Episode
Shaun Stewart of Patterson Pins
- Published
- May 26, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3886
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Summary
In 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 sup…