Absolutely dogshit experience. Came on a karaoke Wednesday night to get one drink, and sing one song - the bartender hit me with "we can't run a debit card unless it says debit on the card" / which is not the way debit cards work in any other establishment I've ever been to in 30 years. MY FRIEND GOT ROOFIED. MY FRIEND GOT ROOFIED. MY FRIEND GOT ROOFIED. There was also very clearly some operation happening outside where "homeless people" that were clearly just grifters kept getting sent to try and hassle people at the front door. I know for a fact that these people weren't actually homeless - as a homeless person wouldn't have left as soon as I looked them in the eye and called them a fake, they would've just called me an asshole and moved on about tryna get by. The fact that people kept fucking off and replaced by new ones everytime I clocked the hustle means I am correct - there was a shakedown operation happening out front. All the while? There was only one security guard - and all he did was check ID's. I'm sure the dude would've done more if he was properly equipped though. Y'all sincerely need to get your shit together. That was fucking awful. If you are a woman, or empathetic - do not come to this establishment. Apparently you do not have a choice in the matter, you will be manipulated somehow. read more

Great Place. The Crowd of super nice and extremely fun. attended the upstairs karaoke and trivia night. Great place to hangout and meet fun people. read more

Went to see TWRP perform here and really loved the vibes of this place. It's cozy and fun, with plenty of spots that had a good view of the stage. As an older concert-goer, I especially appreciated the benches/risers on the side. We did not try the food/drinks here, but maybe next time as I certainly hope to come back! read more

Can never not give the Ottobar five stars! This is certainly my favorite venue in Baltimore and at times feels like home! I come here pretty frequently for really fun events. Sometimes they're even free and the staff always does a great job. Shows here are also excellent as the sound is great and the acts are very diverse. The bar tenders make great drinks and the prices are fair. read more

Ottobar - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Fun evening with a drag show. Performers looked like they had a great time too. Would be five stars but the MC who was hiding in the dark behind the DJ couldn't resist shouting FREE PALESTINE!!! Arabs would have thrown her off the roof if they got ahold of this moron. Just an ignorant chicken for KFC. read more

What a great venue! The only place you can get up close and personal with your favorite rising artists. When you walk in the door, security checks your ID and gives you an event bracelet. The stage is five steps away from the entry. General admission has access to the first floor, along the entryway wall, there are risers to stand on if you want some space from the crowd. Some spots have a clear view of the stage but others are obstructed by a support beam (see video). After you claim your spot I suggest sending one friend to pick up drinks at the bar. The bar area is huge, and they'll make just about anything for you. I love how you can still watch the show from the bar area so you won't miss anything. NOTE: No food is served inside the venue. No outside food or beverages are allowed inside the venue. Overall: Small venue. Professional sound system. Affordable tickets. Huge bar area. (no seating in the bar area) Friendly staff. Rising artists. Local spot. Hipster and edgy vibes. There's a disco ball. read more

Ottobar - Joe P. @ ottobar! - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Fantastic vibes. Best bar/restaurant in Fed Hill. Fantastic food and service. I need 85 characters so here is my review. read more

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Came here for a ticketed event. The staff here is extremely rude, my id was checked at the door and I got a wrist band and was still refused service at the bar. Was cornered by a volunteer because I didn't want to donate money to their charity. Overall would say is only a safe space for some queer people not all. read more

Love this music venue so much! I've been coming here for about 3 years now and have never had a bad experience! It's a cool place that hosts a lot of unique bands and it gives me the opportunity to discover so many new artists! Always recommend this place for a fun show to so many different kinds of music read more

Ottobar - Deer tick Concert - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

My son and his friends liked it here. They went for a local heavy metal show. Brings back memories of youth lol.

My boyfriend loves this place and it has really good vibes and a fun setting. I'd return for the drinks and food.

Great venue, great drinks and atmosphere. Parking can be a little tough sometimes, but that's to be expected. This place really is a hidden gem in Baltimore for finding amazing music. read more

Introduced to the Ottobar, as they hosted a specific artist we wanted to see, offering cheap ticket prices (&average service fees). We had an easy time finding street parking right near the venue, a quick short walk. If you're able to get there early, you can choose between a variety of viewing options, including: scattered tables on top of the balcony, couches along the edges of the main first floor, standing room around the stage, or high top tables by the bar. The line for the bar was long, (one sign said there was a second bar but we couldn't find it)-we tried to peek up at the main bar to see a taplist, cocktail list, price list- anything really..but signage wasn't great- so we didn't bother waiting to get up front to try to ask & be disappointed. The sound quality was ok, occasionally the mics would go in and out- not sure if this is a venue issue or artists bring their own equipment issue- otherwise fun show- nice to be close to the band to see/hear. I would go again to specifically see someone I wanted to see- the overall ambiance was a nice Baltimore hidden dive bar feeling. read more

me and my friends met here a few weeks ago and it was pretty awesome. The drinks were strong and the atmosphere was chill. I would recommend. read more

The original Ottobar opened in downtown Baltimore 1997 and this location has been around since 2001. Ottobar is an old school dive bar with music that includes the punk, alternative, metal, and hardcore acts one would expect. The bathrooms are dirty, the beer is cheap, but it's a great place to see a show. The staff are good people read more

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My sons band, Kratom Leeks, had their Ottobar Debut the other night with support from three other bands: The Last Origin, Commercial Flights and Crisco Dreams. All units performed originals reminding me of Talking Heads, early XTC, Exile era Stones and Elvis. Costello, that is. Ottobar is one of the best music dives or showcases in the country. I think so and Rolling Stone agrees with me. So, why not go and check it out? I'm almost 62 and had a blast. read more

No trip to Baltimore is complete without a visit to John Waters' staple bar, Ottobar! It was our last stop on our 24 hour excursion from New York. Waters' consistently mentions this spot in his books and interviews. The bar didn't open until 9. When we arrived at 9:15 there was already a line. When my friend looked up the events there was "Dog Fashion Disco" on one floor and New Wave dance party with DJ Fun Billy on the second. Sold! On the New Wave dance party. And don't be fooled on the former. There is no dogs in cool platforms and John Travolta Saturday Night Fever outfits. This was more a sad realization when I heard this insanely loud rock music for $25. We made our way up. My friend ordered a High Life for $6. Damn! Are we in NY? I was in luck because the Annabel Lee White beer was $6. A nice crafty pint was going to suit me just fine. But it was only a matter of time before I went local and got the "Bo" National Bohemian Beer, a tall boy for $4. You learn quickly while in Baltimore that this is the beverage of choice. At the corner of my eye I noticed an Elaine Benes character cutting a rug on the dance floor. Took me a minute to figure out that I knew the Elaine! My friend fearlessly took the dance floor and we all joined in. DJ Fun Billy killed it on the tunes with Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys. If I remember correctly we offered him a spot in the car back to NY! Ha! The art on the walls was unique, playful and painted in bright colors with minimal to no shading. One piece was even purposely hung at an angle. When I asked the bartender about the artist she mentioned it was the Ottobar owner Michael Bowen. Ha! He's a busy guy running a bar and making art. The bar itself felt like you were in a small town. No real hipsters to be seen even as it got later. It was unpretentious and relaxing. There were people playing pool and some sitting around and people watching. We only got one couple to join the dance floor. They did not leave much room for the Holy Spirit. And nobody judged our NY presence which made me feel welcomed. A prime dive spot to end the night and shake your tail feather. Made me miss the kinda town where you know where to find your friends and where the options are obvious. The following day I went to see one of my favorite bands play in NY , Negative Approach from Detroit. As they were setting up I noticed the guitarist Ron was wearing an Ottobar shirt. I mentioned I had been there the night before and he gave me an enthusiastic fist bump. See you again soon Ottobar! read more

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my daughter sang and played with her band back 5 years ago. I was impressed with the set up and prices! happy memories were made!! read more

Wonderful intimate setting to see some great local bands and renowned touring artists. Plus a decent bar and pool table

Best venue/bar in Baltimore, easy! Staff is always cool, nothin breakin' the bank, v interesting dj nights and bands playing. Home of the punk rock flea which is the best one. I luv you, Ottobar. read more

Friday night, I went to Ottobar to for the PLRLS release party show. The opening acts that night were The Flying Faders, Manners Manners, and the Lushpockets.All that music for just $8. Can't beat that. Like other venues, when you walk through the door, you need to show your ID and then fork over your money. The guy at the door stamped our hands and told us to have a good time. The stage is right by the door, so when you walk in you see the crowd looking up at the stage. To the left of the pit area, you'll see steps lining the wall where people can sit. Straight ahead, you'll see a second area that is elevated, where the bar and bathroom are. The merch table is set up here as well, and there are some tables where you can sit. It's brightly lit, or lit more than the pit area that is all blue lighting. Above, there is a balcony area where you can get a good view of the stage if you sit on the bench-like seats at close to the railing or a table right at the stairs. There's a couch and other tables up there, but you can't really see the stage from there. We primarily saw the show up here. We had the table for a while, which was comfortable. Later, we got seats at the benches by the railing and that was less comfortable. But still a great view. The sound is really good in the Ottobar. That's really the number one thing to look out for at a venue for a show. The venue is smaller, so it lends towards more intimate performances where you can really get up close to the performers. It's also easy to get to by car and there's a small, free parking lot in the back. I would definitely come back here again. read more

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I've been to this place dozens of times. All of the sudden a bald bouncer accuses me of having a fake and confiscates my ID. I was looking forward to being a patron of this establishment bug after being told to "Get the fuck out of my face" for trying to prove my ID was real with other forms of ID I really would rather not come here. Apparently letting two drunk idiots check ID's is security when neither of them have any clue about what constitutes a fake. Will be coming by once more with several forms of ID, who knows if these incompetent man children will be able to deduce that I am in fact 21+. read more

The band was fantastic but the security guard was overly drunk and looking for a power high, he decided to kick me out because a random lady gave these 2 girls i was with alcohol but i never had any and he knew i didn't but i can tell he has a confidence problem, would not go to this venue again!! also would recommend a change in your head security read more

We came here to see San Fermin. We last saw San Fermin at the Bowery Ballroom, and while you can draw parallels to the two venues, we liked the smaller size of this one. Bowery had better sound and lights, as it's a larger venue. At Ottobar, we got there early enough to snag a seat on the balcony. It was really neat seeing San Fermin perform up close. This place reminded me of Court Tavern in New Brunswick. It had that grimey but welcoming feel, everything is covered in stickers (even the toilet seats), and it feels like everyone is there to just listen to good music and have a good time. The band simplified the show, no crazy lights, and you felt right on top of the band. We enjoyed sitting upstairs in the balcony and that was awesome. Good beer selection for $5-$6 for drafts and friendly bartenders. Not much else to say! read more

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Ottobar is a fantastic way to spend a Friday night or really any day of the week. I got introduced to this small club when Empress Of performed here. In addition to concerts, this venue hosts dance parties, such as Michael Jackson and Prince nights. On the first floor, there is a big stage and a bar in the back, and on the second floor, there is a standard bar with scattered tables, couches, and pool tables. Basically, if you can get past your fear of dancing in front of people, Ottobar will show you a good time. read more

Back in the day, I used to live in Mt. Vernon. This was a time when the Marble Bar, Girards, and yes Bath Houses still were about. Not much left of those 80's establishments - or ones that had that same gritty punk feel, but this one comes close. I recently went to the Ottobar to see, The Slickee Boys play (natch) and it all came back to me. Great venue! I'd post pictures, but I'm a former punk rocker who is now a school librarian. Use your imagination. You're welcome. Srsly, the Ottobar is the jam. Not be confused with the neo punk beat group The Jam or Ranking Roger....but that's for a whole another review. PS. Don't forget to park safely and under a street lamp. Safety first. PPS. I found some pics that were safe to post. Again, you're welcome. [winky face emoji] Hey Yelp, can we get embeddable emojis here? Just sayin. ;-) Ahh old school. Next thing I'll be talking about 14.4K modems, Mudds, Gopher, Angelfire, and Compuserve. #Geek. read more

Ottobar - Slikee Boys at Ottobar. Remember when they played in that litte venue in Towson or at the Marble Bar? - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I wanted to update my review, since my first one wasn't very helpful. I gotta say, Ottobar rocks, and is currently my favourite venue. It's a divey, no frills establishment with a very punk-rock vibe, and that is all it needs to be. I've seen bigger bands play here, as well as local bands. I always have a great time, and the music always sounds good. Since it's a smaller venue, artists' interaction with the audience is phenomenal. It's definitely a more intimate experience, with the performers as well as your fellow show-goers. The staff are always nice, the drinks are always fairly priced, and I always have a good time. I have no complaints! read more

Ottobar - Shonen Knife at Ottobar - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This place was nice as first. We went to the JoBros vs 1D. We used the bathroom, and they were being so used to us for even safe. We were trying to be safe by being in there together like we usually do at bars, but this place does not surprised us by not allowing us to be together. read more

I saw on Eventbrite that they have free comedy shows. It's on the second floor, up a set of stairs. It was packed when we arrived. My expectations weren't high because it was free but the comedians were so funny. The prices for the beers were really good. After the show there was live music and a pool table. My friends and I danced all night long because the music was so good. Later that night there was a drag show downstairs, you have to pay $20 to get in. I got in for free towards the end of the drag-show because it was almost over. I got to see the last skits and the girls were amazing. One of the best nights I have had in Baltimore. read more

Ottobar - Pool table upstairs. - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I really like Ottobar. It's one of Bmore's mainstays for music and entertainment. Lots of different events going all the time to appeal to a range of people. On 4th Saturdays, Smooth House Vibes is in effect. Pretty good djs mix it up for all of the house heads. Two-for-Tuesdays offers twice as much on your drink(s) of choice. And the entertainment venue offers an interesting variety of music. I once saw Prefuse 73 here, and the show was pretty fantastic. All in all, this venue is. A great spot. Truly a Baltimore treasure. read more

Ottobar - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Were you raised on WHFS back in the day? Do you love NRBQ? Then you were at the Ottobar last night which was awash with 50-somethings dancing like white people, because, of course, they are white people, self included. There is ample parking on the street and my car was still intact when I returned. Two of us came here last night to re-live the 80's and hear NRBQ, the hot pop band that brought you, "Wild Weekend", "Drivin' in My Car", and "Get Rhythm." The drummer was the hot member of this band even though he appeared to be a teen. The 3-part harmony of NRBQ is special, unique, and catchy. We spent part of the time in the super sketchy elevated part where you can feel the bass through the bottoms of your feet. It's a peach view though, you can see everyone on stage from this vantage point. Not a great place to hear vocals. Don't ask to see the structural load limit before you climb the steps... Then we retreated to the bar. There is a $10 minimum for all credit cards. They have Guinness pub draft. I did enjoy looking at all the posters on the wall. The bathrooms are suitably dive bar but the graffiti was lack luster. Bring white Sharpies for best effect. I enjoyed my visit to the Ottobar even though this is clearly a younger person's let's-stand-up-the-whole-time venue. I was very pleased to pay $20 to hear a favorite band from my musical formative years here. Will I be back? For the music, but not for the venue. read more

The Ottobar is to Baltimore what Rock & Roll Hotel is to DC. They are great venues to see small indie rock bands. Both hold about 400 people. I just saw Delta Spirit here and they put on a good show. Also, I was pleasantly surprised that the unknown opening act (The Fling) was good too. The mix isn't always that great and the sound for the opening acts sucks. I had to get ear plugs because of the high pitch. Too much treble and I couldn't hear the vocals very well. They need to put some sound dampers on the ceiling. Four concrete walls make for bad acoustics. But, Delta Spirit sounded pretty good and put on a great show. Although, this really is the definition of a sweat-box, it has good national indie acts come through and it's worth coming here to see them. The Rock & Roll Hotel is way better than here, but not all acts come through DC so I'll probably be back. Advice: Strangely, the drinks upstairs (which has a jukebox & pool tables and doesn't open until 9pm) are cheaper than the bar downstairs. $3 beers vs. $5 read more

Ottobar - Delta Spirit Rocks!! - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Went on a Wednesday for karaoke and it was LIT!! We had so much fun and everybody participated in helping others sing. The bartender is a really nice lady and makes good drinks. This hangover is something else lol but its worth the fun we had read more

do NOT go to their comedy night!!! Honestly... after the comedy show on 11/19/2019 i wouldnt even go to ottobar again.... It was gringy in the worst kind of way.... specifically about the comedy night, it should be canceled effective immediately.. I think the comics misunderstood a therapy session for their comical bits - but you guys need some mental health therapy. Literally, one comic's bit was to get the crowd to laugh at dead dad jokes about his father who committed suicide... And most of the 'comics' lost track of their "set" because they were so awful... if you were one of the comics reading this, then quit. You are, undeniably, not fit for the career. read more

There are very few proper live music venues still around in the Baltimore/DC area, at least those with long standing credibility, edginess, proper talent scouts, normal priced booze, elevated stages, and palpable grit. Ottobar brings all of these, plus normal cool bartenders and staff who care about music and not just tips. This place is a gem and hats off to them for not selling out to shitty bands, escalating drink prices, and catering to the masses. Keep grinding. And bring back those old school logo shirts. read more

South Carolina ID Carriers BEWARE! I just tried to go to Ottobar and as it was my turn to have my ID checked the bouncer proceeded to BEND my ID and PEEL IT. When I saw this, I of course started to speak up. He then accused my VERY REAL SC ID of being VERY FAKE and condescendingly asked "If I had a REAL form of identification". We began in a series of back and forth. I had to PRY my ID out of his hands as he appeared to continue defacing it. I had no other choice but to leave, but something within me would not let this die. No. I returned in 18 minutes. In that time I went to my apartment. Found my passport. And RETURNED TO OTTOBAR prepared to fight a man 2x my size with my words that'll be atleast 4x as sharp (on an off day). I arrived and the conversation progressed well. He heard my story, but didn't really listen. He spoke, but didn't really say anything, instead he spouted the laws and regulations he has to follow. I get that. I really do; and God bless you, Peely bouncer man, for doing your job. South Carolina ID Holders in Baltimore you've been warned. Apparently, the most recent IDs don't do this weird peeling thing, but if you haven't replaced yours since atleast 2017 your ID will potentially end up in worse shape than mine, and your feelings will be hurt. @Peely bouncer man, if you're reading this, I know I returned (impressively within 20 minutes) showed you my passport, and defended myself, but remember this night and ponder why it may have been so important to me that you know I am no liar. As a black woman with a foreign name and culture I fervently hope that my background did not factor into how you regarded my ID. This is a thought that runs through my head whenever I am faced with altercation, because there is that chance that it very much IS because of my race. I am by no means calling anyone racist or prejudiced. It definitely sounds like I'm simply playing the race card, but it unfortunately is a card that exists, and a detail I have to consider, just as you had to consider yours. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share this with your staff and coworkers and whoever maybe checking IDs at this establishment. PLEASE do not start PEELING SC IDs. PLEASE. You don't have to let them in, just don't deface their potentially only form of identification. Just the SC ones. Just give it back. The way it was. read more

Sooo, never thought I'd be writing this review but I went to the Ottobar for their goth night several months ago (November 17th) with a friend. It was my very first time there and my first time at this event I was really looking forward to. The DJ was had a great set list and was playing video visuals to accompany it. This was great until, I LOOK UP AND SAW NOTZEE SOFT CORE P0rn PLAYING ON THE SCREEN. It was nude women and some people in notzee regalia including the red arm bands and swastikas. I pointed it out to my friend and she was appalled (both of us are not white). I went to the bartender to let her know what was happening, they were just as jarred by this and immediately went to the DJ to ask them what was happening. The DJs pathetic excuse was it just a video preview (the visuals showing were all movie previews???) idk what the everloving hell that has to do with anything, but that was his sad excuse for playing this. And this video went on a for a bit and somehow either didn't catch his own attention TO HIS OWN VISUALS HE SELECTED or he just thinks it's normal . The bartender was super helpful and apologetic about this and thought it was absolutely in appropriate. But yeah I'm grossed out and have been incredibly hesitant to go back. The DJ had no acceptable excuse for me, ITS YOUR VISUALS AND IT WAS PREVIEWS AND YOU DIDNT PREVIEW IT? I'll give Ottobar Upstairs another chance if they actually handled this internally. read more

The atmosphere and people there were amazing. Maybe I just had a bad bartender but every time I went to get another drink he was a complete ass. Refused to give me anatomized receipt after I told him my tab seemed too high for what I'd bought. ($107 for 7 beers???) Otherwise I went for emo-nite and had a blast dancing. read more

Ottobar has a lot of really cool shows and I go to Emo Nite pretty much every month. The downstairs venue is fairly spacious and has a really cool bar and balcony section that's nice if you want to take a break from the pit. The upstairs bar has a really cool vibe and is a fun place to hang out on weeknights and weekends! They often have karaoke and great drink specials, and on the weekends a DJ with plenty of dancing. Definitely a good spot to hang out. read more

Terrible bouncer. If that's what you can call him. Told us they were only going to be able to take one more person when there was just two of us. He was at the top of the stairs and we were at the entrance, about 10 feet away from him and told us we had to wait outside.... we are out celebrating and we're going to spend a lot of money considering it was my friends birthday. But his unprofessionalism and rude conduct definitely made us have second thoughts about even coming or recommending this bar to other people. I am highly disappointed with this bars customer service and I will make sure that other customers do not come to this joke of a bar. read more