Morsberger's Tavern

Never change.

This place is totally awesome. It's as dive as it gets. Old alcoholics grace the bar, super nice people all around. Every time I come here I have a great time and people sure do play good music on the jukebox. Drinks are poured strongly, and the soda comes from 2 liters they keep in a cooler behind the bar. The amount of random shit that graces the walls is amazing. Don is very kind and nice to chat with. Only gripe is that the drinks seem to really add up; they don't really do drink specials. All in all though, great place with a lot of character.
Supposedly, there is supposed to be a next door opening up with a pool table and food, although this has been in the works for a while, excited to see if it happens.

Before I begin, let me confirm a few things:

- Yes, this bar is a dump. It's beyond a dive. Where can you still smoke indoors in Maryland? At this place. It's not legal, but they allow it.

- The rumors are incredibly unfortunately but true: Someone was killed in the bathroom a few years ago. It was an afternoon scuffle between two mentally ill men that ended horribly. Amazingly, the bar reopened later that night.

- It operates as a bar and liquor store, but more on the liquor store side. The bar is hardly ever full. Most people simply come in, pick up a bottle or six pack, and leave. I assume that's how they make enough money to stay in business.

Now, for the five star review:

It takes a special type of person to enjoy this bar. I'm not talking about the crusty locals who come here to drink away their sorrows. I'm talking about those who can appreciate authenticity when they see it.

Guitars and taxidermy drape the walls and old rock LPs cover the ceiling. Sans florescent light near the entrance, this place is actually very cozy.

Don, the main barkeep, doesn't keep track of your tab. You simply tell him at the end of the night what you drank. He adds it up and then you pay. It's an honor system that makes you love him and this bar.

The layout and music volume are just two of the many things that encourage random conservation, which seems to happen a lot here. We talked with regulars about the Orioles, the police department, neighboring towns, the fuel efficiency of Ford Focus sedans and much, much more. Aside from the bathroom homicide, it's a friendly place with friendly people.

There is live music on Friday nights and it's surprisingly good. On top of that, there is karaoke between sets. There are no lulls in entertainment here! I was fortunate enough to catch a guitar and sax band during the holiday party. They were fantastic.

The location is great. The bar's modest sign on Freddy Road is easily missed in favor of the snooty (comparatively) bars that are also on the strip. Most people are aware that it's there, but they never bother to step inside. But, maybe that's a good thing. Like a poor man's secret society, Morisberger Tavern survives off it's unofficial white trash members, who will warm up to you within minutes of your arrival.

Overall, it's a great place with great characters. Be open minded and you're sure to make a few friends and leave with a few good stories. I just hope that I'm not ruining the magic by adding this listing to Yelp....