Robin Godwin: Abbey Burger Bistro Team to Take Over the Former Nickel Taphouse in Mount Washington

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Abbey Burger Bistro Team to Take Over the Former Nickel Taphouse in Mount Washington

The team from Abbey Burger Bistro has signed a lease to take over the former Nickel Taphouse at 1604 Kelly Ave. in Mount Washington. The team spent the last few months negotiating a lease for the approximately 2,000 sq. ft. restaurant space after Nickel Taphouse closed in October.

Abbey Burger Bistro was started nine years ago in Federal Hill by Russ Miller. Today, he and his wife Marigot Miller own this location, as well as a location in Ocean City and Fells Point. The Millers opened the Ocean City location five years ago with two silent partners and the Fells Point location two years ago with partner Jason Zink, who formerly owned No Idea Tavern, Don’t Know Tavern, and Smaltimore.

The Millers and Zink are partnering on the Mount Washington location, as well as negotiating for additional locations outside of Baltimore City.

Russ Miller told SouthBMore.com he is not sure yet whether the Mount Washington location will be an Abbey Burger Bistro or a version of it. Along with the signature burger menu featuring exotic meats, the Mount Washington location will have more seafood options including shrimp, mussels, and clams. The team is working with Chef Patrick Morrow on the new menu.

The Mount Washington location will also continue the sports bar theme and have a large selection of Belgian, American, and Maryland craft beers. The space will add more TVs and plans to open in the mornings for European soccer. The Federal Hill location has an Arsenal fan club and the Fells Point location has a West Ham United fan club.

Russ Miller said the restaurant space is in good shape, but the team will update the flooring, lighting, and colors. The restaurant will likely seat around 100. The team is hoping to open around October.

When asked what he likes about the location on Kelly Ave., Russ Miller said, “I like the area, I grew up around the area, and I know a lot of people around the area.” He added, “There are always a lot of people around. It’s a happening little spot and we can be a nice fit.”

He hopes they can complement the much larger Mount Washington Tavern and the other restaurants in the neighborhood. “The more restaurants, the better,” said Russ Miller.

The Ocean City Abbey Burger Bistro location is currently closed as the Holiday Inn it is attached to is being renovated with new structural improvements. They are hoping to reopen in May and Russ Miller said everything going back into the restaurant space will be relatively new.

Russ Miller mentioned the setbacks Baltimore City has experienced in recent years, but is optimistic about the future of his two locations in the city. “In general business is going good and everything is starting to pick back up,” he said. “Federal Hill is starting to see a turnaround and hopefully the new Cross Street Market will give it a boost.”

The Federal Hill location is adjacent to Cross Street Market which is undergoing a redevelopment and will begin to reopen in the coming weeks. The Fells Point location is a block from the two Broadway Market buildings which are also currently under construction and will reopen in the near future.