Pigtown Ale House Opens Across from Carroll Park, Focuses on Local Beverages
Almost four years after purchasing the property, Michael Felner has opened Pigtown Ale House at 1415 Washington Blvd. in Pigtown. The space, which was previously Carroll Station, is located across the street from Carroll Park.
Felner purchased the property at an auction in 2013. He has experienced delays over the last few years dealing with BGE and various City agencies, while trying to complete the renovation mostly on his own. Pigtown Ale House has hosted various soft openings and previews, but now it will be open every Thursday through Sunday from 430pm to 1030pm.
While getting the kitchen open at Pigtown Ale House is still in the works, the bar will focus on locally-made drinks. There are 12 beer taps that will feature mostly Maryland craft beer, along with Dogfish Head from Delaware and Sierra Nevada. Felner is hoping to introduce his patrons to local craft beers, but will also have traditional domestic options like Bud Light and National Bohemian available in bottles.
Many of the spirits will also be local, coming from the growing number of distilleries in Maryland including Lyon Distilling Company and Gray Wolf Craft Distilling. Pigtown Ale House will start with a couple different wines, but will “fine tune” its lineup over time and add in more Maryland labels.
When the kitchen opens, Pigtown Ale House will focus on burgers, some vegetarian items, and soups and chili.
Felner’s renovations to the space include refinished wood floors, exposed brick, a tin accent wall, a new ceiling, and fresh paint. The space features new tables, chairs, and bar stools, many of which were resourced from nearby Second Chance. Felner said the space has a bit of a nautical theme and he is hoping to get more pictures of Pigtown to hang on the walls.
The exterior, which was done through a partnership with a Baltimore Development Corporation Facade Grant, features a new green color, a custom cornice, and a sign with steel letters and a hanging steel pig.
“We are trying to fill the need for someone who wants to grab a local pint in a friendly, renovated environment,” said Felner. “I’ve met quite a few neighbors and everyone seems supportive and enthusiastic.”
When asked if Pigtown needs a place like this, Felner replied, “absolutely.”
Felner is hoping Pigtown Ale House will appeal to neighbors, workers at the nearby Carroll-Camden Industrial area, and participants in sport leagues across the street at Carroll Park.
About the Author: Kevin Lynch
Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.
