Mt. Washington Tavern Holds Firefighter Appreciation Day

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- When a landmark North Baltimore restaurant went up in flames, Baltimore firefighters fought the fire back and managed to save some of the historic building. Now, the rebuilt Mt. Washington Tavern is thanking those emergency responders.

Kai Jackson has more on a night to honor firefighters.

City firefighters don't always get a pat on the back but they certainly appreciate this one.

The two-alarm fire at the Mt. Washington Tavern in October 2011 burned the popular bar and restaurant to the ground.

"It was very devastating, especially for the businesses in the community here," said city dispatcher Bryan Chambers.

One year later, the tavern reopened. It was bigger and better, according to the owners.

"Right now, it's a good place to get a beer. I haven't tried the food yet, but it looks like it's pretty reasonable," said Hampden resident Dr. Nikolai Sopko.

On Tuesday, the tavern held a special Firefighter Appreciation Day to say thank you to emergency responders.

"Amazing what they did. They came here, got here right on time, you know, did all they can. Unfortunately, they weren't able to save the building and it is what it is but thank God we're back," said bartender Stephen Beck.

The folks at Mt. Washington Tavern wanted to thank the Baltimore City fire department for its efforts in putting out that fire in the fall of 2011.

Firefighters are also collecting money for a cause. Proceeds from the appreciation day will go to the annual fallen firefighters' service in Colorado Springs.

"We're here doing a fundraiser this evening trying to raise funds to offset our travel expenses because we should be there," Chambers said.

The Mt. Washington Tavern first opened in 1979.