Yes, there was definitely a very loud test on homewood around then.

> Station North, old goucher and Remington have also stolen the night life crowd in central Baltimore.

Yeah, as much as I was defending Brewer's elsewhere in this post, I do agree that some of the following may have more of the feel the OP is looking for, at least on the weekend: Alma Cocina, Clavel, Dutch Courage, Fadensonnen, WC Harlen. Possibly also Royal Blue (though I haven't been there enough to be sure).

> When I entered through the front all the chairs were either gone or on angle forward indicating the bar was closed.

Since they reopened mid-pandemic, they only have seating at half the bar, and the other half is cleared as a space for people to order.

Not sure how to reconcile the following with this post: I was literally in there upstairs last Fri night, left probably around 7:30 or 8, and the upstairs bar was open and active, normal lighting. It wasn't crazy busy but it was fine, for that time in the evening (and there were actually quite a lot of people in the dining room then, above average for even pre-pandemic I'd say).

It's true that pre-pandemic that place would often be too packed for me to bother with (maybe this is what you describe as "packed and fun") on a Fri/Sat, which maybe hasn't returned -- though that would have usually been somewhat later than 8:30.

[Also, I will say that the main upstairs bartender that day, who isn't one I know, was definitely not on the friendly side..]

I've lived in Mt Vernon for a while, and it's great, but parking is not my favorite part of it. For the first few years I lived here I did street parking, but I now rent a spot, and I wouldn't go back. I also have a partner visiting from afar regularly and when this happens I move my car elsewhere, she uses my spot. This is a lot simpler.

Also be aware that Area 28 parking restrictions don't apply on the weekend, so (factoring in the 2hr limit without a permit) if your partner is arriving after 5 on Fri and leaving before 9 on Monday, there's nothing to worry about. (Except, much after 5 on a Fri is not the best time to look for a spot...) Other people have highlighted some of the nearby unrestricted parking areas and there's essentially always going to be something with patience, but observationally many of these definitely have a higher rate of broken glass on the ground. I agree that Station North (esp. N. of North Ave) is fine and does have more parking, but just be aware that if you are not used to Baltimore, it ... may not feel that way.

One other thing: there are many random events that will occasionally close small or large chunks of street parking in the neighborhood (these events are a good thing about the area IMO, just a pain for parking), so you need to keep on top of that. Worst seems to be closest to the monument, I'm a ways off it and am only really impacted by the massive ones like the marathon or that bike race we recently had. Yet another benefit of just renting a spot...