50 Best Cocktail Bars in Baltimore

“I heard the stories about this place and it had been closed for a couple of years as the hotel it's in underwent renovation and ownership changes but it's back open and I couldn't be happier.

Steve the bartender is currently a one man show and we were there on the weekend it reopened and he was so happy to be back in his happy place. The man is a cocktail maven who loves his craft and what he does and his customers as well.

There is currently no menu here you ask for what you want or can tell Steve what you are in the mood for and he will make something amazing!

I got a smoked old fashioned that he smokes with his own blend of wood and spices and it was easily in the Top 5 of best old fashioneds I've ever had.

If you are in Fells Point looking for a cocktail and Anchor Tavern is open make sure you visit!“

“If you want great food, great service, and a great atmosphere, Order of The Ace is where you want to go. The cocktails were superb, the appetizers were great, the main course was perfect. Do not skip the dessert menu. I almost did and would have missed the lemon meringue cheesecake. It was absolutely delicious. We will be back for sure. The live jazz was the cherry on top.“

“WE ARE REGULAR DINERS AT THE COPPER SHARK AND AS USUAL WE ALL ENJOYED AN EXCELLENT MEAL WITH THE TYPICALLY WELL PREPARED SIDES. OUR SERVER WAS JULIA AND WE WERE IMPRESSED WITH HER ATTENTIVENESS THROUGHOUT THE MEAL, CLEAR INFORMATION ABOUT EACH COURSE AND HER VERY FRIENDLY APPROACH TO ENSURING OUR DINING EXPERIENCE WAS EXCELLENT FROM START TO END.“

“We were a little surprised to start the evening by ringing a doorbell to get in, but the warm welcome that followed put us at ease right away. The atmosphere is fantastically unique, quirky, and full of character. The bartenders were genuinely friendly and the service was quick.

We ordered the Mac ’n’ Cheese with Jerk Chicken, Yuca Bites, Chorizo con Arroz y Gandules and the Cinnamon Mini Donuts. Everything was perfectly seasoned (especially great if you enjoy a bit of heat like we do). The only downside was that the portions felt a bit on the smaller side.

It also looks like they host a lot of interesting events like book readings, sip-and-paints, comedy shows and more. We didn’t get a chance to attend one this time, but it definitely added to the charm and made us want to come back.“

“We stopped by on a whim and loved the experience! Quiet on a rainy Thursday. The vibe was so cool … reminded me of New Orleans! We sat at the bar and were looking for something non-alcoholic and bartender Bong made us each a delicious bespoke cocktail based on our preferred flavor profiles and even showed us the aperitifs. Will definitely be going back!“

“Good peoples :) Great location.“

“This has by far been my best experience at any hotel bar. This staff is amazing but I’ll start with Adelleke. She was so welcoming and warm and was a subject matter expert in directing to me to a classy Baltimore experience. She made some amazing drinks and some great suggestions for food in the area. I will be staying at this hotel every time I’m in Baltimore. Thank you Adelleke!!!!“

“Great atmosphere Tasty cocktails Nice people“

“Cool place, brews were good and the appetizer was delicious. Definitely worth checking it out“

“This was by far the BEST seafood in the area. Food was delicious, service was superb, staff very friendly. Shuttle service right on point! Overall experience 10/10 in all areas. I definitely will be back and telling everyone looking for great seafood and experience! Thank you!“

“Absolute best meal I have ever had I any restaurant! Make sure you call ahead. It is so good it will be hard to get into!“

“Dylan’s is the best restaurant in Hampden, dare I say all of Baltimore. Great food and drink, provided by awesome people, in a cozy, vibey, atmosphere.“

“Amazing prices on all beverages. Always stocked and never gives any issues. Highly recommended as all places around charge significantly higher prices. The shop itself could use a remodeling, but I can forgive that as the prices make it worth it.

Parking: Just a small parking lot with 3 or 4 spots. You can park on the street across the street.

Wheelchair accessibility: There are no stairs and there is a ramp to get in. It will be difficult to maneuver around inside as it is a small store with limited room.“

“We went to Indigma this evening for restaurant week. The food was fantastic and my nine-year-old loved everything! She gave it a 1523/10 rating! Though everything was excellent, the creme brulee was the best I've ever had. Thank you for a fantastic meal!“

“Food was bomb and the service was on point“

“I Love It Here!!! I’ve Been About 4-5 Times, Each Visit Was Great Customer Service, Food, Vibe, Drinks All A+“

“Best vibe in the City every Saturday!“

“Cloud Shrimp - Juicy shrimp fried in potato starch, served w Kimchi-kewpie Mayo“

“Absolutely delicious chicken. Top stuff!“

“This hidden gem is so a cozy, cool, sexy place with amazing staff & owner. We feel like family here . We luv to karaoke and enjoy the atmosphere . Check it out you may fall in with the place too“

“Great experience. The Chef loves what he does and it translates to the quality of food and excellent customer service. The Chef visited our table 3x, including once to deliver a drink. The staff was friendly and attentive. Portion size was enormous. You will definitely need a take home container. Great hidden gem.“

“Excellent food. I got the lamb shank which was very tender and flavorful. Our group tried almost all the appetizers and they were all good. I am picky with my steak tartare but theirs was also good and well-flavored. Highly recommend this place.“

“if you have any time on your hands and you down that area I highly recommend it it's a good affordable place to eat at“

“Drinks were good, the ambience was very romantic

I wish the music was slightly quieter, the bar was empty when we entered but it was still hard to hear each other well

We came around 7:30pm on a Thursday and only a few people were there but by 9:30 it was bumpin, no more seats available“

“Food was delicious! I would have taken a picture but I ate it too fast. The flavors were all so bold and fresh. Will definitely be back!“

“Fantastic evening at One- Eyed Mike's recently. Our server, Eugene, was top- notch, as was the food and beverage!“

“The atmosphere is friendly and lively. the cocktails were interesting, and may have even converted my gin-hating husband. The bartenders, Ted especially, really rounded out the experience. one of the best places in the city!!!!!“

“Definitely a great atmosphere nice to see something like this in my old neighborhood. Eric and Chad were phenomenal. Me and my girlfriend definitely enjoyed ourselves. I felt like I hit a time machine and went back to the 90s down fells point. It definitely gave me that type of vibe. 💯💯🫡“

“The Backyard is the best neighborhood bar in Baltimore. Expertly curated wine and spirit list, knowledgeable and friendly staff with amazing food and cocktails that are all very reasonably priced. It is am absolute hidden gem!“

“The service was phenomenal. We were there for my sis in laws 50th Birthday (came in from Columbus,Oh and they treated her amazingly. Our server was great managing staff amazing.“

“Doug is the best. This is our favorite neighborhood spot. Cocktails are on point, wine selection is simple but good and reasonably priced, and the smash burgers are f-ing fire 🔥 and we love Doug’s company, and Kirsten’s, and all of his staff. We love Southpaw!“

“Heritage Smokehouse has been my go-to spot for the past two years—I’m there at least once a month, and I can’t get enough of it. The food, the atmosphere, the people—everything about it keeps me coming back. My wife and I recently attended a special event, the Carl Ehrhard Wine Dinner, and it completely blew us away. From the incredible pairings to the warm hospitality, it was next-level. Heritage isn’t just a restaurant to me—it’s a place I’ll be loyal to for life.“

“We were visiting from out of town and ran across this restaurant. The food is so unique and made with the freshest of ingredients! Staff was friendly and service was fast. Recommend highly.“

“There are not enough stars in the sky to give this place. Talk about creating fantastic dishes they make such wonderful flavor combinations. They use fresh ingredients it’s very evident in the high quality of food that they provide. The atmosphere is absolutely amazing and the vibes are indescribable. My waiter was Jimmy today I ordered the Halibut after I asked what it was 😂😂😂. He told me it was delicious and one of his favorite fish. The man was spot on it was absolutely amazing how every was seasoned and grilled to beyond perfection. My girlfriend ordered the Chicken Chesapeake it was an absolute hit.I don’t know which one was better but I’d love to have a serving of either one again anytime. Oysters were perfect this place has quickly become a huge place of interest. We both look forward to returning and I will suggest this amazing food to anyone. What great food and a great time.“

“So I went to blooms on a slow Saturday night. Inside is super nice, & I do love the vintage 70s aesthetic of it all. Idk if they take reservations, but I just walked in &. A hostess sat me down. The velvet couches are a nice touch, though they aren't the most comfortable IMO. It's small, can probably hold about 50 ppl total. But for it to be a slow night, the service was even slower, surprisingly. Getting my waiter's attention felt like the hunger games :( she served me and would disappear for 30 minutes. It took nearly another 30 minutes just to get the check after I asked. I'd go back, but I wouldn't get a table. I'd just stand at the bar, where the service seems quicker. My drinks were very good! On the pricey side but that's to be expected with cocktail bars these days.“

“It made me feel like home! 😍“

“I wasn't prepared for how outstanding the food was. Seriously. I ordered takeout and went with what the keywords were: Brussel sprouts and Cheesesteak. The portions were ample. The fries were hot and hearty, and the cheesesteak was delicious. Not messy but juicy- terrific toasted roll. BUT WAIT!!! The brussel sprouts were the best - THE. BEST.- I have ever tasted. They were roasted to perfection and they were solidly baked through! They retained every ounce of heat and were a solid treat as they were. OMG THE SAUCE! The spicy sauce on the sprouts were an explosion of taste. Phenomenal! First time there and I will be back.“

“This place is a must for all Poe lovers! Go for the love of Poe and stay for the atmosphere, wonderful staff, and delicious food. We will be back ASAP ❤️“

“Great bartender Zack with crazy skills on cocktails.“

“My 60th surprise dinner was held here and it was festive and the waitstaff and food were amazing!“

“This is a great space for private parties, with a separate area in the private lounge with pool and ping pong tables. Savannah was wonderful, handling orders from multiple people while making sure food ended up on one tab and drinks on another, and frequently checking in with us despite a busy bar. Everyone enjoyed the food and drinks, and if I was local to Baltimore, it would definitely be a regular meet-up spot for me!“

“Enjoyed dinner at the bar earlier tonight at Chilango’s. Delicious Jalapeño Margarita. The shrimp on on bruschetta were also amazing. Just moved into the neighborhood and will be back to try some more menu items.“

“Everything from the ambiance, the decor, to the immaculate cocktails, and entrees. They are truly a culinary experience, right in my small quaint neighborhood. Feel so lucky to be so close to them and to share the neighborhood space.“

“I had the watermelon salad and the cajun lobster bites. Absolutely delish! Full of flavor. The sangria was good too! 10/10!“

“great location and cool atmosphere..great food and a good local bar bartender Hallie is as nice as they come..I used to go to that spot before it's changed to Papis and I hope that they can make it work and appreciate the local support that really loves the vibe of old skool fells point local love of their faithful patrons who continue to support yall..“

“This place is so cozy and adorable. The food was truly so tasty. The tendies and fries were clearly much more elevated than your standard pub version. Great mocktails too! Friendly service and a really fun idea to be able to buy art to do at a bar. A Baltimore must go!“

“Amazing staff the food was to die for 10/10 recommend!!! The service was so good and on top of everything. I can’t wait to go back.“

“Octobar is one of my favorite spots in Federal Hill! Not only for its incredible food and drink selection, but for its truly outstanding service. I had to plan a last-minute going-away party, and Octavio made the entire process completely seamless. He handled every detail, from arranging the bartender to creating a custom drink menu featuring our favorite cocktails, and even made it easy for everyone to pay their tabs individually. The experience was truly one of a kind. I highly recommend booking Octobar whether you’re planning a night out for dinner and drinks or hosting a special gathering.“

“Locals Only serves some of the best pizza in and around Baltimore—truly top-tier. The pies are consistently excellent, especially when you dine in, and even for takeout they hold up well if you ask for a crispier crust. The Brussels sprout Caesar is another standout, even if it can run a little heavy on the dressing. And for happy hour, the prices are almost unbeatable for the quality you’re getting.

Our experience is really centered on the early evening, and that’s where things feel a bit different from the late-night buzz the place is known for. During happy hour it’s usually surprisingly quiet, which makes it easy to grab a table but also feels unexpected given how popular the restaurant becomes later. The “Locals Only” concept is clever, but despite visiting pretty regularly around that time, we don’t quite feel recognized as locals—something that could make the theme feel more meaningful. The music can also be louder than you’d expect for 5–6pm. Still, even with those quirks, we keep coming back for one very simple reason: the food is excellent.“

“I recommend Limoncello Baltimore for delicious food and nice atmosphere! Baltimore is known for its restaurants and Limoncello demonstrates great quality and excellent service.“