Owner of Fells Point Saloon Addresses ‘Intolerable Visitors’ Controversy

November 10, 2025 JMORE Staff

A tavern has operated at the 1626 Thames Street location of The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Fells Point since 1775.

Whatever you do, just don’t blame The Horse.

That’s the message from the Jewish owner and managing partner of The Horse Your Came in On Saloon, the popular Fells Point bar and grill that claims to be the oldest continuously operating tavern in the nation and the final drinking destination of Edgar Allan Poe before his mysterious and untimely demise in 1849.

According to Eric Mathias, a pair of patrons wearing Nazi uniforms came into his 1626 Thames Street establishment on Halloween.

“They took photos of themselves saluting, and were courteous enough to tag us [on social media] and associate us with their stupidity,” Mathias posted on Facebook. “They have zero connection to us. I’ve never seen them before, and it’s obvious that they came to provoke, antagonize and unfortunately heist quality oxygen that others could be using.”

Since then, Mathias wrote that he and his employees have received criticism and intimidation from some patrons and followers of The Horse.

“My staff is not to blame for the beliefs of these people,” he wrote. “We are literally the direct opposition of what those dip****s stand for. The idea of blaming or threatening our employees is unacceptable and shameful.”

On a personal note, Mathias wrote that the entire incident with what he characterized as “intolerable visitors” touched a painful chord.

“My aunt was born in Dachau Concentration Camp,” he wrote. “Nazis confiscated my grandfather’s small business, ran him over with a truck, and he spent six months in a full-body cast, losing both his livelihood and the use of his left hand.

“My father immigrated to the United States from Israel when he was sixteen. I grew up in Pikesville and have always been a proud Baltimore Jew. Many of the best days of my life were spent at the Jewish Community Center and at Pikesville Middle and High School.”

Mathias thanked patrons of The Horse for their support on this matter and their patronage over the years. (The Horse was established in 1972 by the late Jewish businessman Howard B. Gerber, but its predecessor at that spot, Al and Ann’s, first opened in 1775. By some accounts, the alehouse is haunted by Poe’s ghost.)

“On a more positive note, this too will pass and the truth + forward action always Win,” Mathias wrote. “We’re open for business, come visit us, meet my incredible people and make your own judgement.”