SĒN Baltimore Magazine - Nightlife, Local Music, Events and Podcasts

The Belvedere Hotel is a landmark building, rich in history, architecture, and style unique in the Mt. Vernon area, housing the “trendy” club The 13^th Floor. It is perhaps the most dazzling gem upon La Fontaine Bleu’s crown. But what sets the 13^th Floor apart from other venues in Baltimore is the breath-taking view of the skyline, its lush, soft lighting, and cool vibe. Its stapled Saturday (Latin) Night Salsa events have a steady, loyal following and mixes things up with live bands (sometimes including host Patrick Alban’s group, Noche Latina) and Djs spinning dance favorites. Wednesday, Thursdays, and Friday nights have an assortment of flavors from Jazz to Top 40/Pop bands that are the best in town. Certainly, the essence of this club alone is an attraction, but the entertainment makes it all the more noteworthy.
          The 13^th Floor is located at One East Chase Street, on the corner of Chase and Charles. My bold assertion here is there really is no excuse for missing out on Baltimore’s finest hang out. Parking is not an issue, as in the case of some other clubs, the cover is usually $5 (unless otherwise noted), and the encounter is always impressive. Whether you are in the mood to dance or simply frolic with pals over a drink, the 13^th Floor has no equivalent. There may be some people who still have not experienced the ambiance of this club, as I am sure some folks still haven’t tried to “shake your bon-bon.” Well, the time has come to plan on making it an occasion. It is unmatched by any other live music venue in Charm City. The bird’s eye view of the city is impeccable and the bar serves up the freshest, sweetest, coolest, Mojitos around.
          The remarkable aspect of the 13^th Floor is simply it being the tip of the ice berg, literally and figuratively. La Fontaine Bleu and Truffles Catering run the 13^th Floor and its first floor cousin The Owl Bar. The operation, owned by Tom Stuehler, has been in business since 1968 and became a fixture in the Belvedere Hotel in 1992. Having acquired the upscale Grand and Platinum Ballrooms, as well as the The Charles Room, The Palm Room and the John Edgar Howard Room, Mr. Stuehler and his Truffles Catering company have made fantastic strides and have come a long way from their humble beginnings. The sparkle of the 13^th Floor is merely the shinning summit of a solid foundation of a successful business that continues to moonlight in the heart of a Baltimore’s nightlife.