The Atlas Bar, the Charles Village hideout which won Best Secret Bar, is closed and could relocate in the coming weeks, according to manager Angela Devoti.
Devoti has long been at odds with her landlords, who own the Charles Carryout, and decided to close up shop last week. Devoti is in talks with an employment lawyer about suing the owner to try and recoup lost pay, she said.
"I can't stay here," she said. "I can't believe how much he didn't want the business to succeed." ...
Devoti has her eye on another space in Charles Village, which she'd like to take over in the coming weeks. I'll keep you posted once I know more.
The back pay thing is only the tip of the iceberg, Devoti said. I won't go into further details for fear of libel, but she's got some pretty serious allegations against the owner. If and when she files legal documents, I'll pass along the details.
Atlas Bar will be sorely missed. Why do all the best ones have to come and go so quickly? That's one thing I've learned after writing about bars, clubs and restaurants for five years: Enjoy them now, because there are no sure bets.
(Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam)