Baltimore is known for the illustrious corner bar—the comfy dive down the block where the Natty Boh is always cold and everybody knows your name. But the city's nightlife scene has boomed in recent years, resulting in upscale lounges, energetic music venues, trendy wine bars, and down-home bistros. We decided to cover all that ground and give you the region's 25 best bars, from Hunt Valley to Annapolis and everywhere in between.
Bertha's
Fells Point
When we convened a meeting to hash out this list of Baltimore's 25 best bars, we held it at Bertha's. The iconic Fells Point pub was nearly empty when we walked in after work (yes, after work), and it took our pupils a moment to adjust from the bright September sunshine to the comforting dimness inside. As we discussed the contenders over drafts, the bartender and patrons didn't hesitate to jump in and offer their two cents. Only the moose head hanging on the wall remained silent. By the time we finished, several empty pint glasses, a plate of mussel shells, and the meat of the list you're now reading sat on the bar in front of us. Happy hour, as it's apt to do at Bertha's, had subtly morphed into night, and the joint was now hopping. As we made our way out, the jazz trio was in full swing, and the soulful sounds flowing from a stand-up bass and saxophone followed us onto Broadway. One down, 24 to go. 734 S. Broadway, 410-327-5795,berthas.com
B&O American Brasserie
Downtown
Many hotel bars tend to lack their own identity—they're merely extensions of whatever Sheraton or Hilton they're attached to. Not so with B&O American Brasserie, the bar/restaurant adjacent to the new Hotel Monaco. The low lit, railroad-themed space is the perfect escape after a hard day's work in the city. While smooth jazz lightly plays over the speakers, burrow into one of the oversized leather chairs at the bar, where former Ixia staff mix creative cocktails. Try the Manhattan—the secret ingredient (maple syrup) adds sweetness that complements the bourbon. In between drinks, munch on pork croquettes, meatball sliders, or one of B&O's flatbread pizzas. But before you return to the cold, windy streets of downtown Baltimore, be sure to sip a warm Washington's Nightcap—a soothing combination of Madeira wine, Drambuie, apple cider, and a candied nut garnish. The drink is fancy, but comforting, just like B&O itself. 2 N. Charles Street, 443-692-6172, bandorestaurant.com
The Brewer's Art
Mt. Vernon
Above all the chic and ultra-hip spaces in the country, The Brewer's Art was recognized by Esquire readers as "America's Best Bar." Most befuddled of all was the bar's staff, writing on their website, "Uh…we're #1?" It's that sort of national recognition, and subsequent down-to-earth response, that does make Brewer's one of our favorites. Once inside, you see two different worlds come to life. In the upstairs bar and restaurant, with its museum-like design, lawyers and artists alike sip on goblets of the bar's house-brewed ales, like bitter Resurrection. Patrons can snack on Brewer's famous rosemary garlic fries, while sitting at a window table and watching Mt. Vernon foot traffic pass by. But head downstairs to the bar's cavernous basement and you'll find hipsters sipping Natty Boh cans and couples talking intimately in one of the nearly pitch-black rooms. The real fun happens in the enclave to the right of the bar, where miscreants seem to congregate and drink into all hours of the night. 1106 N. Charles Street, 410-547-9310, thebrewersart.com
Cat's Eye Pub
Fells Point
Cat's Eye Pub is the kind of place that out-of-towners hear about and travel to Baltimore to experience. There's always an amazing band on stage, anything from zydeco and classic rock to blues and reggae. It's the sort of place where the guy next to you will buy you a drink—just because. And the bartenders (a lot of whom have been there for more than a decade) are not only known for their generous pours, but also their inviting attitude. Since Cat's Eye sees so many non-natives inside its walls, the bar wants to represent Baltimore well: We're kind of a mess (flags, pictures, and ships on the walls), the bar seems to say. We're really friendly. (Expect to know everybody's name by the end of the night.) And we just want to have a good time. (The dancing never stops.) Next time you have friends in town, instead of going to the Inner Harbor or a touristy crabhouse, take them to Cat's Eye—then they'll really know what Baltimore is all about. 1730 Thames Street, 410-276-9866, catseyepub.com
Club 347
Downtown
Calvert Street downtown is almost eerily quiet on a Monday night, the working masses long gone, until you walk through the open door of Club 347. Instantly silence turns to funk, and the deserted block becomes one of the liveliest spots in town. It's a low-maintenance place with a few fried finger foods on the menu, basic alcohol behind the bar, and soul on the stage. Not every night features live music, but the Monday night jazz jam brings a reliable procession of talented guitar players, bassists, drummers, keyboardists, saxophonists, vocalists, and even the odd spoken-word performer. They look out from the stage to see a diverse crowd sitting around circular tables or at the corner bar, most nodding their heads or tapping their toes. When one band stops, the calm buzz of the crowd fills the room until the next starts. Inside Club 347, it's never silent. 347 N. Calvert Street, 410-591-5855, club347.com
The Club Charles
Station North
We have a love-hate relationship with Club Charles. On the one hand, we love its Art Deco by way of Twin Peaks décor, its eclectic jukebox, and its let-your-freak-flag-fly ethos. (How many bars do you know that have a trapeze for occasional aerial performances?) On the other hand, it can be a little intimidating to enter this bastion of cool where everyone's hair is always perfectly disheveled and jeans exquisitely distressed. Walking the gauntlet is worth the anxiety, though, because Club Charles is, underneath it all, a very good bar. The drinks are strong but still drinkable and the vegetarian-friendly bar menu surprisingly tempting, even to carnivores. Plus, if you happen to come on a night when next-door Zodiac is hosting a free dance party, you'll be hard- pressed to find a more entertaining spot in the entire city. 1724 N. Charles Street, 410-727-8815, theclubcharles.com
Five
Timonium
In a very unassuming shopping center off Padonia Road lies the fine-dining establishment Christopher Daniel. Even more modest is its attached bar. On the one hand, Five is an everyman kind of place, with a picture of the Natty Boh man scrawled on the specials' chalkboard and face-painted fans cheering during Ravens games. But don't let its casual vibe fool you. Cozying up to Five's three-sided bar are a lot of Baltimore County well-to-do's dining on Chilean sea bass or filet mignon. But one thing that everyone at Five can appreciate is the drink menu—creative cocktails, a variety of crushed iced drinks, and a very reasonably priced (and extensive) beer selection. It's a place where one night you can cheer for your favorite sports team, and the next have a sophisticated dinner with friends. In essence, the bar embodies what's so great about our dichotomous town. 106 W. Padonia Road, Timonium, 410-308-1800, christopher-daniel.com
Hamilton Tavern
Hamilton
Is there such a thing as a wholesome bar? If so, then Hamilton Tavern is it. Step through its heavy oak door and you instantly feel at home—well, if your house came with a full bar and a menu of hearty, fresh pub fare. The sense of comfort is created organically through personal touches and kind gestures. Indeed, the sign hanging behind the bar says, "Be nice or leave"—and it seems people pay heed. One rainy fall evening, we found the Harford Road watering hole three-quarters full of relaxed revelers ranging from recent college grads to retirees. Conversation was lively and the mood buoyant despite the dreary weather. The warm, farmhouse interior (accented by antique farm tools and photos of the owners' ancestors) invites you to sip a little more slowly, listen a little more closely, and enjoy a little more thoroughly. Even the bathrooms are special, with pages from classic novels acting as wallpaper and portraits of famous scribes hanging in the hallway. Clearly, a lot of thought and care went into the tavern's creation—and the city can always use more bars like that. 5517 Harford Road, 410-426-1930, hamiltontavern.com
Hard Yacht Cafe
Dundalk
The bars of Dundalk and Middle River all have the obvious advantage of being on the water—many right in a marina. But the smart ones know not to play up the palm tree gimmick too much, for fear of looking tacky. That's why we like the humble (and a bit hard to find) Hard Yacht Cafe. Tucked away on its own little peninsula jutting into Bear Creek, the bar is a no-frills kind of place: There are usually three beers on tap, surrounding boats dwarf the small building, and the only people there during the week are the regulars. That being said, Hard Yacht pays attention to the important things. The bar has an impeccable crab cake with almost no filler, one of the best orange crushes this side of the Bay Bridge, and entertaining live music every weekend. Plus our bartender made sure to invite us back. We think we'll take her up on that. 8500 Cove Road, Dundalk, 443-407-0038, hardyacht.com
Hightopps Backstage Grille
Timonium
It's an ingredient as rare in suburban bars as it is in American Idol contestants: soul. Hightopps Backstage Grille has it. There's nothing cookie-cutter about the place. The large deck out back even has a few couches in front of a fireplace, and on a chilly night, it's moderately crowded with people watching football to the sounds of an acoustic guitarist strumming Jimmy Buffett tunes. Speaking of Mr. Margaritaville, his picture and autograph are plastered all over the place, along with dozens of guitars, photos, and mementos from famous musicians collected through the bar's catering business. A lounge area with pool tables, couches, and a bank of TVs that would make some Vegas sports bookies blush is a prime gathering place for a Ravens game, and the main bar and dining room provide other distinct spots to hang out. As Buffett would say, the place is a real paradise. 2306 York Road, Timonium, 410-560-7101,hightoppsbackstagegrille.com
Idle Hour
South Baltimore
Walk in and the muted red lights create an instant, am-I-already-intoxicated vibe. Their TVs are turned off most nights, so all you hear are the sounds of old-time jazz and quiet conversation among the men and women drinking at the bar. They're most certainly drinking—not eating—because you're at Idle Hour, and Idle Hour doesn't serve food. Glorious. Drink needn't be distracted by solid sustenance. Order a pickleback, then cringe while the bartender slaps two shots down in front of you, one filled with Jack, the other with pure pickle juice. Don't fret—if you throw your faith into the arms of Idle Hour, it will embrace you back. The pickle juice renders the sometimes sting of the Jack negligible, and your mouth is left with the aftertaste of a crunchy, refreshing kosher dill. Lean back and take it all in for a moment—the bartender's affable conversation, the eclectic art on the walls, and the, uh, creative drink options. What else does Idle Hour have in store? You're going to stick around to find out. 201 E. Fort Avenue, 410-468-0357
Jerry's Belvedere Tavern
Govans
Some bars are a little rough around the edges—and that's just how we like them. Take Jerry's Belvedere Tavern, as much of a neighborhood institution as the Senator Theatre down the street. A popular place for the college crowd now and back in the '70s, Jerry's is named after its former owner, who now runs Jerry D's Seafood on Harford Road. In those 30 years, not much has changed at the original Jerry's—a bar/restaurant/liquor store combination. The kitchen still serves up home-style meals like meatloaf and hot turkey. The liquor store still stays open until 2 a.m. The chummy, bearded bartenders still pour cheap pitchers. And patrons still play around on the jukeboxes and the 75-cent pool tables. On any given night, you can run into a decade-long regular, a Loyola student sipping a Miller Lite can, or a young couple who lives around the corner. They all come back because of the comfort in the familiar. The owners of Jerry's go by the axiom, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." 5928 York Road, 410-435-8600
Little Havana
Federal Hill
El Presidente is watching you. Lean over the shuffleboard, sit at a booth munching a roast pork Cuban sandwich, stroll in from one of Baltimore's best outdoor drinking spots, or just step up to the oval bar to sip a sweet mojito or margarita, it doesn't matter. Wherever you turn in the warehouse that is Little Havana, the gaze of a larger-than-life mural of former Cuban president Fidel Castro seems to follow. On some level, it must be what life was like in Cuba. Almost every night, Fidel presides over one of the city's most reliable party spots. What keeps drawing the masses back? It could be the intensely social scene, which consistently attracts a stream of twenty- and thirtysomethings ready to flirt. It's most definitely the back patio, packed with the euphoric post-work crowd during spring and summer nights. But maybe it's the bartender who cheerfully makes your mojito with Splenda instead of sugar, or the jovial older couple stopping in for drinks after an afternoon sail. During Sunday brunch, featuring a hair-of-the-dog crowd fighting off hangovers by trying to reach the bottom of the bottomless pitchers of mimosas and Bloody Marys, it's everything rolled into one. 1325 Key Highway, 410-837-9903, littlehavanas.com
Mahaffey's Pub
Canton
People who eschew the Canton bar scene (and we know a few!) generally object to it on the grounds of its "fratiness." Thankfully, there's Mahaffey's—a beacon of relaxed, neighborhoody goodness just one short block from the "dude" and "bro"-centric O'Donnell Square. That one block makes all the difference though, something the bar and its patrons are keenly aware of. (Witness the "Drink outside the Square" T-shirts and sweatshirts the bar sells.) Not that its location is its only distinguishing characteristic. Mahaffey's is known for its eclectic and thorough beer selection, which includes more than 50 bottled beers from Belgium, Germany, England, Canada, and the U.S. at any given time. Plus, there are always more beers to choose from on tap. The warm and welcoming staff at Mahaffey's will help you try every one of them, too, if you so desire. "The 100 Beer Club"—which awards pewter mugs for tasting 100 unique beers—is a true test of beer-drinking mettle. And it doesn't even require a funnel. 2706 Dillon Street, 410-276-9899, mahaffeyspub.com
Max's Taphouse
Fells Point
When you say Max's in this town, everyone's first reaction is "beer." Rightfully so, as the bar boasts 70 rotating drafts and more than 1,000 bottled beers from around the world. But Max's has way more to offer. Essentially you can go bar-hopping without leaving the building, as there are three distinct areas to hang out, each with its own identity and atmosphere. There's the main bar room, where twenty- and thirtysomethings tend to mingle, compare brew selections, watch a football game, or play a few rounds of pool. Then there's the second floor, or the Mobtown Lounge, which hosts Max's wildly popular weekly trivia night called Quiz-A-Ma-Jig. Or, you could hang out in the narrow side bar that tends to draw a younger crowd (maybe due to the unabashed karaoke every Friday night). But, inevitably, the draw of Max's comes down to what everyone's drinking. It's a place to be adventurous, yet confident, about your beer decisions. The expert bartenders at Max's rarely steer you wrong. 735 S. Broadway, 410-675-6297, maxs.com
Mick O'Shea's
Mt. Vernon
This town is full of Irish pubs—some cheesy, some divey, and others, just right. Walking into Mick O'Shea's on a cold, rainy Saturday night, we got a sense that we never wanted to leave. The polished dark wood, Irish punk band on stage, and free-flowing Guinness had us hooked. And we weren't the only ones: There were two wedding parties dancing, drinking, and celebrating their nights away. Mick O'Shea's has plenty of different rooms where you can dine on potatoes or sip some whiskey (depending on your mood) and good-natured bartenders that will recommend a dark stout or cheap appetizer. The best part? You really feel like you're in Ireland, not an American bar just faking it. I don't know whether it was the canopied flags, the raucous music, or the Smithwick's buzz we had going, but we felt transported. Even my friend who had just moved back from Dublin said that the only thing missing was the Irish accents. 328 N. Charles Street, 410-539-7504, mickosheas.com
The Oregon Grille
Hunt Valley
Walking into the bar of The Oregon Grille is like walking back in time—when real men wear blazers, bartenders don tuxedos, and scotch is tossed back like water. The bar exudes an intense hunting lodge ambiance with paintings of falconry on the wall and taxidermy looming above you. But don't let the upper-crust feel fool you—The Oregon Grille hasn't forgotten about us regular folks. The bar was offering complimentary sushi when we were there, Monday evenings boast $3 domestics and free hors d'oeuvres (still a little too fancy to say appetizers), and Thursdays you can get $5 martinis and free oysters on the half shell. While saddled up to the bar, just try to outsmart one of the Grille's expert bartenders—they know every cocktail combination under the sun (and which rye whiskey works best). And the house wines are more smooth and sophisticated than the top-shelf vinos at most other establishments. 1201 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, 410-771-0505, theoregongrille.com
The Owl Bar
Mt. Vernon
Tucked away in the back left corner of the Belvedere Hotel's elegant lobby is a narrow portal to another world. Photos of Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Pershing, and Richard Dreyfuss(!) line the hallway entrance, but nothing will prepare you for the bizarro renaissance feel of The Owl Bar, which dates back about 100 years, including a stint as a speakeasy. The stained glass windows, ornate masonry, mounted antelope and zebra, and apt decorative owls glowering at you from every corner (including one whose eyes would flash during Prohibition to alert drinkers to a police raid) don't exactly scream "happy hour." But the circular, hanging chandeliers—on which, it seems, a swashbuckler might swing into action at any moment—promise more rousing times. The beer helps, too. The house-brewed Owl Bar Pale Ale and Owl Bar Lager are rich and tasty. And the food, including delicious pizzas—try the crab dip topping—cooked in a brick oven just under the zebra's nose, is hearty and delicious. 1 E. Chase Street, 410-347-0888, theowlbar.com
Pazo Restaurant
Harbor East
Pretty girls rule the roost at Pazo, Baltimore's dramatic cocktail lounge. The Mediterranean restaurant—part of the Cindy Wolf and Tony Foreman dynasty—is a chameleon. Come early and the bar stools are filled with business suits and wine drinkers, but with each passing hour the dresses get shorter, the drinks riskier, and the small talk is replaced with flirty banter. The lounge area or cool marble bar is the perfect place to try a crazy-sweet Cotton Candy Cosmo (cotton candy puff included), classic martini, or the bartender's expert wine suggestion (if you can hear over the din). The small-plates menu is ideal for sharing, whether with work friends or a first date—both can be observed on a pretty regular basis. The Neopolitan pizzas (try the sausage with heaps of arugula) are crispy with big flavor while the tapas—like the pretty girls—are showstoppers. 1425 Aliceanna Street, 410-534-7296, pazorestaurant.com
The Pub Dog
Federal Hill
Finding your way down Cross Street on a weekend night can be a lot like avoiding land mines in a battlefield. Drunken revelry creates danger zones everywhere. But sidestep into the low-lit Pub Dog (formerly Thirsty Dog) and you get a sense of immediate calm. It could be the list of its signature fruity beers, the smell of garlicky pizza cooking upstairs, or the extremely friendly (and patient) bar staff. Pub Dog is known by many for its two-for-$4 house craft beers, anything from a peach ale to an Irish stout. But patrons can also throw back a few Grand Marnier shots in between pints. Once satisfied, you can head up to the third floor where shuffleboard is played on a nightly basis or slide into one of the intimate booths on the second floor, where you and yours can have a private conversation over a thin crust. By now, you've forgotten all about the carousing on Cross, just a floor below—but a world away. 20 E. Cross Street, 410-727-6077, pubdog.net
Racers' Cafe
Parkville
This Parkville bar is a staple along Harford Road, though you might not know it from its blink-and-you'll-miss-it location. But once you walk in, you understand its popularity. To our right, a group of middle-aged customers clink their 12-ounce beer mugs together and shout, "Happy Friday," while an older gentleman to our left quietly sips his IPA, occasionally checking the game on TV. Beer is important here. So important, in fact, that the bar has a rotating chalkboard chart that includes 13 beers, their country of origin, and their alcohol by volume. Order any three of the beers listed (by their numbers—kind of like Chinese takeout) for $5.99 during its generous happy hour (10 a.m.-7 p.m.). While there's no food at Racers', it offers the baseball game-style activity of cracking open peanuts and chucking the shells on the black-and-white checkered floors. And you'd expect nothing more from this homey, sudsy neighborhood bar. 7732 Harford Road, Parkville, 410-882-5212
The Red Star
Fells Point
Housed in a two-story converted warehouse, Red Star is certainly a top contender for Baltimore's best-looking bar. The vaulted, wood-beamed ceilings, the exposed red-brick walls, the cast-iron light fixtures: It all works to create a rustic-chic look that seems both au courant (think Clipper Mill) and timeless. The crowd it draws is similarly stylish, comprised of twenty- and thirtysomething professionals and affluent neighborhood denizens, who often come as much for the upscale bar food as for the libations. To its credit though, Red Star stays unpretentious and welcoming. The gracious bartenders are quick with a pour no matter who you are, and the crowd is equally amiable with large parties often gathering around the lower-level tables and booths. A second bar is housed upstairs in the loft but is generally only used for private parties. That's okay, though, because Red Star possesses enough élan to make any old Thursday happy hour seem special enough. 906 S. Wolfe Street, 410-675-0212, redstarbar.us
Ropewalk Tavern
Federal Hill
Ropewalk Tavern is a stalwart Federal Hill establishment that somehow lacks the repute of neighboring bars and pubs like Mother's and MaGerks. We're not sure how to account for that. It might have something to do with its location. It's on a quiet-ish block of South Charles Street, rather than the busy square surrounding Cross Street Market. Or, maybe it can be attributed to its reputation as a Republican bar in a heavily Democratic city. In any event, it's a pub worthy of your patronage, regardless of your political affiliation. First of all, it's huge—three row houses wide and three stories tall with various bars, dining rooms, and game rooms sprinkled throughout. Second, you can smoke there. Ropewalk is one of only two businesses in the entire state to be granted a waiver to the smoking ban. Its third-floor SmokeEasy Lounge is available to patrons anytime during business hours. And that, in a nutshell, is why we like Ropewalk. It is, in so many ways, the exception to the rule. 1209 S. Charles Street, 410-727-1298, ropewalktavern.com
Sly Fox Pub
Annapolis
We've always been partial to basement bars. Something about descending a flight of stairs to drink below the earth's surface makes us, well, thirsty. In Annapolis, Sly Fox provides that fix. Housed below historic Reynolds Tavern, Sly Fox is carrying on a legacy that began in the mid-1700s when the Church Circle building first opened as a hat business, hotel, and "ordinary," as taverns were once known. Bellying up to the small bar or sitting in the dining room of the Fox today, you can feel history oozing from its very foundation. Maybe George Washington sipped a beer here in 1783 before resigning his commission as Commander in Chief to the Continental Army at the State House just yards away. Founding fathers aside, Sly Fox today is a destination for drinkers. With live music a few days a week and an outdoor beer garden adjacent to the pub, it's one of Annapolis's most extraordinary ordinaries. 7 Church Circle, Annapolis, 443-482-9000, slyfoxpub.com
The Wharf Rat
Fells Point
Not long ago, Fells Point was seen as slightly disreputable—a neighborhood for watermen, winos, and weirdos. Gentrification has brought a more sanitized crowd to Fells to live, work, and play; and while we (mostly) agree that this is a good thing, there are times we miss the old Fells Point. That's why we like The Wharf Rat so much—it bridges the old and new. The 22-year neighborhood stalwart maintains the individuality that brought people here in the first place minus the seediness that often accompanied it. Though low-ceilinged and cluttered with decorations (Christmas lights, beer coasters, nautical lanterns, pewter mugs, and a British phone booth, to name but a few), the interior somehow manages to come off as cozy rather than confining. (The working fireplace in the back helps.) The staff can be brusque, but that's part of the charm, too, as is the anachronistic cigarette machine in the poolroom. The bar's Camden Yards-adjacent sister pub/brewery was sold last year, but the Oliver Ales it brewed can still be found on tap, which is a relief. The less The Wharf Rat changes, the better. 801 S. Ann Street, 410-276-8304
