50 Best Bars in Baltimore

“What a fun, unique and interesting date night! Spencer is engaging, entertaining and hilarious - we haven't laughed this much in a long time. Nicole was an excellent bartender and the drinks were so creative and delicious. We had the opportunity to visit with Spencer and Nicole after the show and they are so personable, down-to-earth and friendly. Would highly recommend this experience as it is anything but ordinary and we hope to bring friends and visitors in the future! Well worth the 1.5 hour drive from Virginia!“

“My date and I checked out this lounge and their drinks were tasty.We first had the Fue Mejor and Jungle Bird for the first round. The tall Jungle Bird wasn't bad while the Fue Mejor had that sweet and smoky taste.The second batch we tried was the French Martini and the Midouri Sour. These batch of drinks were our favorite. The French Martini had an elegant finish on top of their drink while the Midouri Sour was a great sweet and sour combination.Definitely check out this intimate lounge and make sure to have a reservation before going. Definitely worth to check out.“

“We had so much fun sharpening our skills for if there’s ever a zombie apocalypse. Adam & Kelly are great teachers & made sure we hit the target each time. Will definitely host another even there or just go with a small group of friends.“

“Steve, you are an absolute legend and godsend. This place is top priority on our visits. We were so lucky the first time in Fell's Point to have two women tell us "you NEED to go down there and have a drink." Best advice ever given. Steve even remembered me months after our first trip. Don't get upset with how long it takes for your drink to get made. Absolute perfection and well worth the time and money. Old fashioned and whiskey sours go down so smooth. Any time we travel there... "Let's go see Steve!" Keep him there. He makes that place.“

“Everything was excellent, I mean everything~ Can't wait to go back!Vegetarian options: I love curry and it was excellent. Also had the mushroom tom kha soup which was on the spring menu - home run!Dietary restrictions: Very easy to eat Gluten Free plus vegan which can be a challenge.“

“Alexander Tervan's expertise and professionalism are unparalleled in Baltimore. From the moment we began working with him, it was clear he had a deep understanding of our needs and the local market. His guidance was invaluable in making informed decisions, and his attentiveness made us feel like we were his only clients. Highly recommended for anyone needing top-notch service in the area!“

“Y'all. I don't have the self-control for this level of pizza. I ate the *entire* pizza in one sitting. My trainer is going to hurt me - absolutely worth it.Trust me. White Pie, add bacon. Outrageous!Their bacon isn't that thin, flaky, oven-baked-to-death, tasteless topping. Their bacon is so meaty and flavorful.Goodness gracious. I ate the whole thing!“

“Dutch Courage was a wonderful bar. When there for a girl's night and the drinks were delicious. I had the brussel sprouts which were mostly ok but the environment was wonderful.The only reason I give it 4 stars is because it was not that wheelchair friendly. I went with my mother who's in a wheelchair and I know she couldn't have gone by herself. The wheelchair accessibility is through a gate in the back that can only be accessed if you go up the stairs and ask them to open the gate. Maybe even a sign would be helpful. To be fair, if you call ahead they probably could have someone waiting for you.There is also a small step to get to the bathroom that my mom's wheelchair couldn't pass through. A server held the door while I helped my mom stand up to move the wheel chair into the bathroom. I hope that they become aware of some small changes they can make to make it easier for wheelchairs to get to the bathroom easier. I will definitely say he customer service was impeccable. All the servers were so friendly. I would definitely go back.“

“Five Iron Golf Baltimore!! I can not begin to thank them enough for being the host of my wedding. YES I did say wedding! Everyone thought I was crazy at the time for picking Five Iron as our wedding venue BUT they knocked the socks off of every guest, vendor, and idea we had! Between the delicious food made by Sarge, the awesome bartenders, our event manager Maureen and Megan, and the GMs Frank and Brian. We all put our heads together brainstormed for months on how we could flip Five Iron (a colorful, industrial, welcoming, golf simulating space) into a wedding venue. Maureen made floor diagrams to help visualize as well as offer some of her lighting from her own personal inventory, Frank and Brian helped us with roof top access for photos with a beautiful city background, the confetti cannon logistics, etc. and Megan coordinated the entire rehearsal and wedding day. I could not have asked for a better team to work with! Every single idea we had was approved and encouraged (besides a tiger standing next to the groom LOL). Would 10/10 recommend!!“

“Let’s get one this straight! This is the SPOT! The experience began with me running behind for my reservation because I-95 traffic is a..well we all know..so in calling the restaurant to alert them my first taste of Marta was Nick, who answered the phone in such a warm and friendly manner I felt welcomed even before my arrival! Now I will say parking is a challenge..but rise up to this challenge..be persistent..because once you’re safely parked you will reap amazing culinary rewards. The space itself..it beautifully done..muted colors and comfortable seating seem to say “ sit..get comfortable and get ready for a great time” Our server Michael was a JOY. Just as important as the food, is the service, Michael made sure that we were comfortable, answering all questions and providing excellent recommendations when they were asked for. No one could have asked for a better tour guide to lead our Marta experience..when making reservations..request him..I promise you won’t be disappointed. Appetizers! Tuna Cannoli..if you think you know tuna..I’m here to say NAW! This dish was whimsical and full of flavor. The tuna was fresh and prefect encased in a light cannoli shell..the sesame seeds tied the whole dish together for me perfectly. Beef tartare(my personal favorite) vibrant color and palate pleasing flavors! I like the addition of beets in place of the traditional capers. Even my one friend who hates beets agrees that it brought a great element to this dish. Oysters! Perfectly briny and chilled expertly the pink peppercorn granita was Everything! Entrees: I enjoyed the Agnolotti which was a fall themed plate of warm comfort food! The spiced squash and apple stuffed pasta was so flavorful..but just when you thought it couldn’t get better, BOOM! Brown butter sage sauce! Please do yourself a favor..make your reservation to enjoy this dish before it goes away..you won’t regret it. The risotto my friend enjoyed with the meatballs from the antipasti menu was creamy and honestly had me making my next reservation in my head so I could enjoy it all by myself! Saffron Brodo, Aged Parmesan, bring this dish home! He couldn’t stop raving about the meatballs and I know they must have been great because he didn’t share..lol My dear friend ordered the Panzotti featuring stuffed Duck and Foie Gras! All components of this dish worked together to create perfection! Wine list..well thought out and composed. When our initial choice was temporarily unavailable, cue Nick with a perfect recommendation for an alternative bottle! Desserts..we ordered them all..don’t judge..lol..we couldn’t decided..lol..and you only live once! In addition to ordering them all..you bet the 3 of us finished them all too! So no further details required..I just suggest you make sure to save room for at least one of these sweet temptations..really any one..you won’t regret it! So this concludes my most epic review..of a most epic experience! Thank you Marta..it was truly wonderful!“

“Went on a Saturday for the lunch buffet. Every dish was AWESOME! Great selection of food, naan for the table, and the chai was delicious. We could only eat 2 plates before we were all stuffed!This is a "hidden" gem that should have a line out the door 24/7. Can't wait to go back!“

“Illusions is a hidden gem! Spencer's magic show was nothing short of phenomenal. The way he effortlessly captivated the audience with his sleight of hand and illusions was truly impressive. The cozy atmosphere of the bar heightened the experience, making it feel like a private performance just for us. Nicole's expert mixology skills were the cherry on top. Can't wait to come back for more magic!“

“This place is incredible! The food is very authentic. Their avgolemono sauce is amazing. Great bar, and a wonderful dessert menu. Get the domaldes, get the pork, get the meatballs, get everything! Amazing service, beautiful place! Great happy hour! Cannot wait to come back!“

“My husband said this one one of the greatest meals of his life! He ordered half a dozen crabs and got a platter with shrimp, a sausage, a whole ear of corn, and whole potatoes complete with a little hammer. (Not a nutcracker haha) Our waiter, Aaron, was excellent-very intuitive, polite, and friendly. Make sure to get dessert-the key lime tart and cinnamon bread pudding we had were marvelous. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet elegant. Perfect for a meal after the National Aquarium.“

“If you are looking for a place to get an incredible cocktail, look no further. Everything about Southpaw exudes elegance and knowledge. It's not flashy but a lot of the time flash is just a way to cover up shortcomings. Southpaw has no shortcomings. The owner is always there and working diligently to provide the best experience possible. If you are passionate about your drinks, go to Southpaw!“

“This is the most reasonably priced place we’ve been in SOME time, and that coupled with the very thoughtfully created drinks, changing/local menu, excellent service…. Great time! My husbands cooking repertoire includes “chicken parm” only yet he suddenly turns into Gordon Ramsey when we eat out & he’s commented no less than 10x how great everything was! He prefers his meat medium rare, which turns out to be a very difficult thing to achieve in baltimore, but we never complain/send back, he usually just saws through the overcooked meat & goes home in disappointment - but not so at Sally O’s!!! Absolutely, amazing, perfectly cooked meat. I had the duck - which is my favorite thing to order on any menu (I absolutely LOVE duck) and this might be the best duck confit I can remember ever having. Service was impeccable - recommendations, timing, everything. We never had empty drinks, but we were not harassed either. The drinks were chefs kiss - espresso martinis with the brownie sunday: *to die for*.For reference we don’t have kids, and my husband cannot sit home for one weekend to save his life so we often eat out — **OFTEN**. We’ve eaten everywhere in the city. Done a circuit of all the Atlas restaurants, Chef Cindy Wolf joints, independently owned’s, all of them. The resounding thing we had to say on the way home was that we were disappointed we hadn’t tried Sally O’s earlier & that we can’t wait to go back. Definitely outpacing the rest of them. Kudos to the entire team tonight!!Any negative review I’ve read has been unhinged and given me a massive ICK. This place is the real deal. Go eat good food.“

“The restaurant was bustling, so arriving early is key to securing a seat. The staff are incredibly friendly and work efficiently to serve customers promptly. While there may be some wait times due to the high volume of patrons, it's understandable. Overall, I would definitely recommend it.Parking: As with the rest of Baltimore, street parking is an option here.Kid-friendliness: There were some families with kids, that’s about it.Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance ramp“

“WC Harlen is an exquisite speakeasy that exudes an air of mystery and charm from the moment you step inside. Nestled away, its hidden location adds to its allure, making it a cherished secret among those in the know. The carefully curated historic decor, coupled with the ambient lighting and soulful music, transports you to another era, providing a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.The drinks at WC Harlen are nothing short of divine. Crafted with precision and care, each sip is a tantalizing experience for the senses. Whether you prefer classic cocktails or adventurous concoctions, the skilled bartenders are adept at crafting libations that cater to every palate.What sets WC Harlen apart is its versatility. Whether you're seeking solitude, enjoying an intimate date, or reveling in the company of friends, this speakeasy accommodates all occasions with effortless grace. Its intimate ambiance fosters meaningful connections and unforgettable moments, making every visit a memorable experience.In conclusion, WC Harlen is a hidden gem that deserves to be treasured. However, let's keep its mystique intact by sharing its wonders with only those who will appreciate its magic.“

“My go-to place. Vikki and Dan are fantastic bartenders that can make delicious cocktails – just say what you’re in the mood for and they’ll whip up something you’ll enjoy. Definitely try something from the expansive tinned fish selection if you want something to eat on the lighter side. Also, the Detroit-style pizza is quite good (and this is coming from someone raised in southeast Michigan).“

“I just can't say enough great things about the establishment, from the atmosphere, to the food, drinks, crowd and especially the owners, Dre and Natalia. Settled in a nice, quiet, and safe neighborhood you'll find yourself a place that feels like home. I've been there a few times so far and every time I have left there beyond satisfied. Me and my wife are already planning our next trip back down.“

“Had some amazing cocktails here. The bartender was very knowledgeable and made us some drinks based on our preferences. The music was played from records, and they sell records in the back. Very unique experience and will go again! Thanks!Kid-friendliness: Not much for kids here.“

“Nestled within the Locust Point neighborhood, this hidden gem of a cocktail bar is a true rarity. The drinks crafted here are more than just libations; they are meticulously concocted works of art that tantalize the senses with their superb taste and unparalleled quality. The dedication to crafting each drink reflects a genuine passion for mixology that is truly a cut above the rest. What truly sets this place apart is not only the extraordinary beverages it serves, but also the warmth and attentiveness of the service. From the moment you step in, you're embraced with a welcoming ambiance that instantly makes you feel like a cherished regular. If you're seeking an fun evening filled with exquisite drinks and marvelous hospitality, don't miss the chance to pay The Last Penny a visit.“

“Where to start with this gem?! First off....everything from the moment we stepped in the front door was on point. Host knew our name and had reserved table ready and waiting. Great intimate atmosphere in both bar and dining room. Cocktails were excellent....best Manhattan on this trip thus far. Menu is manageable and clearly based on fresh, in season components. From the Susan's Shrimp appetizer...to the Maryland Crab Soup, perfect starters. Then an entree of Maryland crab cakes with roasted Brussel sprouts and slaw, accompanied by in house tartar, well played pairing. The other “off menu” entree offering was pan grilled red snapper topped with lump crab and velvety beure blanc sauce with roasted root vegetables.....heaven! Finished off with a house grand marnier creme brûlée....NO words! Chef Akbar has outdone himself and still takes the time to check on his patrons table-side should you request, as I did. Do yourself a favor and book dinner here!!! #cheers“

“First of all, whoever came up with this concept is awesome and I thank you. This is like a mall food court but way better.Customer ServiceI've been twice already and I can't wait to return. R. House has something for everyone with a plethora of cuisines to choose from. We didn't get to interact with the employees when ordering because orders were taken through a kiosk, but we were greeted when it was time to order.FoodBmore BRD-We selected the BRD. A classic fried chicken sandwich with fries and a beverage. I wasn't expecting this sandwich to be so huge, but it was big, mighty, and good. My sandwich was juicy, hot, fresh, fried to perfection and did I say delicious? I forgot to take pictures because my food was so good.Taharka Brothers- We met with a couple of friends and ended our lunch with a sweet treat. I was elated to see Taharka Brothers my family loves the Honey Graham flavor and I love the cookies and cream.AmbianceI love it!!! The concept is awesome, a way better food court than your regular malls. Oh, and the best part is the BAR!!!ParkingStreet Parking is available, they also have a small parking lot and overflow.“

“I have always wanted to try this place but for whatever reason kept pushing it off and I'm mad I did. I went for date night and there was no happy hour but that wont stop me from going back!Steamed shrimp was perfect! Beer cold, service-good, sliders-great, Buffalo wings had the best sauce ever, celery not limp and was fresh.Arrive early because its small and will get packed quick.“

“OMG, I had an awesome dining experience. I always wanted to try this place, and I was not disappointed. The food was great, I mean delicious, and the service was awesome. I didn't get our waiters name, but he was great, and the view was beautiful.We had lump crab cakes; shrimp and grits, crab dip, Cesar salad, and grilled salmon. We also had dessert pics are coming.“

“I travel a lot. I drink a lot of places in a lot of various cities from the West Coast, to the Midwest, to, well, this place! I'm enthusiastic about cocktails, and interesting flavors. I'm very amiably confused by the fact that the best cocktails I've had in the past five to ten years came from an underground bar off an alleyway in Baltimore. Cheers, folks. It was a damn good time in a damn good space with some damn fine drinks.“

“Friends and I walked in with a party of 10 and they were able to accommodate us. They have a great side bar to get drinks in while we waited, and once we were seated the food came out quickly and was DELICIOUS! Great spot for some greasy comfort food.“

“When your beer doesn’t fit very well in your koozie and your bartender exchanges it for a Section 771 koozie because he knows it’ll fit better ! That’s service !!! Thank you for showing all of us a great time today and tonight the whole family had a blast!!!“

“Great wing and great service. Make sure to hit them up on a Tuesday when they have their wing special. Good beer selection but not a ton on tap. Very true to their name of tavern as the atmosphere is very tavern. Parking can be tricky so if you are meeting someone on a date maybe leave early.“

“Delia Foley's has trivia on Wednesdays upstairs. We sat downstairs. Service is not bad. Sometimes a little slow, not knowing where the server went but it's probably because they are serving both upstairs and downstairs. The wings are good. Not totally drenched in sauce but we'll covered. Many of their sauces are a variation on their buffalo sauce. The cheeseburger egg rolls were really tasty. I really liked the sauce with them, a variation of thousand Island sauce I think. I'm always a little surprised with how expensive 10 wings can be, but I think it's in align with most places. The wings are listed as MP on the menu. It was about $16 for one order of wings of 10. They have music playing and general vibes are of a bar/tavern. Overall, chill vibes. Good food. Certainly plan on returning.“

“Pauline is the best bar owner in Baltimore. (Also owns "Kenwood Tavern"). JR has an impeccable passion for mixology, bar atmosphere, and menu originality. The cocktails are innovative and refreshing. For a moment it feels like you're in Maui. You won't find another Tiki bar in Baltimore. "Fog Surfing" is the best cocktail. If you are hungry, go for the burger. If you are vegan, try the Zaatar sandwich. Enjoy the Polynesian experience! Mahalo.Vegetarian options: Zaatar sandwich,“

“This gem is set in the heart of Hampden. Incredible energy from both bar staff and regulars. I was greeted with enchanting laughter as I walked into the bar . They make a very smooth old-fashioned that's made in-house , I also recommend the Low Life . Drink prices are very cheap, I was here for about 3 hours with 2 other friends of mine and the bill was only 95 bucks. Melanie's at Griffith' Tavern is the real deal.“

“Very friendly staff, who were more than helpful in creating for an eventful night out as a group as we were visiting from North Carolina. Can’t go wrong with the Birria anything and combined with the excellent tequila selection. We even took home a pizza box of tacos with Ruben’s Hot Sauce for late night snacking 10/10 ⭐️“

“Geneva made us feel like the most important part of the experience at Judy’s Island Grill. Snapper was at market price but affordable and worth it. Also had the oxtail burrito which was flavorful and filling. Cabbage was delicious. David was hospitable and made boozy rum punches. The Mango margarita was too sweet for my preference. We came on a Thursday around lunch time and service was quick!“

“We live around the corner and come here often. If we were farther away we’d come here often. We love the laid back ambiance, the food, and the friendly staff. It’s especially nice for me as a vegetarian, but they also have great food for omnivores and in between folks. We don’t have our favorites most anything on the menu is great.“

“Did a lot of drinking here! Almost everything on their menu is really good. Only had maybe one or two drinks that were not to my liking. If you're a Mead or cider fan, this is the place for you!Dietary restrictions: They had gluten free pizza when we were there.Parking: Somewhat sketchy to park on the street but overall ok.Wheelchair accessibility: Easy to get in“

“So often in life we take the little things for granted. A strangers smile, a kind word, a pat on the back when Maryland teams are doing poorly and need a sign from the universe to keep on going. This is the place to go when you need a friend, a confidant, a shoulder to cry or laugh on. This bar saved me when I was at my lowest and gave me a community that I can depend on. I’ve danced on the bar tops, did spins on the floor, and taken shots with strangers. This is the place you want to go.“

“Been here twice, once was years ago pre-pandemic and it was fabulous. We said we should come back here more often but never did… then the pandemic messed everything up and we went travel nursing. Now we’re back in town again… AND ITS STILL AMAZING. I got a jalfrezi, and hubby got tikka masala. The medium felt like a true medium, not whitewashed. Service was lovely. We were one of two couples who dined in, but looks like they have a busy takeout business. So glad they didn’t disappear in the pandemic like so many other places! Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!“

“Metro Gallery was the cutest little spot to see a concert in the city, without it being a scary area when leaving late. Parking was easy and accessible, the venue was small but still had ample space, and gender neutral bathrooms were available. The bartenders were so incredibly sweet, even though I would say when it comes to the bar, the drinks can get quite pricey. Everyone was kind and respectful despite the small space, which I know can be an issue at some concert venues.“

“We stopped by for drinks, the bouncer Kevin is very nice and personable. When we entered there was a DJ. The bar area is quite small but there is a larger area in the back. The drinks are reasonably priced. The staff is friendly. It is quite dark and hard to see the menus or get the servers/bartenders attention. It was also quite loud for it being a sit down bar. It was tough to hear my friends sitting next to me.“

“The Knotty Pine is an upscale Baltimore corner bar with an intimate feel. Try the smash burgers while you’re here, you won’t be disappointed. The service here is top-notch!I ordered the bacon and bleu cheese burger with extra bleu cheese. This was the most flavorful, juicy burger I have ordered in a very long time. I could have easily consumed two more!My friend ordered the flatbread pizza. Keep in mind this is a pizza crafted with unleavened dough. You’re essentially eating your pizza on a giant flour tortilla shell. Consequently, the “pizza” had hard, crunchy edges. While it worked as bar food, it more closely resembles an open-faced quesadilla than it does a pizza.Meanwhile, my other friend devoured his burrito bowl. He remarked upon the bowl’s beautiful presentation.Not much thought went into interior lighting here. I found it harsh and glaring. Otherwise, if you want a cold beer, accompanied by great food and service, this is the place to go!“

“Stopped in yesterday for the first time!!! I have never felt more comfortable in a bar before. ..I can not wait to go back!! The owner is a wonderful person and the grilled cheese was one of the best I have ever had. I could go on and on....again I am already planning my next trip!!“

“Fantastic place. Probably my favorite bar in Baltimore. They having amazing cocktails which are prized excellently and doesn’t leave a giant hole in my wallet. They also have a few beers on tap. Great vibe, cozy and welcoming.The bartenders are friendly, superb hosts and make great recommendations.Highly recommend the house sangria.“

“Limited but tasty food items on Happy Hour menu, throughout restaurant, with lots of Evolution craft beers (small Happy Hour size, $3). Main course gemelli pasta truly delicious with intense gorgonzola sauce (love gorgonzola, or don't get it--it's that intense, seriously!). Husband's Honey Belly pizza was incredibly unusual and a spicy-sweet combo of pork belly slices, roasted peppers, honey, chili oil?, and some cheeses. It worked great for him, but not my cup of fat...er..tea! No room for dessert, but prior visit highlighted the "Kit Kat" chocolate dessert as off the charts for us chocolate lovers!Dietary restrictions: Offers gluten-free pasta.“

“I've walked by Idle Hour so many times and never went in, and now I wish I'd visited sooner, this place is great! I finally went by this past Wednesday (2/21) for a listening party. Right away, I was taken with the vibe of Idle Hour. They have totally pulled off dive glam in there. The whole back wall has string lights that provide an ambient glow. There is a bar that runs almost the length of the wall across from the door and several high top tables and chairs. I sat at the bar and enjoyed how attentive the owner/bartender was. He tended to us and everyone in the establishment like beloved children...well, that's what it felt like. I had a nice cider while I was there and my friend who doesn't drink went with a mocktail the bartender created on the spot. Bathroom facility was nice but be aware there is no mirror in there so trying to fluff your hair or reapply makeup is not happening. Overall, looking forward to visiting again!“

“A new spot that we’ve been trying to go here since it opened. Very “Octo” themed and has the decor to go with it. It has a nice bar downstairs with tables in the back. Walk upstairs and you’ll find a quaint room with more tables and a very nice separate bar for private parties or as an additional bar. Everything we tasted was great and the presentation was a delight to the eyes. You have to try the octopus ceviche and the ostrich tartar. The drinks were very tasty as well and everything was adequately priced. We’re going to add this spot to our dinner outing rotation and bring our supper club members. Definitely the best spot we’ve been to in the past year.“

“Love this place! The vibe is always chill. Doesn’t sell food (not important) but food trucks are there and there are times where onsite catering options were available. Music is always a hit! The games are on, the outside patio area is cozy, and the owner is nice!“

“One of the best places in Fell's Point to get your "prescriptions". Such a great selection of beer, wonderful staff, fantastic atmosphere. The "Steelers hat" couple will always make it a regular stop when we visit.“

“I'm going to call The Cannon Room a hidden gem, because you might not know about it (without reading about it on Yelp, of course). Even once we got inside the Sagamore Pentry, we had to ask for directions to the Cannon Room anyway, because it's tucked away in the back. But the ambiance, the comfort, the decor, and the whiskey selections are all top notch. There are some very good surprise finds on the menu, but unfortunately others know about them, and we were told some of those are often gone within a week. Customers not staying at the hotel will have to start a tab with a charge card. If you're looking for a higher-end whiskey experience in the area, this is your place.“