Returned to Balto/The Block etc. after abt. 18 months.. pretty nice VIP area!

So, it had been about 18 months since my last sampling of the Baltimore area clubs, e.g. "The Block" and some select others. I wasn't sure what to expect with the Covid restrictions and Maryland's back-and-forth policies regarding bars, restaurants, etc. - I typically focus more on the DC and Northern VA area. But, with DC's clubs essentially closed indefinitely and Northern VA's options fairly limited, my curiosity to check out the Baltimore scene for an "update" got the better of me.

I arrived at 8pm, things were pretty dead along the whole strip due to shift-change. Since my last visit to the Block around Jan 2019 I noticed that RedRoom (next door) seems to be completely closed -as in boarded-up closed - but apart from that, the Block seemed more or less about the same. Just maybe fewer people, but still the same mix of various characters hanging out on the street, including some sketchy ones (that aspect of the Block also has not changed).

While a mask was required to enter, I did not have to pay a cover charge. Their operating hours are until 2AM on Monday (no longer until just 10PM), so that was one of my first questions when I arrived. Bar staff was very friendly and respectful. Drink prices were reasonable - I think I paid $7-$8 for a rail drink, tipped them well, and they gave me the second one for free since things were so quiet. While you have to wear a mask to enter the bar, once inside - as long as you've got a drink or etc. there was basically no hassle about that. Some dancers (once they came in) were wearing masks, others were not. I think they asked me to wear the mask again while walking up to the VIP area (more about that in a bit).