Leon's Backroom Bar

227 W Chase St, Baltimore
(410) 539-4850

Recent Reviews

Nathan C.

Disclaimer: I must admit, the above rating is based on my experience this past December **compared to** years ago with defenses in the end. I went to Leon's Backroom restaurant-side (don't know the difference anymore, really) in late-December. I ordered a custom drink I've been getting lately whenever somebody passes, and it costed twice the price of usual. Also, the bar couldn't be more dead; most of the time, it was just me and the bartender. It's quite lacking in decor comparatively. **However**, in their defense, I got there a hour after they opened (slowest hours). They still have karaoke like they did many years ago when I frequented this place a lot, and I could imagine the karaoke is just as good as it used to be. When asking for the custom drink, the bartender asked "what kind of Vodka" and I being clueless said any, so he may have given me the most expensive (and strongest) kind, as I did said any. If I came here 5 hours later, it probably would be 4 stars! This place has an amazing history too it. It used to be a secret place for gay people to go to half a century or more ago when being gay was frowned upon. When I lived in Baltimore, they showed American Horror Story at Leon's when it aired and karaoke at Steampunk Alley at the same time. They haven't served food for half a decade at least, and that's hands down the biggest bummer of the place... no longer a restaurant after decades of being so. Also, no wi-fi and that bothered me a bit! In the end, the best I can say is, I assume this is a great gay bar for out-of-the-closet gay people to have fun at late at night and mingle with themselves while drinking. Do look up it's history! I hope they'll go back to food one day!

Cecilia T.

This is an excellent dive bar. It's dark, full of neon, the drinks are cheap, and the bathrooms are clean. There are two bars - one in the front and one in the back, so you can experience two different vibes. The back room is almost pitched black, and the whole room is taken up by an oval shaped bar, which is great for people watching. There are so few true dive bars left in the neighborhood, this one is a gem.

Cole Lavine

Went out for drinks with a friend on October 12 and couldn't believe how little the bartender, Sven, cared. A customer knocked over a glass and it shattered onto the floor. He made no effort to clean up the broken glass despite multiple patrons asking him to. He kept saying "I'll get it after my shift." It was hardly midnight and he was just going to let a safety hazard sit there for another 2 hours. Someone could have easily gotten hurt. That's just not acceptable

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Cole L.

Went out for drinks with a friend on October 12 and couldn't believe how little the bartender, Sven, cared. A customer knocked over a glass and it shattered onto the floor. He made no effort to clean up the broken glass despite multiple patrons asking him to. He kept saying "I'll get it after my shift." It was hardly midnight and he was just going to let a safety hazard sit there for another 2 hours. Someone could have easily gotten hurt. That's just not acceptable

Aaron C

Thought we’d give gay Baltimore a shot. Went here around 9:15pm on a Friday, left at 9:30 pm. Bar tender was busy, and took regulars who just walked in over us waiting 15 minutes. That’s trashy, so went to the wet brewery next door and got a drink once we walked in.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Derrick Schott

It’s great here, great bar, great music

Christopher h.

An old fashioned gay bar with no pretense- it's a neighborhood bar with cheap beer specials, great juke box and lovely bartenders.

AC Karchem

V is the best! Such a thoughtful, fun and professional bartender who made my anniversary magical. I'll come back just to drink at her bar.

Kareem Kessinger

Amazing Bartender on a Sunday night he was friendly, kind and super informative. Plus 2 for 1 drinks under $6 dollars. Full bar with nice crowed. Karaoke ? begins at 9pm. On Sunday. It was my first time visiting Baltimore and this was the spot.

Erick Cotto (Differently CapableTM)

Although, I wasn’t able to get into the bar(do to door that I wasn’t able to open). I give it a 2stars because I see that it is wheelchair accessible. Hopefully, on my next visit to Baltimore, someone will help me open the door and maybe enjoy a drink with me.

Differently CapableTM

Although, I wasn’t able to get into the bar(do to door that I wasn’t able to open). I give it a 2stars because I see that it is wheelchair accessible. Hopefully, on my next visit to Baltimore, someone will help me open the door and maybe enjoy a drink with me.

Kristin Brooks

Karaoke on Sunday night! Great bartenders and fantastic patrons.

Evey Dunnigan

i went to the backrooms bar i love food

Kyle Koala

I agree with the description of “laid back”, and “intimate”.I don't know if there were public restrooms in this bar. It wasn't clearly marked, so I went to the streets.Staff appeared to be honestly friendly.

Chutney Windham

Gurrrrrl, you gotta go! Snag your best gays and go getta drank from Miss Veronica. Have her make you the Out of Towner. It's a mess of different things that taste soooooo good, Henny.

Load More