Mount Vernon Staple Brewers Art Closes After Running Out of Money

Owner cites financial strains and inability to pay staff as reasons for shuttering the 30-year-old Baltimore landmark

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Brewers Art, a popular downtown Baltimore bar and restaurant that had been a Mount Vernon staple for around 30 years, has closed its doors for good. According to text messages obtained by WBAL, the owner informed staff that he had run out of money and could no longer pay them, leading to the closure of the Charles Street landmark.

Why it matters

The closure of Brewers Art represents the end of an era for the Mount Vernon neighborhood, which has seen significant changes in its business landscape over the past decades. The loss of this long-standing community gathering spot highlights the financial challenges facing small, independent restaurants and bars, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The details

Brewers Art, known for its craft beers and eclectic menu, had been a fixture in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood for around 30 years. However, the owner recently informed staff via text message that the restaurant had run into severe financial troubles and that he could no longer afford to pay his employees, leading to the immediate closure of the business.

  • Brewers Art had been open for approximately 30 years in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood.
  • The owner notified staff of the closure via text message in early February 2026.

The players

Brewers Art

A popular bar and restaurant that had been a staple in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood for around 30 years.

Owner of Brewers Art

The individual who owned and operated Brewers Art, and who ultimately decided to close the business due to financial constraints.

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What they’re saying

“He told employees he could not pay them.”

— Owner of Brewers Art (WBAL)

The takeaway

The closure of Brewers Art, a beloved Baltimore institution, underscores the ongoing challenges facing small, independent businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and broader economic pressures. This loss will be felt deeply by the Mount Vernon community, which has relied on Brewers Art as a gathering place for decades.