john w.'s Profile

Beso means Kiss in Spanish.   When I finished eating at this stomach sore, the only kiss i got was from the porcelain goddess.  what a shit hole, and a shitty owner too from what I have been reading lately.  

don't eat here unless you like tasting your own bile hours later.

This is my favorite venue in the DC-Baltimore area.  Its a small-ish joint, so the shows are nice and intimate, but they get big acts, and it never feels crowded (at least when compared to other venues similarly sized).  The venue's layout is the real winner though.  They have a nicely elevated stage, which makes for great viewing anywhere in the space, and the floor in front of the stage gets elevated towards the rear of the club, which means its hard to have a "bad spot."  There is also a small balcony type platform, and stage-side viewable spots.  I highly recommend seeing your favorite band here, even before the beloved blackcat or any other DC venue.  

Upstairs they have a swanky little lounge with a jukebox that is cool for experiencing  that Charm City style in its fullest effect.

its sad that this place is closing.  They had a great selection of 70's psych rock/prog rock gems.  I will admit, the selection was a bit limited outside of that realm, but this was still a nice, local vinyl shop that will be missed.

This might be my favorite record store (actually CD store) next to Amoeba (both the SF and Berkely stores).  They have a great selection, new and used (the used selection is actually really good), knowledgeable, helpful staff and a cool environment.  This is a "must visit" every time i am in Charm City.

This is a dusty little store, owned by a quiet, hermetic guy who has been in the nighborhood for a long time.  (think Harvey Keitel in "Smoke" but without the thick accent).  In the 90's, this store was on smith street.

Besides the small "Consuelos Corner" jewelry and gypsy style section in the front of the store, the store is pretty no-frills, but has a lot to offer.  There are some really good paper finds for cheap prices, and if you like old B-Movie posters, this is the place.

i like rice.  they have mint flavored rice.. its good there.  

they have 3 types of beer.. Jever (i usually go for this one), Singha ( i think) and i forget the third.. but for a small selection, they are all choice beers.  

the pumpkin empanada's are bananas (not literally).

joes superette is a neighborhood staple.. back when the neighborhood had staples.  Joe is a nice guy, quiet, but nice.  He makes a mean sandwich (i'm talking no-frills, cold-cut hero's)... he also makes some mean Prosciutto Balls, Rice balls and Potato Croquettes.  The only reason its getting 4 stars instead of 5, is because Joe doesn't know how to clean.  the place looks filthy and gross.. but don't be to put off by the rugged exterior, (i know its hard when the rest of smith street has cleaned up so nicely) because Joe's Superette is an old-time, local gem.  

I haven't been there in a while.. but i assume he hasn't changed it much - the sign outside should still read "joe's blank-blank-perette" - that's classy

they have Manhattan Special on tap... they make Panelle Specials... not too many joints in NYC.. or the US for that matter, can claim both of these.  

you have to order Panelles here.. if you don't know what they are, try them anyway.. get a Panelle Special... its not great for your Cholesterol, but its a good way to be happy - if only for a little while.

...Manhattan Special on tap - this is a dying breed... enjoy it while it lasts.

defontes is the shit... i usually go for the potato and eggs (at least on a hangover).  I think you can get a manhattan special there still too (haven't been there in a few years, but don't fret, places like this don't really change - never have).

on a rough morning, potato and eggs, manhattan special and a ride down to the piers won't steer you wrong.

Steves keylime pies are really good... and he has a super cool pie delivery truck.  

I worked for over a decade at various restaurants in the cobble hill/carroll gardens area - I think they call it Bococa, or some dumb shit now - most of which couldn't turn away from steve's keylime pie because they were popular items.. however, i have never worked for a single restaurant/bar owner who actually liked Steve (the man, not the pie).  Steve is kind of a creep (in the surly attitude way, not the weird, dangerous way).  

anyway, don't let that dissuade you, the pies are awesome, and you probably wont have to even talk to Steve, or who knows, maybe he has gotten friendlier with age (my experiences with him are almost a decade old now).