50 Best Cocktail Bars near Essex

“Never had anything bad. Best pizza bar none. Well managed by Jason.“

“We had a wonderful first visit to Charley’s! Our party of seven arrived around 4:30 without a reservation, but what appeared to be the manager quickly had a table cleaned and ready for us within five minutes. He was attentive and present throughout the restaurant, which was great to see. Our server was excellent, the food came out surprisingly fast, and the whole family loved the cozy, fun atmosphere—especially the arcade room. The plants and café lights are a nice touch too. We’re already looking forward to coming back!“

“Phenomenal place for a nightcap or an intimate drink before dinner. While I didn't have any food items, the quiet atmosphere and excellent drinks were enough to put this place on my go-to list for a good drink and a somber setting. The Service was impeccable and recommendations were appreciated. The live music was a good cherry on top.“

“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!“

“A great neighborhood gem! Easy and free parking. Food is delicious and expertly presented. The drinks are top shelf; you have to try the bourbon drinks...especially the "Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned". The ambiance is warm and inviting and the service is remarkable. Our favorite!“

“Justin was our server for Sunday Brunch. He was very attentive & friendly. The food was delicious & came out fast! We will definitely we back & be sure to ask for Justin!“

“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“

“Good peoples :) Great location.“

“Food was bomb and the service was on point“

“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!“

“Best vibe in the City every Saturday!“

“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!“

“Wonderful experience at Alma. Beautiful restaurant with beautiful dishes and plate ware. The ambiance was divine.

We got tequenos, cauliflower, and hamachi. That was the best hamachi I ever had. It was sweet, tart, and salty. The yellow tail melted in my mouth. The Arroz con Chipi-Chipi reminded me of Paella. The Bienmasabe desert was tasty. It was sponge cake, coconut ice cream and chewy jellies for texture. The punch like a lady cocktail was refreshing not too sweet. Something about having it on the rocks took it over.
We were well taken by our servers.“

“Pros: great happy hour deals $2 crab special Very big blue crabs Spice and seasoning is amazing Food was delicious Food comes out quickly. Decor is nice. Drinks are strong! Cons: Our server was brand new and didn't know the menu or policies well so that impacted our ability to order things (but once we figured things out, the food was fantastic) and her serving skills were mediocre at best. She kept asking if we wanted more to order despite seeing we hadn't finished our course (we ordered a lot of crabs). Then when we needed her she was nowhere to be found. She brought our check before we were close to done. Felt rushed even though she said no rush she came back 3 times to check if we put our cards down.“

“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!!!!!“

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

“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!“

“Had the chicken biryani. When I asked for extra spicy, they asked me if I was sure twice. That's when I knew I was at the right spot, and got excited. Bc I wasn't planning to eat here, just happened to walk by. And I walked away happy and satisfied with life.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Went on a Friday night and the drinks were bangin' and the staff very responsive. Never waited very long at rhe bar to order, and the drinks were well balanced with a diverse menu. Love this newer addition to the Clavel/WC Harlan family.“

“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“

“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.“

“Great food and great atmosphere. Thanks for tipping me off to this place Jtw Woods. I’ll return“

“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.“

“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. 💯💯🫡“

“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.“

“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!“

“Owners stand up against antisemitism.“

“Always good always hot always fresh i also love how neatly the crabs r placed in the bag an season is on time!!!!! Dave is always kind prices always great wish i could give 1000 stars keep up the great work Dave I appreciate u“

“Great bartender Zack with crazy skills on cocktails.“

“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!“

“Hey food was great. Just didn't like when I was trying to surprise my mother for her bday the waitress just didn't do the happy bday to my mom . I didn't ask her again because I was like I no she didn't forget . They take tip out even before on check so she get that in advance“

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

“It made me feel like home! 😍“

“Excellent food, excellent service 8-10“

“Cam at the bar was awesome! Food, atmosphere, service 12/10. You can tell the management makes it a warm environment to work in. It shows that the staff enjoys working there. Hands down the best brunch service I’ve ever had, I’ve been in the industry for 18 years and was wowed, inclusive of the food. Thank you Cam!“

“Heard great things from coworkers. Read the reviews and saw pics while on the way to fed hill and decided to stop by the first time during happy hour. The crushes were perfect and the brick oven pizza did not disappoint. Food and drinks came out fast and the decor and atmosphere was very chic and vibrant. Had to try some things to go as well. Will definitely be back, thank you. P.S. I ate the food as soon as it hit the table sorry no pics this time lol“

“I came here after dinner in Fells, and it was such a cool, swanky vibe—definitely not what I expected from a hotel bar in Baltimore!

Drinks were good and reasonably priced, but it did take a while to get our order in. We didn’t have to wait for a table (even on a busy weekend), which was a win for our group of four.

Great spot for a date night or hanging out with friends. Giving it a 3.5 but rounding up because the vibes were good.“

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

“This was my husband and I's first time at McFauls. We came for a late lunch and chose to eat at the outside bar. The menu, food and prices were all amazing! Our bartender, Jake was very personable and friendly and gave perfect service!!! Delicious drinks! Everything was above and beyond. There were so many delicious choices on the menu, we can't wait to come back to try more! We had the buffalo chicken wonton special, the Italian stallion sub special and I got the blackened Mahi Mahi tacos all 10/10.“

“I had an amazing time celebrating my birthday at LOS TOROS BAR I really appreciate every single detail that the people that work at this place did. All the food was delicious and the service was amazing I definitely recommend this place to anyone that wants to have fun or celebrate any kind of party. thanks a lot for everything you definitely filled my expectations. Love Los Toros Bar😎😎😎🤗“

“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.“

“We came here before a concert and everything was a 12/10 experience. I’m a bartender and I think I make a great margarita, the one I had here was amazing. My fiancé is very picky about his beers and loved what he got. We had cheesesteak egg rolls and burgers and were very impressed with everything.
Our server Christopher made our experience top tier. Cannot recommend this place enough!“

“My friend and I visited this lounge for the first time last month. It is a BEAUTIFUL lounge. A great atmosphere and gorgeous ambiance. The bartender was very nice. However, our experience could have been better for a couple reasons: First, a lot of the items on the food menu were unavailable! Maybe the lounge was waiting for a food inventory delivery? Who knows? My friend tried to order three food items off the menu, and for each item the bartender said “I have to check with the kitchen to see if we have it!” They didn’t have the three items. My friend settled for the steamed shrimp. 🤷🏾‍♀️ My second and last issue/complaint: We both ordered a delicious pink martini-style drink (I forgot the exact name). The drink was good but it was mainly juice/sugar/grenadine— it hardly had any alcohol. It tasted like we were drinking a really good pink lemonade beverage lol. I will give this lounge another chance and most likely several more chances because it’s near my house. They should just stop skimping on the alcohol and have most menu items in stock!“