‘A Literal Dumpster Fire’: Blaze Shuts Down Micky’s Joint As Baltimore Rushes In To Help

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A literal dumpster fire tore through Micky’s Joint in Hamilton-Lauraville — and now the community that bar has poured so much into is pouring right back.

A beloved Baltimore bar and neighborhood hangout is closed indefinitely after flames spread from a dumpster and tore through the building, leaving behind a charred structure late on Thursday, Dec. 4. 

“The ceiling was raining, muck everywhere, cold, no lights, and it was late,” the bar posted after the fire. They said a passerby named Damon spotted the flames, called 911, and alerted the neighboring businesses. 

Staff got everyone out safely and turned off the equipment.

The owners said Lakein’s and the Injury Clinic next door were left “very smoky,” though crews reported no active fire inside those businesses. The bar called it “a dumpster fire” of a year — literally — and announced they would be closed for an “undetermined amount of time.”

“The Joint is in bad shape, folks,” they wrote. “We will be closed for an undetermined amount of time.”

Micky's Joint suffered extensive damage. 

Micky's Joint

Cleanup started immediately. People showed up with “extra hands, boxes, bins, bags, hugs, advice, and beers,” the bar said. The owners thanked everyone who came out to help in the dark and cold, saying they were grateful for every hand that showed up.

With the building shut down and staff suddenly out of work, neighbors jumped into action. 

A GoFundMe set up by their friend Jeanette Davis has already raised more than $23,000 to support the staff while the place is closed for repairs.

Micky's Joint suffered extensive damage. 

GoFundMe

“Micky’s Joint is a neighborhood staple and gathering spot,” organizers wrote. It highlights the charm of the Baltimore City bar — whether you’re “chatting with Krista, Dom, Quinn, or any of the regulars in their chosen barstool.”

It also points out how much the restaurant has given to others in its short history, hosting fundraisers for BARCS and other organizations. 

Owner Krista Cushman was also behind Mutt Mart, a pet supply shop known for supporting rescues and shelters through donations, adoption events, and community fundraisers.

“There’s a lot of other great reasons to support them,” neighbor Jen Swanson wrote, calling them “true community partners” who are “actively engaged in so many ways.”

Other neighbors urged people to step up, too, suggesting a simple way to give back.

“So please consider paying $25 in to help support the waitstaff and kitchen staff while the restaurant is on hiatus,” wrote Charlotte Hays Murray, saying it’s roughly the cost of a pint and a stone-fired pizza at the Joint.

With the bar sorting through insurance and beginning the long process of rebuilding, owners encouraged people to stop by a pop-up Holiday Market at 4500 Harford Road on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

They’ll be selling brand-new anniversary merch that was supposed to debut this month, alongside 10 other local vendors.

“We’ll also have some drinks from Zeke's Coffee as well as some boozy stuff, cuz my goodness, we could use a drink and some good company,” organizers wrote.

They ended the update with a message that summed up their week — and the neighborhood response — in true Micky’s Joint fashion.

“Thank you, and we hope to drink with you again soon.”