recall the drinks got me drunk, but I really don't go out just to drink. I drink so I can socialize more easily and feel less awkward when I dance and this not a place to dance. Maybe if you were alone or there were 5 other people here, which was the case I believe every time I went here. I've honestly had bedrooms that were bigger than this entire bar, not that bars need to be big. Baltimore nightlife really sucks, there are douche clubs (Power Plant area) and um... places to get drunk at. I guess this is a place to get drunk at? It has a lonely, heartbreak hotel, dive bar that has been lost in time vibe to it which I suppose could be appealing... The people are usually clannish, not speaking to anyone but the people they came with, and goat help you if you're single, everyone is too busy being up their own donkey to talk to anyone new. It sounds asinine but this place feels so sad, I even feel like slitting my wrists just reminiscing about it. The decor is dark and twisted which I actually liked and I don't really recall the music they played since I was talking to my "friend" the whole time. Oh, this was years ago by the way when I went here.
(2)
Eva C.
Great dive bar in Baltimore! It's all the better because it carries Stone IPA all the time. Even better, the walk between here to anywhere else has cleaned up a bit in the last few years. The only thing that I haven't liked in this bar were the nachos (disappointing and didn't kick my craving!).
(4)
Rachel F.
Dive bar, Shmive Bar. Club Charles, or "Club Chuck" as I like to say, makes frequent appearances in my weekly bar rotation. Not because the drinks are cheap-ish (even thought I can never figure out the deals or promos for the day), or because there is surprisingly good food (try their pizza or nachos), but because of one, glowing, life force tucked away inside the bar. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the jukebox. Whether it's Fleetwood Mac, my favorite Baltimore band, or an artist I'm not cool enough to know about yet, it's there.
(4)
Brady S.
Came here by myself while I waited for my girlfriend's delayed train to arrive. Lower bar was packed so I went up the short flight of stairs to the top bar, which only one other guy was at. He was talking to the bartender and took a pretty long time for her to recognize that I, her only other patron, had taken a seat. But, she came over, I ordered a Yuengling on draft and she got it for me quick, as one could expect. The price was nice ($3.30), but it was awkward when proceeded to wait for me to pay her right then and there. I guess that's protocol for someone who sits down at a bar alone (loser-style), since opening up a tab rollin' solo is probably rare...but I wouldn't know. Overall, besides my awkward solo beer drinking experience, the atmosphere was interesting and energetic, despite sitting at an elevated, secluded bar. Nice prices, nice environment. I'd come back again. Disclaimer - there was some interesting people there, I think pregaming for a show at a theater next door that seemed to be affiliated with the bar.
(4)
Richard L.
How can you not give the club charles 5 stars? Are you a monster? Can you only achieve and maintain an erection while listening to a blended symphony of seals being beaten, children being denied ice cream, and hipsters complaining about their record collection? Are you a shitbag? Do you sit around at night, using facebook on your fucking iphone 4S, making snarky comments on your friends's posts? "Oh, he posted a picture of a hamburger. Dislike, because I'm vegan, and obviously I'm morally superior and not someone that deserves a punch to my anaemic and iron-deficient cock on a daily basis." Oh, you don't like the chill with your friends in a comfy dive and have drinks and totally, you know, enjoy people's company and laugh in real time. Oh, ok, you're a shitbag. I can understand if you gave it 4 stars. Maybe you were drunk, and couldn't remember how awesome the bartenders are, or how good the drinks are. Maybe you forgot that they carry chartreuse and know how to make excellent drinks with it. Maybe you are so used to 1 dollar beers(you are probably from pittsburgh you fucking steelers fan) and a 2 dollar natty boh is just...you can't even comprehend it with your feeble and incapacitated brain. I don't know, I love good drinks and 2 dollar beers and getting boozy without getting woozy. 3 stars, though...what is going through your feeble mind? What gets five stars from you for a bar? Does your favorite bar have automatic dick sucking machines under the counter - something that looks like the sarlacc(bang, return of the jedi bitches) that undulates as it brings you to the cusp of perfection, maximizing your pleasure with mechanical, german efficiency? Does your bar have Jay-Z just walk in and he's all like "oh hey how you doin girl" and then beyonce comes in with her baby and her baby fucking tends bar and tweets about that shit and then makes a tumblr called "baby blue bartending" or something like that? Jay-Z presses his warm hand on your shoulder smelling faintly of cocoa and the Juun J cologne from six scents and he says "this is the greatest day in your life, but it is just average to me. I will always remember the disparity of our recollections" and then you weep golden tears that turn into diamonds when they hit the floor? Probably not, you jerk offs. If that is your bar though...seriously, call me.
(5)
Sam P.
Good dive bar, normally my first stop in a bar crawl.
(4)
Lauren S.
Fun bar that's "divey" in a good way! The service was great. I went over with my friend before a show. We were also able to get our tarot cards read for fun, just leave a tip! All around fun experience.
(5)
Larry H.
When it comes to Baltimore dive bars, Club Charles (Club "Chuck" if your a local), is arguably the most legendary one of them all. It's also a semi frequent watering hole for Charm City's most celebrated and colorful film director, screenwriter, and actor, John Waters. The most spot on description I've ever heard of Club Charles' interior is "1920s Art Deco meets The Shining"... Deco mural'ed walls, Dimly lit, Red hued lighting, that bathes everyone and everything inside... Red leather booths & chairs... At any moment you kinda expect little Danny Torrance to come running through the bar yelling "Redrum ! Redrum !" But it's also got all the characteristics of a great dive bar. Located in a slightly seedy part of town, cheap but strong drinks, wobbly bar stools, a jukebox with a wide selection from Ray Charles to Dan Deacon, and always friendly bartenders. The size and mix of the crowd seems to depend on the night, it can be anything from artsy film student types to blue collar locals from the neighborhood. But if dive bars are your thing, a single visit to Club Charles will probably be enough to ensure it a spot in your regular rotation of favorite dives.
(4)
Sarah W.
Perfect balance of dive bar and hipster and retro. Service was perfectly solicitous but not too hovercrafty, gin and tonic was fine. Felt totally comfortable there from the minute I walked in.
(5)
Alvin W.
If you're looking for a club that will give you night terrors,in a good way,for the next 40 years,look no further. Baltimores hottest new club is Club Charles. Opened in 2003 by ginger pornstar Charlie Faplin, this club will have you yelling.. "ANGELA?" THIS CLUB HAS EVERYTHING! pee pants music, chum from the goonies,and the grandson of the Taco Bell dog smoking a Newport cigarette. You'll never want to leave this place,and you can't because the doors lock from the outside.
(5)
Nina U.
There is a little nook of a room with 4 - 5 chairs and a little table. You can keep intimate company and all the conversations right outside. It's pretty erie. I'm not sure they all knew that I could hear every word they were saying like they were sitting right next to me but it echos in there. This is a cute little divey bar right near Charles Theatre, Single Carrot Theatre and Teatro Tapas. There's a main bar and then one on the upper level. They may not have Natty Boh, but Miller Lite will do.
(4)
Viv G.
Not bad for a dive. We came here for a drink after dining at Tapas Teatro. As with most dives, very dimly lit, pretty loud, a little dirty, okay drinks at decent prices. The lower level bar was pretty crowded, but the upstairs one was fairly empty. We sat in the tiny red room, which wasn't bad- just a little crowded with 6 people. Some of the beers tasted very watered down or a bit off, but no big deal as they were cheap. The hipster bartenders seemed pretty nice.
(3)
Jen K.
Oh, Club Charles. Or "The Chuck" as some like to say. This is a typical dive bar with a hipster-vibe. The bartenders have never been particularly friendly or attentive, but there's still something I like about it and I'm not sure why. Whenever I first step in, I chuckle a bit on the inside. I think this feeling will last as long as I don't go more than twice...okay, maybe once...a month. They offer one cider, comes in a bottle, I believe it's strongbow.
(3)
Alex B.
Club Charles is definitely a dive spot, but it is still one of my favorite bars in Baltimore. Great, cheap drinks, fun music and a lot of different seating areas. The bathrooms are kind of gross, but the rest of the great parts of this bar far outweigh the less than clean restrooms. I lived in Baltimore for four years, and I cannot recall one time when my friends and I were bored here.
(4)
Michael H.
Our favorite dive bar in Baltimore.. Strong drinks and good music.. What more can u ask for?
(5)
Elizabeth J.
Club Chuck is a great place to go drown your sorrows. Lots of room, central to the movie theater, train station and close to all of the good stuff on North Av. This is typically where I end my Saturday nights. Typical Baltimore bar scene for better or worse.
(4)
Jenn H.
I lived a about a block away from Club Charles for about two years before I moved to Denver...and it was one of my favorite places to hang out in the city. It's dark, sometimes crowded, with decent music, okay food, strong drinks, and, almost always, a diverse crowd. But, really, I always loved seeing the bartenders. They're always so friendly and attentive. I've spent way too much money at this place...
(5)
C B.
A pretty hip spot! While it isn't exactly my "style", Club Charles is an interesting enough place that I would bring a friend who likes to drink out here. I wish I took more pictures because the ones posted here really don't give you a great idea of what the place feels like. You do have to like red neon though. The reason why I have given this place 5-stars is because the place exudes an unpretentious swankiness with absurdly low drink prices...this combination creates an unparalleled bang-for-the-buck value. The barmaid who served us was witty and sassy. Although my friends didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I still rate it perfect.
(5)
A. C.
Location is ideal for the 2nd date trifecta: dinner (Tapas Teatro); movie (Charles Theater); drinks, if all is going well (Club Charles). Pretty stiff drinks, usually at room temp (they seem to have an aversion to ice), at pretty reasonable prices, but also hard to come by (service is disaffected and will hostily ignore you). You might feel like you're not hip enough to be here and there's no one here who will disagree. Surfaces are sticky, vibe is divey. If you're lucky, you might get to spill a drink on John Waters.
(3)
Vlad G.
A legit dive, my favorite thus far in Baltimore, and I love that it's positioned as a sort of outpost on the frontier of "urban civilization" aka it feels a bit sketchy a few blocks up Charles. Totally unpretentious, solid juke box, too.
(5)
Jonathan G.
I like Club Charles, I really do. The inside is dark, the feeling is seedy but hipster-y, and I've been there more often while John Waters was having a drink than when he wasn't. The beer selection is slightly above average, and the service is great, and it's a good hangout before or after a flick at The Charles. That said, the food menu isn't really anything worthwhile, and I feel like I've tried quite a few things. The hours also leave a lot to be desired - I've walked across the street from the movies for a beer, and they've been closed, and this was around 4 or 4:30pm. It's definitely a place everyone who lives in Baltimore should visit, and the atmosphere is fantastic - a good mix of all kinds of personalities and styles.
(3)
Judy C.
Love love love the place! Nice drinks...good crowd (yes, I'm a little hipster-esque)...great music...awesome decor! The bartender is also very friendly. I guess with the loss of Zodiac (for food...RIP), Club Charles now serves food (although I haven't tried it yet). If I were to go hang out at a bar, then I'd definitely consider Club Charles first.
(5)
Marshall L.
This place is pure, 100% Baltimore. Great atmosphere and great people. Even if you're a stuck-up DC snob who came in here and decided to never come back, it wouldn't be because anyone treated you poorly. You get a wide range of people who visit this place and I think just about every kind of Baltimore person (save for the type who likes the bars in Canton), will find something to love here.
(5)
Kristin S.
I would like to get a shirt made that just says "Club Chuck" on it and wear it 24/7. And when people would ask me about the meaning of my shirt, I would say that it's to pay homage to one of the best, most understated bars in Baltimore. You might be saying to yourself: dude, come on. This place looks creepy on the outside and there's a good chance I'll get robbed on North Avenue. And what do I say to that? If you're thinking about that, you don't understand this bar. It's not supposed to be glamorous, it's not supposed to be trendy. It has character and with great bartenders and prices to boot, you should just savor the ambiance. Club Chuck has trapeze artists, for Christ's sake. +50 right there! This bar isn't for everyone but for those regulars and understanding folks out there, you know how cool this place is. Think of it like a 'Cheers'--- except everyone might not know your name and yeah, you might get jumped out on North Ave. But psshhh, details.
(5)
Kelsey V.
If you have a vertical drivers license, you will not be let in. Even if you are 23. Apparently the place is a good place to go but if you have a vertical ID, don't even try to get in. This makes zero sense to me.
(1)
Katie H.
I love Club Charles. It has become my favorite bar in Baltimore hands down. The atmosphere alone is reason to go. They have these great Art Deco murals on the walls. I almost feel like they belong on the cover of an Ayn Rand novel. If you think about them too hard they can be a little creepy, but I love them. There is also a jukebox in the corner that plays mostly 70s and 80s albums. Good picks in my opinion. I usually go on week nights, so I'm not sure how busy it gets on Friday or Saturday, but for me it never gets too crowded.
(5)
Keith K.
As a long time aficionado of dive bars, Club Charles is right up there in my national top ten. It's got everything a good dive bar needs, friendly bartenders, cheap/strong drinks, an eclectic jukebox (from Dusty Springfield to The Clash and back again) and lighting low enuf to hide all the facade flaws, dirty corners and broken furniture. There's the main, downstairs bar, and on busy nights an equal sized upstairs bar. It's located in a cool neighbourhood as well with lots of good places to eat nearby and nice city walking, if you should so desire. My only complaint was about the music, not that it was bad, but that it was nonexistent when I first got there. Just a dozen or so early drinkers and NO tunes. When I asked the bartender about it, she said that they just waited till patrons got tired of no music and ponied up for the jukebox themselves. This is a mistake bar owner, whoever you are, you should most surely splurge the few bucks it takes to get the clientele to start buying songs. A good dive bar without music is just a sad bar. As for all the so-called John Waters sightings, nope never seen him here, but if I do, I will definitely ask him about his solo cross country hitchhiking experience. Oh John, you rebel.
(5)
Alvin W.
If you're looking for a club that will give you night terrors,in a good way,for the next 40 years,look no further. Baltimores hottest new club is Club Charles. Opened in 2003 by ginger pornstar Charlie Faplin, this club will have you yelling.. "ANGELA?" THIS CLUB HAS EVERYTHING! pee pants music, chum from the goonies,and the grandson of the Taco Bell dog smoking a Newport cigarette. You'll never want to leave this place,and you can't because the doors lock from the outside.
(5)
Laura Lee T.
Club Chuck is bar none (Haha! Get it? "Bar" none? Because it's, well, you know...) my favorite bar in Baltimore. Actually, it was the first bar I visited in the city after moving here from Portland and six months and about six dozen bars later, it's still my favorite. The atmosphere is cozy, dark and divey. The clientele is pretty diverse and apparently includes John Waters. They have a great jukebox and the bartenders here are all really sweet and genuinely happy to see you when you visit. The tap beer selection is pretty small, but good. They at least have Loose Cannon IPA on draft. They no longer serve food which would be a huge bummer if it wasn't for Royal Farms' fried chicken, which is pretty much the best drunk food on the planet. It gets a little crowded around nine or ten but if you get there earlier you can sit at the bar, chat with the bartender, do a crossword and play whatever you want at the jukebox--generally for free. (I'm not the only person in the world who does crosswords at the bar, surely.) I've taken to calling it Love Chuck. Let's make a trend here.
(5)
Dianne M.
This place has been around forever and there's a good reason, it's incomparable to any other in Baltimore. I used to frequent this beautiful ruin decades ago in my post punk days. The jukebox is a thing of wonder. There are two floors, two bars, booths with curtains and barstools, but most people stand and mingle. If you want an eclectic mix of people and music this is the place to get it - you'll never know who you'll meet.
(5)
Rumen K.
Big jukebox request: Please add the greatest hits of ABBA ! Thank You !
(5)
Lauren S.
Fun bar that's "divey" in a good way! The service was great. I went over with my friend before a show. We were also able to get our tarot cards read for fun, just leave a tip! All around fun experience.
(5)
Incidental M.
My favorite bar of all time. Heavy pours and always a great blend of people. Stellar jukebox and the best bartenders. I've been coming here for many years and it always feels like home. Here's to many more!
(5)
Sarah W.
Perfect balance of dive bar and hipster and retro. Service was perfectly solicitous but not too hovercrafty, gin and tonic was fine. Felt totally comfortable there from the minute I walked in.
(5)
Nina U.
There is a little nook of a room with 4 - 5 chairs and a little table. You can keep intimate company and all the conversations right outside. It's pretty erie. I'm not sure they all knew that I could hear every word they were saying like they were sitting right next to me but it echos in there. This is a cute little divey bar right near Charles Theatre, Single Carrot Theatre and Teatro Tapas. There's a main bar and then one on the upper level. They may not have Natty Boh, but Miller Lite will do.
(4)
Kristin S.
I would like to get a shirt made that just says "Club Chuck" on it and wear it 24/7. And when people would ask me about the meaning of my shirt, I would say that it's to pay homage to one of the best, most understated bars in Baltimore. You might be saying to yourself: dude, come on. This place looks creepy on the outside and there's a good chance I'll get robbed on North Avenue. And what do I say to that? If you're thinking about that, you don't understand this bar. It's not supposed to be glamorous, it's not supposed to be trendy. It has character and with great bartenders and prices to boot, you should just savor the ambiance. Club Chuck has trapeze artists, for Christ's sake. +50 right there! This bar isn't for everyone but for those regulars and understanding folks out there, you know how cool this place is. Think of it like a 'Cheers'--- except everyone might not know your name and yeah, you might get jumped out on North Ave. But psshhh, details.
(5)
john f.
I have been going here for 20 years now. Although I don't spend a lot time in bars these days, this will always be one of my favorite Baltimore Haunts.
(5)
Michelle K.
You know what, Baltimore bars are not bad at all. Baltimore food sucks, but you can't really rip on the bar scene aside from the 1:30 last call. I used to live right by here, so I'd come here all the time. Now I live in Hampden, and I still come here all the time. (Not a fan of Hampden bars and the affectations of Rocket to Venus or Golden West. ESPECIALLY not a fan of their prices.) Club Charles is awesome on Sunday nights when it's dead and it's still awesome when it's completely packed on a Friday night with a show at the Zodiac next door. The bartenders are always so nice and friendly despite the crowds hovering at every end of the bar waiting for a drink or their tab, so I will drink a mixed drink that's sometimes a little too strong. Next time I'll order a $3 Yuengling off the draft. And most of the times they have total babes working behind the bar. The barback with glasses is totally awesome dude too. Also, Sunday nights are "Shipwreck Sundays" so it's $2 Red Stripes and $3 rum drinks. The only downfall is that it's so dark and red inside that you can't really tell who's a girl or a guy. I like it though, because I think the darkness lends itself to the attitude of not-giving-a-shit. I don't see why all these "artsy" pretentious assholes bother some of the other reviewers when you can't really see or hear them anyway. Either way it's the bar atmosphere I prefer the most, especially in comparison to Brewer's or Dionysis or anything in Hampden.
(5)
Sarah B.
I remember coming here quite late in the night, and all I remember about it was saying the walls look like a vagina. This was several months ago, so I don't know if that was accurate at all. I guess I'll have to go back and see on my next trip to B-More. It must have been fun, though, if that's all I can remember.
(4)
Mo A.
Great bar with low priced drinks and a great atmosphere. The jukebox needs some work, but the space is great for group socialiIng and debaucherous libation. It is often my first stop after getting off the train since it is so close to Penn Station.
(4)
Dean C.
Great bar, great diverse mix of people, no drama, great atmosphere and super awesome bar tenders ;) what more do you want? ghosts? well they sometimes have that too!
(5)
Nora E.
This is my favorite place to drink incredibly sweet whisky sours, listen to David Bowie and people watch. I get all of my fashion tips from twenty something cool kids. Thanks, guys.
(4)
Jamie S.
If you like to constantly update your phone while at a bar then stay at that bar and don't come here. If you like cool conversation with good friends and random folks then this is your place. If you like retro feel that's retro because shit ain't changed since long enough to come full circle and be, well, retro then this is your place. If you like heavy pours and the promise of a good time if you're not a dick then this is your place. Ya dig? Possible John Waters sighting if you're into shit like that.
(5)
Ed W.
Beers were inexpensive compared to other places and the place has enough room where you can enjoy yourself with your friends without being constantly bumped into. Music was decent and the scenery is always entertaining with the turbo hipsters. Definitely a great place to go before or after a show or film. The service wasn't excellent, but by no means was it bad. I'll be back soon.
(3)
Melody C.
The first time I was introduced to Club Charles I was very intoxicated, so I loved it. Dark and creepy with red walls. Right up my alley ;) This is all I recall, and I kept this memory with me for a while. I just recently went back to grab a couple drinks with my boyfriend. I was kind of disappointed. Despite its local fame, I don't really see the big draw. Still cool atmosphere, but the drinks weren't cheap (kinda seemed they should've been), the bar stools were falling apart, and the crowd was just local hipsters. As described everywhere, they're pretentious. Don't expect random conversations with strangers to start or to make any new friends. And where the hell were these trapeze artists I hear about?! That would've sold it for me I think. The bartender chick was cute and friendly. We got a couple beverages and left. I'd go back with a group, but eh, I could take it or leave it.
(3)
K Sera S.
A dive in the best sense of the word. Retro without being kitschy, unpretentious yet hip, Club Charles is a Baltimore institution. And I love the fact that I have to get buzzed in. It makes me feel edgy and seedy! (Yep, I'm just that much of a dork.) Come February 2nd, it'll be smoke-free (as will all bars in B'more), which I have to say will kind of spoil it for me. It's not so much that I'll miss smoking, it's more that I'll miss the vaguely noir touch of a low-hanging fog of second-hand smoke that gave it that, "Yep, this is a dive" feel. I'll get over it! Great place for a pre- or after-movie drink. Interesting Yelp from Christie S. about the influx of art-crowd....
(4)
Larry H.
When it comes to Baltimore dive bars, Club Charles (Club "Chuck" if your a local), is arguably the most legendary one of them all. It's also a semi frequent watering hole for Charm City's most celebrated and colorful film director, screenwriter, and actor, John Waters. The most spot on description I've ever heard of Club Charles' interior is "1920s Art Deco meets The Shining"... Deco mural'ed walls, Dimly lit, Red hued lighting, that bathes everyone and everything inside... Red leather booths & chairs... At any moment you kinda expect little Danny Torrance to come running through the bar yelling "Redrum ! Redrum !" But it's also got all the characteristics of a great dive bar. Located in a slightly seedy part of town, cheap but strong drinks, wobbly bar stools, a jukebox with a wide selection from Ray Charles to Dan Deacon, and always friendly bartenders. The size and mix of the crowd seems to depend on the night, it can be anything from artsy film student types to blue collar locals from the neighborhood. But if dive bars are your thing, a single visit to Club Charles will probably be enough to ensure it a spot in your regular rotation of favorite dives.
(4)
Jen K.
Oh, Club Charles. Or "The Chuck" as some like to say. This is a typical dive bar with a hipster-vibe. The bartenders have never been particularly friendly or attentive, but there's still something I like about it and I'm not sure why. Whenever I first step in, I chuckle a bit on the inside. I think this feeling will last as long as I don't go more than twice...okay, maybe once...a month. They offer one cider, comes in a bottle, I believe it's strongbow.
(3)
Alex B.
Club Charles is definitely a dive spot, but it is still one of my favorite bars in Baltimore. Great, cheap drinks, fun music and a lot of different seating areas. The bathrooms are kind of gross, but the rest of the great parts of this bar far outweigh the less than clean restrooms. I lived in Baltimore for four years, and I cannot recall one time when my friends and I were bored here.
(4)
Michael H.
Our favorite dive bar in Baltimore.. Strong drinks and good music.. What more can u ask for?
(5)
Elizabeth J.
Club Chuck is a great place to go drown your sorrows. Lots of room, central to the movie theater, train station and close to all of the good stuff on North Av. This is typically where I end my Saturday nights. Typical Baltimore bar scene for better or worse.
(4)
Viv G.
Not bad for a dive. We came here for a drink after dining at Tapas Teatro. As with most dives, very dimly lit, pretty loud, a little dirty, okay drinks at decent prices. The lower level bar was pretty crowded, but the upstairs one was fairly empty. We sat in the tiny red room, which wasn't bad- just a little crowded with 6 people. Some of the beers tasted very watered down or a bit off, but no big deal as they were cheap. The hipster bartenders seemed pretty nice.
(3)
Jenn H.
I lived a about a block away from Club Charles for about two years before I moved to Denver...and it was one of my favorite places to hang out in the city. It's dark, sometimes crowded, with decent music, okay food, strong drinks, and, almost always, a diverse crowd. But, really, I always loved seeing the bartenders. They're always so friendly and attentive. I've spent way too much money at this place...
(5)
C B.
A pretty hip spot! While it isn't exactly my "style", Club Charles is an interesting enough place that I would bring a friend who likes to drink out here. I wish I took more pictures because the ones posted here really don't give you a great idea of what the place feels like. You do have to like red neon though. The reason why I have given this place 5-stars is because the place exudes an unpretentious swankiness with absurdly low drink prices...this combination creates an unparalleled bang-for-the-buck value. The barmaid who served us was witty and sassy. Although my friends didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I still rate it perfect.
(5)
A. C.
Location is ideal for the 2nd date trifecta: dinner (Tapas Teatro); movie (Charles Theater); drinks, if all is going well (Club Charles). Pretty stiff drinks, usually at room temp (they seem to have an aversion to ice), at pretty reasonable prices, but also hard to come by (service is disaffected and will hostily ignore you). You might feel like you're not hip enough to be here and there's no one here who will disagree. Surfaces are sticky, vibe is divey. If you're lucky, you might get to spill a drink on John Waters.
(3)
Vlad G.
A legit dive, my favorite thus far in Baltimore, and I love that it's positioned as a sort of outpost on the frontier of "urban civilization" aka it feels a bit sketchy a few blocks up Charles. Totally unpretentious, solid juke box, too.
(5)
Kt H.
The ambiance here is awesome! $2.50 Ballantines tonight, which is an awesome deal. The bartender is amazingly friendly and the clientele is as warm as the bar itself. Definitely recommend for a low key night out!!
(5)
Alison Q.
This place reminded me of home (Brooklyn). It's your quintessential hipster dive joint. I approve.
(4)
Caleb L.
I go to this bar so often that my phone started trying auto-correct the word "chick" to "chuck" (if you get what I mean) I could go on and on about how cute the bartenders are, but the really important part is how dependably nice they are. I've gone to plenty of other places where the bartenders are occasionally tired, visibly spent, and a little bit grouchy... that's human. But at Club Charles you are greeted with a big friendly smile 100% of the time. I'll also give an "amen" to the reviews mentioning the good prices and good jukebox. The one slight downside to Club Charles is that it's not really the kind of place where you introduce yourself to a stranger. It's not impossible, but most of the crowd there is inclined to stick to the circle of friends they know/showed up with.
(5)
Sara J.
Love the vibe, but wish they were more consistent with the music. That's such a big part of a bar's atmosphere, but the reliance on the Jukebox can make it overly stiff if no one is fronting the expense. Like how red it is, and great location
(4)
Laura F.
I came to Club Charles during a recent trip to Baltimore. I loved this place, what else can I say! I loved the darkness, the red lights, the chairs, the crowd, the music, even the bathroom graffiti. The bartender was very friendly. If I lived in Baltimore, I would hang out here all the time.
(5)
J. M.
Stereotypical [not used in as a pejorative] dive-bar that would be good to use as an illustrative example of what a dive-bar is, if you were ever to have a guest from another part of the world where dive-bars aren't "a thing." I often drop in after I've seen a film at The Charles for a bombay tonic and find the staff adequately competent and pleasant. There's a very subtle difference between date-rape bar lighting and actual dive-bar lighting. This place manages to dwell firmly in the dive-bar lighting of the pub-cosmos. Food isn't something I'd urge you to try [specially when there's Sofi's crepes across the street] but hey, it's not the worst either. A high OK that translates into four-stars because three would imply it's not worth a visit or re-visit.
(4)
Cheryl D.
Although I haven't been to the Club Charles in years, it sounds like it is still the best bar in Baltimore. Having spent many weekends at the Club Charles in the late 80's and early 90's, always my favorite bar in Baltimore!
(5)
Kurt I.
I really liked this place. Great atmosphere, good selection of suds, a cute bartender, but no natty bo? Wha? Isn't this Baltimore? Get some if your finest cheap beer on tap please. That is all.
(4)
Lisa P.
Fun night and the bartender upstairs was super friendly. I liked the atmosphere (especially the cool Halloween decor) and the drinks were cheap. Comfy chairs upstairs in the back!
(4)
Brady S.
Came here by myself while I waited for my girlfriend's delayed train to arrive. Lower bar was packed so I went up the short flight of stairs to the top bar, which only one other guy was at. He was talking to the bartender and took a pretty long time for her to recognize that I, her only other patron, had taken a seat. But, she came over, I ordered a Yuengling on draft and she got it for me quick, as one could expect. The price was nice ($3.30), but it was awkward when proceeded to wait for me to pay her right then and there. I guess that's protocol for someone who sits down at a bar alone (loser-style), since opening up a tab rollin' solo is probably rare...but I wouldn't know. Overall, besides my awkward solo beer drinking experience, the atmosphere was interesting and energetic, despite sitting at an elevated, secluded bar. Nice prices, nice environment. I'd come back again. Disclaimer - there was some interesting people there, I think pregaming for a show at a theater next door that seemed to be affiliated with the bar.
(4)
Sam P.
Good dive bar, normally my first stop in a bar crawl.
(4)
Richard L.
How can you not give the club charles 5 stars? Are you a monster? Can you only achieve and maintain an erection while listening to a blended symphony of seals being beaten, children being denied ice cream, and hipsters complaining about their record collection? Are you a shitbag? Do you sit around at night, using facebook on your fucking iphone 4S, making snarky comments on your friends's posts? "Oh, he posted a picture of a hamburger. Dislike, because I'm vegan, and obviously I'm morally superior and not someone that deserves a punch to my anaemic and iron-deficient cock on a daily basis." Oh, you don't like the chill with your friends in a comfy dive and have drinks and totally, you know, enjoy people's company and laugh in real time. Oh, ok, you're a shitbag. I can understand if you gave it 4 stars. Maybe you were drunk, and couldn't remember how awesome the bartenders are, or how good the drinks are. Maybe you forgot that they carry chartreuse and know how to make excellent drinks with it. Maybe you are so used to 1 dollar beers(you are probably from pittsburgh you fucking steelers fan) and a 2 dollar natty boh is just...you can't even comprehend it with your feeble and incapacitated brain. I don't know, I love good drinks and 2 dollar beers and getting boozy without getting woozy. 3 stars, though...what is going through your feeble mind? What gets five stars from you for a bar? Does your favorite bar have automatic dick sucking machines under the counter - something that looks like the sarlacc(bang, return of the jedi bitches) that undulates as it brings you to the cusp of perfection, maximizing your pleasure with mechanical, german efficiency? Does your bar have Jay-Z just walk in and he's all like "oh hey how you doin girl" and then beyonce comes in with her baby and her baby fucking tends bar and tweets about that shit and then makes a tumblr called "baby blue bartending" or something like that? Jay-Z presses his warm hand on your shoulder smelling faintly of cocoa and the Juun J cologne from six scents and he says "this is the greatest day in your life, but it is just average to me. I will always remember the disparity of our recollections" and then you weep golden tears that turn into diamonds when they hit the floor? Probably not, you jerk offs. If that is your bar though...seriously, call me.
(5)
Rachel F.
Dive bar, Shmive Bar. Club Charles, or "Club Chuck" as I like to say, makes frequent appearances in my weekly bar rotation. Not because the drinks are cheap-ish (even thought I can never figure out the deals or promos for the day), or because there is surprisingly good food (try their pizza or nachos), but because of one, glowing, life force tucked away inside the bar. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the jukebox. Whether it's Fleetwood Mac, my favorite Baltimore band, or an artist I'm not cool enough to know about yet, it's there.
(4)
Nick B.
Quintessential Baltimore "scene" bar/hang out. Cheap and BIG drinks, cute hip waitresses, and cool funky retro style. Could use some cleaning, but definitely worth grabbing a drink here!
(4)
Lauren S.
It's hard for me to really find a problem with this place. It's a good bar. Don't know about the food (never had it) but the drinks are strong and cheap, so what more can you ask for?
(4)
Peter F.
Maybe I don't understand this word "gastropub" that I hear tossed around by foodie sorts. Maybe this is how they're supposed to work- high prices, iffy-at-best food, and awful service. But wow, was this place a letdown! I went here for food, which I guess is frowned upon, even though their website makes a big deal about the non-booze element of this place. When I got there and asked the bartender/waitress (only one, who looked to be about 22 and really unhappy to be there), where I should sit if I were to get food, she responded as if she didn't work there and didn't know why I was asking her. A long time later, we get menus. Menus read "ask about our specials" and "ask about our homemade deserts". Being the enthusiastic out of towner I am, I asked about both and got this response from the ray of sunshine that was our server: "Uhhhh...some kind of turkey...thing. And we don't do vegan desserts anymore." Ooook. I looked for a cheap item on the not-so-cheap menu, and got the vegan chili with cornbread, which arrived barely warm with nachos instead of cornbread, and no warning about the switch. My date got the spinach and artichoke dip, which was reportedly mediocre at best. We asked for the check, and she came by the the table with paper, but held on to the paper and said "Oh..yer total is $18.95" and walked away. I'm no food service expert, but I thought it was pretty customary to like... see your bill. Maybe even get it face down for discretion. Not here. I followed her back to the bar, asked if I could pay by credit card, and did. $20 for a soup and an apetizer, both kinda bland, from a dive bar with some seriously bad service. The only thing saving this place from a one star rating was the decor (kinda nice!) and the hipster eyecandy (I can't help myself) that arrived later. But wow. Serious diappointment.
(2)
Judy C.
Love love love the place! Nice drinks...good crowd (yes, I'm a little hipster-esque)...great music...awesome decor! The bartender is also very friendly. I guess with the loss of Zodiac (for food...RIP), Club Charles now serves food (although I haven't tried it yet). If I were to go hang out at a bar, then I'd definitely consider Club Charles first.
(5)
Marshall L.
This place is pure, 100% Baltimore. Great atmosphere and great people. Even if you're a stuck-up DC snob who came in here and decided to never come back, it wouldn't be because anyone treated you poorly. You get a wide range of people who visit this place and I think just about every kind of Baltimore person (save for the type who likes the bars in Canton), will find something to love here.
(5)
Tony M.
And in conclusion.... I really used to love Club Charles. It is the only decent bar in town with Tom Waits in the jukebox, the Bar Staff is always pretty cool, and I have had tons of good times. I only say I used to love it, because it got a little too hipster for me. And if there is one thing that ruins a good time it's a stinky hipster. Not all hipsters, just the annoying ones, or the ones who refuse to use deodorant. Which equates to around 72% of all known hipsters. The food at Club Charles in the past was pretty amazing for a divey bar. The Zodiac (R.I.P.) was my favorite restaurant in Baltimore until it closed down a few years ago. In my opinion it was because of bad management. Numerous times when going to see movies at the Charles Theater, I had to walk up to the door of Zodiac and try to open it, because you could never tell if it was open or not. This restaurant management 101. They can blame the city fro having the street torn up for 2 years all they want, but even when the street was fine, you could never tell if the place was open. It's a real shame because it was a great restaurant. Anyway... Club Charles uses the same kitchen and last time I was there, the same cooks as Zodiac did. The pizza is fantastic. I am giving Club Charles 5 stars because if it is what you are looking for, it is a great bar, and if you have never been to it, it is a must see for the city.
(5)
Elizabeth B.
Either the drinks here are stupid cheap, or our bartender last Thursday knocked AT LEAST a round off our tab. Whichever one is true, it made a fan of me. I've since decided that the Charles is what The Depot sorta used to be, and still wishes really hard it was. Only nicer. And with cuter bartenders. She gave us advice on tattoos, and she made us really strong and really yummy Red Apple Ketel One martinis. It was a quiet night, even once the hour grew late enough for a crowd. And there was some terrible thumpy music happening a couple doors down, but it's a great chill place to hang out. The only thing it's missing is a decent dance night, though the jukebox had some seriously awesome old stuff on it, once people started to feed it. Oh, and be careful if you duck outside for a cigarette or breath of fresh air, you're likely to get hit up for change by a random possibly drunk homeless woman who will totally yell at you if you don't give her the ten in your wallet. Not that I know from experience or anything.
(4)
Rachel E.
I'm basically just going to copy and paste my review for 'The Depot' for 'Club Charles', just changing a few keywords because my review is almost exactly the same. Yay, it's review mad libs. I think I've been here maybe 3 times and only once did I have a semi-decent time with the aide of excessive amounts of alcohol. I don't necessarily blame the entire bar for that but still. The first time someone invited me I approached the door and almost turned around and ran all the way back to my car. In retrospect I wish I had. I recall the drinks got me drunk, but I really don't go out just to drink. I drink so I can socialize more easily and feel less awkward when I dance and this not a place to dance. Maybe if you were alone or there were 5 other people here, which was the case I believe every time I went here. I've honestly had bedrooms that were bigger than this entire bar, not that bars need to be big. Baltimore nightlife really sucks, there are douche clubs (Power Plant area) and um... places to get drunk at. I guess this is a place to get drunk at? It has a lonely, heartbreak hotel, dive bar that has been lost in time vibe to it which I suppose could be appealing... The people are usually clannish, not speaking to anyone but the people they came with, and goat help you if you're single, everyone is too busy being up their own donkey to talk to anyone new. It sounds asinine but this place feels so sad, I even feel like slitting my wrists just reminiscing about it. The decor is dark and twisted which I actually liked and I don't really recall the music they played since I was talking to my "friend" the whole time. Oh, this was years ago by the way when I went here.
(2)
Eva C.
Great dive bar in Baltimore! It's all the better because it carries Stone IPA all the time. Even better, the walk between here to anywhere else has cleaned up a bit in the last few years. The only thing that I haven't liked in this bar were the nachos (disappointing and didn't kick my craving!).
(4)
Jonathan G.
I like Club Charles, I really do. The inside is dark, the feeling is seedy but hipster-y, and I've been there more often while John Waters was having a drink than when he wasn't. The beer selection is slightly above average, and the service is great, and it's a good hangout before or after a flick at The Charles. That said, the food menu isn't really anything worthwhile, and I feel like I've tried quite a few things. The hours also leave a lot to be desired - I've walked across the street from the movies for a beer, and they've been closed, and this was around 4 or 4:30pm. It's definitely a place everyone who lives in Baltimore should visit, and the atmosphere is fantastic - a good mix of all kinds of personalities and styles.
(3)
Samantha P.
Relatively cheap drinks (they always have some sort of semi-secret special) and always a good atmosphere. Don't come here expecting pristine bar stools and clean bathrooms -- it's dark, hipstery, and low-key, which is what makes it wonderful. Best parts: the jukebox and the red lighting. Any time I pass a bar with red lighting, it always reminds me of this place. Good location, close to Penn Station, Charles Theater, Sofi's Crepes, and Metro Gallery.
(4)
Jacqueline S.
Solid jukebox, relatively diverse crowd (albeit still consistently young adults with beards and lefty political perspectives) and well-priced drinks.
(4)
Cheryl K.
I'm a Midtown resident, and when I'm looking to drink in my area, I have two go-to places: Brewers Art (for when I'm feeling "fancy") and Club Charles (when I'm craving hard liquor and grime). At the risk of sounding like an alcoholic, when I'm bored I fantasize about giving Club Charles a visit and knocking back a few sharp, salty martinis. I can't say too much about their food, although I did eat a few bites of a friend's gnocchi once. Mind blowing. Then again, that may have been the martinis. Anyway, enough about me and damn martinis. The place is dark, red, and awesome. I always hear some great music and overhear awesome conversations about music/art/culture/philosophy. There's two bars, one by the entrance and the other is up a few steps towards the back. I've been here on Friday and Saturday nights and it's never been too crowded. The drinks are pretty inexpensive and the bartenders have always been friendly. The area is a bit sketchy if you're usually a Fells Point/Canton/Federal Hill drinker, but it is across from the equally awesome Charles Theater and Sofi's Crepes and Tapas Teatro.
(5)
blahbla h.
Club Chuck is the coolest bar I went to in Baltimore. I don't live in Baltimore, so I'm probably not the greatest reviewer. However, I have fond memories from visiting friends there.
(5)
Bria D.
Ah, Club Charles. You and your trapeze delivered some of the few bright spots of my Baltimorean tenure. I'd come visit you on a Friday night, cram myself into your teeming throngs, be bathed in red lighting, order a Manhattan, and listen to music that I'd actually want to hear. There were times when I'd go by and the crowd would be completely dead (once in the heat of summer when your air conditioner was broken, but other times unexplained). The barstaff seemed friendly but I never really got the opportunity to befriend them because Baltimore's version of hipster boys were all throwing their nonchalant fervor into trying to woo them at once. I can't recommend Club Charles as a non-stop all the time extravaganza of fun. But it's head and shoulders above most of the local competition.
(4)
Sarah F.
I can't believe there is only one review for Club Chuck! This one of the best bars in Baltimore. It is has a very cool atmosphere (very art deco, 1930's black & red furniture, lots of murals), friendly bartenders, and good drinks. Don't be suprised if you see John Waters here, this place is a Baltimore staple. Barry Levinson actually filmed scenes for his 1999 movie "Liberty Heights" in this bar. And if you get hungry just walk next door to Zodiac, the food is awesome and cheap too
(5)
Deon R.
This bar is great as far as location since I don't have to go too far from home and then its surrounded by a lot of other places you can eat and find amusement at(Charles Theatre). Besides location its a great bar to chill and socialize. Weather its after a play or movie across the street or you just came to hang out the atmosphere is very comfortable, dim, yet cheerful. I've also enjoyed great customer service from the bartenders as they are so nice. Food is ok too when you don't want to drink on an empty stomach. Drink specials through out the week can tend to give you a favorite night to come through, but on just about any night there are fun, interesting crowd of people to greet you.
(4)
Mark M.
This was one of my favorite places in Baltimore when I lived there. Good tunes, good crowd, good vibe, strong drinks, cute waitstaff, dark corners and cozy booths (great for making out with random strangers). All that and a trapeze act. It's pretty much the perfect bar.
(5)
Bradley M.
From 1995-2000, when i lived in Baltimore, this was by FAR my favorite bar to hang at. So please note I haven't been there for some time, so if there have been any major changes or a decline in quality I do not know of it. They have(had?) a fine selection of cute bartenders, who were both very skilled and extremely friendly. The atmosphere is warm and lounge like, it was always a very comfortable place to be. They also have (had?) a great jukebox. I hope this place is as good as the many memories my friends and I have shared there!
(5)
Scott K.
Good times! Nough said. Party it up and drink losers. Ha! Ha!
(4)
Mike C.
If you are sick of Baltimore and would like to pretend you are somewhere else, in the afternoon Club Charles is a nice escape. Unlike most other "dive" bars in Baltimore it does not reek of an unknown organic mixture and the label "where smart people meet" confuses most of the general population long enough for you to get a few good drinking hours in before they find you. The jukebox is a good example of why its not good to trust a scenesters taste in drinking music. As you scroll from cherry-poppin-daddies to cliche hip-hop/hair metal mixes past terrible comps from current and past bartenders, through the ever-worn best of's Queen, VU, Pulp, Stones, and come to a panel that says "Vampire Weekend," its clear that creating a good jukebox is more than lights, bubbles and a reliance on what everyone else is listening to. Yet I still give it my money and pretend the draft beers are cold enough while I wait for the best duck entree in the city to keep me company. The bars high ceilings and dark atmosphere make it easy to breathe and drink.... and breathe.... and drink.
(4)
Lee M.
A little too expensive, considering its pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, but it has its charm. Good music, comfortable booths, and a "unique" crowd make it worth coming back to but I could do without the neo-beatnick hipster doofi that somethimes plague the front bar.
(3)
Mike W.
It's where you go for drinks before/after a movie at the Charles Theater if you don't want to pay a million dollars at tapas teatro. They have a captive audience yet the drinks are still reasonable cheap. The juke box is great and I'm told the food isn't half bad either. Though, if it's the same as the old Zodiac restaurant next store, it's fair to middling and reasonable for the price.
(4)
sidney m.
The homebase for Baltimore's dirty hipsters. Be prepared to encounter attitude. Preferred clothing is either an all black ensemble, or subtly paint spattered t-shirt and jeans to display that you are an aspiring artist. NPR listening, republican hating, bisexual posing, slumming it former suburbanites at their finest. Very good jukebox, and good reliable bartenders. How it will survive after the smoking ban is anyone's guess. Overall, quite amusing.
(3)
Natalie F.
Pretty cool place to get a drink and hang out before going to the Depot for an 80's dance party. Don't be surprised if no one talks to you though because they are pretentious art assholes.
(3)
Christie S.
I wish Club Charles were more of a dive. I think I would like it more. I like the fact that they have a lot of indie bands and 70's punk on the juke box, but the crowd can be way to pretentious and hipster for me. I want drunks and tweaked out people from Club Charles like it used to be. Now the drafts are a dollar more than they used to be and artsy wannabes make up most of the population who frequent this bar. Ugggh. And they are probably all vegetarian. Last time I was there this asshole at the bar with a flock of seagulls/fall out boy haircut, girls jeans, and a hello kitty tattoo kept elbowing me. It's all I could do from setting his greasy do on fire. And they just keep getting worse. I am giving it four stars because well, I keep going there for some reason. I try only to go when there are no art openings at that metro art place. Because then, the crowd is truly insufferable.
(4)
Takaki K.
They have a very nice atmosphere inside that I don't just want to call it dive. Eclectic, decadent, hip, dive, each of these words describes part of its feel. I may as well give up categorizing it because the bartender in a mistress dress did tricks on the swing over the bar. Duh. I like this place. It's across from the movie theater so it's a good place to get a drink when waiting for the show time and the pretentious tapas place is full.
(4)
Marshall L.
This place is pure, 100% Baltimore. Great atmosphere and great people. Even if you're a stuck-up DC snob who came in here and decided to never come back, it wouldn't be because anyone treated you poorly. You get a wide range of people who visit this place and I think just about every kind of Baltimore person (save for the type who likes the bars in Canton), will find something to love here.
(5)
Bria D.
Ah, Club Charles. You and your trapeze delivered some of the few bright spots of my Baltimorean tenure. I'd come visit you on a Friday night, cram myself into your teeming throngs, be bathed in red lighting, order a Manhattan, and listen to music that I'd actually want to hear. There were times when I'd go by and the crowd would be completely dead (once in the heat of summer when your air conditioner was broken, but other times unexplained). The barstaff seemed friendly but I never really got the opportunity to befriend them because Baltimore's version of hipster boys were all throwing their nonchalant fervor into trying to woo them at once. I can't recommend Club Charles as a non-stop all the time extravaganza of fun. But it's head and shoulders above most of the local competition.
(4)
Sarah F.
I can't believe there is only one review for Club Chuck! This one of the best bars in Baltimore. It is has a very cool atmosphere (very art deco, 1930's black & red furniture, lots of murals), friendly bartenders, and good drinks. Don't be suprised if you see John Waters here, this place is a Baltimore staple. Barry Levinson actually filmed scenes for his 1999 movie "Liberty Heights" in this bar. And if you get hungry just walk next door to Zodiac, the food is awesome and cheap too
(5)
Scott K.
Good times! Nough said. Party it up and drink losers. Ha! Ha!
(4)
Richard L.
How can you not give the club charles 5 stars? Are you a monster? Can you only achieve and maintain an erection while listening to a blended symphony of seals being beaten, children being denied ice cream, and hipsters complaining about their record collection? Are you a shitbag? Do you sit around at night, using facebook on your fucking iphone 4S, making snarky comments on your friends's posts? "Oh, he posted a picture of a hamburger. Dislike, because I'm vegan, and obviously I'm morally superior and not someone that deserves a punch to my anaemic and iron-deficient cock on a daily basis." Oh, you don't like the chill with your friends in a comfy dive and have drinks and totally, you know, enjoy people's company and laugh in real time. Oh, ok, you're a shitbag. I can understand if you gave it 4 stars. Maybe you were drunk, and couldn't remember how awesome the bartenders are, or how good the drinks are. Maybe you forgot that they carry chartreuse and know how to make excellent drinks with it. Maybe you are so used to 1 dollar beers(you are probably from pittsburgh you fucking steelers fan) and a 2 dollar natty boh is just...you can't even comprehend it with your feeble and incapacitated brain. I don't know, I love good drinks and 2 dollar beers and getting boozy without getting woozy. 3 stars, though...what is going through your feeble mind? What gets five stars from you for a bar? Does your favorite bar have automatic dick sucking machines under the counter - something that looks like the sarlacc(bang, return of the jedi bitches) that undulates as it brings you to the cusp of perfection, maximizing your pleasure with mechanical, german efficiency? Does your bar have Jay-Z just walk in and he's all like "oh hey how you doin girl" and then beyonce comes in with her baby and her baby fucking tends bar and tweets about that shit and then makes a tumblr called "baby blue bartending" or something like that? Jay-Z presses his warm hand on your shoulder smelling faintly of cocoa and the Juun J cologne from six scents and he says "this is the greatest day in your life, but it is just average to me. I will always remember the disparity of our recollections" and then you weep golden tears that turn into diamonds when they hit the floor? Probably not, you jerk offs. If that is your bar though...seriously, call me.
(5)
Rachel F.
Dive bar, Shmive Bar. Club Charles, or "Club Chuck" as I like to say, makes frequent appearances in my weekly bar rotation. Not because the drinks are cheap-ish (even thought I can never figure out the deals or promos for the day), or because there is surprisingly good food (try their pizza or nachos), but because of one, glowing, life force tucked away inside the bar. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the jukebox. Whether it's Fleetwood Mac, my favorite Baltimore band, or an artist I'm not cool enough to know about yet, it's there.
(4)
Nick B.
Quintessential Baltimore "scene" bar/hang out. Cheap and BIG drinks, cute hip waitresses, and cool funky retro style. Could use some cleaning, but definitely worth grabbing a drink here!
(4)
Lauren S.
It's hard for me to really find a problem with this place. It's a good bar. Don't know about the food (never had it) but the drinks are strong and cheap, so what more can you ask for?
(4)
Peter F.
Maybe I don't understand this word "gastropub" that I hear tossed around by foodie sorts. Maybe this is how they're supposed to work- high prices, iffy-at-best food, and awful service. But wow, was this place a letdown! I went here for food, which I guess is frowned upon, even though their website makes a big deal about the non-booze element of this place. When I got there and asked the bartender/waitress (only one, who looked to be about 22 and really unhappy to be there), where I should sit if I were to get food, she responded as if she didn't work there and didn't know why I was asking her. A long time later, we get menus. Menus read "ask about our specials" and "ask about our homemade deserts". Being the enthusiastic out of towner I am, I asked about both and got this response from the ray of sunshine that was our server: "Uhhhh...some kind of turkey...thing. And we don't do vegan desserts anymore." Ooook. I looked for a cheap item on the not-so-cheap menu, and got the vegan chili with cornbread, which arrived barely warm with nachos instead of cornbread, and no warning about the switch. My date got the spinach and artichoke dip, which was reportedly mediocre at best. We asked for the check, and she came by the the table with paper, but held on to the paper and said "Oh..yer total is $18.95" and walked away. I'm no food service expert, but I thought it was pretty customary to like... see your bill. Maybe even get it face down for discretion. Not here. I followed her back to the bar, asked if I could pay by credit card, and did. $20 for a soup and an apetizer, both kinda bland, from a dive bar with some seriously bad service. The only thing saving this place from a one star rating was the decor (kinda nice!) and the hipster eyecandy (I can't help myself) that arrived later. But wow. Serious diappointment.
(2)
Judy C.
Love love love the place! Nice drinks...good crowd (yes, I'm a little hipster-esque)...great music...awesome decor! The bartender is also very friendly. I guess with the loss of Zodiac (for food...RIP), Club Charles now serves food (although I haven't tried it yet). If I were to go hang out at a bar, then I'd definitely consider Club Charles first.
(5)
Mo A.
Great bar with low priced drinks and a great atmosphere. The jukebox needs some work, but the space is great for group socialiIng and debaucherous libation. It is often my first stop after getting off the train since it is so close to Penn Station.
(4)
Samantha P.
Relatively cheap drinks (they always have some sort of semi-secret special) and always a good atmosphere. Don't come here expecting pristine bar stools and clean bathrooms -- it's dark, hipstery, and low-key, which is what makes it wonderful. Best parts: the jukebox and the red lighting. Any time I pass a bar with red lighting, it always reminds me of this place. Good location, close to Penn Station, Charles Theater, Sofi's Crepes, and Metro Gallery.
(4)
Tony M.
And in conclusion.... I really used to love Club Charles. It is the only decent bar in town with Tom Waits in the jukebox, the Bar Staff is always pretty cool, and I have had tons of good times. I only say I used to love it, because it got a little too hipster for me. And if there is one thing that ruins a good time it's a stinky hipster. Not all hipsters, just the annoying ones, or the ones who refuse to use deodorant. Which equates to around 72% of all known hipsters. The food at Club Charles in the past was pretty amazing for a divey bar. The Zodiac (R.I.P.) was my favorite restaurant in Baltimore until it closed down a few years ago. In my opinion it was because of bad management. Numerous times when going to see movies at the Charles Theater, I had to walk up to the door of Zodiac and try to open it, because you could never tell if it was open or not. This restaurant management 101. They can blame the city fro having the street torn up for 2 years all they want, but even when the street was fine, you could never tell if the place was open. It's a real shame because it was a great restaurant. Anyway... Club Charles uses the same kitchen and last time I was there, the same cooks as Zodiac did. The pizza is fantastic. I am giving Club Charles 5 stars because if it is what you are looking for, it is a great bar, and if you have never been to it, it is a must see for the city.
(5)
Elizabeth B.
Either the drinks here are stupid cheap, or our bartender last Thursday knocked AT LEAST a round off our tab. Whichever one is true, it made a fan of me. I've since decided that the Charles is what The Depot sorta used to be, and still wishes really hard it was. Only nicer. And with cuter bartenders. She gave us advice on tattoos, and she made us really strong and really yummy Red Apple Ketel One martinis. It was a quiet night, even once the hour grew late enough for a crowd. And there was some terrible thumpy music happening a couple doors down, but it's a great chill place to hang out. The only thing it's missing is a decent dance night, though the jukebox had some seriously awesome old stuff on it, once people started to feed it. Oh, and be careful if you duck outside for a cigarette or breath of fresh air, you're likely to get hit up for change by a random possibly drunk homeless woman who will totally yell at you if you don't give her the ten in your wallet. Not that I know from experience or anything.
(4)
C B.
A pretty hip spot! While it isn't exactly my "style", Club Charles is an interesting enough place that I would bring a friend who likes to drink out here. I wish I took more pictures because the ones posted here really don't give you a great idea of what the place feels like. You do have to like red neon though. The reason why I have given this place 5-stars is because the place exudes an unpretentious swankiness with absurdly low drink prices...this combination creates an unparalleled bang-for-the-buck value. The barmaid who served us was witty and sassy. Although my friends didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I still rate it perfect.
(5)
Jen K.
Oh, Club Charles. Or "The Chuck" as some like to say. This is a typical dive bar with a hipster-vibe. The bartenders have never been particularly friendly or attentive, but there's still something I like about it and I'm not sure why. Whenever I first step in, I chuckle a bit on the inside. I think this feeling will last as long as I don't go more than twice...okay, maybe once...a month. They offer one cider, comes in a bottle, I believe it's strongbow.
(3)
Alex B.
Club Charles is definitely a dive spot, but it is still one of my favorite bars in Baltimore. Great, cheap drinks, fun music and a lot of different seating areas. The bathrooms are kind of gross, but the rest of the great parts of this bar far outweigh the less than clean restrooms. I lived in Baltimore for four years, and I cannot recall one time when my friends and I were bored here.
(4)
Michael H.
Our favorite dive bar in Baltimore.. Strong drinks and good music.. What more can u ask for?
(5)
Elizabeth J.
Club Chuck is a great place to go drown your sorrows. Lots of room, central to the movie theater, train station and close to all of the good stuff on North Av. This is typically where I end my Saturday nights. Typical Baltimore bar scene for better or worse.
(4)
Jenn H.
I lived a about a block away from Club Charles for about two years before I moved to Denver...and it was one of my favorite places to hang out in the city. It's dark, sometimes crowded, with decent music, okay food, strong drinks, and, almost always, a diverse crowd. But, really, I always loved seeing the bartenders. They're always so friendly and attentive. I've spent way too much money at this place...
(5)
A. C.
Location is ideal for the 2nd date trifecta: dinner (Tapas Teatro); movie (Charles Theater); drinks, if all is going well (Club Charles). Pretty stiff drinks, usually at room temp (they seem to have an aversion to ice), at pretty reasonable prices, but also hard to come by (service is disaffected and will hostily ignore you). You might feel like you're not hip enough to be here and there's no one here who will disagree. Surfaces are sticky, vibe is divey. If you're lucky, you might get to spill a drink on John Waters.
(3)
Vlad G.
A legit dive, my favorite thus far in Baltimore, and I love that it's positioned as a sort of outpost on the frontier of "urban civilization" aka it feels a bit sketchy a few blocks up Charles. Totally unpretentious, solid juke box, too.
(5)
Kt H.
The ambiance here is awesome! $2.50 Ballantines tonight, which is an awesome deal. The bartender is amazingly friendly and the clientele is as warm as the bar itself. Definitely recommend for a low key night out!!
(5)
Alison Q.
This place reminded me of home (Brooklyn). It's your quintessential hipster dive joint. I approve.
(4)
Caleb L.
I go to this bar so often that my phone started trying auto-correct the word "chick" to "chuck" (if you get what I mean) I could go on and on about how cute the bartenders are, but the really important part is how dependably nice they are. I've gone to plenty of other places where the bartenders are occasionally tired, visibly spent, and a little bit grouchy... that's human. But at Club Charles you are greeted with a big friendly smile 100% of the time. I'll also give an "amen" to the reviews mentioning the good prices and good jukebox. The one slight downside to Club Charles is that it's not really the kind of place where you introduce yourself to a stranger. It's not impossible, but most of the crowd there is inclined to stick to the circle of friends they know/showed up with.
(5)
Sara J.
Love the vibe, but wish they were more consistent with the music. That's such a big part of a bar's atmosphere, but the reliance on the Jukebox can make it overly stiff if no one is fronting the expense. Like how red it is, and great location
(4)
Laura F.
I came to Club Charles during a recent trip to Baltimore. I loved this place, what else can I say! I loved the darkness, the red lights, the chairs, the crowd, the music, even the bathroom graffiti. The bartender was very friendly. If I lived in Baltimore, I would hang out here all the time.
(5)
Bradley M.
From 1995-2000, when i lived in Baltimore, this was by FAR my favorite bar to hang at. So please note I haven't been there for some time, so if there have been any major changes or a decline in quality I do not know of it. They have(had?) a fine selection of cute bartenders, who were both very skilled and extremely friendly. The atmosphere is warm and lounge like, it was always a very comfortable place to be. They also have (had?) a great jukebox. I hope this place is as good as the many memories my friends and I have shared there!
(5)
J. M.
Stereotypical [not used in as a pejorative] dive-bar that would be good to use as an illustrative example of what a dive-bar is, if you were ever to have a guest from another part of the world where dive-bars aren't "a thing." I often drop in after I've seen a film at The Charles for a bombay tonic and find the staff adequately competent and pleasant. There's a very subtle difference between date-rape bar lighting and actual dive-bar lighting. This place manages to dwell firmly in the dive-bar lighting of the pub-cosmos. Food isn't something I'd urge you to try [specially when there's Sofi's crepes across the street] but hey, it's not the worst either. A high OK that translates into four-stars because three would imply it's not worth a visit or re-visit.
(4)
Cheryl D.
Although I haven't been to the Club Charles in years, it sounds like it is still the best bar in Baltimore. Having spent many weekends at the Club Charles in the late 80's and early 90's, always my favorite bar in Baltimore!
(5)
Kurt I.
I really liked this place. Great atmosphere, good selection of suds, a cute bartender, but no natty bo? Wha? Isn't this Baltimore? Get some if your finest cheap beer on tap please. That is all.
(4)
Kristin S.
I would like to get a shirt made that just says "Club Chuck" on it and wear it 24/7. And when people would ask me about the meaning of my shirt, I would say that it's to pay homage to one of the best, most understated bars in Baltimore. You might be saying to yourself: dude, come on. This place looks creepy on the outside and there's a good chance I'll get robbed on North Avenue. And what do I say to that? If you're thinking about that, you don't understand this bar. It's not supposed to be glamorous, it's not supposed to be trendy. It has character and with great bartenders and prices to boot, you should just savor the ambiance. Club Chuck has trapeze artists, for Christ's sake. +50 right there! This bar isn't for everyone but for those regulars and understanding folks out there, you know how cool this place is. Think of it like a 'Cheers'--- except everyone might not know your name and yeah, you might get jumped out on North Ave. But psshhh, details.
(5)
john f.
I have been going here for 20 years now. Although I don't spend a lot time in bars these days, this will always be one of my favorite Baltimore Haunts.
(5)
sidney m.
The homebase for Baltimore's dirty hipsters. Be prepared to encounter attitude. Preferred clothing is either an all black ensemble, or subtly paint spattered t-shirt and jeans to display that you are an aspiring artist. NPR listening, republican hating, bisexual posing, slumming it former suburbanites at their finest. Very good jukebox, and good reliable bartenders. How it will survive after the smoking ban is anyone's guess. Overall, quite amusing.
(3)
Natalie F.
Pretty cool place to get a drink and hang out before going to the Depot for an 80's dance party. Don't be surprised if no one talks to you though because they are pretentious art assholes.
(3)
Michelle K.
You know what, Baltimore bars are not bad at all. Baltimore food sucks, but you can't really rip on the bar scene aside from the 1:30 last call. I used to live right by here, so I'd come here all the time. Now I live in Hampden, and I still come here all the time. (Not a fan of Hampden bars and the affectations of Rocket to Venus or Golden West. ESPECIALLY not a fan of their prices.) Club Charles is awesome on Sunday nights when it's dead and it's still awesome when it's completely packed on a Friday night with a show at the Zodiac next door. The bartenders are always so nice and friendly despite the crowds hovering at every end of the bar waiting for a drink or their tab, so I will drink a mixed drink that's sometimes a little too strong. Next time I'll order a $3 Yuengling off the draft. And most of the times they have total babes working behind the bar. The barback with glasses is totally awesome dude too. Also, Sunday nights are "Shipwreck Sundays" so it's $2 Red Stripes and $3 rum drinks. The only downfall is that it's so dark and red inside that you can't really tell who's a girl or a guy. I like it though, because I think the darkness lends itself to the attitude of not-giving-a-shit. I don't see why all these "artsy" pretentious assholes bother some of the other reviewers when you can't really see or hear them anyway. Either way it's the bar atmosphere I prefer the most, especially in comparison to Brewer's or Dionysis or anything in Hampden.
(5)
Sarah B.
I remember coming here quite late in the night, and all I remember about it was saying the walls look like a vagina. This was several months ago, so I don't know if that was accurate at all. I guess I'll have to go back and see on my next trip to B-More. It must have been fun, though, if that's all I can remember.
(4)
Deon R.
This bar is great as far as location since I don't have to go too far from home and then its surrounded by a lot of other places you can eat and find amusement at(Charles Theatre). Besides location its a great bar to chill and socialize. Weather its after a play or movie across the street or you just came to hang out the atmosphere is very comfortable, dim, yet cheerful. I've also enjoyed great customer service from the bartenders as they are so nice. Food is ok too when you don't want to drink on an empty stomach. Drink specials through out the week can tend to give you a favorite night to come through, but on just about any night there are fun, interesting crowd of people to greet you.
(4)
Mark M.
This was one of my favorite places in Baltimore when I lived there. Good tunes, good crowd, good vibe, strong drinks, cute waitstaff, dark corners and cozy booths (great for making out with random strangers). All that and a trapeze act. It's pretty much the perfect bar.
(5)
Rumen K.
Big jukebox request: Please add the greatest hits of ABBA ! Thank You !
(5)
Lauren S.
Fun bar that's "divey" in a good way! The service was great. I went over with my friend before a show. We were also able to get our tarot cards read for fun, just leave a tip! All around fun experience.
(5)
Kelsey V.
If you have a vertical drivers license, you will not be let in. Even if you are 23. Apparently the place is a good place to go but if you have a vertical ID, don't even try to get in. This makes zero sense to me.
(1)
Katie H.
I love Club Charles. It has become my favorite bar in Baltimore hands down. The atmosphere alone is reason to go. They have these great Art Deco murals on the walls. I almost feel like they belong on the cover of an Ayn Rand novel. If you think about them too hard they can be a little creepy, but I love them. There is also a jukebox in the corner that plays mostly 70s and 80s albums. Good picks in my opinion. I usually go on week nights, so I'm not sure how busy it gets on Friday or Saturday, but for me it never gets too crowded.
(5)
Keith K.
As a long time aficionado of dive bars, Club Charles is right up there in my national top ten. It's got everything a good dive bar needs, friendly bartenders, cheap/strong drinks, an eclectic jukebox (from Dusty Springfield to The Clash and back again) and lighting low enuf to hide all the facade flaws, dirty corners and broken furniture. There's the main, downstairs bar, and on busy nights an equal sized upstairs bar. It's located in a cool neighbourhood as well with lots of good places to eat nearby and nice city walking, if you should so desire. My only complaint was about the music, not that it was bad, but that it was nonexistent when I first got there. Just a dozen or so early drinkers and NO tunes. When I asked the bartender about it, she said that they just waited till patrons got tired of no music and ponied up for the jukebox themselves. This is a mistake bar owner, whoever you are, you should most surely splurge the few bucks it takes to get the clientele to start buying songs. A good dive bar without music is just a sad bar. As for all the so-called John Waters sightings, nope never seen him here, but if I do, I will definitely ask him about his solo cross country hitchhiking experience. Oh John, you rebel.
(5)
Laura Lee T.
Club Chuck is bar none (Haha! Get it? "Bar" none? Because it's, well, you know...) my favorite bar in Baltimore. Actually, it was the first bar I visited in the city after moving here from Portland and six months and about six dozen bars later, it's still my favorite. The atmosphere is cozy, dark and divey. The clientele is pretty diverse and apparently includes John Waters. They have a great jukebox and the bartenders here are all really sweet and genuinely happy to see you when you visit. The tap beer selection is pretty small, but good. They at least have Loose Cannon IPA on draft. They no longer serve food which would be a huge bummer if it wasn't for Royal Farms' fried chicken, which is pretty much the best drunk food on the planet. It gets a little crowded around nine or ten but if you get there earlier you can sit at the bar, chat with the bartender, do a crossword and play whatever you want at the jukebox--generally for free. (I'm not the only person in the world who does crosswords at the bar, surely.) I've taken to calling it Love Chuck. Let's make a trend here.
(5)
Dianne M.
This place has been around forever and there's a good reason, it's incomparable to any other in Baltimore. I used to frequent this beautiful ruin decades ago in my post punk days. The jukebox is a thing of wonder. There are two floors, two bars, booths with curtains and barstools, but most people stand and mingle. If you want an eclectic mix of people and music this is the place to get it - you'll never know who you'll meet.
(5)
Cheryl K.
I'm a Midtown resident, and when I'm looking to drink in my area, I have two go-to places: Brewers Art (for when I'm feeling "fancy") and Club Charles (when I'm craving hard liquor and grime). At the risk of sounding like an alcoholic, when I'm bored I fantasize about giving Club Charles a visit and knocking back a few sharp, salty martinis. I can't say too much about their food, although I did eat a few bites of a friend's gnocchi once. Mind blowing. Then again, that may have been the martinis. Anyway, enough about me and damn martinis. The place is dark, red, and awesome. I always hear some great music and overhear awesome conversations about music/art/culture/philosophy. There's two bars, one by the entrance and the other is up a few steps towards the back. I've been here on Friday and Saturday nights and it's never been too crowded. The drinks are pretty inexpensive and the bartenders have always been friendly. The area is a bit sketchy if you're usually a Fells Point/Canton/Federal Hill drinker, but it is across from the equally awesome Charles Theater and Sofi's Crepes and Tapas Teatro.
(5)
Jacqueline S.
Solid jukebox, relatively diverse crowd (albeit still consistently young adults with beards and lefty political perspectives) and well-priced drinks.
(4)
blahbla h.
Club Chuck is the coolest bar I went to in Baltimore. I don't live in Baltimore, so I'm probably not the greatest reviewer. However, I have fond memories from visiting friends there.
(5)
Mike C.
If you are sick of Baltimore and would like to pretend you are somewhere else, in the afternoon Club Charles is a nice escape. Unlike most other "dive" bars in Baltimore it does not reek of an unknown organic mixture and the label "where smart people meet" confuses most of the general population long enough for you to get a few good drinking hours in before they find you. The jukebox is a good example of why its not good to trust a scenesters taste in drinking music. As you scroll from cherry-poppin-daddies to cliche hip-hop/hair metal mixes past terrible comps from current and past bartenders, through the ever-worn best of's Queen, VU, Pulp, Stones, and come to a panel that says "Vampire Weekend," its clear that creating a good jukebox is more than lights, bubbles and a reliance on what everyone else is listening to. Yet I still give it my money and pretend the draft beers are cold enough while I wait for the best duck entree in the city to keep me company. The bars high ceilings and dark atmosphere make it easy to breathe and drink.... and breathe.... and drink.
(4)
Lee M.
A little too expensive, considering its pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, but it has its charm. Good music, comfortable booths, and a "unique" crowd make it worth coming back to but I could do without the neo-beatnick hipster doofi that somethimes plague the front bar.
(3)
Christie S.
I wish Club Charles were more of a dive. I think I would like it more. I like the fact that they have a lot of indie bands and 70's punk on the juke box, but the crowd can be way to pretentious and hipster for me. I want drunks and tweaked out people from Club Charles like it used to be. Now the drafts are a dollar more than they used to be and artsy wannabes make up most of the population who frequent this bar. Ugggh. And they are probably all vegetarian. Last time I was there this asshole at the bar with a flock of seagulls/fall out boy haircut, girls jeans, and a hello kitty tattoo kept elbowing me. It's all I could do from setting his greasy do on fire. And they just keep getting worse. I am giving it four stars because well, I keep going there for some reason. I try only to go when there are no art openings at that metro art place. Because then, the crowd is truly insufferable.
(4)
Takaki K.
They have a very nice atmosphere inside that I don't just want to call it dive. Eclectic, decadent, hip, dive, each of these words describes part of its feel. I may as well give up categorizing it because the bartender in a mistress dress did tricks on the swing over the bar. Duh. I like this place. It's across from the movie theater so it's a good place to get a drink when waiting for the show time and the pretentious tapas place is full.
(4)
Mike W.
It's where you go for drinks before/after a movie at the Charles Theater if you don't want to pay a million dollars at tapas teatro. They have a captive audience yet the drinks are still reasonable cheap. The juke box is great and I'm told the food isn't half bad either. Though, if it's the same as the old Zodiac restaurant next store, it's fair to middling and reasonable for the price.
(4)
Incidental M.
My favorite bar of all time. Heavy pours and always a great blend of people. Stellar jukebox and the best bartenders. I've been coming here for many years and it always feels like home. Here's to many more!
(5)
Larry H.
When it comes to Baltimore dive bars, Club Charles (Club "Chuck" if your a local), is arguably the most legendary one of them all. It's also a semi frequent watering hole for Charm City's most celebrated and colorful film director, screenwriter, and actor, John Waters. The most spot on description I've ever heard of Club Charles' interior is "1920s Art Deco meets The Shining"... Deco mural'ed walls, Dimly lit, Red hued lighting, that bathes everyone and everything inside... Red leather booths & chairs... At any moment you kinda expect little Danny Torrance to come running through the bar yelling "Redrum ! Redrum !" But it's also got all the characteristics of a great dive bar. Located in a slightly seedy part of town, cheap but strong drinks, wobbly bar stools, a jukebox with a wide selection from Ray Charles to Dan Deacon, and always friendly bartenders. The size and mix of the crowd seems to depend on the night, it can be anything from artsy film student types to blue collar locals from the neighborhood. But if dive bars are your thing, a single visit to Club Charles will probably be enough to ensure it a spot in your regular rotation of favorite dives.
(4)
Sarah W.
Perfect balance of dive bar and hipster and retro. Service was perfectly solicitous but not too hovercrafty, gin and tonic was fine. Felt totally comfortable there from the minute I walked in.
(5)
Alvin W.
If you're looking for a club that will give you night terrors,in a good way,for the next 40 years,look no further. Baltimores hottest new club is Club Charles. Opened in 2003 by ginger pornstar Charlie Faplin, this club will have you yelling.. "ANGELA?" THIS CLUB HAS EVERYTHING! pee pants music, chum from the goonies,and the grandson of the Taco Bell dog smoking a Newport cigarette. You'll never want to leave this place,and you can't because the doors lock from the outside.
(5)
Nina U.
There is a little nook of a room with 4 - 5 chairs and a little table. You can keep intimate company and all the conversations right outside. It's pretty erie. I'm not sure they all knew that I could hear every word they were saying like they were sitting right next to me but it echos in there. This is a cute little divey bar right near Charles Theatre, Single Carrot Theatre and Teatro Tapas. There's a main bar and then one on the upper level. They may not have Natty Boh, but Miller Lite will do.
(4)
Viv G.
Not bad for a dive. We came here for a drink after dining at Tapas Teatro. As with most dives, very dimly lit, pretty loud, a little dirty, okay drinks at decent prices. The lower level bar was pretty crowded, but the upstairs one was fairly empty. We sat in the tiny red room, which wasn't bad- just a little crowded with 6 people. Some of the beers tasted very watered down or a bit off, but no big deal as they were cheap. The hipster bartenders seemed pretty nice.
(3)
Sam P.
Good dive bar, normally my first stop in a bar crawl.
(4)
K Sera S.
A dive in the best sense of the word. Retro without being kitschy, unpretentious yet hip, Club Charles is a Baltimore institution. And I love the fact that I have to get buzzed in. It makes me feel edgy and seedy! (Yep, I'm just that much of a dork.) Come February 2nd, it'll be smoke-free (as will all bars in B'more), which I have to say will kind of spoil it for me. It's not so much that I'll miss smoking, it's more that I'll miss the vaguely noir touch of a low-hanging fog of second-hand smoke that gave it that, "Yep, this is a dive" feel. I'll get over it! Great place for a pre- or after-movie drink. Interesting Yelp from Christie S. about the influx of art-crowd....
(4)
Rachel E.
I'm basically just going to copy and paste my review for 'The Depot' for 'Club Charles', just changing a few keywords because my review is almost exactly the same. Yay, it's review mad libs. I think I've been here maybe 3 times and only once did I have a semi-decent time with the aide of excessive amounts of alcohol. I don't necessarily blame the entire bar for that but still. The first time someone invited me I approached the door and almost turned around and ran all the way back to my car. In retrospect I wish I had. I recall the drinks got me drunk, but I really don't go out just to drink. I drink so I can socialize more easily and feel less awkward when I dance and this not a place to dance. Maybe if you were alone or there were 5 other people here, which was the case I believe every time I went here. I've honestly had bedrooms that were bigger than this entire bar, not that bars need to be big. Baltimore nightlife really sucks, there are douche clubs (Power Plant area) and um... places to get drunk at. I guess this is a place to get drunk at? It has a lonely, heartbreak hotel, dive bar that has been lost in time vibe to it which I suppose could be appealing... The people are usually clannish, not speaking to anyone but the people they came with, and goat help you if you're single, everyone is too busy being up their own donkey to talk to anyone new. It sounds asinine but this place feels so sad, I even feel like slitting my wrists just reminiscing about it. The decor is dark and twisted which I actually liked and I don't really recall the music they played since I was talking to my "friend" the whole time. Oh, this was years ago by the way when I went here.
(2)
Eva C.
Great dive bar in Baltimore! It's all the better because it carries Stone IPA all the time. Even better, the walk between here to anywhere else has cleaned up a bit in the last few years. The only thing that I haven't liked in this bar were the nachos (disappointing and didn't kick my craving!).
(4)
Jonathan G.
I like Club Charles, I really do. The inside is dark, the feeling is seedy but hipster-y, and I've been there more often while John Waters was having a drink than when he wasn't. The beer selection is slightly above average, and the service is great, and it's a good hangout before or after a flick at The Charles. That said, the food menu isn't really anything worthwhile, and I feel like I've tried quite a few things. The hours also leave a lot to be desired - I've walked across the street from the movies for a beer, and they've been closed, and this was around 4 or 4:30pm. It's definitely a place everyone who lives in Baltimore should visit, and the atmosphere is fantastic - a good mix of all kinds of personalities and styles.
(3)
Lisa P.
Fun night and the bartender upstairs was super friendly. I liked the atmosphere (especially the cool Halloween decor) and the drinks were cheap. Comfy chairs upstairs in the back!
(4)
Dean C.
Great bar, great diverse mix of people, no drama, great atmosphere and super awesome bar tenders ;) what more do you want? ghosts? well they sometimes have that too!
(5)
Nora E.
This is my favorite place to drink incredibly sweet whisky sours, listen to David Bowie and people watch. I get all of my fashion tips from twenty something cool kids. Thanks, guys.
(4)
Jamie S.
If you like to constantly update your phone while at a bar then stay at that bar and don't come here. If you like cool conversation with good friends and random folks then this is your place. If you like retro feel that's retro because shit ain't changed since long enough to come full circle and be, well, retro then this is your place. If you like heavy pours and the promise of a good time if you're not a dick then this is your place. Ya dig? Possible John Waters sighting if you're into shit like that.
(5)
Ed W.
Beers were inexpensive compared to other places and the place has enough room where you can enjoy yourself with your friends without being constantly bumped into. Music was decent and the scenery is always entertaining with the turbo hipsters. Definitely a great place to go before or after a show or film. The service wasn't excellent, but by no means was it bad. I'll be back soon.
(3)
Melody C.
The first time I was introduced to Club Charles I was very intoxicated, so I loved it. Dark and creepy with red walls. Right up my alley ;) This is all I recall, and I kept this memory with me for a while. I just recently went back to grab a couple drinks with my boyfriend. I was kind of disappointed. Despite its local fame, I don't really see the big draw. Still cool atmosphere, but the drinks weren't cheap (kinda seemed they should've been), the bar stools were falling apart, and the crowd was just local hipsters. As described everywhere, they're pretentious. Don't expect random conversations with strangers to start or to make any new friends. And where the hell were these trapeze artists I hear about?! That would've sold it for me I think. The bartender chick was cute and friendly. We got a couple beverages and left. I'd go back with a group, but eh, I could take it or leave it.
(3)
Brady S.
Came here by myself while I waited for my girlfriend's delayed train to arrive. Lower bar was packed so I went up the short flight of stairs to the top bar, which only one other guy was at. He was talking to the bartender and took a pretty long time for her to recognize that I, her only other patron, had taken a seat. But, she came over, I ordered a Yuengling on draft and she got it for me quick, as one could expect. The price was nice ($3.30), but it was awkward when proceeded to wait for me to pay her right then and there. I guess that's protocol for someone who sits down at a bar alone (loser-style), since opening up a tab rollin' solo is probably rare...but I wouldn't know. Overall, besides my awkward solo beer drinking experience, the atmosphere was interesting and energetic, despite sitting at an elevated, secluded bar. Nice prices, nice environment. I'd come back again. Disclaimer - there was some interesting people there, I think pregaming for a show at a theater next door that seemed to be affiliated with the bar.
(4)
Michelle K.
You know what, Baltimore bars are not bad at all. Baltimore food sucks, but you can't really rip on the bar scene aside from the 1:30 last call. I used to live right by here, so I'd come here all the time. Now I live in Hampden, and I still come here all the time. (Not a fan of Hampden bars and the affectations of Rocket to Venus or Golden West. ESPECIALLY not a fan of their prices.) Club Charles is awesome on Sunday nights when it's dead and it's still awesome when it's completely packed on a Friday night with a show at the Zodiac next door. The bartenders are always so nice and friendly despite the crowds hovering at every end of the bar waiting for a drink or their tab, so I will drink a mixed drink that's sometimes a little too strong. Next time I'll order a $3 Yuengling off the draft. And most of the times they have total babes working behind the bar. The barback with glasses is totally awesome dude too. Also, Sunday nights are "Shipwreck Sundays" so it's $2 Red Stripes and $3 rum drinks. The only downfall is that it's so dark and red inside that you can't really tell who's a girl or a guy. I like it though, because I think the darkness lends itself to the attitude of not-giving-a-shit. I don't see why all these "artsy" pretentious assholes bother some of the other reviewers when you can't really see or hear them anyway. Either way it's the bar atmosphere I prefer the most, especially in comparison to Brewer's or Dionysis or anything in Hampden.
(5)
john f.
I have been going here for 20 years now. Although I don't spend a lot time in bars these days, this will always be one of my favorite Baltimore Haunts.
(5)
Sarah B.
I remember coming here quite late in the night, and all I remember about it was saying the walls look like a vagina. This was several months ago, so I don't know if that was accurate at all. I guess I'll have to go back and see on my next trip to B-More. It must have been fun, though, if that's all I can remember.
(4)
Mo A.
Great bar with low priced drinks and a great atmosphere. The jukebox needs some work, but the space is great for group socialiIng and debaucherous libation. It is often my first stop after getting off the train since it is so close to Penn Station.
(4)
K Sera S.
A dive in the best sense of the word. Retro without being kitschy, unpretentious yet hip, Club Charles is a Baltimore institution. And I love the fact that I have to get buzzed in. It makes me feel edgy and seedy! (Yep, I'm just that much of a dork.) Come February 2nd, it'll be smoke-free (as will all bars in B'more), which I have to say will kind of spoil it for me. It's not so much that I'll miss smoking, it's more that I'll miss the vaguely noir touch of a low-hanging fog of second-hand smoke that gave it that, "Yep, this is a dive" feel. I'll get over it! Great place for a pre- or after-movie drink. Interesting Yelp from Christie S. about the influx of art-crowd....
(4)
Tony M.
And in conclusion.... I really used to love Club Charles. It is the only decent bar in town with Tom Waits in the jukebox, the Bar Staff is always pretty cool, and I have had tons of good times. I only say I used to love it, because it got a little too hipster for me. And if there is one thing that ruins a good time it's a stinky hipster. Not all hipsters, just the annoying ones, or the ones who refuse to use deodorant. Which equates to around 72% of all known hipsters. The food at Club Charles in the past was pretty amazing for a divey bar. The Zodiac (R.I.P.) was my favorite restaurant in Baltimore until it closed down a few years ago. In my opinion it was because of bad management. Numerous times when going to see movies at the Charles Theater, I had to walk up to the door of Zodiac and try to open it, because you could never tell if it was open or not. This restaurant management 101. They can blame the city fro having the street torn up for 2 years all they want, but even when the street was fine, you could never tell if the place was open. It's a real shame because it was a great restaurant. Anyway... Club Charles uses the same kitchen and last time I was there, the same cooks as Zodiac did. The pizza is fantastic. I am giving Club Charles 5 stars because if it is what you are looking for, it is a great bar, and if you have never been to it, it is a must see for the city.
(5)
Samantha P.
Relatively cheap drinks (they always have some sort of semi-secret special) and always a good atmosphere. Don't come here expecting pristine bar stools and clean bathrooms -- it's dark, hipstery, and low-key, which is what makes it wonderful. Best parts: the jukebox and the red lighting. Any time I pass a bar with red lighting, it always reminds me of this place. Good location, close to Penn Station, Charles Theater, Sofi's Crepes, and Metro Gallery.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Either the drinks here are stupid cheap, or our bartender last Thursday knocked AT LEAST a round off our tab. Whichever one is true, it made a fan of me. I've since decided that the Charles is what The Depot sorta used to be, and still wishes really hard it was. Only nicer. And with cuter bartenders. She gave us advice on tattoos, and she made us really strong and really yummy Red Apple Ketel One martinis. It was a quiet night, even once the hour grew late enough for a crowd. And there was some terrible thumpy music happening a couple doors down, but it's a great chill place to hang out. The only thing it's missing is a decent dance night, though the jukebox had some seriously awesome old stuff on it, once people started to feed it. Oh, and be careful if you duck outside for a cigarette or breath of fresh air, you're likely to get hit up for change by a random possibly drunk homeless woman who will totally yell at you if you don't give her the ten in your wallet. Not that I know from experience or anything.
(4)
Cheryl K.
I'm a Midtown resident, and when I'm looking to drink in my area, I have two go-to places: Brewers Art (for when I'm feeling "fancy") and Club Charles (when I'm craving hard liquor and grime). At the risk of sounding like an alcoholic, when I'm bored I fantasize about giving Club Charles a visit and knocking back a few sharp, salty martinis. I can't say too much about their food, although I did eat a few bites of a friend's gnocchi once. Mind blowing. Then again, that may have been the martinis. Anyway, enough about me and damn martinis. The place is dark, red, and awesome. I always hear some great music and overhear awesome conversations about music/art/culture/philosophy. There's two bars, one by the entrance and the other is up a few steps towards the back. I've been here on Friday and Saturday nights and it's never been too crowded. The drinks are pretty inexpensive and the bartenders have always been friendly. The area is a bit sketchy if you're usually a Fells Point/Canton/Federal Hill drinker, but it is across from the equally awesome Charles Theater and Sofi's Crepes and Tapas Teatro.
(5)
blahbla h.
Club Chuck is the coolest bar I went to in Baltimore. I don't live in Baltimore, so I'm probably not the greatest reviewer. However, I have fond memories from visiting friends there.
(5)
Jacqueline S.
Solid jukebox, relatively diverse crowd (albeit still consistently young adults with beards and lefty political perspectives) and well-priced drinks.
(4)
Bria D.
Ah, Club Charles. You and your trapeze delivered some of the few bright spots of my Baltimorean tenure. I'd come visit you on a Friday night, cram myself into your teeming throngs, be bathed in red lighting, order a Manhattan, and listen to music that I'd actually want to hear. There were times when I'd go by and the crowd would be completely dead (once in the heat of summer when your air conditioner was broken, but other times unexplained). The barstaff seemed friendly but I never really got the opportunity to befriend them because Baltimore's version of hipster boys were all throwing their nonchalant fervor into trying to woo them at once. I can't recommend Club Charles as a non-stop all the time extravaganza of fun. But it's head and shoulders above most of the local competition.
(4)
Sarah F.
I can't believe there is only one review for Club Chuck! This one of the best bars in Baltimore. It is has a very cool atmosphere (very art deco, 1930's black & red furniture, lots of murals), friendly bartenders, and good drinks. Don't be suprised if you see John Waters here, this place is a Baltimore staple. Barry Levinson actually filmed scenes for his 1999 movie "Liberty Heights" in this bar. And if you get hungry just walk next door to Zodiac, the food is awesome and cheap too
(5)
Deon R.
This bar is great as far as location since I don't have to go too far from home and then its surrounded by a lot of other places you can eat and find amusement at(Charles Theatre). Besides location its a great bar to chill and socialize. Weather its after a play or movie across the street or you just came to hang out the atmosphere is very comfortable, dim, yet cheerful. I've also enjoyed great customer service from the bartenders as they are so nice. Food is ok too when you don't want to drink on an empty stomach. Drink specials through out the week can tend to give you a favorite night to come through, but on just about any night there are fun, interesting crowd of people to greet you.
(4)
Mark M.
This was one of my favorite places in Baltimore when I lived there. Good tunes, good crowd, good vibe, strong drinks, cute waitstaff, dark corners and cozy booths (great for making out with random strangers). All that and a trapeze act. It's pretty much the perfect bar.
(5)
Bradley M.
From 1995-2000, when i lived in Baltimore, this was by FAR my favorite bar to hang at. So please note I haven't been there for some time, so if there have been any major changes or a decline in quality I do not know of it. They have(had?) a fine selection of cute bartenders, who were both very skilled and extremely friendly. The atmosphere is warm and lounge like, it was always a very comfortable place to be. They also have (had?) a great jukebox. I hope this place is as good as the many memories my friends and I have shared there!
(5)
Scott K.
Good times! Nough said. Party it up and drink losers. Ha! Ha!
(4)
sidney m.
The homebase for Baltimore's dirty hipsters. Be prepared to encounter attitude. Preferred clothing is either an all black ensemble, or subtly paint spattered t-shirt and jeans to display that you are an aspiring artist. NPR listening, republican hating, bisexual posing, slumming it former suburbanites at their finest. Very good jukebox, and good reliable bartenders. How it will survive after the smoking ban is anyone's guess. Overall, quite amusing.
(3)
Natalie F.
Pretty cool place to get a drink and hang out before going to the Depot for an 80's dance party. Don't be surprised if no one talks to you though because they are pretentious art assholes.
(3)
Mike C.
If you are sick of Baltimore and would like to pretend you are somewhere else, in the afternoon Club Charles is a nice escape. Unlike most other "dive" bars in Baltimore it does not reek of an unknown organic mixture and the label "where smart people meet" confuses most of the general population long enough for you to get a few good drinking hours in before they find you. The jukebox is a good example of why its not good to trust a scenesters taste in drinking music. As you scroll from cherry-poppin-daddies to cliche hip-hop/hair metal mixes past terrible comps from current and past bartenders, through the ever-worn best of's Queen, VU, Pulp, Stones, and come to a panel that says "Vampire Weekend," its clear that creating a good jukebox is more than lights, bubbles and a reliance on what everyone else is listening to. Yet I still give it my money and pretend the draft beers are cold enough while I wait for the best duck entree in the city to keep me company. The bars high ceilings and dark atmosphere make it easy to breathe and drink.... and breathe.... and drink.
(4)
Christie S.
I wish Club Charles were more of a dive. I think I would like it more. I like the fact that they have a lot of indie bands and 70's punk on the juke box, but the crowd can be way to pretentious and hipster for me. I want drunks and tweaked out people from Club Charles like it used to be. Now the drafts are a dollar more than they used to be and artsy wannabes make up most of the population who frequent this bar. Ugggh. And they are probably all vegetarian. Last time I was there this asshole at the bar with a flock of seagulls/fall out boy haircut, girls jeans, and a hello kitty tattoo kept elbowing me. It's all I could do from setting his greasy do on fire. And they just keep getting worse. I am giving it four stars because well, I keep going there for some reason. I try only to go when there are no art openings at that metro art place. Because then, the crowd is truly insufferable.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Nick B.
Quintessential Baltimore "scene" bar/hang out. Cheap and BIG drinks, cute hip waitresses, and cool funky retro style. Could use some cleaning, but definitely worth grabbing a drink here!
(4)Lauren S.
It's hard for me to really find a problem with this place. It's a good bar. Don't know about the food (never had it) but the drinks are strong and cheap, so what more can you ask for?
(4)Peter F.
Maybe I don't understand this word "gastropub" that I hear tossed around by foodie sorts. Maybe this is how they're supposed to work- high prices, iffy-at-best food, and awful service. But wow, was this place a letdown! I went here for food, which I guess is frowned upon, even though their website makes a big deal about the non-booze element of this place. When I got there and asked the bartender/waitress (only one, who looked to be about 22 and really unhappy to be there), where I should sit if I were to get food, she responded as if she didn't work there and didn't know why I was asking her. A long time later, we get menus. Menus read "ask about our specials" and "ask about our homemade deserts". Being the enthusiastic out of towner I am, I asked about both and got this response from the ray of sunshine that was our server: "Uhhhh...some kind of turkey...thing. And we don't do vegan desserts anymore." Ooook. I looked for a cheap item on the not-so-cheap menu, and got the vegan chili with cornbread, which arrived barely warm with nachos instead of cornbread, and no warning about the switch. My date got the spinach and artichoke dip, which was reportedly mediocre at best. We asked for the check, and she came by the the table with paper, but held on to the paper and said "Oh..yer total is $18.95" and walked away. I'm no food service expert, but I thought it was pretty customary to like... see your bill. Maybe even get it face down for discretion. Not here. I followed her back to the bar, asked if I could pay by credit card, and did. $20 for a soup and an apetizer, both kinda bland, from a dive bar with some seriously bad service. The only thing saving this place from a one star rating was the decor (kinda nice!) and the hipster eyecandy (I can't help myself) that arrived later. But wow. Serious diappointment.
(2)Lee M.
A little too expensive, considering its pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, but it has its charm. Good music, comfortable booths, and a "unique" crowd make it worth coming back to but I could do without the neo-beatnick hipster doofi that somethimes plague the front bar.
(3)Takaki K.
They have a very nice atmosphere inside that I don't just want to call it dive. Eclectic, decadent, hip, dive, each of these words describes part of its feel. I may as well give up categorizing it because the bartender in a mistress dress did tricks on the swing over the bar. Duh. I like this place. It's across from the movie theater so it's a good place to get a drink when waiting for the show time and the pretentious tapas place is full.
(4)Mike W.
It's where you go for drinks before/after a movie at the Charles Theater if you don't want to pay a million dollars at tapas teatro. They have a captive audience yet the drinks are still reasonable cheap. The juke box is great and I'm told the food isn't half bad either. Though, if it's the same as the old Zodiac restaurant next store, it's fair to middling and reasonable for the price.
(4)Lisa P.
Fun night and the bartender upstairs was super friendly. I liked the atmosphere (especially the cool Halloween decor) and the drinks were cheap. Comfy chairs upstairs in the back!
(4)Dean C.
Great bar, great diverse mix of people, no drama, great atmosphere and super awesome bar tenders ;) what more do you want? ghosts? well they sometimes have that too!
(5)Nora E.
This is my favorite place to drink incredibly sweet whisky sours, listen to David Bowie and people watch. I get all of my fashion tips from twenty something cool kids. Thanks, guys.
(4)Jamie S.
If you like to constantly update your phone while at a bar then stay at that bar and don't come here. If you like cool conversation with good friends and random folks then this is your place. If you like retro feel that's retro because shit ain't changed since long enough to come full circle and be, well, retro then this is your place. If you like heavy pours and the promise of a good time if you're not a dick then this is your place. Ya dig? Possible John Waters sighting if you're into shit like that.
(5)Ed W.
Beers were inexpensive compared to other places and the place has enough room where you can enjoy yourself with your friends without being constantly bumped into. Music was decent and the scenery is always entertaining with the turbo hipsters. Definitely a great place to go before or after a show or film. The service wasn't excellent, but by no means was it bad. I'll be back soon.
(3)Melody C.
The first time I was introduced to Club Charles I was very intoxicated, so I loved it. Dark and creepy with red walls. Right up my alley ;) This is all I recall, and I kept this memory with me for a while. I just recently went back to grab a couple drinks with my boyfriend. I was kind of disappointed. Despite its local fame, I don't really see the big draw. Still cool atmosphere, but the drinks weren't cheap (kinda seemed they should've been), the bar stools were falling apart, and the crowd was just local hipsters. As described everywhere, they're pretentious. Don't expect random conversations with strangers to start or to make any new friends. And where the hell were these trapeze artists I hear about?! That would've sold it for me I think. The bartender chick was cute and friendly. We got a couple beverages and left. I'd go back with a group, but eh, I could take it or leave it.
(3)Keith K.
As a long time aficionado of dive bars, Club Charles is right up there in my national top ten. It's got everything a good dive bar needs, friendly bartenders, cheap/strong drinks, an eclectic jukebox (from Dusty Springfield to The Clash and back again) and lighting low enuf to hide all the facade flaws, dirty corners and broken furniture. There's the main, downstairs bar, and on busy nights an equal sized upstairs bar. It's located in a cool neighbourhood as well with lots of good places to eat nearby and nice city walking, if you should so desire. My only complaint was about the music, not that it was bad, but that it was nonexistent when I first got there. Just a dozen or so early drinkers and NO tunes. When I asked the bartender about it, she said that they just waited till patrons got tired of no music and ponied up for the jukebox themselves. This is a mistake bar owner, whoever you are, you should most surely splurge the few bucks it takes to get the clientele to start buying songs. A good dive bar without music is just a sad bar. As for all the so-called John Waters sightings, nope never seen him here, but if I do, I will definitely ask him about his solo cross country hitchhiking experience. Oh John, you rebel.
(5)Laura Lee T.
Club Chuck is bar none (Haha! Get it? "Bar" none? Because it's, well, you know...) my favorite bar in Baltimore. Actually, it was the first bar I visited in the city after moving here from Portland and six months and about six dozen bars later, it's still my favorite. The atmosphere is cozy, dark and divey. The clientele is pretty diverse and apparently includes John Waters. They have a great jukebox and the bartenders here are all really sweet and genuinely happy to see you when you visit. The tap beer selection is pretty small, but good. They at least have Loose Cannon IPA on draft. They no longer serve food which would be a huge bummer if it wasn't for Royal Farms' fried chicken, which is pretty much the best drunk food on the planet. It gets a little crowded around nine or ten but if you get there earlier you can sit at the bar, chat with the bartender, do a crossword and play whatever you want at the jukebox--generally for free. (I'm not the only person in the world who does crosswords at the bar, surely.) I've taken to calling it Love Chuck. Let's make a trend here.
(5)Rumen K.
Big jukebox request: Please add the greatest hits of ABBA ! Thank You !
(5)Incidental M.
My favorite bar of all time. Heavy pours and always a great blend of people. Stellar jukebox and the best bartenders. I've been coming here for many years and it always feels like home. Here's to many more!
(5)Kelsey V.
If you have a vertical drivers license, you will not be let in. Even if you are 23. Apparently the place is a good place to go but if you have a vertical ID, don't even try to get in. This makes zero sense to me.
(1)Katie H.
I love Club Charles. It has become my favorite bar in Baltimore hands down. The atmosphere alone is reason to go. They have these great Art Deco murals on the walls. I almost feel like they belong on the cover of an Ayn Rand novel. If you think about them too hard they can be a little creepy, but I love them. There is also a jukebox in the corner that plays mostly 70s and 80s albums. Good picks in my opinion. I usually go on week nights, so I'm not sure how busy it gets on Friday or Saturday, but for me it never gets too crowded.
(5)Kt H.
The ambiance here is awesome! $2.50 Ballantines tonight, which is an awesome deal. The bartender is amazingly friendly and the clientele is as warm as the bar itself. Definitely recommend for a low key night out!!
(5)Alison Q.
This place reminded me of home (Brooklyn). It's your quintessential hipster dive joint. I approve.
(4)Caleb L.
I go to this bar so often that my phone started trying auto-correct the word "chick" to "chuck" (if you get what I mean) I could go on and on about how cute the bartenders are, but the really important part is how dependably nice they are. I've gone to plenty of other places where the bartenders are occasionally tired, visibly spent, and a little bit grouchy... that's human. But at Club Charles you are greeted with a big friendly smile 100% of the time. I'll also give an "amen" to the reviews mentioning the good prices and good jukebox. The one slight downside to Club Charles is that it's not really the kind of place where you introduce yourself to a stranger. It's not impossible, but most of the crowd there is inclined to stick to the circle of friends they know/showed up with.
(5)Sara J.
Love the vibe, but wish they were more consistent with the music. That's such a big part of a bar's atmosphere, but the reliance on the Jukebox can make it overly stiff if no one is fronting the expense. Like how red it is, and great location
(4)Laura F.
I came to Club Charles during a recent trip to Baltimore. I loved this place, what else can I say! I loved the darkness, the red lights, the chairs, the crowd, the music, even the bathroom graffiti. The bartender was very friendly. If I lived in Baltimore, I would hang out here all the time.
(5)J. M.
Stereotypical [not used in as a pejorative] dive-bar that would be good to use as an illustrative example of what a dive-bar is, if you were ever to have a guest from another part of the world where dive-bars aren't "a thing." I often drop in after I've seen a film at The Charles for a bombay tonic and find the staff adequately competent and pleasant. There's a very subtle difference between date-rape bar lighting and actual dive-bar lighting. This place manages to dwell firmly in the dive-bar lighting of the pub-cosmos. Food isn't something I'd urge you to try [specially when there's Sofi's crepes across the street] but hey, it's not the worst either. A high OK that translates into four-stars because three would imply it's not worth a visit or re-visit.
(4)Kurt I.
I really liked this place. Great atmosphere, good selection of suds, a cute bartender, but no natty bo? Wha? Isn't this Baltimore? Get some if your finest cheap beer on tap please. That is all.
(4)Cheryl D.
Although I haven't been to the Club Charles in years, it sounds like it is still the best bar in Baltimore. Having spent many weekends at the Club Charles in the late 80's and early 90's, always my favorite bar in Baltimore!
(5)Rachel E.
I'm basically just going to copy and paste my review for 'The Depot' for 'Club Charles', just changing a few keywords because my review is almost exactly the same. Yay, it's review mad libs. I think I've been here maybe 3 times and only once did I have a semi-decent time with the aide of excessive amounts of alcohol. I don't necessarily blame the entire bar for that but still. The first time someone invited me I approached the door and almost turned around and ran all the way back to my car. In retrospect I wish I had. I recall the drinks got me drunk, but I really don't go out just to drink. I drink so I can socialize more easily and feel less awkward when I dance and this not a place to dance. Maybe if you were alone or there were 5 other people here, which was the case I believe every time I went here. I've honestly had bedrooms that were bigger than this entire bar, not that bars need to be big. Baltimore nightlife really sucks, there are douche clubs (Power Plant area) and um... places to get drunk at. I guess this is a place to get drunk at? It has a lonely, heartbreak hotel, dive bar that has been lost in time vibe to it which I suppose could be appealing... The people are usually clannish, not speaking to anyone but the people they came with, and goat help you if you're single, everyone is too busy being up their own donkey to talk to anyone new. It sounds asinine but this place feels so sad, I even feel like slitting my wrists just reminiscing about it. The decor is dark and twisted which I actually liked and I don't really recall the music they played since I was talking to my "friend" the whole time. Oh, this was years ago by the way when I went here.
(2)Eva C.
Great dive bar in Baltimore! It's all the better because it carries Stone IPA all the time. Even better, the walk between here to anywhere else has cleaned up a bit in the last few years. The only thing that I haven't liked in this bar were the nachos (disappointing and didn't kick my craving!).
(4)Rachel F.
Dive bar, Shmive Bar. Club Charles, or "Club Chuck" as I like to say, makes frequent appearances in my weekly bar rotation. Not because the drinks are cheap-ish (even thought I can never figure out the deals or promos for the day), or because there is surprisingly good food (try their pizza or nachos), but because of one, glowing, life force tucked away inside the bar. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the jukebox. Whether it's Fleetwood Mac, my favorite Baltimore band, or an artist I'm not cool enough to know about yet, it's there.
(4)Brady S.
Came here by myself while I waited for my girlfriend's delayed train to arrive. Lower bar was packed so I went up the short flight of stairs to the top bar, which only one other guy was at. He was talking to the bartender and took a pretty long time for her to recognize that I, her only other patron, had taken a seat. But, she came over, I ordered a Yuengling on draft and she got it for me quick, as one could expect. The price was nice ($3.30), but it was awkward when proceeded to wait for me to pay her right then and there. I guess that's protocol for someone who sits down at a bar alone (loser-style), since opening up a tab rollin' solo is probably rare...but I wouldn't know. Overall, besides my awkward solo beer drinking experience, the atmosphere was interesting and energetic, despite sitting at an elevated, secluded bar. Nice prices, nice environment. I'd come back again. Disclaimer - there was some interesting people there, I think pregaming for a show at a theater next door that seemed to be affiliated with the bar.
(4)Richard L.
How can you not give the club charles 5 stars? Are you a monster? Can you only achieve and maintain an erection while listening to a blended symphony of seals being beaten, children being denied ice cream, and hipsters complaining about their record collection? Are you a shitbag? Do you sit around at night, using facebook on your fucking iphone 4S, making snarky comments on your friends's posts? "Oh, he posted a picture of a hamburger. Dislike, because I'm vegan, and obviously I'm morally superior and not someone that deserves a punch to my anaemic and iron-deficient cock on a daily basis." Oh, you don't like the chill with your friends in a comfy dive and have drinks and totally, you know, enjoy people's company and laugh in real time. Oh, ok, you're a shitbag. I can understand if you gave it 4 stars. Maybe you were drunk, and couldn't remember how awesome the bartenders are, or how good the drinks are. Maybe you forgot that they carry chartreuse and know how to make excellent drinks with it. Maybe you are so used to 1 dollar beers(you are probably from pittsburgh you fucking steelers fan) and a 2 dollar natty boh is just...you can't even comprehend it with your feeble and incapacitated brain. I don't know, I love good drinks and 2 dollar beers and getting boozy without getting woozy. 3 stars, though...what is going through your feeble mind? What gets five stars from you for a bar? Does your favorite bar have automatic dick sucking machines under the counter - something that looks like the sarlacc(bang, return of the jedi bitches) that undulates as it brings you to the cusp of perfection, maximizing your pleasure with mechanical, german efficiency? Does your bar have Jay-Z just walk in and he's all like "oh hey how you doin girl" and then beyonce comes in with her baby and her baby fucking tends bar and tweets about that shit and then makes a tumblr called "baby blue bartending" or something like that? Jay-Z presses his warm hand on your shoulder smelling faintly of cocoa and the Juun J cologne from six scents and he says "this is the greatest day in your life, but it is just average to me. I will always remember the disparity of our recollections" and then you weep golden tears that turn into diamonds when they hit the floor? Probably not, you jerk offs. If that is your bar though...seriously, call me.
(5)Sam P.
Good dive bar, normally my first stop in a bar crawl.
(4)Lauren S.
Fun bar that's "divey" in a good way! The service was great. I went over with my friend before a show. We were also able to get our tarot cards read for fun, just leave a tip! All around fun experience.
(5)Larry H.
When it comes to Baltimore dive bars, Club Charles (Club "Chuck" if your a local), is arguably the most legendary one of them all. It's also a semi frequent watering hole for Charm City's most celebrated and colorful film director, screenwriter, and actor, John Waters. The most spot on description I've ever heard of Club Charles' interior is "1920s Art Deco meets The Shining"... Deco mural'ed walls, Dimly lit, Red hued lighting, that bathes everyone and everything inside... Red leather booths & chairs... At any moment you kinda expect little Danny Torrance to come running through the bar yelling "Redrum ! Redrum !" But it's also got all the characteristics of a great dive bar. Located in a slightly seedy part of town, cheap but strong drinks, wobbly bar stools, a jukebox with a wide selection from Ray Charles to Dan Deacon, and always friendly bartenders. The size and mix of the crowd seems to depend on the night, it can be anything from artsy film student types to blue collar locals from the neighborhood. But if dive bars are your thing, a single visit to Club Charles will probably be enough to ensure it a spot in your regular rotation of favorite dives.
(4)Sarah W.
Perfect balance of dive bar and hipster and retro. Service was perfectly solicitous but not too hovercrafty, gin and tonic was fine. Felt totally comfortable there from the minute I walked in.
(5)Alvin W.
If you're looking for a club that will give you night terrors,in a good way,for the next 40 years,look no further. Baltimores hottest new club is Club Charles. Opened in 2003 by ginger pornstar Charlie Faplin, this club will have you yelling.. "ANGELA?" THIS CLUB HAS EVERYTHING! pee pants music, chum from the goonies,and the grandson of the Taco Bell dog smoking a Newport cigarette. You'll never want to leave this place,and you can't because the doors lock from the outside.
(5)Nina U.
There is a little nook of a room with 4 - 5 chairs and a little table. You can keep intimate company and all the conversations right outside. It's pretty erie. I'm not sure they all knew that I could hear every word they were saying like they were sitting right next to me but it echos in there. This is a cute little divey bar right near Charles Theatre, Single Carrot Theatre and Teatro Tapas. There's a main bar and then one on the upper level. They may not have Natty Boh, but Miller Lite will do.
(4)Viv G.
Not bad for a dive. We came here for a drink after dining at Tapas Teatro. As with most dives, very dimly lit, pretty loud, a little dirty, okay drinks at decent prices. The lower level bar was pretty crowded, but the upstairs one was fairly empty. We sat in the tiny red room, which wasn't bad- just a little crowded with 6 people. Some of the beers tasted very watered down or a bit off, but no big deal as they were cheap. The hipster bartenders seemed pretty nice.
(3)Jen K.
Oh, Club Charles. Or "The Chuck" as some like to say. This is a typical dive bar with a hipster-vibe. The bartenders have never been particularly friendly or attentive, but there's still something I like about it and I'm not sure why. Whenever I first step in, I chuckle a bit on the inside. I think this feeling will last as long as I don't go more than twice...okay, maybe once...a month. They offer one cider, comes in a bottle, I believe it's strongbow.
(3)Alex B.
Club Charles is definitely a dive spot, but it is still one of my favorite bars in Baltimore. Great, cheap drinks, fun music and a lot of different seating areas. The bathrooms are kind of gross, but the rest of the great parts of this bar far outweigh the less than clean restrooms. I lived in Baltimore for four years, and I cannot recall one time when my friends and I were bored here.
(4)Michael H.
Our favorite dive bar in Baltimore.. Strong drinks and good music.. What more can u ask for?
(5)Elizabeth J.
Club Chuck is a great place to go drown your sorrows. Lots of room, central to the movie theater, train station and close to all of the good stuff on North Av. This is typically where I end my Saturday nights. Typical Baltimore bar scene for better or worse.
(4)Jenn H.
I lived a about a block away from Club Charles for about two years before I moved to Denver...and it was one of my favorite places to hang out in the city. It's dark, sometimes crowded, with decent music, okay food, strong drinks, and, almost always, a diverse crowd. But, really, I always loved seeing the bartenders. They're always so friendly and attentive. I've spent way too much money at this place...
(5)C B.
A pretty hip spot! While it isn't exactly my "style", Club Charles is an interesting enough place that I would bring a friend who likes to drink out here. I wish I took more pictures because the ones posted here really don't give you a great idea of what the place feels like. You do have to like red neon though. The reason why I have given this place 5-stars is because the place exudes an unpretentious swankiness with absurdly low drink prices...this combination creates an unparalleled bang-for-the-buck value. The barmaid who served us was witty and sassy. Although my friends didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I still rate it perfect.
(5)A. C.
Location is ideal for the 2nd date trifecta: dinner (Tapas Teatro); movie (Charles Theater); drinks, if all is going well (Club Charles). Pretty stiff drinks, usually at room temp (they seem to have an aversion to ice), at pretty reasonable prices, but also hard to come by (service is disaffected and will hostily ignore you). You might feel like you're not hip enough to be here and there's no one here who will disagree. Surfaces are sticky, vibe is divey. If you're lucky, you might get to spill a drink on John Waters.
(3)Vlad G.
A legit dive, my favorite thus far in Baltimore, and I love that it's positioned as a sort of outpost on the frontier of "urban civilization" aka it feels a bit sketchy a few blocks up Charles. Totally unpretentious, solid juke box, too.
(5)Jonathan G.
I like Club Charles, I really do. The inside is dark, the feeling is seedy but hipster-y, and I've been there more often while John Waters was having a drink than when he wasn't. The beer selection is slightly above average, and the service is great, and it's a good hangout before or after a flick at The Charles. That said, the food menu isn't really anything worthwhile, and I feel like I've tried quite a few things. The hours also leave a lot to be desired - I've walked across the street from the movies for a beer, and they've been closed, and this was around 4 or 4:30pm. It's definitely a place everyone who lives in Baltimore should visit, and the atmosphere is fantastic - a good mix of all kinds of personalities and styles.
(3)Judy C.
Love love love the place! Nice drinks...good crowd (yes, I'm a little hipster-esque)...great music...awesome decor! The bartender is also very friendly. I guess with the loss of Zodiac (for food...RIP), Club Charles now serves food (although I haven't tried it yet). If I were to go hang out at a bar, then I'd definitely consider Club Charles first.
(5)Marshall L.
This place is pure, 100% Baltimore. Great atmosphere and great people. Even if you're a stuck-up DC snob who came in here and decided to never come back, it wouldn't be because anyone treated you poorly. You get a wide range of people who visit this place and I think just about every kind of Baltimore person (save for the type who likes the bars in Canton), will find something to love here.
(5)Kristin S.
I would like to get a shirt made that just says "Club Chuck" on it and wear it 24/7. And when people would ask me about the meaning of my shirt, I would say that it's to pay homage to one of the best, most understated bars in Baltimore. You might be saying to yourself: dude, come on. This place looks creepy on the outside and there's a good chance I'll get robbed on North Avenue. And what do I say to that? If you're thinking about that, you don't understand this bar. It's not supposed to be glamorous, it's not supposed to be trendy. It has character and with great bartenders and prices to boot, you should just savor the ambiance. Club Chuck has trapeze artists, for Christ's sake. +50 right there! This bar isn't for everyone but for those regulars and understanding folks out there, you know how cool this place is. Think of it like a 'Cheers'--- except everyone might not know your name and yeah, you might get jumped out on North Ave. But psshhh, details.
(5)Kelsey V.
If you have a vertical drivers license, you will not be let in. Even if you are 23. Apparently the place is a good place to go but if you have a vertical ID, don't even try to get in. This makes zero sense to me.
(1)Katie H.
I love Club Charles. It has become my favorite bar in Baltimore hands down. The atmosphere alone is reason to go. They have these great Art Deco murals on the walls. I almost feel like they belong on the cover of an Ayn Rand novel. If you think about them too hard they can be a little creepy, but I love them. There is also a jukebox in the corner that plays mostly 70s and 80s albums. Good picks in my opinion. I usually go on week nights, so I'm not sure how busy it gets on Friday or Saturday, but for me it never gets too crowded.
(5)Keith K.
As a long time aficionado of dive bars, Club Charles is right up there in my national top ten. It's got everything a good dive bar needs, friendly bartenders, cheap/strong drinks, an eclectic jukebox (from Dusty Springfield to The Clash and back again) and lighting low enuf to hide all the facade flaws, dirty corners and broken furniture. There's the main, downstairs bar, and on busy nights an equal sized upstairs bar. It's located in a cool neighbourhood as well with lots of good places to eat nearby and nice city walking, if you should so desire. My only complaint was about the music, not that it was bad, but that it was nonexistent when I first got there. Just a dozen or so early drinkers and NO tunes. When I asked the bartender about it, she said that they just waited till patrons got tired of no music and ponied up for the jukebox themselves. This is a mistake bar owner, whoever you are, you should most surely splurge the few bucks it takes to get the clientele to start buying songs. A good dive bar without music is just a sad bar. As for all the so-called John Waters sightings, nope never seen him here, but if I do, I will definitely ask him about his solo cross country hitchhiking experience. Oh John, you rebel.
(5)Alvin W.
If you're looking for a club that will give you night terrors,in a good way,for the next 40 years,look no further. Baltimores hottest new club is Club Charles. Opened in 2003 by ginger pornstar Charlie Faplin, this club will have you yelling.. "ANGELA?" THIS CLUB HAS EVERYTHING! pee pants music, chum from the goonies,and the grandson of the Taco Bell dog smoking a Newport cigarette. You'll never want to leave this place,and you can't because the doors lock from the outside.
(5)Laura Lee T.
Club Chuck is bar none (Haha! Get it? "Bar" none? Because it's, well, you know...) my favorite bar in Baltimore. Actually, it was the first bar I visited in the city after moving here from Portland and six months and about six dozen bars later, it's still my favorite. The atmosphere is cozy, dark and divey. The clientele is pretty diverse and apparently includes John Waters. They have a great jukebox and the bartenders here are all really sweet and genuinely happy to see you when you visit. The tap beer selection is pretty small, but good. They at least have Loose Cannon IPA on draft. They no longer serve food which would be a huge bummer if it wasn't for Royal Farms' fried chicken, which is pretty much the best drunk food on the planet. It gets a little crowded around nine or ten but if you get there earlier you can sit at the bar, chat with the bartender, do a crossword and play whatever you want at the jukebox--generally for free. (I'm not the only person in the world who does crosswords at the bar, surely.) I've taken to calling it Love Chuck. Let's make a trend here.
(5)Dianne M.
This place has been around forever and there's a good reason, it's incomparable to any other in Baltimore. I used to frequent this beautiful ruin decades ago in my post punk days. The jukebox is a thing of wonder. There are two floors, two bars, booths with curtains and barstools, but most people stand and mingle. If you want an eclectic mix of people and music this is the place to get it - you'll never know who you'll meet.
(5)Rumen K.
Big jukebox request: Please add the greatest hits of ABBA ! Thank You !
(5)Lauren S.
Fun bar that's "divey" in a good way! The service was great. I went over with my friend before a show. We were also able to get our tarot cards read for fun, just leave a tip! All around fun experience.
(5)Incidental M.
My favorite bar of all time. Heavy pours and always a great blend of people. Stellar jukebox and the best bartenders. I've been coming here for many years and it always feels like home. Here's to many more!
(5)Sarah W.
Perfect balance of dive bar and hipster and retro. Service was perfectly solicitous but not too hovercrafty, gin and tonic was fine. Felt totally comfortable there from the minute I walked in.
(5)Nina U.
There is a little nook of a room with 4 - 5 chairs and a little table. You can keep intimate company and all the conversations right outside. It's pretty erie. I'm not sure they all knew that I could hear every word they were saying like they were sitting right next to me but it echos in there. This is a cute little divey bar right near Charles Theatre, Single Carrot Theatre and Teatro Tapas. There's a main bar and then one on the upper level. They may not have Natty Boh, but Miller Lite will do.
(4)Kristin S.
I would like to get a shirt made that just says "Club Chuck" on it and wear it 24/7. And when people would ask me about the meaning of my shirt, I would say that it's to pay homage to one of the best, most understated bars in Baltimore. You might be saying to yourself: dude, come on. This place looks creepy on the outside and there's a good chance I'll get robbed on North Avenue. And what do I say to that? If you're thinking about that, you don't understand this bar. It's not supposed to be glamorous, it's not supposed to be trendy. It has character and with great bartenders and prices to boot, you should just savor the ambiance. Club Chuck has trapeze artists, for Christ's sake. +50 right there! This bar isn't for everyone but for those regulars and understanding folks out there, you know how cool this place is. Think of it like a 'Cheers'--- except everyone might not know your name and yeah, you might get jumped out on North Ave. But psshhh, details.
(5)john f.
I have been going here for 20 years now. Although I don't spend a lot time in bars these days, this will always be one of my favorite Baltimore Haunts.
(5)Michelle K.
You know what, Baltimore bars are not bad at all. Baltimore food sucks, but you can't really rip on the bar scene aside from the 1:30 last call. I used to live right by here, so I'd come here all the time. Now I live in Hampden, and I still come here all the time. (Not a fan of Hampden bars and the affectations of Rocket to Venus or Golden West. ESPECIALLY not a fan of their prices.) Club Charles is awesome on Sunday nights when it's dead and it's still awesome when it's completely packed on a Friday night with a show at the Zodiac next door. The bartenders are always so nice and friendly despite the crowds hovering at every end of the bar waiting for a drink or their tab, so I will drink a mixed drink that's sometimes a little too strong. Next time I'll order a $3 Yuengling off the draft. And most of the times they have total babes working behind the bar. The barback with glasses is totally awesome dude too. Also, Sunday nights are "Shipwreck Sundays" so it's $2 Red Stripes and $3 rum drinks. The only downfall is that it's so dark and red inside that you can't really tell who's a girl or a guy. I like it though, because I think the darkness lends itself to the attitude of not-giving-a-shit. I don't see why all these "artsy" pretentious assholes bother some of the other reviewers when you can't really see or hear them anyway. Either way it's the bar atmosphere I prefer the most, especially in comparison to Brewer's or Dionysis or anything in Hampden.
(5)Sarah B.
I remember coming here quite late in the night, and all I remember about it was saying the walls look like a vagina. This was several months ago, so I don't know if that was accurate at all. I guess I'll have to go back and see on my next trip to B-More. It must have been fun, though, if that's all I can remember.
(4)Mo A.
Great bar with low priced drinks and a great atmosphere. The jukebox needs some work, but the space is great for group socialiIng and debaucherous libation. It is often my first stop after getting off the train since it is so close to Penn Station.
(4)Dean C.
Great bar, great diverse mix of people, no drama, great atmosphere and super awesome bar tenders ;) what more do you want? ghosts? well they sometimes have that too!
(5)Nora E.
This is my favorite place to drink incredibly sweet whisky sours, listen to David Bowie and people watch. I get all of my fashion tips from twenty something cool kids. Thanks, guys.
(4)Jamie S.
If you like to constantly update your phone while at a bar then stay at that bar and don't come here. If you like cool conversation with good friends and random folks then this is your place. If you like retro feel that's retro because shit ain't changed since long enough to come full circle and be, well, retro then this is your place. If you like heavy pours and the promise of a good time if you're not a dick then this is your place. Ya dig? Possible John Waters sighting if you're into shit like that.
(5)Ed W.
Beers were inexpensive compared to other places and the place has enough room where you can enjoy yourself with your friends without being constantly bumped into. Music was decent and the scenery is always entertaining with the turbo hipsters. Definitely a great place to go before or after a show or film. The service wasn't excellent, but by no means was it bad. I'll be back soon.
(3)Melody C.
The first time I was introduced to Club Charles I was very intoxicated, so I loved it. Dark and creepy with red walls. Right up my alley ;) This is all I recall, and I kept this memory with me for a while. I just recently went back to grab a couple drinks with my boyfriend. I was kind of disappointed. Despite its local fame, I don't really see the big draw. Still cool atmosphere, but the drinks weren't cheap (kinda seemed they should've been), the bar stools were falling apart, and the crowd was just local hipsters. As described everywhere, they're pretentious. Don't expect random conversations with strangers to start or to make any new friends. And where the hell were these trapeze artists I hear about?! That would've sold it for me I think. The bartender chick was cute and friendly. We got a couple beverages and left. I'd go back with a group, but eh, I could take it or leave it.
(3)K Sera S.
A dive in the best sense of the word. Retro without being kitschy, unpretentious yet hip, Club Charles is a Baltimore institution. And I love the fact that I have to get buzzed in. It makes me feel edgy and seedy! (Yep, I'm just that much of a dork.) Come February 2nd, it'll be smoke-free (as will all bars in B'more), which I have to say will kind of spoil it for me. It's not so much that I'll miss smoking, it's more that I'll miss the vaguely noir touch of a low-hanging fog of second-hand smoke that gave it that, "Yep, this is a dive" feel. I'll get over it! Great place for a pre- or after-movie drink. Interesting Yelp from Christie S. about the influx of art-crowd....
(4)Larry H.
When it comes to Baltimore dive bars, Club Charles (Club "Chuck" if your a local), is arguably the most legendary one of them all. It's also a semi frequent watering hole for Charm City's most celebrated and colorful film director, screenwriter, and actor, John Waters. The most spot on description I've ever heard of Club Charles' interior is "1920s Art Deco meets The Shining"... Deco mural'ed walls, Dimly lit, Red hued lighting, that bathes everyone and everything inside... Red leather booths & chairs... At any moment you kinda expect little Danny Torrance to come running through the bar yelling "Redrum ! Redrum !" But it's also got all the characteristics of a great dive bar. Located in a slightly seedy part of town, cheap but strong drinks, wobbly bar stools, a jukebox with a wide selection from Ray Charles to Dan Deacon, and always friendly bartenders. The size and mix of the crowd seems to depend on the night, it can be anything from artsy film student types to blue collar locals from the neighborhood. But if dive bars are your thing, a single visit to Club Charles will probably be enough to ensure it a spot in your regular rotation of favorite dives.
(4)Jen K.
Oh, Club Charles. Or "The Chuck" as some like to say. This is a typical dive bar with a hipster-vibe. The bartenders have never been particularly friendly or attentive, but there's still something I like about it and I'm not sure why. Whenever I first step in, I chuckle a bit on the inside. I think this feeling will last as long as I don't go more than twice...okay, maybe once...a month. They offer one cider, comes in a bottle, I believe it's strongbow.
(3)Alex B.
Club Charles is definitely a dive spot, but it is still one of my favorite bars in Baltimore. Great, cheap drinks, fun music and a lot of different seating areas. The bathrooms are kind of gross, but the rest of the great parts of this bar far outweigh the less than clean restrooms. I lived in Baltimore for four years, and I cannot recall one time when my friends and I were bored here.
(4)Michael H.
Our favorite dive bar in Baltimore.. Strong drinks and good music.. What more can u ask for?
(5)Elizabeth J.
Club Chuck is a great place to go drown your sorrows. Lots of room, central to the movie theater, train station and close to all of the good stuff on North Av. This is typically where I end my Saturday nights. Typical Baltimore bar scene for better or worse.
(4)Viv G.
Not bad for a dive. We came here for a drink after dining at Tapas Teatro. As with most dives, very dimly lit, pretty loud, a little dirty, okay drinks at decent prices. The lower level bar was pretty crowded, but the upstairs one was fairly empty. We sat in the tiny red room, which wasn't bad- just a little crowded with 6 people. Some of the beers tasted very watered down or a bit off, but no big deal as they were cheap. The hipster bartenders seemed pretty nice.
(3)Jenn H.
I lived a about a block away from Club Charles for about two years before I moved to Denver...and it was one of my favorite places to hang out in the city. It's dark, sometimes crowded, with decent music, okay food, strong drinks, and, almost always, a diverse crowd. But, really, I always loved seeing the bartenders. They're always so friendly and attentive. I've spent way too much money at this place...
(5)C B.
A pretty hip spot! While it isn't exactly my "style", Club Charles is an interesting enough place that I would bring a friend who likes to drink out here. I wish I took more pictures because the ones posted here really don't give you a great idea of what the place feels like. You do have to like red neon though. The reason why I have given this place 5-stars is because the place exudes an unpretentious swankiness with absurdly low drink prices...this combination creates an unparalleled bang-for-the-buck value. The barmaid who served us was witty and sassy. Although my friends didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I still rate it perfect.
(5)A. C.
Location is ideal for the 2nd date trifecta: dinner (Tapas Teatro); movie (Charles Theater); drinks, if all is going well (Club Charles). Pretty stiff drinks, usually at room temp (they seem to have an aversion to ice), at pretty reasonable prices, but also hard to come by (service is disaffected and will hostily ignore you). You might feel like you're not hip enough to be here and there's no one here who will disagree. Surfaces are sticky, vibe is divey. If you're lucky, you might get to spill a drink on John Waters.
(3)Vlad G.
A legit dive, my favorite thus far in Baltimore, and I love that it's positioned as a sort of outpost on the frontier of "urban civilization" aka it feels a bit sketchy a few blocks up Charles. Totally unpretentious, solid juke box, too.
(5)Kt H.
The ambiance here is awesome! $2.50 Ballantines tonight, which is an awesome deal. The bartender is amazingly friendly and the clientele is as warm as the bar itself. Definitely recommend for a low key night out!!
(5)Alison Q.
This place reminded me of home (Brooklyn). It's your quintessential hipster dive joint. I approve.
(4)Caleb L.
I go to this bar so often that my phone started trying auto-correct the word "chick" to "chuck" (if you get what I mean) I could go on and on about how cute the bartenders are, but the really important part is how dependably nice they are. I've gone to plenty of other places where the bartenders are occasionally tired, visibly spent, and a little bit grouchy... that's human. But at Club Charles you are greeted with a big friendly smile 100% of the time. I'll also give an "amen" to the reviews mentioning the good prices and good jukebox. The one slight downside to Club Charles is that it's not really the kind of place where you introduce yourself to a stranger. It's not impossible, but most of the crowd there is inclined to stick to the circle of friends they know/showed up with.
(5)Sara J.
Love the vibe, but wish they were more consistent with the music. That's such a big part of a bar's atmosphere, but the reliance on the Jukebox can make it overly stiff if no one is fronting the expense. Like how red it is, and great location
(4)Laura F.
I came to Club Charles during a recent trip to Baltimore. I loved this place, what else can I say! I loved the darkness, the red lights, the chairs, the crowd, the music, even the bathroom graffiti. The bartender was very friendly. If I lived in Baltimore, I would hang out here all the time.
(5)J. M.
Stereotypical [not used in as a pejorative] dive-bar that would be good to use as an illustrative example of what a dive-bar is, if you were ever to have a guest from another part of the world where dive-bars aren't "a thing." I often drop in after I've seen a film at The Charles for a bombay tonic and find the staff adequately competent and pleasant. There's a very subtle difference between date-rape bar lighting and actual dive-bar lighting. This place manages to dwell firmly in the dive-bar lighting of the pub-cosmos. Food isn't something I'd urge you to try [specially when there's Sofi's crepes across the street] but hey, it's not the worst either. A high OK that translates into four-stars because three would imply it's not worth a visit or re-visit.
(4)Cheryl D.
Although I haven't been to the Club Charles in years, it sounds like it is still the best bar in Baltimore. Having spent many weekends at the Club Charles in the late 80's and early 90's, always my favorite bar in Baltimore!
(5)Kurt I.
I really liked this place. Great atmosphere, good selection of suds, a cute bartender, but no natty bo? Wha? Isn't this Baltimore? Get some if your finest cheap beer on tap please. That is all.
(4)Lisa P.
Fun night and the bartender upstairs was super friendly. I liked the atmosphere (especially the cool Halloween decor) and the drinks were cheap. Comfy chairs upstairs in the back!
(4)Brady S.
Came here by myself while I waited for my girlfriend's delayed train to arrive. Lower bar was packed so I went up the short flight of stairs to the top bar, which only one other guy was at. He was talking to the bartender and took a pretty long time for her to recognize that I, her only other patron, had taken a seat. But, she came over, I ordered a Yuengling on draft and she got it for me quick, as one could expect. The price was nice ($3.30), but it was awkward when proceeded to wait for me to pay her right then and there. I guess that's protocol for someone who sits down at a bar alone (loser-style), since opening up a tab rollin' solo is probably rare...but I wouldn't know. Overall, besides my awkward solo beer drinking experience, the atmosphere was interesting and energetic, despite sitting at an elevated, secluded bar. Nice prices, nice environment. I'd come back again. Disclaimer - there was some interesting people there, I think pregaming for a show at a theater next door that seemed to be affiliated with the bar.
(4)Sam P.
Good dive bar, normally my first stop in a bar crawl.
(4)Richard L.
How can you not give the club charles 5 stars? Are you a monster? Can you only achieve and maintain an erection while listening to a blended symphony of seals being beaten, children being denied ice cream, and hipsters complaining about their record collection? Are you a shitbag? Do you sit around at night, using facebook on your fucking iphone 4S, making snarky comments on your friends's posts? "Oh, he posted a picture of a hamburger. Dislike, because I'm vegan, and obviously I'm morally superior and not someone that deserves a punch to my anaemic and iron-deficient cock on a daily basis." Oh, you don't like the chill with your friends in a comfy dive and have drinks and totally, you know, enjoy people's company and laugh in real time. Oh, ok, you're a shitbag. I can understand if you gave it 4 stars. Maybe you were drunk, and couldn't remember how awesome the bartenders are, or how good the drinks are. Maybe you forgot that they carry chartreuse and know how to make excellent drinks with it. Maybe you are so used to 1 dollar beers(you are probably from pittsburgh you fucking steelers fan) and a 2 dollar natty boh is just...you can't even comprehend it with your feeble and incapacitated brain. I don't know, I love good drinks and 2 dollar beers and getting boozy without getting woozy. 3 stars, though...what is going through your feeble mind? What gets five stars from you for a bar? Does your favorite bar have automatic dick sucking machines under the counter - something that looks like the sarlacc(bang, return of the jedi bitches) that undulates as it brings you to the cusp of perfection, maximizing your pleasure with mechanical, german efficiency? Does your bar have Jay-Z just walk in and he's all like "oh hey how you doin girl" and then beyonce comes in with her baby and her baby fucking tends bar and tweets about that shit and then makes a tumblr called "baby blue bartending" or something like that? Jay-Z presses his warm hand on your shoulder smelling faintly of cocoa and the Juun J cologne from six scents and he says "this is the greatest day in your life, but it is just average to me. I will always remember the disparity of our recollections" and then you weep golden tears that turn into diamonds when they hit the floor? Probably not, you jerk offs. If that is your bar though...seriously, call me.
(5)Rachel F.
Dive bar, Shmive Bar. Club Charles, or "Club Chuck" as I like to say, makes frequent appearances in my weekly bar rotation. Not because the drinks are cheap-ish (even thought I can never figure out the deals or promos for the day), or because there is surprisingly good food (try their pizza or nachos), but because of one, glowing, life force tucked away inside the bar. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the jukebox. Whether it's Fleetwood Mac, my favorite Baltimore band, or an artist I'm not cool enough to know about yet, it's there.
(4)Nick B.
Quintessential Baltimore "scene" bar/hang out. Cheap and BIG drinks, cute hip waitresses, and cool funky retro style. Could use some cleaning, but definitely worth grabbing a drink here!
(4)Lauren S.
It's hard for me to really find a problem with this place. It's a good bar. Don't know about the food (never had it) but the drinks are strong and cheap, so what more can you ask for?
(4)Peter F.
Maybe I don't understand this word "gastropub" that I hear tossed around by foodie sorts. Maybe this is how they're supposed to work- high prices, iffy-at-best food, and awful service. But wow, was this place a letdown! I went here for food, which I guess is frowned upon, even though their website makes a big deal about the non-booze element of this place. When I got there and asked the bartender/waitress (only one, who looked to be about 22 and really unhappy to be there), where I should sit if I were to get food, she responded as if she didn't work there and didn't know why I was asking her. A long time later, we get menus. Menus read "ask about our specials" and "ask about our homemade deserts". Being the enthusiastic out of towner I am, I asked about both and got this response from the ray of sunshine that was our server: "Uhhhh...some kind of turkey...thing. And we don't do vegan desserts anymore." Ooook. I looked for a cheap item on the not-so-cheap menu, and got the vegan chili with cornbread, which arrived barely warm with nachos instead of cornbread, and no warning about the switch. My date got the spinach and artichoke dip, which was reportedly mediocre at best. We asked for the check, and she came by the the table with paper, but held on to the paper and said "Oh..yer total is $18.95" and walked away. I'm no food service expert, but I thought it was pretty customary to like... see your bill. Maybe even get it face down for discretion. Not here. I followed her back to the bar, asked if I could pay by credit card, and did. $20 for a soup and an apetizer, both kinda bland, from a dive bar with some seriously bad service. The only thing saving this place from a one star rating was the decor (kinda nice!) and the hipster eyecandy (I can't help myself) that arrived later. But wow. Serious diappointment.
(2)Judy C.
Love love love the place! Nice drinks...good crowd (yes, I'm a little hipster-esque)...great music...awesome decor! The bartender is also very friendly. I guess with the loss of Zodiac (for food...RIP), Club Charles now serves food (although I haven't tried it yet). If I were to go hang out at a bar, then I'd definitely consider Club Charles first.
(5)Marshall L.
This place is pure, 100% Baltimore. Great atmosphere and great people. Even if you're a stuck-up DC snob who came in here and decided to never come back, it wouldn't be because anyone treated you poorly. You get a wide range of people who visit this place and I think just about every kind of Baltimore person (save for the type who likes the bars in Canton), will find something to love here.
(5)Tony M.
And in conclusion.... I really used to love Club Charles. It is the only decent bar in town with Tom Waits in the jukebox, the Bar Staff is always pretty cool, and I have had tons of good times. I only say I used to love it, because it got a little too hipster for me. And if there is one thing that ruins a good time it's a stinky hipster. Not all hipsters, just the annoying ones, or the ones who refuse to use deodorant. Which equates to around 72% of all known hipsters. The food at Club Charles in the past was pretty amazing for a divey bar. The Zodiac (R.I.P.) was my favorite restaurant in Baltimore until it closed down a few years ago. In my opinion it was because of bad management. Numerous times when going to see movies at the Charles Theater, I had to walk up to the door of Zodiac and try to open it, because you could never tell if it was open or not. This restaurant management 101. They can blame the city fro having the street torn up for 2 years all they want, but even when the street was fine, you could never tell if the place was open. It's a real shame because it was a great restaurant. Anyway... Club Charles uses the same kitchen and last time I was there, the same cooks as Zodiac did. The pizza is fantastic. I am giving Club Charles 5 stars because if it is what you are looking for, it is a great bar, and if you have never been to it, it is a must see for the city.
(5)Elizabeth B.
Either the drinks here are stupid cheap, or our bartender last Thursday knocked AT LEAST a round off our tab. Whichever one is true, it made a fan of me. I've since decided that the Charles is what The Depot sorta used to be, and still wishes really hard it was. Only nicer. And with cuter bartenders. She gave us advice on tattoos, and she made us really strong and really yummy Red Apple Ketel One martinis. It was a quiet night, even once the hour grew late enough for a crowd. And there was some terrible thumpy music happening a couple doors down, but it's a great chill place to hang out. The only thing it's missing is a decent dance night, though the jukebox had some seriously awesome old stuff on it, once people started to feed it. Oh, and be careful if you duck outside for a cigarette or breath of fresh air, you're likely to get hit up for change by a random possibly drunk homeless woman who will totally yell at you if you don't give her the ten in your wallet. Not that I know from experience or anything.
(4)Rachel E.
I'm basically just going to copy and paste my review for 'The Depot' for 'Club Charles', just changing a few keywords because my review is almost exactly the same. Yay, it's review mad libs. I think I've been here maybe 3 times and only once did I have a semi-decent time with the aide of excessive amounts of alcohol. I don't necessarily blame the entire bar for that but still. The first time someone invited me I approached the door and almost turned around and ran all the way back to my car. In retrospect I wish I had. I recall the drinks got me drunk, but I really don't go out just to drink. I drink so I can socialize more easily and feel less awkward when I dance and this not a place to dance. Maybe if you were alone or there were 5 other people here, which was the case I believe every time I went here. I've honestly had bedrooms that were bigger than this entire bar, not that bars need to be big. Baltimore nightlife really sucks, there are douche clubs (Power Plant area) and um... places to get drunk at. I guess this is a place to get drunk at? It has a lonely, heartbreak hotel, dive bar that has been lost in time vibe to it which I suppose could be appealing... The people are usually clannish, not speaking to anyone but the people they came with, and goat help you if you're single, everyone is too busy being up their own donkey to talk to anyone new. It sounds asinine but this place feels so sad, I even feel like slitting my wrists just reminiscing about it. The decor is dark and twisted which I actually liked and I don't really recall the music they played since I was talking to my "friend" the whole time. Oh, this was years ago by the way when I went here.
(2)Eva C.
Great dive bar in Baltimore! It's all the better because it carries Stone IPA all the time. Even better, the walk between here to anywhere else has cleaned up a bit in the last few years. The only thing that I haven't liked in this bar were the nachos (disappointing and didn't kick my craving!).
(4)Jonathan G.
I like Club Charles, I really do. The inside is dark, the feeling is seedy but hipster-y, and I've been there more often while John Waters was having a drink than when he wasn't. The beer selection is slightly above average, and the service is great, and it's a good hangout before or after a flick at The Charles. That said, the food menu isn't really anything worthwhile, and I feel like I've tried quite a few things. The hours also leave a lot to be desired - I've walked across the street from the movies for a beer, and they've been closed, and this was around 4 or 4:30pm. It's definitely a place everyone who lives in Baltimore should visit, and the atmosphere is fantastic - a good mix of all kinds of personalities and styles.
(3)Samantha P.
Relatively cheap drinks (they always have some sort of semi-secret special) and always a good atmosphere. Don't come here expecting pristine bar stools and clean bathrooms -- it's dark, hipstery, and low-key, which is what makes it wonderful. Best parts: the jukebox and the red lighting. Any time I pass a bar with red lighting, it always reminds me of this place. Good location, close to Penn Station, Charles Theater, Sofi's Crepes, and Metro Gallery.
(4)Jacqueline S.
Solid jukebox, relatively diverse crowd (albeit still consistently young adults with beards and lefty political perspectives) and well-priced drinks.
(4)Cheryl K.
I'm a Midtown resident, and when I'm looking to drink in my area, I have two go-to places: Brewers Art (for when I'm feeling "fancy") and Club Charles (when I'm craving hard liquor and grime). At the risk of sounding like an alcoholic, when I'm bored I fantasize about giving Club Charles a visit and knocking back a few sharp, salty martinis. I can't say too much about their food, although I did eat a few bites of a friend's gnocchi once. Mind blowing. Then again, that may have been the martinis. Anyway, enough about me and damn martinis. The place is dark, red, and awesome. I always hear some great music and overhear awesome conversations about music/art/culture/philosophy. There's two bars, one by the entrance and the other is up a few steps towards the back. I've been here on Friday and Saturday nights and it's never been too crowded. The drinks are pretty inexpensive and the bartenders have always been friendly. The area is a bit sketchy if you're usually a Fells Point/Canton/Federal Hill drinker, but it is across from the equally awesome Charles Theater and Sofi's Crepes and Tapas Teatro.
(5)blahbla h.
Club Chuck is the coolest bar I went to in Baltimore. I don't live in Baltimore, so I'm probably not the greatest reviewer. However, I have fond memories from visiting friends there.
(5)Bria D.
Ah, Club Charles. You and your trapeze delivered some of the few bright spots of my Baltimorean tenure. I'd come visit you on a Friday night, cram myself into your teeming throngs, be bathed in red lighting, order a Manhattan, and listen to music that I'd actually want to hear. There were times when I'd go by and the crowd would be completely dead (once in the heat of summer when your air conditioner was broken, but other times unexplained). The barstaff seemed friendly but I never really got the opportunity to befriend them because Baltimore's version of hipster boys were all throwing their nonchalant fervor into trying to woo them at once. I can't recommend Club Charles as a non-stop all the time extravaganza of fun. But it's head and shoulders above most of the local competition.
(4)Sarah F.
I can't believe there is only one review for Club Chuck! This one of the best bars in Baltimore. It is has a very cool atmosphere (very art deco, 1930's black & red furniture, lots of murals), friendly bartenders, and good drinks. Don't be suprised if you see John Waters here, this place is a Baltimore staple. Barry Levinson actually filmed scenes for his 1999 movie "Liberty Heights" in this bar. And if you get hungry just walk next door to Zodiac, the food is awesome and cheap too
(5)Deon R.
This bar is great as far as location since I don't have to go too far from home and then its surrounded by a lot of other places you can eat and find amusement at(Charles Theatre). Besides location its a great bar to chill and socialize. Weather its after a play or movie across the street or you just came to hang out the atmosphere is very comfortable, dim, yet cheerful. I've also enjoyed great customer service from the bartenders as they are so nice. Food is ok too when you don't want to drink on an empty stomach. Drink specials through out the week can tend to give you a favorite night to come through, but on just about any night there are fun, interesting crowd of people to greet you.
(4)Mark M.
This was one of my favorite places in Baltimore when I lived there. Good tunes, good crowd, good vibe, strong drinks, cute waitstaff, dark corners and cozy booths (great for making out with random strangers). All that and a trapeze act. It's pretty much the perfect bar.
(5)Bradley M.
From 1995-2000, when i lived in Baltimore, this was by FAR my favorite bar to hang at. So please note I haven't been there for some time, so if there have been any major changes or a decline in quality I do not know of it. They have(had?) a fine selection of cute bartenders, who were both very skilled and extremely friendly. The atmosphere is warm and lounge like, it was always a very comfortable place to be. They also have (had?) a great jukebox. I hope this place is as good as the many memories my friends and I have shared there!
(5)Scott K.
Good times! Nough said. Party it up and drink losers. Ha! Ha!
(4)Mike C.
If you are sick of Baltimore and would like to pretend you are somewhere else, in the afternoon Club Charles is a nice escape. Unlike most other "dive" bars in Baltimore it does not reek of an unknown organic mixture and the label "where smart people meet" confuses most of the general population long enough for you to get a few good drinking hours in before they find you. The jukebox is a good example of why its not good to trust a scenesters taste in drinking music. As you scroll from cherry-poppin-daddies to cliche hip-hop/hair metal mixes past terrible comps from current and past bartenders, through the ever-worn best of's Queen, VU, Pulp, Stones, and come to a panel that says "Vampire Weekend," its clear that creating a good jukebox is more than lights, bubbles and a reliance on what everyone else is listening to. Yet I still give it my money and pretend the draft beers are cold enough while I wait for the best duck entree in the city to keep me company. The bars high ceilings and dark atmosphere make it easy to breathe and drink.... and breathe.... and drink.
(4)Lee M.
A little too expensive, considering its pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, but it has its charm. Good music, comfortable booths, and a "unique" crowd make it worth coming back to but I could do without the neo-beatnick hipster doofi that somethimes plague the front bar.
(3)Mike W.
It's where you go for drinks before/after a movie at the Charles Theater if you don't want to pay a million dollars at tapas teatro. They have a captive audience yet the drinks are still reasonable cheap. The juke box is great and I'm told the food isn't half bad either. Though, if it's the same as the old Zodiac restaurant next store, it's fair to middling and reasonable for the price.
(4)sidney m.
The homebase for Baltimore's dirty hipsters. Be prepared to encounter attitude. Preferred clothing is either an all black ensemble, or subtly paint spattered t-shirt and jeans to display that you are an aspiring artist. NPR listening, republican hating, bisexual posing, slumming it former suburbanites at their finest. Very good jukebox, and good reliable bartenders. How it will survive after the smoking ban is anyone's guess. Overall, quite amusing.
(3)Natalie F.
Pretty cool place to get a drink and hang out before going to the Depot for an 80's dance party. Don't be surprised if no one talks to you though because they are pretentious art assholes.
(3)Christie S.
I wish Club Charles were more of a dive. I think I would like it more. I like the fact that they have a lot of indie bands and 70's punk on the juke box, but the crowd can be way to pretentious and hipster for me. I want drunks and tweaked out people from Club Charles like it used to be. Now the drafts are a dollar more than they used to be and artsy wannabes make up most of the population who frequent this bar. Ugggh. And they are probably all vegetarian. Last time I was there this asshole at the bar with a flock of seagulls/fall out boy haircut, girls jeans, and a hello kitty tattoo kept elbowing me. It's all I could do from setting his greasy do on fire. And they just keep getting worse. I am giving it four stars because well, I keep going there for some reason. I try only to go when there are no art openings at that metro art place. Because then, the crowd is truly insufferable.
(4)Takaki K.
They have a very nice atmosphere inside that I don't just want to call it dive. Eclectic, decadent, hip, dive, each of these words describes part of its feel. I may as well give up categorizing it because the bartender in a mistress dress did tricks on the swing over the bar. Duh. I like this place. It's across from the movie theater so it's a good place to get a drink when waiting for the show time and the pretentious tapas place is full.
(4)Marshall L.
This place is pure, 100% Baltimore. Great atmosphere and great people. Even if you're a stuck-up DC snob who came in here and decided to never come back, it wouldn't be because anyone treated you poorly. You get a wide range of people who visit this place and I think just about every kind of Baltimore person (save for the type who likes the bars in Canton), will find something to love here.
(5)Bria D.
Ah, Club Charles. You and your trapeze delivered some of the few bright spots of my Baltimorean tenure. I'd come visit you on a Friday night, cram myself into your teeming throngs, be bathed in red lighting, order a Manhattan, and listen to music that I'd actually want to hear. There were times when I'd go by and the crowd would be completely dead (once in the heat of summer when your air conditioner was broken, but other times unexplained). The barstaff seemed friendly but I never really got the opportunity to befriend them because Baltimore's version of hipster boys were all throwing their nonchalant fervor into trying to woo them at once. I can't recommend Club Charles as a non-stop all the time extravaganza of fun. But it's head and shoulders above most of the local competition.
(4)Sarah F.
I can't believe there is only one review for Club Chuck! This one of the best bars in Baltimore. It is has a very cool atmosphere (very art deco, 1930's black & red furniture, lots of murals), friendly bartenders, and good drinks. Don't be suprised if you see John Waters here, this place is a Baltimore staple. Barry Levinson actually filmed scenes for his 1999 movie "Liberty Heights" in this bar. And if you get hungry just walk next door to Zodiac, the food is awesome and cheap too
(5)Scott K.
Good times! Nough said. Party it up and drink losers. Ha! Ha!
(4)Richard L.
How can you not give the club charles 5 stars? Are you a monster? Can you only achieve and maintain an erection while listening to a blended symphony of seals being beaten, children being denied ice cream, and hipsters complaining about their record collection? Are you a shitbag? Do you sit around at night, using facebook on your fucking iphone 4S, making snarky comments on your friends's posts? "Oh, he posted a picture of a hamburger. Dislike, because I'm vegan, and obviously I'm morally superior and not someone that deserves a punch to my anaemic and iron-deficient cock on a daily basis." Oh, you don't like the chill with your friends in a comfy dive and have drinks and totally, you know, enjoy people's company and laugh in real time. Oh, ok, you're a shitbag. I can understand if you gave it 4 stars. Maybe you were drunk, and couldn't remember how awesome the bartenders are, or how good the drinks are. Maybe you forgot that they carry chartreuse and know how to make excellent drinks with it. Maybe you are so used to 1 dollar beers(you are probably from pittsburgh you fucking steelers fan) and a 2 dollar natty boh is just...you can't even comprehend it with your feeble and incapacitated brain. I don't know, I love good drinks and 2 dollar beers and getting boozy without getting woozy. 3 stars, though...what is going through your feeble mind? What gets five stars from you for a bar? Does your favorite bar have automatic dick sucking machines under the counter - something that looks like the sarlacc(bang, return of the jedi bitches) that undulates as it brings you to the cusp of perfection, maximizing your pleasure with mechanical, german efficiency? Does your bar have Jay-Z just walk in and he's all like "oh hey how you doin girl" and then beyonce comes in with her baby and her baby fucking tends bar and tweets about that shit and then makes a tumblr called "baby blue bartending" or something like that? Jay-Z presses his warm hand on your shoulder smelling faintly of cocoa and the Juun J cologne from six scents and he says "this is the greatest day in your life, but it is just average to me. I will always remember the disparity of our recollections" and then you weep golden tears that turn into diamonds when they hit the floor? Probably not, you jerk offs. If that is your bar though...seriously, call me.
(5)Rachel F.
Dive bar, Shmive Bar. Club Charles, or "Club Chuck" as I like to say, makes frequent appearances in my weekly bar rotation. Not because the drinks are cheap-ish (even thought I can never figure out the deals or promos for the day), or because there is surprisingly good food (try their pizza or nachos), but because of one, glowing, life force tucked away inside the bar. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the jukebox. Whether it's Fleetwood Mac, my favorite Baltimore band, or an artist I'm not cool enough to know about yet, it's there.
(4)Nick B.
Quintessential Baltimore "scene" bar/hang out. Cheap and BIG drinks, cute hip waitresses, and cool funky retro style. Could use some cleaning, but definitely worth grabbing a drink here!
(4)Lauren S.
It's hard for me to really find a problem with this place. It's a good bar. Don't know about the food (never had it) but the drinks are strong and cheap, so what more can you ask for?
(4)Peter F.
Maybe I don't understand this word "gastropub" that I hear tossed around by foodie sorts. Maybe this is how they're supposed to work- high prices, iffy-at-best food, and awful service. But wow, was this place a letdown! I went here for food, which I guess is frowned upon, even though their website makes a big deal about the non-booze element of this place. When I got there and asked the bartender/waitress (only one, who looked to be about 22 and really unhappy to be there), where I should sit if I were to get food, she responded as if she didn't work there and didn't know why I was asking her. A long time later, we get menus. Menus read "ask about our specials" and "ask about our homemade deserts". Being the enthusiastic out of towner I am, I asked about both and got this response from the ray of sunshine that was our server: "Uhhhh...some kind of turkey...thing. And we don't do vegan desserts anymore." Ooook. I looked for a cheap item on the not-so-cheap menu, and got the vegan chili with cornbread, which arrived barely warm with nachos instead of cornbread, and no warning about the switch. My date got the spinach and artichoke dip, which was reportedly mediocre at best. We asked for the check, and she came by the the table with paper, but held on to the paper and said "Oh..yer total is $18.95" and walked away. I'm no food service expert, but I thought it was pretty customary to like... see your bill. Maybe even get it face down for discretion. Not here. I followed her back to the bar, asked if I could pay by credit card, and did. $20 for a soup and an apetizer, both kinda bland, from a dive bar with some seriously bad service. The only thing saving this place from a one star rating was the decor (kinda nice!) and the hipster eyecandy (I can't help myself) that arrived later. But wow. Serious diappointment.
(2)Judy C.
Love love love the place! Nice drinks...good crowd (yes, I'm a little hipster-esque)...great music...awesome decor! The bartender is also very friendly. I guess with the loss of Zodiac (for food...RIP), Club Charles now serves food (although I haven't tried it yet). If I were to go hang out at a bar, then I'd definitely consider Club Charles first.
(5)Mo A.
Great bar with low priced drinks and a great atmosphere. The jukebox needs some work, but the space is great for group socialiIng and debaucherous libation. It is often my first stop after getting off the train since it is so close to Penn Station.
(4)Samantha P.
Relatively cheap drinks (they always have some sort of semi-secret special) and always a good atmosphere. Don't come here expecting pristine bar stools and clean bathrooms -- it's dark, hipstery, and low-key, which is what makes it wonderful. Best parts: the jukebox and the red lighting. Any time I pass a bar with red lighting, it always reminds me of this place. Good location, close to Penn Station, Charles Theater, Sofi's Crepes, and Metro Gallery.
(4)Tony M.
And in conclusion.... I really used to love Club Charles. It is the only decent bar in town with Tom Waits in the jukebox, the Bar Staff is always pretty cool, and I have had tons of good times. I only say I used to love it, because it got a little too hipster for me. And if there is one thing that ruins a good time it's a stinky hipster. Not all hipsters, just the annoying ones, or the ones who refuse to use deodorant. Which equates to around 72% of all known hipsters. The food at Club Charles in the past was pretty amazing for a divey bar. The Zodiac (R.I.P.) was my favorite restaurant in Baltimore until it closed down a few years ago. In my opinion it was because of bad management. Numerous times when going to see movies at the Charles Theater, I had to walk up to the door of Zodiac and try to open it, because you could never tell if it was open or not. This restaurant management 101. They can blame the city fro having the street torn up for 2 years all they want, but even when the street was fine, you could never tell if the place was open. It's a real shame because it was a great restaurant. Anyway... Club Charles uses the same kitchen and last time I was there, the same cooks as Zodiac did. The pizza is fantastic. I am giving Club Charles 5 stars because if it is what you are looking for, it is a great bar, and if you have never been to it, it is a must see for the city.
(5)Elizabeth B.
Either the drinks here are stupid cheap, or our bartender last Thursday knocked AT LEAST a round off our tab. Whichever one is true, it made a fan of me. I've since decided that the Charles is what The Depot sorta used to be, and still wishes really hard it was. Only nicer. And with cuter bartenders. She gave us advice on tattoos, and she made us really strong and really yummy Red Apple Ketel One martinis. It was a quiet night, even once the hour grew late enough for a crowd. And there was some terrible thumpy music happening a couple doors down, but it's a great chill place to hang out. The only thing it's missing is a decent dance night, though the jukebox had some seriously awesome old stuff on it, once people started to feed it. Oh, and be careful if you duck outside for a cigarette or breath of fresh air, you're likely to get hit up for change by a random possibly drunk homeless woman who will totally yell at you if you don't give her the ten in your wallet. Not that I know from experience or anything.
(4)C B.
A pretty hip spot! While it isn't exactly my "style", Club Charles is an interesting enough place that I would bring a friend who likes to drink out here. I wish I took more pictures because the ones posted here really don't give you a great idea of what the place feels like. You do have to like red neon though. The reason why I have given this place 5-stars is because the place exudes an unpretentious swankiness with absurdly low drink prices...this combination creates an unparalleled bang-for-the-buck value. The barmaid who served us was witty and sassy. Although my friends didn't enjoy it as much as I did, I still rate it perfect.
(5)Jen K.
Oh, Club Charles. Or "The Chuck" as some like to say. This is a typical dive bar with a hipster-vibe. The bartenders have never been particularly friendly or attentive, but there's still something I like about it and I'm not sure why. Whenever I first step in, I chuckle a bit on the inside. I think this feeling will last as long as I don't go more than twice...okay, maybe once...a month. They offer one cider, comes in a bottle, I believe it's strongbow.
(3)Alex B.
Club Charles is definitely a dive spot, but it is still one of my favorite bars in Baltimore. Great, cheap drinks, fun music and a lot of different seating areas. The bathrooms are kind of gross, but the rest of the great parts of this bar far outweigh the less than clean restrooms. I lived in Baltimore for four years, and I cannot recall one time when my friends and I were bored here.
(4)Michael H.
Our favorite dive bar in Baltimore.. Strong drinks and good music.. What more can u ask for?
(5)Elizabeth J.
Club Chuck is a great place to go drown your sorrows. Lots of room, central to the movie theater, train station and close to all of the good stuff on North Av. This is typically where I end my Saturday nights. Typical Baltimore bar scene for better or worse.
(4)Jenn H.
I lived a about a block away from Club Charles for about two years before I moved to Denver...and it was one of my favorite places to hang out in the city. It's dark, sometimes crowded, with decent music, okay food, strong drinks, and, almost always, a diverse crowd. But, really, I always loved seeing the bartenders. They're always so friendly and attentive. I've spent way too much money at this place...
(5)A. C.
Location is ideal for the 2nd date trifecta: dinner (Tapas Teatro); movie (Charles Theater); drinks, if all is going well (Club Charles). Pretty stiff drinks, usually at room temp (they seem to have an aversion to ice), at pretty reasonable prices, but also hard to come by (service is disaffected and will hostily ignore you). You might feel like you're not hip enough to be here and there's no one here who will disagree. Surfaces are sticky, vibe is divey. If you're lucky, you might get to spill a drink on John Waters.
(3)Vlad G.
A legit dive, my favorite thus far in Baltimore, and I love that it's positioned as a sort of outpost on the frontier of "urban civilization" aka it feels a bit sketchy a few blocks up Charles. Totally unpretentious, solid juke box, too.
(5)Kt H.
The ambiance here is awesome! $2.50 Ballantines tonight, which is an awesome deal. The bartender is amazingly friendly and the clientele is as warm as the bar itself. Definitely recommend for a low key night out!!
(5)Alison Q.
This place reminded me of home (Brooklyn). It's your quintessential hipster dive joint. I approve.
(4)Caleb L.
I go to this bar so often that my phone started trying auto-correct the word "chick" to "chuck" (if you get what I mean) I could go on and on about how cute the bartenders are, but the really important part is how dependably nice they are. I've gone to plenty of other places where the bartenders are occasionally tired, visibly spent, and a little bit grouchy... that's human. But at Club Charles you are greeted with a big friendly smile 100% of the time. I'll also give an "amen" to the reviews mentioning the good prices and good jukebox. The one slight downside to Club Charles is that it's not really the kind of place where you introduce yourself to a stranger. It's not impossible, but most of the crowd there is inclined to stick to the circle of friends they know/showed up with.
(5)Sara J.
Love the vibe, but wish they were more consistent with the music. That's such a big part of a bar's atmosphere, but the reliance on the Jukebox can make it overly stiff if no one is fronting the expense. Like how red it is, and great location
(4)Laura F.
I came to Club Charles during a recent trip to Baltimore. I loved this place, what else can I say! I loved the darkness, the red lights, the chairs, the crowd, the music, even the bathroom graffiti. The bartender was very friendly. If I lived in Baltimore, I would hang out here all the time.
(5)Bradley M.
From 1995-2000, when i lived in Baltimore, this was by FAR my favorite bar to hang at. So please note I haven't been there for some time, so if there have been any major changes or a decline in quality I do not know of it. They have(had?) a fine selection of cute bartenders, who were both very skilled and extremely friendly. The atmosphere is warm and lounge like, it was always a very comfortable place to be. They also have (had?) a great jukebox. I hope this place is as good as the many memories my friends and I have shared there!
(5)J. M.
Stereotypical [not used in as a pejorative] dive-bar that would be good to use as an illustrative example of what a dive-bar is, if you were ever to have a guest from another part of the world where dive-bars aren't "a thing." I often drop in after I've seen a film at The Charles for a bombay tonic and find the staff adequately competent and pleasant. There's a very subtle difference between date-rape bar lighting and actual dive-bar lighting. This place manages to dwell firmly in the dive-bar lighting of the pub-cosmos. Food isn't something I'd urge you to try [specially when there's Sofi's crepes across the street] but hey, it's not the worst either. A high OK that translates into four-stars because three would imply it's not worth a visit or re-visit.
(4)Cheryl D.
Although I haven't been to the Club Charles in years, it sounds like it is still the best bar in Baltimore. Having spent many weekends at the Club Charles in the late 80's and early 90's, always my favorite bar in Baltimore!
(5)Kurt I.
I really liked this place. Great atmosphere, good selection of suds, a cute bartender, but no natty bo? Wha? Isn't this Baltimore? Get some if your finest cheap beer on tap please. That is all.
(4)Kristin S.
I would like to get a shirt made that just says "Club Chuck" on it and wear it 24/7. And when people would ask me about the meaning of my shirt, I would say that it's to pay homage to one of the best, most understated bars in Baltimore. You might be saying to yourself: dude, come on. This place looks creepy on the outside and there's a good chance I'll get robbed on North Avenue. And what do I say to that? If you're thinking about that, you don't understand this bar. It's not supposed to be glamorous, it's not supposed to be trendy. It has character and with great bartenders and prices to boot, you should just savor the ambiance. Club Chuck has trapeze artists, for Christ's sake. +50 right there! This bar isn't for everyone but for those regulars and understanding folks out there, you know how cool this place is. Think of it like a 'Cheers'--- except everyone might not know your name and yeah, you might get jumped out on North Ave. But psshhh, details.
(5)john f.
I have been going here for 20 years now. Although I don't spend a lot time in bars these days, this will always be one of my favorite Baltimore Haunts.
(5)sidney m.
The homebase for Baltimore's dirty hipsters. Be prepared to encounter attitude. Preferred clothing is either an all black ensemble, or subtly paint spattered t-shirt and jeans to display that you are an aspiring artist. NPR listening, republican hating, bisexual posing, slumming it former suburbanites at their finest. Very good jukebox, and good reliable bartenders. How it will survive after the smoking ban is anyone's guess. Overall, quite amusing.
(3)Natalie F.
Pretty cool place to get a drink and hang out before going to the Depot for an 80's dance party. Don't be surprised if no one talks to you though because they are pretentious art assholes.
(3)Michelle K.
You know what, Baltimore bars are not bad at all. Baltimore food sucks, but you can't really rip on the bar scene aside from the 1:30 last call. I used to live right by here, so I'd come here all the time. Now I live in Hampden, and I still come here all the time. (Not a fan of Hampden bars and the affectations of Rocket to Venus or Golden West. ESPECIALLY not a fan of their prices.) Club Charles is awesome on Sunday nights when it's dead and it's still awesome when it's completely packed on a Friday night with a show at the Zodiac next door. The bartenders are always so nice and friendly despite the crowds hovering at every end of the bar waiting for a drink or their tab, so I will drink a mixed drink that's sometimes a little too strong. Next time I'll order a $3 Yuengling off the draft. And most of the times they have total babes working behind the bar. The barback with glasses is totally awesome dude too. Also, Sunday nights are "Shipwreck Sundays" so it's $2 Red Stripes and $3 rum drinks. The only downfall is that it's so dark and red inside that you can't really tell who's a girl or a guy. I like it though, because I think the darkness lends itself to the attitude of not-giving-a-shit. I don't see why all these "artsy" pretentious assholes bother some of the other reviewers when you can't really see or hear them anyway. Either way it's the bar atmosphere I prefer the most, especially in comparison to Brewer's or Dionysis or anything in Hampden.
(5)Sarah B.
I remember coming here quite late in the night, and all I remember about it was saying the walls look like a vagina. This was several months ago, so I don't know if that was accurate at all. I guess I'll have to go back and see on my next trip to B-More. It must have been fun, though, if that's all I can remember.
(4)Deon R.
This bar is great as far as location since I don't have to go too far from home and then its surrounded by a lot of other places you can eat and find amusement at(Charles Theatre). Besides location its a great bar to chill and socialize. Weather its after a play or movie across the street or you just came to hang out the atmosphere is very comfortable, dim, yet cheerful. I've also enjoyed great customer service from the bartenders as they are so nice. Food is ok too when you don't want to drink on an empty stomach. Drink specials through out the week can tend to give you a favorite night to come through, but on just about any night there are fun, interesting crowd of people to greet you.
(4)Mark M.
This was one of my favorite places in Baltimore when I lived there. Good tunes, good crowd, good vibe, strong drinks, cute waitstaff, dark corners and cozy booths (great for making out with random strangers). All that and a trapeze act. It's pretty much the perfect bar.
(5)Rumen K.
Big jukebox request: Please add the greatest hits of ABBA ! Thank You !
(5)Lauren S.
Fun bar that's "divey" in a good way! The service was great. I went over with my friend before a show. We were also able to get our tarot cards read for fun, just leave a tip! All around fun experience.
(5)Kelsey V.
If you have a vertical drivers license, you will not be let in. Even if you are 23. Apparently the place is a good place to go but if you have a vertical ID, don't even try to get in. This makes zero sense to me.
(1)Katie H.
I love Club Charles. It has become my favorite bar in Baltimore hands down. The atmosphere alone is reason to go. They have these great Art Deco murals on the walls. I almost feel like they belong on the cover of an Ayn Rand novel. If you think about them too hard they can be a little creepy, but I love them. There is also a jukebox in the corner that plays mostly 70s and 80s albums. Good picks in my opinion. I usually go on week nights, so I'm not sure how busy it gets on Friday or Saturday, but for me it never gets too crowded.
(5)Keith K.
As a long time aficionado of dive bars, Club Charles is right up there in my national top ten. It's got everything a good dive bar needs, friendly bartenders, cheap/strong drinks, an eclectic jukebox (from Dusty Springfield to The Clash and back again) and lighting low enuf to hide all the facade flaws, dirty corners and broken furniture. There's the main, downstairs bar, and on busy nights an equal sized upstairs bar. It's located in a cool neighbourhood as well with lots of good places to eat nearby and nice city walking, if you should so desire. My only complaint was about the music, not that it was bad, but that it was nonexistent when I first got there. Just a dozen or so early drinkers and NO tunes. When I asked the bartender about it, she said that they just waited till patrons got tired of no music and ponied up for the jukebox themselves. This is a mistake bar owner, whoever you are, you should most surely splurge the few bucks it takes to get the clientele to start buying songs. A good dive bar without music is just a sad bar. As for all the so-called John Waters sightings, nope never seen him here, but if I do, I will definitely ask him about his solo cross country hitchhiking experience. Oh John, you rebel.
(5)Laura Lee T.
Club Chuck is bar none (Haha! Get it? "Bar" none? Because it's, well, you know...) my favorite bar in Baltimore. Actually, it was the first bar I visited in the city after moving here from Portland and six months and about six dozen bars later, it's still my favorite. The atmosphere is cozy, dark and divey. The clientele is pretty diverse and apparently includes John Waters. They have a great jukebox and the bartenders here are all really sweet and genuinely happy to see you when you visit. The tap beer selection is pretty small, but good. They at least have Loose Cannon IPA on draft. They no longer serve food which would be a huge bummer if it wasn't for Royal Farms' fried chicken, which is pretty much the best drunk food on the planet. It gets a little crowded around nine or ten but if you get there earlier you can sit at the bar, chat with the bartender, do a crossword and play whatever you want at the jukebox--generally for free. (I'm not the only person in the world who does crosswords at the bar, surely.) I've taken to calling it Love Chuck. Let's make a trend here.
(5)Dianne M.
This place has been around forever and there's a good reason, it's incomparable to any other in Baltimore. I used to frequent this beautiful ruin decades ago in my post punk days. The jukebox is a thing of wonder. There are two floors, two bars, booths with curtains and barstools, but most people stand and mingle. If you want an eclectic mix of people and music this is the place to get it - you'll never know who you'll meet.
(5)Cheryl K.
I'm a Midtown resident, and when I'm looking to drink in my area, I have two go-to places: Brewers Art (for when I'm feeling "fancy") and Club Charles (when I'm craving hard liquor and grime). At the risk of sounding like an alcoholic, when I'm bored I fantasize about giving Club Charles a visit and knocking back a few sharp, salty martinis. I can't say too much about their food, although I did eat a few bites of a friend's gnocchi once. Mind blowing. Then again, that may have been the martinis. Anyway, enough about me and damn martinis. The place is dark, red, and awesome. I always hear some great music and overhear awesome conversations about music/art/culture/philosophy. There's two bars, one by the entrance and the other is up a few steps towards the back. I've been here on Friday and Saturday nights and it's never been too crowded. The drinks are pretty inexpensive and the bartenders have always been friendly. The area is a bit sketchy if you're usually a Fells Point/Canton/Federal Hill drinker, but it is across from the equally awesome Charles Theater and Sofi's Crepes and Tapas Teatro.
(5)Jacqueline S.
Solid jukebox, relatively diverse crowd (albeit still consistently young adults with beards and lefty political perspectives) and well-priced drinks.
(4)blahbla h.
Club Chuck is the coolest bar I went to in Baltimore. I don't live in Baltimore, so I'm probably not the greatest reviewer. However, I have fond memories from visiting friends there.
(5)Mike C.
If you are sick of Baltimore and would like to pretend you are somewhere else, in the afternoon Club Charles is a nice escape. Unlike most other "dive" bars in Baltimore it does not reek of an unknown organic mixture and the label "where smart people meet" confuses most of the general population long enough for you to get a few good drinking hours in before they find you. The jukebox is a good example of why its not good to trust a scenesters taste in drinking music. As you scroll from cherry-poppin-daddies to cliche hip-hop/hair metal mixes past terrible comps from current and past bartenders, through the ever-worn best of's Queen, VU, Pulp, Stones, and come to a panel that says "Vampire Weekend," its clear that creating a good jukebox is more than lights, bubbles and a reliance on what everyone else is listening to. Yet I still give it my money and pretend the draft beers are cold enough while I wait for the best duck entree in the city to keep me company. The bars high ceilings and dark atmosphere make it easy to breathe and drink.... and breathe.... and drink.
(4)Lee M.
A little too expensive, considering its pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, but it has its charm. Good music, comfortable booths, and a "unique" crowd make it worth coming back to but I could do without the neo-beatnick hipster doofi that somethimes plague the front bar.
(3)Christie S.
I wish Club Charles were more of a dive. I think I would like it more. I like the fact that they have a lot of indie bands and 70's punk on the juke box, but the crowd can be way to pretentious and hipster for me. I want drunks and tweaked out people from Club Charles like it used to be. Now the drafts are a dollar more than they used to be and artsy wannabes make up most of the population who frequent this bar. Ugggh. And they are probably all vegetarian. Last time I was there this asshole at the bar with a flock of seagulls/fall out boy haircut, girls jeans, and a hello kitty tattoo kept elbowing me. It's all I could do from setting his greasy do on fire. And they just keep getting worse. I am giving it four stars because well, I keep going there for some reason. I try only to go when there are no art openings at that metro art place. Because then, the crowd is truly insufferable.
(4)Takaki K.
They have a very nice atmosphere inside that I don't just want to call it dive. Eclectic, decadent, hip, dive, each of these words describes part of its feel. I may as well give up categorizing it because the bartender in a mistress dress did tricks on the swing over the bar. Duh. I like this place. It's across from the movie theater so it's a good place to get a drink when waiting for the show time and the pretentious tapas place is full.
(4)Mike W.
It's where you go for drinks before/after a movie at the Charles Theater if you don't want to pay a million dollars at tapas teatro. They have a captive audience yet the drinks are still reasonable cheap. The juke box is great and I'm told the food isn't half bad either. Though, if it's the same as the old Zodiac restaurant next store, it's fair to middling and reasonable for the price.
(4)Incidental M.
My favorite bar of all time. Heavy pours and always a great blend of people. Stellar jukebox and the best bartenders. I've been coming here for many years and it always feels like home. Here's to many more!
(5)Larry H.
When it comes to Baltimore dive bars, Club Charles (Club "Chuck" if your a local), is arguably the most legendary one of them all. It's also a semi frequent watering hole for Charm City's most celebrated and colorful film director, screenwriter, and actor, John Waters. The most spot on description I've ever heard of Club Charles' interior is "1920s Art Deco meets The Shining"... Deco mural'ed walls, Dimly lit, Red hued lighting, that bathes everyone and everything inside... Red leather booths & chairs... At any moment you kinda expect little Danny Torrance to come running through the bar yelling "Redrum ! Redrum !" But it's also got all the characteristics of a great dive bar. Located in a slightly seedy part of town, cheap but strong drinks, wobbly bar stools, a jukebox with a wide selection from Ray Charles to Dan Deacon, and always friendly bartenders. The size and mix of the crowd seems to depend on the night, it can be anything from artsy film student types to blue collar locals from the neighborhood. But if dive bars are your thing, a single visit to Club Charles will probably be enough to ensure it a spot in your regular rotation of favorite dives.
(4)Sarah W.
Perfect balance of dive bar and hipster and retro. Service was perfectly solicitous but not too hovercrafty, gin and tonic was fine. Felt totally comfortable there from the minute I walked in.
(5)Alvin W.
If you're looking for a club that will give you night terrors,in a good way,for the next 40 years,look no further. Baltimores hottest new club is Club Charles. Opened in 2003 by ginger pornstar Charlie Faplin, this club will have you yelling.. "ANGELA?" THIS CLUB HAS EVERYTHING! pee pants music, chum from the goonies,and the grandson of the Taco Bell dog smoking a Newport cigarette. You'll never want to leave this place,and you can't because the doors lock from the outside.
(5)Nina U.
There is a little nook of a room with 4 - 5 chairs and a little table. You can keep intimate company and all the conversations right outside. It's pretty erie. I'm not sure they all knew that I could hear every word they were saying like they were sitting right next to me but it echos in there. This is a cute little divey bar right near Charles Theatre, Single Carrot Theatre and Teatro Tapas. There's a main bar and then one on the upper level. They may not have Natty Boh, but Miller Lite will do.
(4)Viv G.
Not bad for a dive. We came here for a drink after dining at Tapas Teatro. As with most dives, very dimly lit, pretty loud, a little dirty, okay drinks at decent prices. The lower level bar was pretty crowded, but the upstairs one was fairly empty. We sat in the tiny red room, which wasn't bad- just a little crowded with 6 people. Some of the beers tasted very watered down or a bit off, but no big deal as they were cheap. The hipster bartenders seemed pretty nice.
(3)Sam P.
Good dive bar, normally my first stop in a bar crawl.
(4)K Sera S.
A dive in the best sense of the word. Retro without being kitschy, unpretentious yet hip, Club Charles is a Baltimore institution. And I love the fact that I have to get buzzed in. It makes me feel edgy and seedy! (Yep, I'm just that much of a dork.) Come February 2nd, it'll be smoke-free (as will all bars in B'more), which I have to say will kind of spoil it for me. It's not so much that I'll miss smoking, it's more that I'll miss the vaguely noir touch of a low-hanging fog of second-hand smoke that gave it that, "Yep, this is a dive" feel. I'll get over it! Great place for a pre- or after-movie drink. Interesting Yelp from Christie S. about the influx of art-crowd....
(4)Rachel E.
I'm basically just going to copy and paste my review for 'The Depot' for 'Club Charles', just changing a few keywords because my review is almost exactly the same. Yay, it's review mad libs. I think I've been here maybe 3 times and only once did I have a semi-decent time with the aide of excessive amounts of alcohol. I don't necessarily blame the entire bar for that but still. The first time someone invited me I approached the door and almost turned around and ran all the way back to my car. In retrospect I wish I had. I recall the drinks got me drunk, but I really don't go out just to drink. I drink so I can socialize more easily and feel less awkward when I dance and this not a place to dance. Maybe if you were alone or there were 5 other people here, which was the case I believe every time I went here. I've honestly had bedrooms that were bigger than this entire bar, not that bars need to be big. Baltimore nightlife really sucks, there are douche clubs (Power Plant area) and um... places to get drunk at. I guess this is a place to get drunk at? It has a lonely, heartbreak hotel, dive bar that has been lost in time vibe to it which I suppose could be appealing... The people are usually clannish, not speaking to anyone but the people they came with, and goat help you if you're single, everyone is too busy being up their own donkey to talk to anyone new. It sounds asinine but this place feels so sad, I even feel like slitting my wrists just reminiscing about it. The decor is dark and twisted which I actually liked and I don't really recall the music they played since I was talking to my "friend" the whole time. Oh, this was years ago by the way when I went here.
(2)Eva C.
Great dive bar in Baltimore! It's all the better because it carries Stone IPA all the time. Even better, the walk between here to anywhere else has cleaned up a bit in the last few years. The only thing that I haven't liked in this bar were the nachos (disappointing and didn't kick my craving!).
(4)Jonathan G.
I like Club Charles, I really do. The inside is dark, the feeling is seedy but hipster-y, and I've been there more often while John Waters was having a drink than when he wasn't. The beer selection is slightly above average, and the service is great, and it's a good hangout before or after a flick at The Charles. That said, the food menu isn't really anything worthwhile, and I feel like I've tried quite a few things. The hours also leave a lot to be desired - I've walked across the street from the movies for a beer, and they've been closed, and this was around 4 or 4:30pm. It's definitely a place everyone who lives in Baltimore should visit, and the atmosphere is fantastic - a good mix of all kinds of personalities and styles.
(3)Lisa P.
Fun night and the bartender upstairs was super friendly. I liked the atmosphere (especially the cool Halloween decor) and the drinks were cheap. Comfy chairs upstairs in the back!
(4)Dean C.
Great bar, great diverse mix of people, no drama, great atmosphere and super awesome bar tenders ;) what more do you want? ghosts? well they sometimes have that too!
(5)Nora E.
This is my favorite place to drink incredibly sweet whisky sours, listen to David Bowie and people watch. I get all of my fashion tips from twenty something cool kids. Thanks, guys.
(4)Jamie S.
If you like to constantly update your phone while at a bar then stay at that bar and don't come here. If you like cool conversation with good friends and random folks then this is your place. If you like retro feel that's retro because shit ain't changed since long enough to come full circle and be, well, retro then this is your place. If you like heavy pours and the promise of a good time if you're not a dick then this is your place. Ya dig? Possible John Waters sighting if you're into shit like that.
(5)Ed W.
Beers were inexpensive compared to other places and the place has enough room where you can enjoy yourself with your friends without being constantly bumped into. Music was decent and the scenery is always entertaining with the turbo hipsters. Definitely a great place to go before or after a show or film. The service wasn't excellent, but by no means was it bad. I'll be back soon.
(3)Melody C.
The first time I was introduced to Club Charles I was very intoxicated, so I loved it. Dark and creepy with red walls. Right up my alley ;) This is all I recall, and I kept this memory with me for a while. I just recently went back to grab a couple drinks with my boyfriend. I was kind of disappointed. Despite its local fame, I don't really see the big draw. Still cool atmosphere, but the drinks weren't cheap (kinda seemed they should've been), the bar stools were falling apart, and the crowd was just local hipsters. As described everywhere, they're pretentious. Don't expect random conversations with strangers to start or to make any new friends. And where the hell were these trapeze artists I hear about?! That would've sold it for me I think. The bartender chick was cute and friendly. We got a couple beverages and left. I'd go back with a group, but eh, I could take it or leave it.
(3)Brady S.
Came here by myself while I waited for my girlfriend's delayed train to arrive. Lower bar was packed so I went up the short flight of stairs to the top bar, which only one other guy was at. He was talking to the bartender and took a pretty long time for her to recognize that I, her only other patron, had taken a seat. But, she came over, I ordered a Yuengling on draft and she got it for me quick, as one could expect. The price was nice ($3.30), but it was awkward when proceeded to wait for me to pay her right then and there. I guess that's protocol for someone who sits down at a bar alone (loser-style), since opening up a tab rollin' solo is probably rare...but I wouldn't know. Overall, besides my awkward solo beer drinking experience, the atmosphere was interesting and energetic, despite sitting at an elevated, secluded bar. Nice prices, nice environment. I'd come back again. Disclaimer - there was some interesting people there, I think pregaming for a show at a theater next door that seemed to be affiliated with the bar.
(4)Michelle K.
You know what, Baltimore bars are not bad at all. Baltimore food sucks, but you can't really rip on the bar scene aside from the 1:30 last call. I used to live right by here, so I'd come here all the time. Now I live in Hampden, and I still come here all the time. (Not a fan of Hampden bars and the affectations of Rocket to Venus or Golden West. ESPECIALLY not a fan of their prices.) Club Charles is awesome on Sunday nights when it's dead and it's still awesome when it's completely packed on a Friday night with a show at the Zodiac next door. The bartenders are always so nice and friendly despite the crowds hovering at every end of the bar waiting for a drink or their tab, so I will drink a mixed drink that's sometimes a little too strong. Next time I'll order a $3 Yuengling off the draft. And most of the times they have total babes working behind the bar. The barback with glasses is totally awesome dude too. Also, Sunday nights are "Shipwreck Sundays" so it's $2 Red Stripes and $3 rum drinks. The only downfall is that it's so dark and red inside that you can't really tell who's a girl or a guy. I like it though, because I think the darkness lends itself to the attitude of not-giving-a-shit. I don't see why all these "artsy" pretentious assholes bother some of the other reviewers when you can't really see or hear them anyway. Either way it's the bar atmosphere I prefer the most, especially in comparison to Brewer's or Dionysis or anything in Hampden.
(5)john f.
I have been going here for 20 years now. Although I don't spend a lot time in bars these days, this will always be one of my favorite Baltimore Haunts.
(5)Sarah B.
I remember coming here quite late in the night, and all I remember about it was saying the walls look like a vagina. This was several months ago, so I don't know if that was accurate at all. I guess I'll have to go back and see on my next trip to B-More. It must have been fun, though, if that's all I can remember.
(4)Mo A.
Great bar with low priced drinks and a great atmosphere. The jukebox needs some work, but the space is great for group socialiIng and debaucherous libation. It is often my first stop after getting off the train since it is so close to Penn Station.
(4)K Sera S.
A dive in the best sense of the word. Retro without being kitschy, unpretentious yet hip, Club Charles is a Baltimore institution. And I love the fact that I have to get buzzed in. It makes me feel edgy and seedy! (Yep, I'm just that much of a dork.) Come February 2nd, it'll be smoke-free (as will all bars in B'more), which I have to say will kind of spoil it for me. It's not so much that I'll miss smoking, it's more that I'll miss the vaguely noir touch of a low-hanging fog of second-hand smoke that gave it that, "Yep, this is a dive" feel. I'll get over it! Great place for a pre- or after-movie drink. Interesting Yelp from Christie S. about the influx of art-crowd....
(4)Tony M.
And in conclusion.... I really used to love Club Charles. It is the only decent bar in town with Tom Waits in the jukebox, the Bar Staff is always pretty cool, and I have had tons of good times. I only say I used to love it, because it got a little too hipster for me. And if there is one thing that ruins a good time it's a stinky hipster. Not all hipsters, just the annoying ones, or the ones who refuse to use deodorant. Which equates to around 72% of all known hipsters. The food at Club Charles in the past was pretty amazing for a divey bar. The Zodiac (R.I.P.) was my favorite restaurant in Baltimore until it closed down a few years ago. In my opinion it was because of bad management. Numerous times when going to see movies at the Charles Theater, I had to walk up to the door of Zodiac and try to open it, because you could never tell if it was open or not. This restaurant management 101. They can blame the city fro having the street torn up for 2 years all they want, but even when the street was fine, you could never tell if the place was open. It's a real shame because it was a great restaurant. Anyway... Club Charles uses the same kitchen and last time I was there, the same cooks as Zodiac did. The pizza is fantastic. I am giving Club Charles 5 stars because if it is what you are looking for, it is a great bar, and if you have never been to it, it is a must see for the city.
(5)Samantha P.
Relatively cheap drinks (they always have some sort of semi-secret special) and always a good atmosphere. Don't come here expecting pristine bar stools and clean bathrooms -- it's dark, hipstery, and low-key, which is what makes it wonderful. Best parts: the jukebox and the red lighting. Any time I pass a bar with red lighting, it always reminds me of this place. Good location, close to Penn Station, Charles Theater, Sofi's Crepes, and Metro Gallery.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Either the drinks here are stupid cheap, or our bartender last Thursday knocked AT LEAST a round off our tab. Whichever one is true, it made a fan of me. I've since decided that the Charles is what The Depot sorta used to be, and still wishes really hard it was. Only nicer. And with cuter bartenders. She gave us advice on tattoos, and she made us really strong and really yummy Red Apple Ketel One martinis. It was a quiet night, even once the hour grew late enough for a crowd. And there was some terrible thumpy music happening a couple doors down, but it's a great chill place to hang out. The only thing it's missing is a decent dance night, though the jukebox had some seriously awesome old stuff on it, once people started to feed it. Oh, and be careful if you duck outside for a cigarette or breath of fresh air, you're likely to get hit up for change by a random possibly drunk homeless woman who will totally yell at you if you don't give her the ten in your wallet. Not that I know from experience or anything.
(4)Cheryl K.
I'm a Midtown resident, and when I'm looking to drink in my area, I have two go-to places: Brewers Art (for when I'm feeling "fancy") and Club Charles (when I'm craving hard liquor and grime). At the risk of sounding like an alcoholic, when I'm bored I fantasize about giving Club Charles a visit and knocking back a few sharp, salty martinis. I can't say too much about their food, although I did eat a few bites of a friend's gnocchi once. Mind blowing. Then again, that may have been the martinis. Anyway, enough about me and damn martinis. The place is dark, red, and awesome. I always hear some great music and overhear awesome conversations about music/art/culture/philosophy. There's two bars, one by the entrance and the other is up a few steps towards the back. I've been here on Friday and Saturday nights and it's never been too crowded. The drinks are pretty inexpensive and the bartenders have always been friendly. The area is a bit sketchy if you're usually a Fells Point/Canton/Federal Hill drinker, but it is across from the equally awesome Charles Theater and Sofi's Crepes and Tapas Teatro.
(5)blahbla h.
Club Chuck is the coolest bar I went to in Baltimore. I don't live in Baltimore, so I'm probably not the greatest reviewer. However, I have fond memories from visiting friends there.
(5)Jacqueline S.
Solid jukebox, relatively diverse crowd (albeit still consistently young adults with beards and lefty political perspectives) and well-priced drinks.
(4)Bria D.
Ah, Club Charles. You and your trapeze delivered some of the few bright spots of my Baltimorean tenure. I'd come visit you on a Friday night, cram myself into your teeming throngs, be bathed in red lighting, order a Manhattan, and listen to music that I'd actually want to hear. There were times when I'd go by and the crowd would be completely dead (once in the heat of summer when your air conditioner was broken, but other times unexplained). The barstaff seemed friendly but I never really got the opportunity to befriend them because Baltimore's version of hipster boys were all throwing their nonchalant fervor into trying to woo them at once. I can't recommend Club Charles as a non-stop all the time extravaganza of fun. But it's head and shoulders above most of the local competition.
(4)Sarah F.
I can't believe there is only one review for Club Chuck! This one of the best bars in Baltimore. It is has a very cool atmosphere (very art deco, 1930's black & red furniture, lots of murals), friendly bartenders, and good drinks. Don't be suprised if you see John Waters here, this place is a Baltimore staple. Barry Levinson actually filmed scenes for his 1999 movie "Liberty Heights" in this bar. And if you get hungry just walk next door to Zodiac, the food is awesome and cheap too
(5)Deon R.
This bar is great as far as location since I don't have to go too far from home and then its surrounded by a lot of other places you can eat and find amusement at(Charles Theatre). Besides location its a great bar to chill and socialize. Weather its after a play or movie across the street or you just came to hang out the atmosphere is very comfortable, dim, yet cheerful. I've also enjoyed great customer service from the bartenders as they are so nice. Food is ok too when you don't want to drink on an empty stomach. Drink specials through out the week can tend to give you a favorite night to come through, but on just about any night there are fun, interesting crowd of people to greet you.
(4)Mark M.
This was one of my favorite places in Baltimore when I lived there. Good tunes, good crowd, good vibe, strong drinks, cute waitstaff, dark corners and cozy booths (great for making out with random strangers). All that and a trapeze act. It's pretty much the perfect bar.
(5)Bradley M.
From 1995-2000, when i lived in Baltimore, this was by FAR my favorite bar to hang at. So please note I haven't been there for some time, so if there have been any major changes or a decline in quality I do not know of it. They have(had?) a fine selection of cute bartenders, who were both very skilled and extremely friendly. The atmosphere is warm and lounge like, it was always a very comfortable place to be. They also have (had?) a great jukebox. I hope this place is as good as the many memories my friends and I have shared there!
(5)Scott K.
Good times! Nough said. Party it up and drink losers. Ha! Ha!
(4)sidney m.
The homebase for Baltimore's dirty hipsters. Be prepared to encounter attitude. Preferred clothing is either an all black ensemble, or subtly paint spattered t-shirt and jeans to display that you are an aspiring artist. NPR listening, republican hating, bisexual posing, slumming it former suburbanites at their finest. Very good jukebox, and good reliable bartenders. How it will survive after the smoking ban is anyone's guess. Overall, quite amusing.
(3)Natalie F.
Pretty cool place to get a drink and hang out before going to the Depot for an 80's dance party. Don't be surprised if no one talks to you though because they are pretentious art assholes.
(3)Mike C.
If you are sick of Baltimore and would like to pretend you are somewhere else, in the afternoon Club Charles is a nice escape. Unlike most other "dive" bars in Baltimore it does not reek of an unknown organic mixture and the label "where smart people meet" confuses most of the general population long enough for you to get a few good drinking hours in before they find you. The jukebox is a good example of why its not good to trust a scenesters taste in drinking music. As you scroll from cherry-poppin-daddies to cliche hip-hop/hair metal mixes past terrible comps from current and past bartenders, through the ever-worn best of's Queen, VU, Pulp, Stones, and come to a panel that says "Vampire Weekend," its clear that creating a good jukebox is more than lights, bubbles and a reliance on what everyone else is listening to. Yet I still give it my money and pretend the draft beers are cold enough while I wait for the best duck entree in the city to keep me company. The bars high ceilings and dark atmosphere make it easy to breathe and drink.... and breathe.... and drink.
(4)Christie S.
I wish Club Charles were more of a dive. I think I would like it more. I like the fact that they have a lot of indie bands and 70's punk on the juke box, but the crowd can be way to pretentious and hipster for me. I want drunks and tweaked out people from Club Charles like it used to be. Now the drafts are a dollar more than they used to be and artsy wannabes make up most of the population who frequent this bar. Ugggh. And they are probably all vegetarian. Last time I was there this asshole at the bar with a flock of seagulls/fall out boy haircut, girls jeans, and a hello kitty tattoo kept elbowing me. It's all I could do from setting his greasy do on fire. And they just keep getting worse. I am giving it four stars because well, I keep going there for some reason. I try only to go when there are no art openings at that metro art place. Because then, the crowd is truly insufferable.
(4)