Bond Street Social owners preview upcoming Fells Point bar

Bond Street Social, the upcoming bar in Fells Point, still looks like a work zone. Scaffolding and ladders are scattered all over 901 S. Bond Street. There's sacks of tiles and dust everywhere. On a recent visit, construction workers hadn't yet added the fireplaces which are supposed to be one of the bar's hallmarks.

But, Max Tucker, one of the owners, said he anticipates an opening by mid-October, a month later than the owners' original expected opening date.

During a preview last week, Tucker said Bond Street is aiming to cater to a professional crowd. After 10 p.m., it will only be open to those over 23.

It will also have a dress code: no flip-fops or t-shirts. "It's going to be an upscale kind of joint," Tucker said. Pazo, which Tucker said he's frequented over the years, seems to be a model.

Much like the owners' Philadelphia property Ladder 15, Bond Street will be both a bar and a restaurant.

""It's the same concept, but with a different name," said owner Mike Mastellone back in April.

On the restaurant side, the menu will serve what the owners are calling "social plates," tapas-style dishes meant to be shared with a group. All dinner plates will top off at $20, Tucker said.

As for bars, there will be three total - two indoors, including a central 38-foot bar, and one that will service the venue's patio and private lounge. Over all, it will seat about 160, indoors and out, Tucker said.

The bars will serve 12 beers on draft, including - Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Bear Republic Racer 5, and Ommegang Hennepin. There will also be some Flying Dog and Heavy Seas.

Tucker said the goal is to have "a strong mix of styles." Price will range between $5 and $7. In keeping with the social motif, there will also be shared drinks - like sangrias and mojitos.

Aesthetically, it will also share some trademarks with Ladder 15: "There's going to be a lot of steel, a lot of fire, a lot of stone, and a lot of wood," Tucker said. One distinguishing feature will be Bond Street's four indoor fireplaces.

The bar/restaurant is taking over a space DuClaw Brewing Company vacated in December 2009 over weak business.

Mastellone, and John Durkin, who also runs Mad River Bar & Grille, had been pursuing the 901 S. Bond Street bar since last year. In December, they filed an application with the Baltimore liquor board.

The license was finally transferred in February, and the partners signed a lease in early April. The owners have declined to discuss finances. Construction at the site started this Spring.