Venue Review: The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD

Venue Review: The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD

Jason Herman
October 4, 2017

The 8x10 is a Baltimore, MD concert mainstay. Having been around for decades and has seen local and national touring acts make both their debut and their mark on the streets of Baltimore.  

The 8x10 Logo

The 8x10

10 E Cross Street

Baltimore, MD 21230

The venue is located in the Federal Hill section of town, a historic district that lies a little south of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, and dates back to colonial America.  This area,  which once the site of a paint pigment mining operations during Colonial times, is now home to many urban  residents living on quiet historic streets, and also home to many popular dining options and thriving bars.

The 8x10 is one such thriving establishment in Federal Hill and hardly a day goes by where one or more acts doesn't play in this venue.  Please make sure to see their diverse and rich calendar of events.  Not only will you catch a national or regional performer at this venue, but they also specialize in musical residencies and themed events, such as Cover Band Wednesday where you can see both a Phish and a Pink Floyd tribute band in the same night.

You will be able to easily navigate and find room on this venue's ample dance floor.  If you prefer to watch from afar, you can always cozy up to the barstools near the back bar and at either side of the venue.  You can also sit or stand upstairs in the venue's U-shapped balcony.  Some people have said that the venue's U-shapped balcony reminds them of a "mini-9:30Club".

No matter where you experience the performance, you will be treated to a truly stunning and exceptional light show.  Upgraded only a few years ago this venue installed a state of the art light system and iff you created a venue capacity to light show ratio this venue's light show is unparalleled and enhances any performance. 

If you have not made the trip to The 8x10 in Baltimore, we at The Melomaniacs highly reccomend that you visit this Baltimore mainstay.

Essential Information

Essential Information

Essential   Information


The main floor of The 8x10 is always open.  There is a second floor in the venue, but this is only open for larger shows and is not always open.


Drinks

Drinks

Drinks


There are two bars in the venue.  One bar is a bar on main floor and the other bar is located on the second floor.  

NOTE:  The second floor is not always open. When the second floor is closed, so is the bar.

Local Beers

When in Baltimore please make sure to try out some of Baltimore's mainstay and hipster chic beer, National Bohemian (aka: Natty Boh).  Baltimore has a plethora of delicious beers that are fresh and available on tap at many of the establishments in and around Baltimore.  Please make sure to ask your bartender for a Sweet Baby Jesus chocolate porter stout from Baltimore's very own DuClaw Brewing or one of the many beers from Baltimore's HeavySeas Brewing.  There is something satisfying in saying "Sweet Baby Jesus! I'll have another" to your bartender.  Both of these local craft beers are on draught at The 8x10.

Updated March 2018: We are sad to say that The 8x10 has rotated their taps and currently no one can ask for a "Sweet Baby Jesus" beer.  Maybe in the months ahead or with a seasonal change.

Coat Check

Coat Check

Coat Check


There is a coat check available, however it is only open when the second floor is opened.  The coat check is is located at the bar and run by the second floor bartender.

Restrooms

Restrooms

Restrooms


 Restrooms are located in basement and no where else.


Vending

Vending

Vending


If a vendor is selling T-Shirts or albums you will find them located at the bottom of the stairs on your way to the bathroom.  (Can't say they didn't pick a great location for a captive / receptive audience member).


Getting There

Getting There

Getting There


Car:

From Washington DC, take I-95 north.  Take Exit 55 - Key Highway (and last exit before toll).  Take Key Highway North approximately 1 mile and make a left onto Cross Street.   

Why did we avoid Exit 53 - I-395?  Taking the Key Highway exit avoids a the congestion of the Baltimore Inner Harbor as well as any traffic resulting from an event at Camden Yards or M&T Bank Stadium.

Train:

It is possible to take a MARC train from Washington DC to Baltimore Penn Station (the MARC Penn Line) which runs regularly and costs $8 one way.  You will still need to take a taxi from the train station to venue.  Trains do not run late into the evening so if you plan to take a train to Baltimore, you will have to find other options to return home (perhaps an Uber or Lyft)

Parking

Parking

Parking


Street parking in Federal Hill can be quite tricky, even for sub-compact cars.  Parking can be especially challenging on Friday and the weekends.  One option is the Federal Hill West Street Garage, at 40 East West Street.  This multi-level garage is only about a 2 minute walk from the venue and is safe and secure.  Parking will set you back $18 for an evening, but it's proximity to the venue and ease of parking might be worth it.

In addition to the Federal Hill West Street Garage there are several other parking options in Federal Hill.  We highly recommend SpotHero to find parking options at discounted rates.

Pre & Post Show Options

Pre & Post Show Options

Pre/Post Show Options


There are many many food options around The 8x10 Club.  The following establishments are within a 150 feet of the venue (if even that much) and are really great choices.

Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse

20 E. Cross Street


Stop into Pub dog for some pizza and homemade beer.  They specialize in a thin crust personal pizza which is ready in just a few minutes.  A perfect size for a pre-concert meal.  Also make sure to try their home-brewed beer.

Note:  If you have gluten intolerance, you can have any pizza made with a gluten free crust for an additional $2.

Crossbar der Biergarten

18 E. Cross Street

Stop into Crossbar's open space and sample some of their authentic german beer and good.  If you are up for some table tennis, feel free to grab a table and pick up a ping pong paddle.

MaGerks

1061 S. Charles Street

Located on the corner of Charles  & West street just feet from The 8x10.  You will find a host food options, including great wing, as well as normal pub fare. 

Note:  There is a quiet back bar room which you  can eat and is less noisy.

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About the author

Jason Herman

A 24x7 member and Photo Editor of DC Music Review. Jason has been passionate about music since his earliest days and is especially excited about the music scene around his adopted hometown, Washington DC.

Capturing the magic of hundreds of concerts and countless music festivals under his belt, you can find him at concerts around the country but especially in his adopted hometown of Washington, D.C. Before turning his lens to music, Jason followed professional cyclists around the U.S. Domestic Circuit and tallest mountains of Europe.


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