Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Bauer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My fiancé, Andreas and I have spent most of our lives working in the restaurant industry in Baltimore, including over a decade together at Baltimore Soundstage.
During COVID, when we started dating, we began seriously talking about our shared dream of opening a place of our own. In October of 2022, we got a call that the space at 901 South Clinton Street was available, and we jumped on the opportunity.
We opened Ellie’s Tavern in February 2022 with the goal of creating a cozy, community-driven neighborhood bar that also emphasized our love for Baltimore sports. The name is especially meaningful to us—we named the bar after his daughter, my stepdaughter Eliana, who we call Ellie. Over the past three years, we’ve been incredibly grateful to grow within this community, hosting events like our annual block parties and building a loyal, local following. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and we’re really proud of what we’ve created.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting your own business is never a smooth road, and the restaurant world definitely keeps you on your toes. There are those random everyday stresses—things like an ice machine or dishwasher going down right in the middle of service—and you have to figure it out fast while still keeping everything running for your guests.
But honestly, working in this industry for so long has taught us how to handle those moments. When things start to pile up, you just have to lock in, stay calm, and keep moving forward. There’s always a solution, and the rush eventually passes. I think that mindset has been one of the biggest reasons we’ve been able to push through challenges and keep growing.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ellie’s is a corner neighborhood sports bar at heart, but we like to think of it as a more elevated version of that. We’re big Baltimore sports fans, so the Orioles and Ravens are a huge part of our identity, but we’ve created a space that still feels cozy, welcoming, and a little more refined than your typical dive.
One thing that really sets us apart is the food. We focus on more elevated dishes, with weekly specials and regular menu changes so there’s always something new to try. Our chef, Dave Munyon, does an amazing job keeping things creative while still making food that people crave and come back for.
We also put a lot of effort into our cocktail program, making sure it complements the food and overall experience. At the end of the day, we’re just trying to create a place where people can come watch a game, have a great meal and drinks, and feel like part of the neighborhood.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Take care of your people, and they will take care of you. We really love our Ellies family and are so incredibly proud of them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elliestavernbmore.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/elliestaverncanton/
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/elliestavern
