601 East Pratt Street
Pier 5
410-752-5444
HOURS:
Refer to individual establishments
ADMISSION:
Refer to individual establishments
The
Power Plant is Baltimore’s newest attraction (opened in summer
1998) located at Pier 5 and is completely geared toward
commercialism, which can be good or bad depending on what one is
looking for. This former downtown plant now features a Barnes
& Noble bookstore, Hard Rock Cafe, Gold’s
Gym, and the first ever ESPN Zone (410/685-ESPN).
The ESPN Zone is a 35,000 square foot
sports-themed dining and entertainment complex with two levels
and is designed to resemble a stadium. Here, one can indulge in
an unhealthy amount of sports TV in the Screening Room;
or, participate in several games and attractions in the Sports
Arena; while waiting for what the establishment calls
"American grill food" in the Studio Grill. The
menu, not unlike the Hard Rock’s menu next door, is a bit
overpriced, but the portions are above average in size. Also,
there is a nice sitting area outside of the Barnes & Noble
book store and the Hard Rock Café -- where one can sit back and
enjoy a view of the Harbor, or perhaps read a newly purchased
book over an eight-dollar hamburger.
The Power Plant is one of the biggest
structures along the seaport; in fact, it’s quite an effort to
avoid seeing this building when driving or strolling waterside.
Unless you’re heart is set on rock memorabilia or you’re a
die-hard sports fan who just won’t survive if they miss the
game, there are far more inexpensive and aesthetically appealing
places beyond the Harbor where one can get a nice chunk of
Baltimore’s culture as well. Although the ESPN Zone is the
first of its kind, and perhaps worth a look, there are several
other bar and grill joints that provide a trillion TVs where one
can watch all the games, but also provided is a more selective
and less expensive menu, as well as a more eclectic atmosphere.
(Just scan the local City Paper or even ask around for
these places, Baltimoreans seem to be unusually nice people).
Anyway, the Gold’s Gym and Hard Rock Café are standard;
Barnes & Noble has a very wide selection of books, and is
probably the best book store in town. The Power plant is easily
reached on foot, by water taxi, or by private vehicle. Meter
parking is available.
