The Depot 5/6/10
Nestled in the heart of Mount Vernon, The Depot is in the cultural heart of artistic Baltimore. Three doors down from a private club with a sign that can be paraphrased “we reserve the right to deny you entry and we probably will” and two doors from the famed Club Charles, we expected The Depot to have the same ‘cooler than you are’ ethos as the rest of Mount Vernon.
The club has an unassuming décor equal in its understated retro-chic feel to its more famous neighbor. Painted in a chipping red paint, the walls are decorated with works of art from local artists. The club is small, similar to many of the row house bars that populate the city. The first hint that is different than its neighbors is the Nintendo Game Cube set up at the end of the bar, Mario Kart loaded and waiting for patrons to use.
The bartender/operator of the establishment, Ada treats patrons as family as soon as they walk in the door. Happy and chipper yet with an edge that would appeal to the grungiest of indie rockers Ada took time from pouring libations to give a rundown of the history of the establishment and its music scene (and did so without knowing we were there to write this review).
The prices at The Depot are as refreshing as the clientele, from $2 Natty Boh to $4 Pilsner Urquell, but the real value is in their top shelf. For the same price as rail at most Baltimore clubs the $6 top shelf was an unexpected treat especially when served in full glasses as opposed to the shameful small cups of other clubs. Finally, with 25 different types of Vodka, there’s a brand for all Palates. The $16 tab I was presented with when it was time to go was reason enough to make it a regular stop.
Come for the cheap booze, stay for the music. While much smaller than other dedicated live music clubs, the 30’X20’ dance floor was more than enough to make for an intimate live experience. The sound was great for the size of the club. Loud enough to feel the music in your chest and yet crisp and tight as well. The sound system is a dream for talented musicians who want every note to be heard. Likewise, the lighting was also far beyond what one usually expects from a club that can equally pass as a pub and added to the presence of the live acts as opposed to distracting from it as is so often the case.
I have a theory that one can tell a lot about the live music scene from the state of the bathrooms. The more f’d up the bathrooms the more kick ass the show. It seems a rite of passage for up and coming acts or fans of those acts to leave their mark in the bathrooms. The restrooms at The Depot while haphazardly coated in a fresh coat of red paint still bear the scars of some kick ass evenings, and hint at more carnage to come.
It is at places like The Depot that underground music has the potential to come alive. Small enough to keep it local and allow an intimacy with the bands that one will not find at places like Sonar or Ram’s Head Live. It is venue’s like The Depot that we imagined when reading about our heroes starting out at local clubs all across the country. The Depot’s support of local music just may be the best in the area. Not only will they give all bands who contact them a live show, but they will also give 100% of the cover charge to the bands! The Depot offers live music every Thursday and Friday with additional dates possible based on demand. Finally, if you need a place to crash after your set, Ada has a couch for you upstairs (first come first serve).
