NEWS
Mother’s in Federal Hill to Become Liv’s Tavern: We now officially know the fate of Mother’s in Federal Hill. At the end of 2024, owner Dave Rather announced that the neighborhood fixture—famous for its pub grub and Purple Patio ragers during Ravens home games—had been sold to a new owner who would take the reins in 2025. That new owner is White Oak Hospitality, the restaurant group behind surrounding South Charles Street concepts Wayward and Ditos (more on that later).
This summer, the group will transform Mother’s into Liv’s Tavern, named after White Oak co-owner Sean White’s daughter, who has been battling a rare form of leukemia since she was 15 months old.
“Through treatments, pain, and uncertainty, she dances, she smiles, and she reminds everyone around her that life is meant to be lived,” the group shared on social media. “It is her spirit that will be the foundation of this tavern—a place where community comes together, where resilience is celebrated, and joy will always be found.”
Renderings of the new space highlight major renovations including an upgraded Purple Patio—a beloved tradition the new owners plan to preserve.
“For the community [Mother’s] was more than just a bar, it was a second home,” the post reads. “The traditions built in this building will carry on in the years ahead…”
Clavel to Begin Booking Private Events: Looking for a new space to host a birthday gathering or rehearsal dinner? Mexican eatery and mezcal bar Clavel is now booking private events on Sundays only. “You will have access to our meticulously curated list of vendors to make your event festive and ethereal,” the restaurant shared on social media. Those interested can email [email protected].
CH-CH-CHANGES
Rize + Rest Announces New Hours, Talks Expansion: This should hopefully clear up some confusion. Last month, neighbors in the Patterson Park area expressed concern for modern cafe concept Rize + Rest. Observant patrons noticed the business and liquor license were up for sale. But, fear not, this doesn’t spell the end for the buzzy newbie.
Chef/owner Randall Matthews recently provided some clarity in a video shared to Instagram: “We’ve outgrown this establishment and this location,” he said. “We will begin conversations of expansion—not relocating, but expanding this brand.”
Matthews added that when conversations first began about expanding, he didn’t realize the impact the concept has already had in the neighborhood since it opened in late 2023. So that means, “Rize + Rest isn’t going anywhere,” he confirmed.
Instead, expect new hours. The eatery will only be open Friday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for brunch. Matthews said to stay tuned for a forthcoming cocktail experience on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Wine Source Unveils New Parking Lot: Good news for those who love a quick pop-in to this one-stop-shop on The Avenue. The Wine Source in Hampden has unveiled a new 10-space parking lot, a project years in the making that has sparked plenty of debate. The diagonal spaces for customers are located behind the building at 3618-3620 Elm Ave., according to Baltimore Fishbowl, and join the half a dozen that the shop offers out front. Just last year, the local wine, liquor, and specialty food store announced it would become a worker-owned cooperative, after former owner David Wells put the business up for sale.
COMING SOON
The Bullpen: Opening Day is just around the corner (March 31), and good news is in store for O’s fans. The famed stretch of Washington Boulevard sports bars across from Camden Yards in Ridgley’s Delight—home to Pickles Pub and Section 771—will welcome back a familiar face this season. According to reporting by SouthBmore.com, The Bullpen will reopen March 31 after taking a year off to undergo extensive renovations. The watering hole is now owned by Tony Arce and will be run by his son, Danny Arce, who is behind another nearby, new spot…
OPEN
El Bar: Danny Arce also recently opened El Bar in Pigtown. Set in the former home of Friends Grille at 737 Carroll St., which closed in 2023, the new sports bar offers chicken wings, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and a cheeseburger. Wine and beer are on hand, of course, as are classic game-day cocktails like mules and Crushes, plus margs and a Long Island iced tea.
EPICUREAN EVENTS
3/17: Ekiben x Alma Cocina Latina Dumpling Pop-Up
The Ekiben team is heading into the kitchen at Alma Cocina Latina yet again for another collaborative pop-up in Station North. A $115 ticket includes a welcome cocktail and a multi-course, family-style meal that will feature dumplings. Cocktails, wine, and beer will also be available for purchase at happy hour pricing. One of the most fun parts (we think, at least, after attending the first collab) is the seating: Parties will be placed together at communal tables, making it easy to connect with fellow Charm City foodies and neighbors.
SHUT
Charm City Chocolate: The Avenue in Hampden lost a touch of sweetness earlier this week, when owners Todd Zimmerman and Michelle Deal-Zimmerman announced that they would be closing the Charm City Chocolate storefront, with plans to transition to a smaller production space. The candy shop was a go-to for classics like truffles, caramels, and barks, as well as specialties like crab-shaped confections and the viral Dubai chocolate bar.
The owners told The Baltimore Banner that rising cacao costs, plus rent and packaging prices, contributed to the tough decision. “It was our joy to have been the sweetest spot on The Avenue since 2016,” Todd and Michelle posted to Instagram, adding that they will continue to offer online sales, “and we thank each and every one of you for including us in your family celebrations, holidays and sweet tooth cravings!”
Ditos Fed Hill: You know the old adage. “When one door opens…” In conjunction with the official announcement of Liv’s Tavern, White Oak Hospitality shared that Ditos—OGs know it as Banditos—will close up shop in Fed Hill after service this Sunday, March 16. Open since 2012, the tacos-and-tequila bar spawned six other DMV-area locations that now operate everywhere from Columbia to White Marsh. Regulars will remember the Taco Tuesdays, bottomless brunches, monster margaritas, and weekend DJ dance parties. “We are beyond grateful and forever indebted to everyone who has crossed through our doors and become a part of our Banditos family,” White Oak shared on Instagram.
But the building won’t sit vacant for long. GameOn bar+arcade’s Federal Hill location will move into the old Ditos space on March 29, after its last day at its current home down the street on March 22. The barcade will carry on Ditos’ legacy as a South Charles Street social spot with its retro games, array of bar food, and adult Capri Suns.
The Grill at Harryman House: It’s the end of an era for Reisterstown and Glyndon regulars who have long frequented this Main Street spot. After 39 years, Harryman House has closed. Proprietor John Worthington—who dodged a prison sentence after being charged with tax evasion in 2023—told The Baltimore Banner that he simply couldn’t keep the business afloat any longer. Built around a bona fide log cabin dating back to 1791, the historic space was once a grocery store, a saddlery, and a drug store. Centuries later, it opened as a restaurant in 1987. In 2008, it tacked on The Grill to its name to attract a more casual crowd.