If walls could talk, those at 1712 Aliceanna Street in Fell’s Point, would spin some great tales.
Over its 100-year-plus history, the storefront tavern was a biker bar, a lesbian bar and for more than four decades, Birds of a Feather, a Scotch bar where lovers of whiskey could find their favorite pour.
Birds of a Feather now takes its place in history, leaving behind a place where old timers could come for more than the popular fat sandwiches and single malts. It was where jazz and politics flowed freely long before conservative networks and broadcasters became popular. Its now-deceased owner, John Horn, reportedly served up Republican political theory along with the Laphroaigs and Dalwhinnies. It was said to be a refuge for Maryland conservative politics, where oil paintings of Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon and Teddy Roosevelt held places of honor above the cash register.
Birds of a Feather is making way for The Wren, which is set to open in November as an American-Irish pub, said Will Mester, who closed on the location last week with business partner, Rosemary Liss. They bought the building from previous owner, Alicia Horn Merritt, who retired.
The pair currently run the acclaimed bistro and wine bar, Le Comptoir du Vin, at 1729 Maryland Ave, which they lease. In 2019, Le Comptoir du Vin made Bon Appétit’s list of top new restaurants and the same year was called the sexiest third-date spot in America by Esquire Magazine.
At Le Comptoir du Vin, French-inspired foods like chicken liver pâté, poached ox tongue and rolled lamb belly can be found on the menu. At The Wren, a lunch menu is likely to offer simple foods like turkey or ham sandwiches, soups and stews, Mester said, although he is still refining the offerings. An evening menu, planned for four nights a week, will be similar to the style of Comptoir du Vin, evoking bistros, tavernas and pubs across Europe.
Mester said he wants the pub “to behave like a neighborhood restaurant with straightforward foods,” emphasizing that “it’s meant to be a casual, community place, where people feel comfortable staying. There won’t be a hostess stand, table service or a million staff hanging around. It will be a familiar place that feels good to have stimulating, good conversation without canned music being piped in.”
Right now, the plan is for the bar to occupy the lower level with dining upstairs. There will be a mixture of standing, lounge and regular seating options with a maximum capacity of about 80. When the restaurant opens, it is expected to open from 11:30 a.m., and close 10:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
When The Wren opens for business, it will join a neighborhood of culturally diverse bars and restaurants in the area.
In February, Scott Saki opened Olio Italian Kitchen, which serves upscale Italian cuisine. Olio Italian Kitchen took over Full Moon Saloon Blues, next to The Wren. Saki did not know who bought Birds of a Feather, but said he welcomes The Wren to the neighborhood. “When they open, I will offer to help in anyway I can,” he said. “I want them to feel welcome and succeed. Good restaurants in the area are a win-win for all of us.”
