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!“

“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.“

“Good peoples :) Great location.“

“The food is very good, but It is a little pricey. I am disappointed to find out yesterday that they no longer have the French dip grilled cheese sandwich on their menu. Why not??“

“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“

“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!“

“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“

“Best vibe in the City every Saturday!“

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

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

“Absolutely delicious chicken. Top stuff!“

“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.“

“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“

“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“

“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 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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“It made me feel like home! 😍“

“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“

“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!“

“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..“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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“

“Excellent food, excellent service 8-10“

“2 clearly labeled vegan options on the menu. I went with the Vegan Hash which was good but felt like something was missing and also felt better suited as a side dish to share not a main entree. If I came back I’d try the vegan pancakes. Good place if eating with non vegans. Updated from previous review on 2026-04-07“

“The Four Seasons did an exceptional job with transforming their splash pool bar and grill. They had very well decorated sheds, including throws which made it look very cozy. In the sheds you can indulge in a prix fixe (pre-fixed) 4 course meal. Just above the pool bar and grill is a skating rink. They offer marshmallows, coco, music, fire pits and a fireplace. Not to mention, you get the best views of Baltimore's adjacent Harbor. Unfortunately, I did not make reservations via Open Table in advance so I was not able to indulge in the festivities or have the full experience with a meal. With that said, I will definitely try to visit again soon and maybe take the children. I would strongly recommend checking this seasonal offering out and book in advance because the slots fills up fast.“

“Excellent service with great tasting food“