Shaun Stewart of Patterson Pins
Download MP3In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Shaun Stewart!
About the guest: Shaun Stewart is the HBIC (Head Bartender In Charge) of Patterson Pins in Baltimore's Upper Fells Point. Known for "killing the business, one cocktail at a time," Stewart brings years of bartending experience—including consulting for Hemingway's, features in Esquire, and competition wins—to his role at one of the oldest duckpin bowling alleys in the country, now reimagined with an arcade gaming and vaporwave aesthetic. Shaun has been part of many of the best, unique cocktail programs in Baltimore.
We talk about Patterson Pins and what it does: a cocktail bar and arcade entertainment lounge at 2105 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore, occupying the historic Patterson Lanes building. Stewart designed the upstairs bar program and pitched the arcade concept downstairs—a non-pretentious space where guests can enjoy craft cocktails or vodka sodas, then play Marvel vs. Capcom 2 or bowl duckpin. The Upper Fells Point venue recently won Baltimore Magazine's Reader's Poll for Best Cocktail Program and Best Non-Alcoholic Program.
Stewart explains his "killing the business" philosophy: strict bartending rules don't matter anymore. Why can't you put Kool-Aid or Mountain Dew reduction into a drink if it tastes good? What matters is what ends up in the glass—how it's presented, how it tastes, the experience it creates. Build cocktails on structure (strong, sweet, bitter, sour) but get there however feels right, whether stirring a Paper Plane for more acidity or serving drinks in Chinese takeout boxes or Capri Sun bags.
He stresses hospitality and community over gatekeeping at the Baltimore bar. Every guest gets greeted the moment they walk in. Stewart pays staff a living wage and encourages patrons to support neighbors like Johnny Rad's across the street. Patterson Pins creates a third space where people from all backgrounds can celebrate with low-ABV crushers, fighting-game-themed menus, or just beer and a shot.
We also talk about his award-winning non-alcoholic cocktail program in Baltimore, using ingredients like Pathfinder (a non-alcoholic amaro) to build thoughtful $15 NA cocktails with the same care and presentation as full-proof drinks.
Patterson Pins is open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday at 2105 Eastern Avenue in Upper Fells Point, Baltimore.
Photo courtesy of subject.
The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore).
Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Guest
Shaun Stewart
Shaun Stewart, a distinguished libations curator and master of mixology, currently serving as the bar manager and craft cocktail extraordinaire at JBGBs.
