Mad River

 

27

59

Angela Z.

Baltimore, MD

If I could, I'd give this 3.5 stars...

I've been here several times, and though the place is pretty typical of a Baltimore bar, it's a decent place to decompress at the end of the week.  On the other hand - it draws a crowd later in the evening and reminds me more of a packed college bar than a place to hang out and catch up with friends.

The set up of the place is pretty well thought out.  The open, two-story space up gives you a bit more room to spread out in, though the upstairs is mostly just a balcony.  The first floor has booths and a long bar on the two sides, and if you're there before 10 pm, tables to eat at in the center.   After 10, they clear out the tables to make more space and even then, it's a bit packed.  There are TVs on the walls throughout, and if you're a sports-nut like me, the ESPN and numerous college basketball games that are playing are a welcome distraction.

Upstairs there is a smaller bar, couches to lounge at, and a room to dance in.  If you get there early enough, sitting up here is a great place as it allows both conversation and people watching over the drunk masses below.  Once things get busy, I've found it is easier to get a drink up here than down at the bar on the first floor.  

The service is alright, and if you get the chance to eat here, the food is decent.  Overall, its worth stopping by if you're in Federal Hill and looking to drink, dance, and maybe catch some SportsCenter.

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2

7

Erin F.

Towson, MD

I know you can eat here but I've never have so I'm writing it up as a bar. : )

Mad River is always fun and very busy. The crowd usually gets really packed around 11 or 12.  If you don't like crowds, come around 9 and leave before 12.

There is a downstairs and an upstairs.  The downstairs is a huge bar with tables and such.  Around 11, they clear out all the tables so you have to stand unless you were lucky enough to be at one of the booths by the wall. The upstairs has big couches overlooking the main downstairs area with a little bar. This is a fun place to hang out but you have to be quick because they are in high demand.  There is another smaller area with a bar upstairs which is great when the downstairs is packed. head up here for different music and better bathrooms. There is always lots of people dancing up here and there are benches around the whole room if you get tired of dancing. Once it gets packed downstairs, it is also way easier to get a drink at the bar upstairs.  

Summary: Great place to drink and dance. Don't come late if you don't like crowds!

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