Cat's Eye Pub

As she turned onto Thames Street she recognized the gentleman with the Uilleann pipes sitting on the curb. “I remember you,” she said. “You were part of the wedding band at my reception yesterday.” The bleary eyed piper made it quite clear that she must be mistaken, since his talents had not been enjoyed beyond the confines of THE CAT'S EYE PUB on that particular weekend. Apparently the management had not made the performing members of “Dogs Among The Bushes” aware that the six hardy ale hoisting souls tucked away in the nook at the turn of the bar were celebrating the Benning/Poh nuptials. And there I was again, as I had been on so many other occasions since the mid 70s, contently settled on my “all-time favorite corner stool.”

Fran Poh, Jack and Kathy and a welcoming stranger as seen in American Public House Review

MARY FRANCES ELIZABETH ON THE RIGHT WITH DEAR FRIENDS, JACK AND KATHY IN THE MIDDLE AND AN UNIDENTIFIED WELCOMING STRANGER ON THE LEFT.

Photograph by David Mc Bride
Taps at The Cat's Eye Pub in Fell's Point; Baltimore, MD as seen in American Public House Review

A MARVELOUS SELECTION OF BEER FOR ALL PALATES

Photograph by Edward F Petersen
The back bar at The Cat's Eye Pub in Fell's Point; Baltimore, MD as seen in American Public House Review

The back bar at The Cat's Eye Pub in Fell's Point; Baltimore, MD as seen in American Public House Review

A MORE INTIMATE BAR IN THE BACK

Now it would be somewhat disingenuous to proclaim the CAT'S EYE as my “all-time favorite bar,” although there have been several sessions in the past when conditions might bring me to this conclusion. But anyone that truly understands the measure of a great bar, also knows that there are many factors that must be taken into account before making such grandiose declarations: weather, time of year, state of mind, what’s on tap, what’s in the bottles, tunes on the jukebox, the people to your right, the people to your left, the person behind the bar, design, lighting, décor, use of building materials and the degree of inebriation. In other words, at any given moment there are quite a number of public houses scattered throughout North America that could qualify as my “all-time favorite.” In fact there are at least two other locations right here in Fell’s Point that have made the list – the Slainte Irish Pub and Ale Mary’s. But there is something wonderfully unique about that corner stool at the CAT'S EYE that sets it apart from all other pubs.

Looking down the bar from that vantage point one can thoroughly enjoy the distinctive cast of characters and beloved local legends, on either side of that long expanse of oak, that have called the CAT'S EYE home. And if one needs some additional incentive to revel in the surroundings, simply turn around and look out the window. The vibrant street life of this historic neighborhood suggests a bit of Bourbon Street or the Barbary Coast. Of course if one tires of the larking about of humankind, one need only cast their gaze beyond the bricks and cobblestone to the pleasure boats and working ships that drift across the harbor.

I can recall those magical summer afternoons, a cooling breeze coming off the water, the sound of a passing gull in flight, the melodic strains of some gifted musician, the company of trusted friends, and all of this as I attempt to make my way through a formidable selection of outstanding beers and whiskey.

Once again I find myself tempted to pronounce THE CAT'S EYE PUB superior to all others; but out of respect for those many fine establishments that have provided for my wellbeing during my wanderings I’ll refrain from such decrees. I will commit to this though – my very favorite corner stool in the entire world lies just beyond the turn of the bar at that tavern on Thames Street!

Photograph by Edward F Petersen
Sculpture at The Cat's Eye Pub in Fell's Point; Baltimore, MD as seen in American Public House Review

THE CAT'S EYE TOTEM CARVED BY FRED O'LEARY