All Grown Up
The space at 1110 S. Charles Street has long housed a series of bars with a party-centric vibe, including Boomerang and Mad River. Now, as The Charles, it projects a much more adult, sophisticated feel.
It occupies a soaring two-level interior, originally constructed in the early 20th century, as a branch of the Provident Savings Bank.
Now, as one enters, there is a large bar along the left wall with a series of shelves that climb up to the open, second level. Interspersed with decorative elements are multiple TV screens for showing sports.
An open staircase leads upstairs to a series of booths on a mezzanine that overlooks the bar area.
Overhead, a black-and-white checkerboard pattern fills in the original skylight.
Toward the rear, there’s another bar and an open space for dancing to a DJ.
Clever neon script artwork adorns a rear wall.
The gastropub-based menu features globally-inspired small plates. Some of our favorites include Cobb salad deviled eggs, crab hummus, scallops & grits, and chicken & waffle sliders. Brunch options include a market quiche, a breakfast burger, and a dish called “The Hangover,” that includes cheese grits, eggs, and a choice of smoked turkey, country ham, pork belly, or breakfast sausage.
On the bar front, there’s a nice selection of spirits contributing to the cocktail program. Our choice was a straight-forward rye & soda. {The Charles, 1110 S. Charles Street, Federal Hill}
