The Barstool Fund - Bertha's Restaurant And Bar
Up next: Bertha's (Baltimore, MD)
A Baltimore tradition since 1972, Bertha's is an offbeat restaurant featuring the best mussels on the East coast, as well as live entertainment and private dining rooms.
Reader Email
Bertha’s is a Baltimore landmark. Home of the infamous “ EatBerthasMussels “ bumper sticker found around the world . The first sit down dining room in fells point. Owned by the same family for 40 years Bertha’s is like home . Whether you are dining in one of our uniquely decorated dining rooms or our funky old school bar you’re greeted by life long staffers who are family . If you work at Bertha’s you stick around . Not just for the amazing mussels but the people you meet each day. We are a tourist attraction while visiting Baltimore . Dine with us and go home with a bumper sticker or create your own and stick it to the bar wall.
Personally I’ve worked as manager for Bertha’s for 10 years . It’s not a job , it’s my family. It’s fun and a joy to walk in everyday . I’m proud telling people where I work because their reaction always is “ I love Bertha’s !” . This past year with covid has drastically hit us hard . We navigated through a shut down , we lost employees , we built an outdoor dining area , we faced rain , more shut downs , we opened indoors then faced another shut down and were forced outdoors again during winter . We faced cold weather , the expenses of heaters for each table . We lost revenue daily . We lost food due to lack of sales . We lost kegs of beer. We lost more employees who couldn’t survive . Our Bertha’s family have dwindled but stuck it out .
We don’t take paychecks . We live off of sharing minimal tips and we don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel anytime soon. We have been shut down since before Christmas . Depending on carryout , trying to enlist free help to enhance our web site and online store . Basically pulling at all strings to get by. We are at 5 staffers now including the 2 owners who work daily for free .
Personally I am a single mom of 3 and I’m loyal to my Bertha’s family. I don’t foresee a future for Bertha’s in 2021 and it’s sad and scary and there’s nothing we can do. Not just for me , not just for the staff or owners but the people of Baltimore , our neighbors and friends who will be sickened if we have to close . I just don’t see any hope to even pull us out of this hole caused by Covid 19. I beg of you to read about Bertha’s , make a call and take to the family who started this amazing restaurant in 72’. We gravely need your help to survive . Please consider Bertha’s in Baltimore Maryland for any financial assistance . Thank you for taking the time to read this.