Riverside Taphouse Opening in the former Das Bier Haus

Social Pub General Manager Ryan Kehoe is opening Riverside Taphouse at 1542 Light St. in the former Das Bier Haus building. With renovations currently underway, Kehoe and his team hope to open the new restaurant in the approximately 2,509 sq. ft. space by March.

Kehoe is a United States Navy veteran who has lived in South Baltimore for many years. He hired Justin Cox, who has worked with Kehoe as a manger at Social Pub, as the general manager for Riverside Taphouse; Chris Canty, who has been a bar manager at Wiley Gunter’s, Don’t Know, and Dock Street in Annapolis, as the beverage director; and Bobby Bassett, who put together the menu at Dock Street, as the chef.

Changes to the space include renovated bathrooms, updated HVAC, new kitchen equipment, new floors, the removal of a vestibule by the front door, new bar equipment, a new draft system, new televisions, new high-top tables, and cosmetic improvements. A portion of the brick wall facing Randall St. was punched out and a new glass garage door has been installed. Kehoe said this “really brightens up the space.”

Riverside Taphouse has agreed to an memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the South Baltimore Neighborhood Association (SBNA) to keep the garage door and windows closed after 9pm.

The former wood trim work on the facade has been removed. A new LED Riverside Taphouse sign will be added to the corner of the building. Kehoe is also working on removing the Das Bier Haus murals. These will either be completely removed or painted over with a new mural.

Riverside Taphouse will have outdoor seating along Randall St.

The team at Riverside Taphouse is not leasing the second or third floor of the building at this point. Kehoe said however they’d like to eventually take over the second floor, which will need some additional improvements. Kehoe said it would be used mostly for events and sports leagues.

Kehoe said he wants Riverside Taphouse to be a “community bar.”

Riverside Taphouse will have 22 beers on tap. Canty said these will include “approachable” staples as well as seasonal beers, regional beers, and selections for craft beer connoisseurs.  Like Das Bier Haus, Riverside Taphouse will offer liters and half liters of beer. Bud Light and Natural Light will always be on special.

It will also sell crushes, mixed drinks, and wine, as well as mimosas and bloody marys for brunch.

The kitchen at Riverside Taphouse will be open seven days a week until 12am. It will serve “American pub fare.” The menu will feature smash burgers, wings, fried chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, subs on pretzel rolls, soups, and salads. Riverside Taphouse will open at 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am on Saturdays and Sundays when it will feature a brunch menu.

The many televisions at Riverside Taphouse will primarily play local sports including the Ravens, Orioles, Capitals, University of Maryland, and Navy Football.

Prior to Riverside Taphouse, the space at 1542 Light St. has been home to Copa 2000, Royal, Charlotte’s, The Reserve (which was later rebranded as 1542 Gastropub), Langermann’s on Light, and Das Bier Haus.

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/02/13/riverside-taphouse-opening-in-the-former-das-bier-haus/