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 had the wonderful experience of having dinner last evening celebrating our son’s graduation! The food was outstanding! We had appetizers, drinks, NY Strip, dessert and cannot express how delicious everything was! The service was excellent! Brittani S. was awesome, personable and checked on us frequently making sure we had everything we needed! The atmosphere was great too! Definitely will go back again when visiting Baltimore! Thank you for a memorable evening!“

“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“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“Fun times and great service.“

“One of my absolute favorites in Baltimore City; your experience starts as you enter a uniquely decorated space- covered in plants and coziness! High ceiling - open space - big windows, yet simple decor transforms you into a different kind of county!

Delicious, creative, beautiful- must try ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Cute little spot with a few outdoor seating tables outside. The drinks were AMAZING!!!! The ambiance is sexy. It's dark, small, with a nice touch of music. I had about 4 drinks. They did not get me tipsy at all. They tasted delicious. I tried 4 different drinks. I will be going back again. I went on a Saturday evening.“

“Went for the first time with a coworker for lunch and he suggested the jambalaya, we got there just as they opened so no one else was there besides us. He got the chicken jambalaya and I got the seafood and let me tell you it was AMAZING!! It was way too much for lunch I felt like I needed a nap after eating all that but man it was fantastic. The shrimp mussels and catfish were cooked and seasoned perfectly and the rice delicious I couldn't wait to take the next bite. Will definitely be going back and taking others with me to experience this place. The price is exactly what you should expect for this quality and type of food, it was delicious and the service was fantastic so yeah you pay for that this isn't your local Dennys thank God. I love finding places like this then sharing with others so glad my coworker shared it with me.“

“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!“

“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“

“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“

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

“I dream about the honey sriracha cauliflower wings. Love Maggie’s!“

“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!!!!!“

“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.“

“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 food at Heritage Smokehouse is delicious. We got the brisket and it was done right and the sides were very tasty. The great vibe and service was icing on the cake. I highly recommend! 🍽️😊“

“This place is fire. We loved our time at this place, and we were able to try a number of different drinks on the menu. And boy were they good. Every drink hit right, and the basket of fries was well portioned and delicious. We will DEFINITELY be back.“

“It made for a lovely date night with my wife, who fortunately made reservations in advance. The cocktails are creative and tasty. Our server danced to the jazz band. At first it feels crowded because you're seated so close to other folks, but very quickly it feels like you're in your own cocoon. Highly recommend.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“It made me feel like home! 😍“

“Food was good if you need something really greasy. It was actually tasty but started worrying about my health halfway through the meal, lol. Had what seemed to be some locals getting drunk and having a good time. Not terrible but expensive for an around-the-way bar.“

“absolutely everything food is delicious👌🏼 drinks fron bar are the best❤ service excelent. beatifull place🤩“

“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..“

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

“I rate all restaurants based on how they compare to similar places. This is basically a dive bar vibe with elevated food. Service was great, cocktails were well made and creative and the food was outstanding and varied. We will be back... I suspect regularly! Bonus... Prices a very reasonable. Most craft cocktails are $12-14. The food was also a good value.
Service: 5 nothing fancy... Just efficient and friendly.
Food: 5 Great quality, creative choices. Fantastic 'bar food'.
Atmosphere: 4.5 Clean, comfortable and a great vibe.
Price: 5... Great value. The kind of place that makes you forget about Cross Street (Atlas) and other more expensive places.

Stongle recommend!“

“Hospitality is alive and well at Meander Art Bar. The cocktails are impeccable, and the food is delicious. But the shining star is the bartender, Maggie, who not only remembered us after several days between visits but also remember our cocktail orders from the previous visit. The art bar concept is also super creative and fun. If I could put this bar in my pocket and take it back to where I live, I'd do it in a second. It's unpretentious and the perfect neighborhood haunt. Oh, and try the umami cocktail ftw.“

“premiere dining experience with delicious food, cocktails, and a very welcoming and knowledgeable staff!! Will definitely be back!“

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

“I visited Judy's Island off the recommendation of @A.I Brown. The restaurant had a nice vibe, the staff was very pleasant and accommodating, and the food was good!! I had the jerk chicken and my husband had jerk lambchops. Both were good...and we would visit again!“

“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.“