DuClaw Brewing Company

DuClaw Brewing CompanyDuClaw Brewing Company
DuClaw Brewing CompanyDuClaw Brewing Company
Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

901 S Bond St
Baltimore, Maryland, 21231-3339
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.72
Reviews:
30
Ratings:
30
pDev:
15.32%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by pelle79:
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Reviewed by pelle79 from Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev +19.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Stopped in here on a hot humid afternoon with the wife and my parents before a Red Sox/O's game that evening. We were greeted with a nice blast of AC which was quite nice.

We took a seat at one of the tables in the bar area and ordered 2 samplers. Little did we know that there would be 7 beers on tap that day (including a cask of the Venom). All of them were fantastic.

For food, we ordered the Crab Pretzel (a bit small but a must have) Fried Green Tomatoes and the Buffalo Dip.

Being that we literally stumbled upon this place while wandering around the inner harbor area, we were all quite pleased.
Aug 08, 2009
More User Ratings:
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Reviewed by morebeergood from Massachusetts

3.13/5  rDev -15.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
Stop number five, day two on our Baltimore pub crawl. Very modern looking brewpub inside, but there are nice tables and umbrellas outside, which is where we sat. Service was very confusing. Our waitress seemed very friendly, but sorta seemed like a space cadet. We asked her about beer specials, and she said they ran out, but the other waitress told a nearby table about the two seasonals (I saw the taps as we left). So we only chose from the five beers on the menu. And the food seemed to take forever to be served, even though the place was pretty empty. When we did get served, my stout was not bad, and my turkey sandwich turned out to be good. Maybe if we had sat at the bar or had a different waitress, we would have had a better lunch. This place has potential, though.
Aug 07, 2009
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Reviewed by mltobin from Connecticut

2.8/5  rDev -24.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 2 | food: 4
As mentioned by a fellow BA below, the location is right near the water, but aside from a few tables outside, the building is not designed well to take in the view of the harbor, oh well.
This place was busy on a sunny Saturday evening. A lot of families here, some young professionals, and some well aged drinkers as well.
Small list, and their IPA was kicked when I went here, so I had to go with their blond, which was pretty good. They had 5 selections flowing for me, wish there had a been a few more.
The food was very satisfying however and laced my belly for the rest of the evening for a fair price. I would recommend it as a place to have a nice casual meal and a decent beer. But if you have are looking just for the best beer in Baltimore, review your other options on BA.
May 25, 2009
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Reviewed by Umbra from Maryland

2.4/5  rDev -35.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 1 | selection: 3 | food: 2
Atmosphere: Okay, clean interior with a nice view of the water at one of the few outdoor dining spots in Fells
Quality: Never had a bad brew here, and they get the seasonals in frequently as well. I generally keep away from the standards, the seasonal brews are quite good.
Service: Awful service utilized on multiple occassions. Recently experienced incredibly bad hostess, followed by lukewarm inexperienced waiter, and inattentive useless bartender. They really have one of the worst collection of staff in the area and is the main reason why I only now go if it is a night when they are giving away free schwag for a brew that I might enjoy.
Food: Okay pub grub that never attempts to be anything more
Apr 28, 2009
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Reviewed by Sycodrummer from Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
After having one of their beers via growler from a friend a few year ago, I stopped in here for myself while recently in Baltimore. The place was fairly empty, but it was still early on a Thursday night. Seemed to be two sections: a sit down dining area to the right, and the bar area to the left. The bar area had ample seating around the bar, plus some pub tables and booths along the wall.

A god mix of their beers were available. I always like it when a brewpub spans the styles with its offerings ad that was the case here. Signs on the wall made it easy to see what was currently available. I decided to go with a sampler to get an idea for their whole range of offerings.

Service was a bit slow (especially for being so empty). My sampler came back and was placed on the table without telling me what was what or any type of lableing. But it wasn't too hard to figure out and the person with whom I was there knew everything too.

Beer quality was quite good. Two of the sample beers were the same: one on nitro the other normal CO2. It served as a reminder how much I do not care for nitro. The IPA was nicely hopped and assertive upfront. A raspberry strong stout was well balanced and the light beers were crisp and a bit dry. All in all (notwithstanding the nitro) there was only one I did not care for.

Did not have a full meel, but rather just an appetizer: the crab pretzle. An off-putting name, but an excellent food. Everything was reasonable priced and lived up to what I expected.
Apr 28, 2009
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Reviewed by joe1510 from Illinois

3.14/5  rDev -15.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3
I stopped into DuClaw to pick up a couple bottles and had a beer or two while I was at it. Everything was particularly clean but in no way the type of atmosphere I enjoy. The bar area had very high ceilings with a very modern feel. There was a lot of stone, steel, and concrete. The restaurant area was much of the same and unappealing but clean.

The service was acceptable, nothing to stand out in my mind or to detract from the enjoyment. There were 6-7 beers on tap all of which were standard releases as far as I could tell. The offerings ranged from a red ale to an IPA to an oatmeal stout and all the other usual suspects. The lack of special releases was a little disappointing.

I would give this place another try given the area it's in and the other good bars close by. It's worth stopping in for a drink if you're in the area. The IPA I had was underwhelming but the oatmeal stout was enjoyable. Thanks for the mini tour Dyan!
Apr 07, 2009
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Reviewed by akorsak from Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
A Friday night visit. At 7PM, the place was surprisingly not crowded and our party of three was seated immediately.

Atmosphere: Big and industrial, lots of metal and mood lighting defines this branch of the DuClaw empire. Not much to look at and not exactly warm and inviting.

Quality: Despite the tepid appearance, service and food were good (looks like DuClaw has turned the page on that one).

Service: We had a waitress and trainee. Both did a commendable job of checking up on us, refilling drinks, etc.

Selection: Apart from the normal house varieties, Hellrazer, 31 and Old Flame were on tap. I have an affinity for Old Flame, so I skiped ot to try the others. Both were okay with Hellrazer by far the better.

Food: The menu has drastically improved. We use to frequent the Arundel Mills restaurant (I still have my mug club card) and the food was always an afterthought. The new menu looks much better and promises a decent meal. Kudos for that.
Feb 15, 2009
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Reviewed by USCTrojanBrian from Maryland

3.73/5  rDev +0.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Review from notes. Went here on a sunny summer day. Can't vouch for the dining area but plopped down at the bar, which had opened its windows to the street, really cool effect in warm weather. Very airy and light during the daytime and you can watch the foot traffic go by.

Odd location, as it faced basically the street even though its building is very near to the water, missed opportunity there.

Beers are alright, they didn't have any special releases available when I went and the standards are fairly pedestrian for the most part but its nice to drink from a place that makes their own and who usually offers a ton of varietal beers over the course of the year.

Service was a bit aloof, but there's a few TV's, the bar is comfy enough and lots of people watching to be had.

If you're just going to Fells Point for the beer, then places like Max's are where you need to be, if you're going for a clean, slightly chain-y place for food and space and company and a decent enough selection of house brews, DuClaw is a better starting point.

I won't grade the food as all I had was a BBQ pork sandwich (eh), can't vouch for anything else on the menu. The menu itself looks like your typical Maryland stuff with burgers and sandwiches, and crab themes for a small handful of dishes.

My grade of this place isn't the best, but I like the atmosphere when it's not crowded (and I've driven by before when its JAMMED), their beers can be fun and they usually have 5+ available of decent enough variety, it's just missing something by not facing the water and looking away from the main area of Fells Point (is a few blocks down from and faces away from Broadway).

Duda's is just across the street, so that's a good place to pair a visit to DuClaw with.
Sep 24, 2008
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Reviewed by Asher1982 from Maryland

3.18/5  rDev -14.5%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4
I had sampled some of their beers at the Maryland Brewer's Springfest and thought they were pretty good, especially the Barley Wine.  So, when we were in Baltimore we decided to stop by and have a few beers here.  The atmosphere was to pretentious for its own good.  The bartender had the personality of a pet rock.  The beer I had, Naked Fish, a raspberry-chocolate stout, was pretty good.  But, we only stayed for one drink because the service and atmosphere were lacking.  Maybe I will give it another try one day.
Feb 16, 2008
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Reviewed by slander from New York

3.8/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
On Handsome Ed's watch, we took a break from the beer tour and did a shitty lunch at a place with not really good beer and so-so food, which included zero crabs. I'd been carrying around this mallet all day for crab smashing and it wasn't one of them hand held jobbies. Rather it was one of them giant ones like you use for hitting the strong man thing at the carnival. I feel pretty stupid now, I coulda left it in the car and not been bothered trying to keep it out the way so the wait staff didn't trip over it. It left me kind of grumpy (yes, I can get that way), and it's difficult for me to recover save a few beers. But first I'm unloading this mallet in the car and damned if Ed ain't carrying it there...

In the big modernish brick building on the bay, DuClaw. You come in from the far side and hook back towards the front. It's a large open space gently holding a big egg shaped bar on an angle in the middle of the room, with 2 towers of 6 each side by side on both ends. The center bar island holds two tiered booze and a shelf above with growlers & pint glasses, and flatscreens at both ends with more glassware below. The forward walls are done in pale yellow & green, the rear wall in pastel blue with cutways showing prints describing each of the beer selections. Exposed ducts and spots overhead, and angled semi circular wing pieces above each side of the bar. Seating for 30 around the black cement topped egg plus 10 raised roundy bar tables "L" along the large front windows over S. Bond Street and side along the park, and 8 booths "L" the inner walls.

And down around back, a side dining room with a dozen tables, and then a bit further down, a split room with 6 tables along the windows and 4 booths & 4 tables in a slightly raised area lying adjacent. Additionally, a secret rear room behind sliding colored glass doors on the back wall, and a seasonal outdoor seating area off the side holding 20 tables.

Meanwhile, 9 beers on tap, all of which are served on the sampler. The Funk was a lightly golden American Wheat, not much to it; the Bad Moon Porter, some chocolate, coffee, a little light for a porter; the Misfit Red, deep copper colored, malty; the Venom Pale Ale, assertively hoppy, Columbus & Cascade; the Venom Pale Ale on nitro, not as good as the other; the Celtic Fury, an Irish Stout with a nice bitterness and a dry finish, tasty, some good licorice flavors; the 13 Degrees, their Hefe, good banana & cloviness, albeit somewhat slightly lemony; the Bare Ass Blonde Ale, slightly hoppy, pleasant; and the Euphoria, a toffee Nut Brown, with a strange Heath Bar toffee nose, and something vanilla, maybe. The Celtic Fury Stout and the 13 Degrees Hefe were the best of the lot, me thinks, although the beers were pretty good overall.

Not a bad house, but it's dawned on me that I haven't seen any brewing equipment, I don't think they make beer here. Still, it's definitely worth looking in on when in town working up a thirst crab smashing.
Dec 19, 2007
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Reviewed by Slatetank from Pennsylvania

3.15/5  rDev -15.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
I stopped in Du Claw at Fell's Point w/ some other BA's and members of Lancaster Brewer's Club on our recent pub crawl in Baltimore.
I found the experience to be semi-lackluster. The beer was definitely not the focus at Du Claw. I enjoyed 1, maybe 2 of the large selection of beer they had on tap. The atmosphere is somewhat ordinary, but clean and accomodating. I found the service to be average for a chain-type brewpub. There was a server who handled the deck or outside and the bar area also.

I didn't find the selection to be great even though they have many different beers on tap. I liked the food I ordered, but considered it a bit pricey for the amount of tuna I was served. I probably could have received a whole tuna steak for a few dollars more elsewhere instead of just an appetizer. I didn't totally dislike Du Claw, but I will probably check out Duda's across the street instead of returning next time.
Oct 02, 2007
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Reviewed by Phatz from Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
DuClaw Brewpub was a bit of a disappointment. The beer was just OK a few good ones, and few not so. The service was slow despite the fact that the place was practically empty. It is a beautiful large modern building well lit and spacious and the food was *really* great. I was happy to try a number of the beers but only a few were pint worthy and I just choose to stick with my Twisted Kilt. I would recommend stopping here for some tuna and a burger (as we did) then head over to Dudas across the street for more of the good beer.

Hope this is helpful.
Cheers!
--
Oct 01, 2007
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Reviewed by SERowe from New York

3.88/5  rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Me and the misses were in Baltimore last weekend and walked over to Fells Point from the Inner Harbor just to check out this place. The walk wasn't bad, except for the construction that we had to walk around. When we arrived, there were a few tables available out on the patio, but we opted to sit at the bar. It was approx. 3:30p on Friday and the bar was fairly empty. Happy Hour had just begun (3-7, M-F)! $2.00 pints of staple beers. I had a Venom Pale Ale and a Bad Moon Porter, both staples, and both very nice. My wife had a Bare Ass Blonde and the Funk. She liked them both but preferred the Funk. I rated the value as reasonable, but during happy hour it is exceptional!
After a pleasant hour and a few beers, we decided to stay for an early dinner. The menu offered a good variety and went beyond your basic "pub grub". We both enjoyed our meals, and more beer.
Overall a very nice experience.
Sep 29, 2007
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Reviewed by John_M from Washington

3.85/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Had occasion to stop by the Fells Point version of this Brewpub the other day. I confess I was not the least bit impressed with the Bel Air location, but was much happier with this one.

The Brewpub is pretty good size, with additional seating outside. As it was hotter then hell and suffocatingly humid the Saturday I was there, I stayed inside. As you walk in, there is a large dining room area to the right and good size bar area to the left. The building is quite modern looking with high ceilings and DuClaw beer art on the walls. The bar is pretty good size and wraps completely around, sitting in the middle of the room. There are 4 large HD flat screen TV's, and this is a very nice place to while away an afternoon, drinking beer and catching "the game" on TV.

I went ahead and got the sampler, which this day consisted of 3 specialty beers and 6 regulars. They also (without asking) poured both the CO2 and nitro version of the porter. The hefeweizen was the best of the bunch I thought, with some good complexity and spice. The Belgian wit was also pretty good and I enjoyed the nitro version of the porter. The venom pale ale was considerably bettter then what I recalled from my visit to Bel Air (several years ago), and in fact I didn't taste a bad beer in the bunch. Granted, the blond, amber, red and brown ale were nothing to get excited about, but they were fine for what they were.

The service the day I was there was pretty good, but then the place was not very busy the Saturday afternoon I was there. Still, no complaints about the service here. As for food, I just got the wings, but they were some of the better wings I've ordered in Baltimore (good spice and very meaty), and at $6.99 for the order, quite reasonable I thought.

All in all I had a pretty good experience at DuClaw, and will likely visit again the next time I'm in Fells Points and am not in the mood for a visit to Max's.
Aug 27, 2007
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Reviewed by DarkerTheBetter from Minnesota

4.22/5  rDev +13.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
I stopped by on our pub-crawl of Baltimore and this was hands down the greatest surprise of the trip.

The building itself is a little too arts for my liking, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. The lay out of the building was a long, spacious rectangle starting with a bar on one end and various tables, booths and such running down towards the other end. In the dining section, there were ample shades of yellow orange and brown lending a quaint feel to the place. I’d like to see how it looks at night with out the bright sun coming in through the windows. All along side this on the out side were rows of patio seating with the expected umbrellas tables and chairs. We decided on the bar which was oval in shape, seating 20+, with an inverted glass canopy of sorts overhead. Looking around here, there were several of their beer logos up on the walls and some more informative posters explaining the beers in more detail from their anticipated flavors to their ingredients. The bar top itself is made of shaped concrete and I’m not too sure how much I like that either.

The selection of beers was impressive for a brewpub. We asked for the sampler and the bartender brought out the little place mat and plopped the respective beers down. He then threw three season coasters down and placed their beers on them. Then, on the side, he snuck two more in. Half way through our stay, he came by with another that was just put on tap. Wow. That’s some serious bartender effort. The beers were all solid, crisp and clean. I especially found the venom IPA to be assertive and quaffable, the cinco de mayo to be clean and subtly flavorful and their hefes to be rock solid.

For food we got appetizers to exploit the happy hour prices. The stuffed pretzels I will order immediately upon returning to this establishment. However, the nachos had some serious heat lamp damage. The wings were pretty middle of the road.

For a big open space with attentive service and a plethora of solid beers, I was duly impressed by this location. I’ll be back for sure the next time I’m in the area.
Jun 28, 2007
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Reviewed by 86sportster883 from Maryland

3.63/5  rDev -2.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Black Eyed Bimbo and Beer

I was staying in Baltimore for a couple of days and met a few friends for dinner at the DuClaw Brewing Company. The weather was perfect, so we decided to sit outdoors where we could take in the sights of the urban inner harbor.

Between the four of us we ordered three flights which, to my surprise, included eleven four ounce samples each, to include:
Funk - American style wheat,
Bad Moon Porter,
Misfit Red - Amber Ale,
Venom Pale Ale and Venom Nitro,
Bare Ass Blonde, Enigma, Mayhem, El Guapo, Naked Fish, and Celtic Fury.

With 33 beers on the small outside table, there was hardly room for food. The beers were all very good, distinct and very drinkable. Most of the time, however, I had no idea what type of beer I was drinking. The waitress was little help when asked about the beers. In fact, I'm not even sure she was able to consistently place the same beers on the same label.

As for the food, it was decent but nothing outstanding. The service would be best described as friendly, but clueless. I think the reason our waitress had such a hard time distinguishing one beer from another was due to the sunglasses she was wearing (at night). She needed them to hide the black eye she was sporting, which was fine, but didn't really explain a number of other goof ups (forgot to put in one of our entrée orders, and then screwed up the bill) .

Despite the generally sub-par service, I was impressed with the selection and quality of the beers that DuClaw offered. The atmosphere was causal and relaxing and I enjoyed sitting outside, eating and drinking, on such a beautiful night.
Jun 16, 2007
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Reviewed by jjboesen from Maryland

4.25/5  rDev +14.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Located in wonderful Fells Point, and a short walk from Max;s Taproom, This location does not brew on-site - they operate a full-scale brewery in Abington, Maryland. The Fells Point location is the newest member of this chain and is situated in Thames Street (the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, which like many harkens back to the days of British rule) on the Bond Street Wharf, which is one of the many wharves refurbished for commercial enterprise.
Upon entry, the parched and hungry traveler can turn right and sit in the primary dining area, or go left and enjoy the lounge, an open, yet somewhat industrial-looking, setting dominated by a large oval stainless steel bar, a smattering of booths and high tables surrounded by large windows looking out onto the traffic bumping along the cobblestones of Thames Street.

DuClaw’s offers about seven draught beers, consisting of all styles, such as Venom Pale Ale and Black Jack Imperial Stout. The beer selection here represents the full range, from light-bodied lagers to a sweetish, but malty, porter. You can also purchase seasonal beers to go. Add to this, a menu that goes well beyond pub grub, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere (certainly during my several visits), DuClaw’s is a heartily recommended stop on a Baltimore pub crawl.
Apr 09, 2007
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Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Although I enjoy more of the "charming", shabby places in Fells Point, I do have to give DuClaw credit. This location is without a doubt their nicest with a large bar that looks out onto Thames & Bond. And although it's a bit touristy, the outdoor seating can be enjoyable. I personally prefer eating at the bar, but the dining room is pretty large so you should always be able to get a table with a minimal wait. And I love the bathroom with the floor-lit frosted green-glass between the men's and women's rooms! The beers are the same (well, of course, they're all brewed at the place and shipped out to the locations), and the menu is the same, but they're consistent and good. A good place to take the in-laws!
Dec 01, 2006
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Reviewed by Nutleybeer from New Jersey

4.14/5  rDev +11.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
For some reason, this place is not advertised in any of the touristy booklets (at least none I saw). I had read about it being in Fells Point while online...but saw nothing once in Baltimore. Stumbled upon it down the end of the main strip.

Place looks like a typical brewpub looking to be trendy. They had outside seating, but it was far too hot to do so. In a nice location for those outside, while not directly on the water, it was close by, off to the side of the building, not on the main street.

We were pleasantly surprised by the beers. I don't believe they brew directly on the premises, but rather offsite, similiar to the Heartland Brewpub chain in NYC.

Didn't see the food menu, so I can't comment on that.

The beers were good. A nice selection, ranging in different styles. Each has a unique name like Venom, Sawtooth, etc. The Sawtooth was actually pretty good, a seasonal white. A nice, lite taste...mellow with a orange coriander flavor, perfect for a warm day like this past weekend.

They do a nice job breaking down the beers...on the sampler mat and on large boards hanging across the establishment...listing each beer's flavor, hops, hoppiness ratings, added ingredients, etc..

From our seat at the bar, at the nearest booth, the manager was sitting with apparent new hires, with a sampler...testing them on the different beers. It was pretty interesting, not sure if all brewpubs do this or not...looks like the employees had to take an actual written quiz as well.

As noted in prior reviews, if in Baltmore and on a microbrew crawl, do Brewert's Art and Wharf Rat, but make an effort to try DuClaws too if possible. Not "great" or incredibly unique in anything, but decently tasty beers.
Jul 04, 2006
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Reviewed by tgbljb from Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +19.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Visited the brewpub on a Thursday about noon. It was a beautiful day, so my wife and I chose outside seating. The view is great looking out over the harbor, and even though it was a bit windy, I'm glad we ate outside. The waitress came promptly and took our drink order. There was a nice selection for lunch including a number of specials. I selected a buffalo chicken sandwich and my wife choose a salad. Both were very good and the serving sizes were more than ample. It was a very pleasant dining (and drinking) experience and I will go back the next time we visit Fell's Point.
Jun 20, 2006
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Reviewed by SundeyPSU from Virginia

3.69/5  rDev -0.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
This is your typical cookie-cutter brew-pub chain. It lacks personality and is a bit "sterile". It is very spacious though, and I have never felt packed in like at some other smaller Fells Point pubs. Their selection is decent, but the beer is nothing to brag about. It is decent beer, not bad. That's all though, "not bad". That is not a ringing endorsement. The staff has always been friendly, and the service is good. That is what has kept me going back on occasion. They do have a nice patio area for enjoying a beer outside. I have not tried the food yet, so cannot speak to that.
Jun 19, 2006
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Reviewed by twistanut23 from Connecticut

5/5  rDev +34.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
I can honestly say, I had one of my best birthdays ever here. I turned 25 on May 29th (Memorial Day) and after visiting most of the bars in Fells Point, we finished up at Duclaw. We (my girlfriend and I) had come to Baltimore the previous year, and we stumbled upon Duclaw. I love brewpubs and even though this is a small chain, I've enjoyed every beer I've had here.

This year, I threw down a few Misfit Reds, along with the Celtic Fury. The food is very well priced for what you get. Not many places can you get a tuna steak for 16 bucks. It was rubbed in seven spices and delicious. The crab dip is amazing as well.

The best part came in stopping here about 10pm on the night of bday. After getting carded (i'm 25 btw), I made mention of not getting a "happy birthday" from the bartender, we placed our orders. The bartender (We'll call him Jim to protect his identity) then came over with three shot (shooter) glasses and poured them full with a mysterious green solution. Slimers he called them. It was Southern Comfort, Midori and OJ and it was delicous.

I then noticed the awesome ceramic yellow "Pint Club" pint glasses they had behind the bar, which are for beer club members. It costs $65 bucks to join, but you get all sorts of discounts and first tastings and such, as well as this glass. Through the course of the night, we and Jim chatted it up, talking abou the differences between MD and CT (where I'm from) and such. I asked to see one of the "Pint Club" glasses. It was really sweet, as it had the rules of "Pint Club" on the back, as a total take of Fight Club. Great great glasses. I asked Jim how to get one and he said to join the club, though, as he said, it was pointless for me to join.

I couldn't have agreed more, as it was a 5 hour drive, and I wouldn't get my money's worth. Jim then informed me, if the glass happened to "disappear" he would not ask questions. I had to verify with my girlfriend that this was actually said. He laughed as he said it, and walked away. I quickly shoved it into my glass and walked out, leaving a 20 dollar tip.

Truly one of the best bar experiences I've ever had. Happy Birthday to me! I love Duclaw and will continue to go there whenver I'm in town! God bless Jim!
Jun 11, 2006
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Reviewed by Higravity from Michigan

3.45/5  rDev -7.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
I've known about DuClaw for a while, I've have had some of their beers at festivals, but never made it to the brew-pubs mostly because I don't like their image. It is too slick and reeks of hipster and falseness. That being said I am glad I stopped by and really gave them a chance to disappoint only that they didn't.

The location is great and the scenary is nice, they have a huge bar which is great since most brew-pubs have too small of a bar. The inside dining area looks very nice and the outside is little more than Ikea patio furniture. The bathrooms are a mess and the host rolled his eyed when I told him, but I wasn't making a fuss, hell if he didn't care about the bathrooms what the hell does the kitchen look like. So for the shitty attitude of the host the service gets knocked down and it made up my mind to just sit at the bar with my friends since he informed me that a table would be 30 minutes even though the outside had plenty of open seating. That guy is an ass, maybe I should write the manager.

The bartenders were efficient for two guys handling the almost crowded bar. They answered knowledgebly about the beer and food, and even the whiskey we had. They also replaced a near full beer I spilled for free. Service here at the bar was pretty damn good.

The beers I had were good and of high quality, the food though was a little better than a TGIF, but it seemed they were trying. They had 8 or so of their beers on tap with Magic Hats # 9 and Blue Moon as well. I wrote reviews for the ones I had.

I don't know, this place seems good enough that I'm sure I will go back at some point, but with Max's around the corner I won't be sticking around after dinner.
Mar 13, 2006
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Reviewed by Gavage from Nevada

4.2/5  rDev +12.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Stopped in for a visit during our weekend in Baltimore. Easily walkable from any bar in Fells Point, located along the water for nice views. Large dining area is off to the right when you walk in, and a nice sized bar area is immediatley left. Large glass windows allows nice views of Fells Point.

They had all standard 5 house beers on tap and three house specials, chocolate raspberry stout, old ale and a barley wine. We sat for a few pints, and the quality of the beers were very good and quite tasty. Did not try any food.

Bartender was knowledgable about the beer when questioned along with being very friendly, all while striking up conversations with the numerous patrons.

This place is a must stop if in Fells Point, and personally I would make an effort to get here if in the Inner Harbor and needing a good beer beyond Oliver's or Brewer's Art.
Feb 21, 2006
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Reviewed by MsRogueRed from Colorado

2.9/5  rDev -22%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
This place is located in Fells Point but a bit away from the other bars. Big, brick building with open floor plan and fairly large bar with almost all glass walls so you can people watch.

We were there for lunch/beer, so we had appetizers.

Their beers seem to have better names than taste. I had been to their other location a few years ago and remembered feeling the same way, but since we were walking right by, we figured we'd give them a try. The beer isn't necessarily bad, but I wouldn't go out of my way to drink it.

The best part of this place is the location and view, not the beer. If you're in the area, I'd stop in, but wouldn't make a special trip. Plus, why go there when you can go to Max's?
Jan 11, 2006
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Reviewed by bigjohn from New Jersey

4.45/5  rDev +19.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I really enjoyed my trip to DuClaw. The atmosphere is nice, I sat in the dining room, because I was having dinner, but I stopped in the bar area also. Modern decor, lots of windows, I don't know much about these things, but I liked it. Nice outdoor patio area that would have been a nice place to sit by the water if it hadn't been so damn cold.

The quality of both the beer and the food was very good. My only gripe with the beer is that some of their standard offerings are rather uniteresting. The seasonals that I tried were very good, I particularly enjoyed the Up Yer Kilt Scotch Ale and the Devil's Milk Barleywine. The selection was also very impressive, they had nine beers on tap at the time, and a $7 dollar sampler allowed me to try all of them, an excellent deal! Service was good, no complaints. I enjoyed the food very much, and they have a nice variety on the menu, price par for the course for this sort of place.

Overall, I have to say that DuClaw is a must visit if you are in the Baltimore area. A good place to get some dinner and try a wide variety of beers. I took a growler home with me, 2 Liter German Style, which cost $21, but refills are only $7 which is pretty cheap compared to most places I have been. Highly Recommended!
Dec 13, 2005
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Reviewed by Dithyramb from Maryland

3.08/5  rDev -17.2%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 1.5 | selection: 4 | food: 2.5
I’m rating several things, including the atmosphere, lower than my initial review from 2004. This place seems a little off given old Fells.

Inside, there are a lot of earth tones and soft lighting (like a gay bar in Manhattan) that compliments their other locations. It was well designed by whatever post modern designer helped the DuClaw folks out. Furnishing wise, they have some very modern looking stools and bar top. The walls especially draw your attention to the beer. One wall just has the names of some of the good brews in big foot tall letters. Another wall has descriptions—even down to hop types and the gravity—of whatever beers are on tap. They are fancy pre-made descriptions, no dirty chalkboard to speak of. Outside are some marble sitting stones surrounding 20-odd tables. Music during the last two beer openings has been especially loud crappy techno.

The best part out here is the outside view. The water at the end of the pier is always in your view. Amazing, given this was a parking lot not too long ago. Close by, a little promenade stretches with trees and grass now, leading you over to Inner Harbor East.

The beers are top notch. They have stretched beyond the 8 mix of seasonals and regulars on tap and now have two other brews on tap (Blue Moon and Miller Light were on last night). Decide what you will about that. Found it confusing myself, since their regulars are specifically made for crossover. Not sure about bottles. They have six or so styles that stay on draft for good, added to by whatever seasonal is currently available. Last night, they had Alchemy, Repent, and the new Mad Bishop on tap. All the beers are well done, and their brewer appears to know what's up. I think they don't get considered by a bunch of beer geeks because they market so well.

Beyond the very first week they opened, we have been neglect to have even average service either at the bar or at the tables at this establishment. It is the main reason we don't go there regularly and I only go now when it is free. They all seem to have slight attitude problems. Not sure why, as this has happened to me with three different types of crowds. From being there for a closed party, to a table outside, to just myself at the bar. The bartenders are off. Especially one or two in particular that were just plain rude. Some of the waitresses need a little bit of a beer education. However, they do have placemats that will set a newbie in the right direction.

I haven't been impressed by anything on the menu. The worst was a batch of loaded nachos. They looked better than they tasted. The ubiquitous tri-colored nachos topped with cheese wiz and canned meat/beans. They were almost as bad as a batch tried at RFD’s.

Overall: Have a chili bake at Duda's across the street, come for the free shirt and good commercial on seasonal beer opening nights, then walk over to Max's.
Oct 13, 2005
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Reviewed by lackenhauser from Maryland

3.9/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Had no idea this place was in Fells Point. Really doesnt suit the down and dirty atmosphere but its down towards the newest development area so Im sure the whole place will fall together in time.

Atmosphere was good though like I said it doesnt fit the locale. Somewhat industrial feel to it. Huge slate topped, oval bar. A lot of lighting, glass and metal work around the place. The dining room was quite large. It looked brand new though has been open a year.

The service was good-the girl behind the bar was very friendly and knowledgeable about the beers even though she seemed to be repeating what she had been taught. I had samples of various beers before I found one I wanted. She was very accommodating.

A decent selection of beer-all Duclaw products. Porter, red ale, Scotch ale, Imperial pils and a few others. The red was decent and the porter excellent. Something for every taste for sure.

We only had appetizers. They were fair-nachos and a "crab pretzel" which is a pretzel covered in cheesy crab dip. It was excetionally doughy and no real crab flavor.

I have to say the prices were reasonable for our time there. Happy hour and during NFL games the pints are $2 and there's probably 8 appetizers under $4. Looking over the menu it might get a bit expensive however.

Well worth hitting when in Fells Point if only for a pint. Id personally stick to the more local Fells Point bars for a real taste of Baltimore but this isnt a bad joint.
Sep 29, 2005
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Reviewed by cubedbee from Maryland

3.6/5  rDev -3.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is the newest Duclaw location that opened up in Fells Point. It's a very nice looking bar, very modern chic, and in general an atmosphere I enjoy. However, it is very out of place in Fell's Point and pretty much the only clean corporate drinking hole in the area. I sat in the bar area which is separate from the dining area. There is a large bar in the center of the room with booths along the wall and some tables scattered around as well. There's also an outdoor area right out front. I was there for the release of Sawtooth, a nice refreshing Belgian White, so the bar was packed, but my friend and I managed to grab a seat at one end, the seats where no TV was in view. Even though it was very crowded, the service was prompt and friendly. The bartender new his styles of beer, as I heard him talking to a couple next to me, and he chatted with me a little about the upcoming firkin of apricot Venom. The quality of the beer was a little uneven---the Sawtooth and porter were great but the Venom came out a little flat. The selection is the normal for Duclaw--the 6 regulars plus one seasonal---all were available which isn't always the case. I had the crabdip, which came in a bread bowl and was quite excellent.

After visiting a few more times, I'm bumping the service down to average. Sometimes I get pretty decent service, othertimes it's downright lousy. I also bumped the food down a notch--there's a few dishes I think are good and I get a lot (crab pretzel, buffalo panani) but I've tried a lot of other things that aren't that great.
Apr 15, 2005
DuClaw Brewing Company in Baltimore, MD
Place rating: 3.72 out of 5 with 30 ratings