Max's Taphouse — Restaurant in Baltimore

Not an LGBT-friendly business.

A large group of us decided to enjoy some casual drinks here on a Saturday night for a friend’s birthday. We were all let into the bar by the bouncers with no issue. One of us (who happens to be gay) stepped out to smoke a cigarette, and when he attempted to reenter he was asked for his ID. After providing his ID, our friend was denied reentry to the bar, with the rationale being something along the lines of “you’re too drunk.” Okay. Totally understandable.

Moments later, another member of our group left the bar and overheard the bouncer say to his colleague, “I wasn’t about to let that gay guy in!”

With six years in the service industry under my belt, I completely understand denying someone initial entry into your establishment because they are too intoxicated. Guests cannot be allowed to pose a danger to themselves or other guests. However, I understand it less when someone has already entered the establishment five minutes previously, has caused no trouble inside and is entirely coherent, and then attempts to reenter. I draw the line at denying someone entry because of their sexual orientation (or race, gender, religion, etc.).

With so many establishments to choose from in Fells Point, I see no reason to return to Max’s and drop another $100.00 only to hear about nonsense like this. Somehow, I think I’ll be able to find a bar that, at the very least, can hire bouncers that just do their very important job while keeping their personal opinions...

It's alright. Probably a 1 off night. I went there w 4 other girls for Karaoke night👍 ..I opened a tab and was solely ordering for the group.5total but after a couple hrs and a few rounds & decent tips and a round of waters too! Btw. ---to my surprise! he says sorry, but he was cutting me off. I was genuinely taken back/shook. This gentleman bartender was young, maybe 22-23 (well over a decade my junior) so I very Politly-patiently reminded him that "You do kno these drinks aren't all for me right??? I'm literally ordering for our entire table''. ●"I'm lookin out for all your safety, but maybe in like 20 mins i can, sorry, i can get you a water?'' "No thx, just close me out please".**I still didn't $punish his tip btw. I'm not that petty. BUT... [This place obviously has 2 floors & multiple bars..so you already know😅] ..I simply walked downstairs and immediately got our drinks. 🍸🙃 I came back up and just smiled at 1st bartender and raised my glasses and I moved on/to our table. 45 mins later we closed the place out Fine. 🤷‍♂️

In all my 18 adult drinking years I have never been "Cut Off" before. it's a bit embarrassing. Anyway It Added to the memory of the night... also it's helping prove a theory :People are getting Softer IMHO.

The Lesson= Don't order from only 1 bartender I guess?

Thanks for...

Ahhh Max's. I've been coming here since before it was a craft beer bar. It used to be a Baltimore dive bar with live music. I won't forget the time I hung out here with Shannon Noon & the guys from Blind Melon before they played the bar (RIP Shannon). Anyway now it's hands down the best place to go in Baltimore for craft beer. Amazingly diverse selection and large selection as well that Casey & Bob keep churning out. They have great pub food too. I'm biased because I've been coming here off and on between my moves to CA and back, but their bartenders are stellar. Hi Bob, Kevin, Mike, both Jasons etc etc. I just moved back again from San Diego and was happy to see Aslin, Nightmare and Equilibrium Brewing on the menu. I definitely recommend a visit. On Fridays from 5pm to 8pm you can get 32 oz of most of the craftbeers that are less than 8% abv for $7, you can't beat that deal. Hey and when you walk in the door look to the right on the wall & you'll find my 100 beers imbibed plaque on the wall. That was from 2016 and the beer club they had. I forgot to ask if thats still going. If you keep track of the beers you order/drink you can earn rewards. Oh and I slapped some San Diego brewery stickers in the back restroom wall where a bunch of stickers already reside. You're welcome Fall, Pure, Beerfish and...