Spike TV’s Bar Rescue Lands in Fells Point

ar Rescue, which began airing on Spike TV in July of 2011, is making a stop in Baltimore this week, with hopes of transforming J.A. Murphy’s of Fells Point into a “vibrant, profitable establishment”. JBL Real Estate learned of the operation before the bar itself did, as the production company leased one of their spaces at 2030 Aliceanna Street on a short-term basis for production. The timing is ironic considering Gordon Ramsay’s recent visit to Cafe Hon for a new Kitchen Nightmares episode, as we previously reported on. 

In the show, Nicole Taffer assesses a bar by talking with patrons and staff for a customer perspective. If the bar is chosen, husband Jon Taffer, a restaurant and bar consultant as well as the show’s host, gets to work on reshaping everything from the bar’s menus, interior design and staff.

J.A. Murphy’s, located at 1703 Aliceanna St, isn’t as decrepit and overall failing as some other bars previously featured. In fact, though I’ve never been, I was impressed by some of its features. It’s in the heart of Fells Point by the water, offers foosball and multiple TVs for sports games, a large smokers’ courtyard, and, most likely its biggest perk: ANY shot for $1 Mon-Fri 4-7pm and Sat-Sun 11am-1pm.

Filming will take place from Thursday to Saturday, with the bar closed on Friday for the renovation, and a reveal party scheduled for Saturday. According to a spokesperson, the episode will air this Spring or early Summer. For more information on Bar Rescue, visit their official website here.

  by Gordon