Beloved Landmark Up In Smoke

By Meagan Mallen

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, a lesson Baltimoreans learned this past Halloween at about 4:30 a.m. when the local Mt. Washington Tavern went up in flames. The Tavern, also known as “Sparwasser’s” after its original owner, has been a fixture in the Mt. Washington area of Baltimore since its establishment in 1979.

The fire was estimated to have caused $2.5 million in damage and the cause is still unknown. The two-alarm fire ravaged the building and left it looking “devastated,” though no one was injured in the blaze. According to a statement made by the tavern’s two owners Rob Frisch and Dave Lichty, “The fire has taken the Tavern for now but we look very forward to rebuilding and being better than ever.”

Loyola University students and Baltimore residents alike appreciate the nostalgia the Tavern setting evokes. Michelle Mallen, a student acquiring her Master's of Art in Teaching at Loyola's Graduate school said “it’s really charming in the winter, it’s a quaint place to go to get warm.” She added that “it’s also really nice in the summer. There’s a balcony on the roof where you can hang out and drink or eat. I hope it opens back up soon!” The “Sky Bar” she mentioned was a particular draw of the restaurant.

Frisch and Lichty are hoping to have the Tavern rebuilt as soon as possible in a way that won’t compromise the history of the building. As reported by a note on the Tavern facebook page: “We…look forward to celebrating with you at our grand re-opening.”

Visit the Baltimore Sun website for the full story and more photos of the fire.