Rocking the Gunpowder

Hanging with friends, good food, a great view and live music—does life get any better? Talking with Danny Santoro, one of the new owners of the newly named Gunpowder Lodge, he agrees wholeheartedly with that winning combination. Santoro and his three partners, brothers Scott and Dave Steele and Michael Fulton, have transformed the former Timber Creek Tavern into a family-appropriate sports bar/music venue/restaurant/local hangout.

A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, this building was called Logan’s Lounge. Then under several owners, it morphed into the Timber Creek Tavern. For a couple of months it was Hemingway’s and now it is the Gunpowder Lodge. As the name implies, the lodge lies next to the Gunpowder River and oversees the trail in the rear. The building is rustic and warmly homely. You immediately feel right at home here. And the view from the windows or the back is the scenic and serene Gunpowder State Park. 

Danny and his partners wanted to make the Gunpowder Lodge into a family venue and have done some renovations with more to come. The giant stuffed moose head that used to be over the rustic vintage fireplace is gone. Now, lining the walls inside and out are skis, sleds and other assorted sports equipment. I teased Danny and asked why they didn’t have any soccer equipment since he is a former Baltimore Blast player (number 13 midfielder). Be sure to check out the outside bench made of skis. (See photos.)

They have added new booths along the wall near the bar and also some comfy bench seating along the rear wall back, forming an alcove that makes for cozy seating for a large party that would like to sit together. There are also several flatscreen TVs scattered throughout the bar and dining room for showing various sporting events. But, the pièce de résistance is the 110-inch HD projection TV screen, which is used for Raven games and über-sports events, such as the Super Bowl, the World Series or international soccer events.

The partners have updated the menu and are beginning to draw quite a crowd as the word gets out about their outstanding food. Lunch and dinner are served at very reasonable prices. There is also an all-you-can-eat brunch on Sundays from 9 a.m-1 p.m. Happy Hour runs from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. everyday!

The establishment just got confirmation from the liquor board to extend the outdoor deck and serve alcohol outside. Also, coming soon is an outdoor children’s play area so parents can eat outside and the kids will have a safe place to play right next to the scenic Gunpowder River. (Don’t worry, the horseshoe pit is still there too!)

The Gunpowder Lodge is actively working to provide community events year round. A Trunk and Treat event kicked off last year’s Halloween, complete with a dunking booth and this year there are plans, along with the Perry Hall Community Association, to hold an Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds. And don’t forget the Lodge if you want to be Irish for St. Patrick’s Day. 

All of these new renovations and ideas have led the Gunpowder Lodge to open a stage to live music. Live music can be heard Fridays and/or Saturday nights at the Lodge. Upcoming musical guests include Double Deuce, Walk-Ins Welcome and the Fab Four. There is also DJ that comes in once in awhile. Danny says they hire musicians that appeal to a slightly older crowd—early 30s and 40s. They are looking to draw a more mature crowd. Bands set up in the far corner of the dining room and some nights there is quite a lively dance party.

Here's to a restaurant that's rocking the Gunpowder!