Pols Cafe - Baltimore

The restaurant has a fantastic old-school atmosphere that feels like it dates back to the 1930s. The bar is hassle-free, and there’s a wonderful character throu... read more The restaurant has a fantastic old-school atmosphere that feels like it dates back to the 1930s. The bar is hassle-free, and there’s a wonderful character throughout the entire place.

I suggested, "Hey, let’s step out of here and walk just three blocks, and I can show you a dive bar." That’s exactly what we did. After walking two blocks, we s... read more I suggested, "Hey, let’s step out of here and walk just three blocks, and I can show you a dive bar." That’s exactly what we did. After walking two blocks, we spotted a glowing neon Coors Light sign emanating from an otherwise boarded-up corner building. Perfect! The only indication of what this place was came from a small sign that read “Pols Cafe, 1930-something.” Once inside, we found a few sleepy old men and a worn-out but friendly bartender wearing a Santa hat (it was February, by the way). The ACE awards were playing on TV, and the older patrons were watching Queen Latifah promote various products. That was surreal moment number one. My friend ordered two Miller Lites, and when the bartender brought over two pints, she said, “That’ll be $3.” My friend looked shocked and said, “No, I meant I’m paying for both.” She simply replied, deadpan, “$3.” His jaw dropped. Yes, my friend—just $3 for two pints. Welcome to your new dive bar! After that, he made a quick trip to the restroom and returned with excitement, saying, “Dude! I haven’t seen urinals like that in ages!” I decided to check it out for myself, only to find one of those classic urinals that stretch all the way to the floor. Wow! I haven't encountered something like that since the old Tiger Stadium. Now, that’s vintage! This place was exactly what I was looking for. The patrons kept to themselves, but nobody was unfriendly; the bartender was straightforward and easygoing, the drinks were incredibly cheap, and we felt completely disconnected from the outside world for several rounds. While this isn’t a destination bar, it perfectly fills the role it was meant for.

I attended a pool league there, and overall, it was a positive experience. The beer was cold and reasonably priced, and the service was excellent. One wall was... read more I attended a pool league there, and overall, it was a positive experience. The beer was cold and reasonably priced, and the service was excellent. One wall was a bit close for comfort when shooting, but aside from that, I would definitely give it a thumbs up!

It’s so sad that the only one star review is from the people who were barred for bed behavior read more It’s so sad that the only one star review is from the people who were barred for bed behavior

The bar is extremely outdated, and the restrooms reek of urine. Also, the owner is ignorant, and the employees are rude. Awful service. Food: 1 Service: 1 Atmos... read more The bar is extremely outdated, and the restrooms reek of urine. Also, the owner is ignorant, and the employees are rude. Awful service. Food: 1 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 1 Price per person: $10–20 Parking space: Difficult to find parking