Two years ago, when Cat's Eye Pub owner Tony Cushing died, Fells Point bar lovers wondered what would become of the classic Thames Street haunt.
The Cat's Eye stood for all that was great about historic Fells Point: the mix of rough-and-tough old-timers and yuppies, the daily lineup of sharp bar bands and the snug, wipe-but-don't-scrub decor.
Cushing's son, Tony, who had moved back to Baltimore to pitch in with the pub several years before his father died, stepped up and became a co-owner. Regulars wondered whether he would carry on the Cat's Eye's tradition or revamp the bar to appeal to a younger crowd. Would it wind up being the Greene Turtle of Thames Street?
After two years, it's safe to say the Cat's Eye is the same old Fells Point staple it always was. There is still live music every night of the week, and there are still thousands of odd trinkets and souvenirs covering nearly every square inch of wall space. If anything, under the younger Cushing's guidance, the Cat's Eye Pub has gotten a fresh lease on life.
Cushing, 26, took it upon himself to update the Cat's Eye's interior, bit by bit. About a year and a half ago, he had new plumbing put in, reinforced and refinished the floors, and tripled the size of the keg room. The number of draft beers climbed from 27 to 32 at the front bar and, counting the taps at the back bar, there are now 41 in all. With a wet rag and a little soap, Cushing meticulously cleaned the mural that stretches along the wall by the stage.
For Cushing, there was never a question of whether he'd maintain the legacy.
"If I didn't do it, could I live with myself? The answer's no," he said. "I followed my heart, and if you follow your heart at anything, it's simple."
For decades, the Cat's Eye has been a home for local musicians of all stripes, from roots rock to jazz and blues. Most nights, the live music is free, and the bands set out a metal tip bucket. On Friday and Saturday nights, there might be a small cover charge.
When I stopped by for a pint or two at midnight last week, the Jimmi Sexton Trio was easing through a cover of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On." Singer/keyboardist Adam Scott-Wakefield easily handled the organ and organ bass (which is no easy feat), singer/guitarist Jimmi Sexton laid down a few wicked solos and drummer Christian Stengle was nestled in the pocket.
The Cat's Eye almost always sounds great, which is odd, considering that the stage is partially walled in, blocking the sound from musicians' amps. The overhead PA helps, but if you think about it, bands shouldn't sound as good as they do. The way I see it, most of the groups have played there so long, they've figured out how to find the right levels to make the space work for them.
My only gripe that night was the service. My bartender seemed more concerned with chatting up the regulars than asking if I wanted something. Once I got his attention, he was quick to pour me a Clipper City Loose Cannon ($6) and kept an eye on my glass for the rest of the night. But I shouldn't have had to wait so long.
One sip of that tall, cool Loose Cannon washed away my irritation. The locally brewed IPA is Clipper City's best offering - a world-class ale that's quickly becoming my favorite Baltimore beer. I followed it with a glass of Lucky 7, a porter made by the Delaware-based Evolution Craft Brewing Co. Lucky 7 struck the right balance of coffee and chocolate notes while still going down easy. Not bad for an upstart brewery.
In coming months, Cushing hopes to open the Cat's Eye's second floor. It will have French doors opening to a little patio out back and a Plexiglas section above the stage, so folks can peer at the band below.
"It's going to be drop-dead gorgeous up there," he said.
It's a relief to see what Cushing has done and hear about his plans for the place. The Cat's Eye is a Fells Point institution, and, under Cushing, it will be for many years to come. His father would be proud.
"I have big shoes to fill," Cushing said. "My dad was one of a kind."
If you go The Cat's Eye Pub is at 1730 Thames St. Call 410-276-9866 or go to catseyepub.com