20 Best Dive Bars near Essex

Green Parrot Tavern Dive Bar • $
2101 Middleborough Road, Essex

“After leaving LoonAsea we ended up here cause the guys wanted to play pool and this was the spot we were told about. The guy played pool and us ladies was drinking and all time was had. Nothing but Goo Vibes and the service was on point Thanks to Chey for putting up with us great conversation fun and laughter and our barmaid Amanda she rocks!!! Thanks you both for making our visit one to remember!! We will definitely be back!!“

4.4 Superb17 Reviews
The Dive Bar • $$
3123 Elliott Street, Baltimore - 5.58 miles

Customers` Favorites

Fried Eggplant and Sausage Pizza
French Onion Disco Fries
Fried Bologna Sandwich
Double Pepperoni Pie
Fried Chickpeas
Cheesesteak Sub
Pepperoni Pizza
Crispy Chickpeas
Ice Cream Twist
Hot Dog Special

“The is a true local gem. The bar is decorated in a 1970’s theme. They offer old timey beers like Stroh’s and Schaefer as well as inventive cocktails. The menu consists of unique pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Their wings are tender, tasty and delicious. The bar has a pub like quality and the clientele is friendly and welcoming. The Dive is a wonderful new addition to the neighborhood“

4.8 Superb114 Reviews
Duda's Tavern Dive Bar • $$
1600 Thames Street, Baltimore - 6.7 miles

Customers` Favorites

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tenders
Crab Cake and Potato Salad
Bay Pilot Seafood Medley
Steak and Baked Potato
Sweet Potato Fries
Crab Cake Sandwich
Maryland Crab Cakes
Crab Cake Platter
Wings and Fries
P E I Mussels

“We were just walking around trying to find somewhere to eat and almost walked right past Duda’s. Honestly, it’s a little hard to tell it’s even a restaurant from the outside, but something caught my eye and I’m really glad it did. We went in and I ended up having one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I can’t even fully explain it — it was just a burger, but somehow it wasn’t just a burger, you know? Everything about it was perfect. My friend ordered the crab cake, and I could tell just by looking at him that he was in heaven. He said it was the best crab he’s ever had. Cool little spot, great food, and one of those places you’re really glad you didn’t walk past. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town.“

4.5 Superb243 Reviews
The Horse You Came In On Saloon Pubs • $
1626 Thames Street, Baltimore - 6.66 miles

Customers` Favorites

Crab Stuffed Pretzel
Chesapeake Nachos
Twenty Wings
Chicken Wings
Fish Tacos
Chips
Fries

“Joe made our visit to The Horse You Came In On Saloon unforgettable. From the moment we walked in, he treated us like regulars instead of first-time visitors. His genuine hospitality, friendly personality, and incredible attention to detail created an experience that went far beyond great service.

Joe has a rare ability to make every guest feel welcome while effortlessly managing everything around him. He was knowledgeable about the bar’s rich history, made excellent recommendations, and always checked in to make sure we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. His positive attitude and enthusiasm were contagious and truly elevated our entire experience.

In an industry where exceptional customer service can be hard to find, Joe sets the standard. He is a tremendous asset to The Horse You Came In On Saloon and a big reason we’ll be coming back anytime we’re in Baltimore. If you’re lucky enough to have Joe taking care of you, you’re in for an outstanding experience.

Thank you, Joe, for your professionalism, kindness, and world-class hospitality. You turned a stop at a historic bar into one of the highlights of our trip. Five stars isn’t enough!“

4.5 Superb218 Reviews
Oliver Beach Inn Bar • $
12948 Eastern Avenue, Middle River - 7.56 miles

Customers` Favorites

Loaded Fries with Cheese & Bacon
Grilled Cheese with Chips
Kid's Cheese Pizza
Traditional Wings
Loaded Nachos
Chicken Wings
Cheese Steak
Onion Rings

“Stopped in for some drinks ended up having dinner food. Great service, food came out hot and fresh. Was very surprised. Really enjoyed ourselves.“

4.7 Superb57 Reviews
Spirits Tavern Bar • $
1901 Bank Street, Baltimore - 6.35 miles

Customers` Favorites

1 0ff Tacos

“Spirits Tavern has exactly the kind of dive bar vibe that feels real, welcoming, and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where everyone can feel at home, and the atmosphere reflects that in the best way.
A huge shoutout to Meredith—she’s the most solid bartender around. She pours a strong shot, knows the neighborhood, and always seems to know exactly what regulars and newcomers want without missing a beat.

Also, since John got involved over the past few years, everything has noticeably run smoother. He makes a point to check in with customers, making sure everyone is having a good time, and it really shows in how well the place is managed.

What stands out most is how the bar truly reflects what a dive bar should be—welcoming to everyone, no matter background, race, or social class. They don’t tolerate any nonsense, and that balance of inclusivity and respect is what makes it work so well.
Overall, the whole team is great, the energy is always right, and it’s one of those rare spots that consistently gets it exactly right.“

4.5 Superb80 Reviews
Kenny B's Blue Marlin Dive Bar • $
118 Williams Avenue, Dundalk - 3.84 miles

“I love it here .wouldn’t trade this place for the world of it.“

4.7 Superb30 Reviews
The Drinkery Gay Bar • $$
205 West Read Street, Baltimore - 7.7 miles

Customers` Favorites

Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini

“Best bar in bmore.....Hey Tim...Jerome“

4.3 Superb85 Reviews
The Depot Bar • $$
1728 North Charles Street, Baltimore - 7.58 miles

“I have known the owner my entire life! Margaret is an upstanding woman dedicated to the diverse clientele of Baltimore City by various music genres, great service and a warm and inviting atmosphere! Her business has stood the test of time nearing almost 30 years in business!“

4.5 Superb32 Reviews
Idle Hour Bar • $
201 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore - 7.65 miles

“OK this is the bar and only a bar no food is served. It is completely retro from the gold tinsel hanging on the walls to the hanging red light strands, the disco balls, a front door covered in stickers, the vintage widows and bar and even vinyl night. The hanging speakers provide amazing music acoustics and the tasty cocktails and miller highlife 😆and bar seating add to the amazing vibe. Absolutely A MUST!“

4.3 Superb55 Reviews
Duke's Tavern Bar • $
1700 Furnace Drive, Glen Burnie - 10.54 miles

“One of the best dive bars in Glen Burnie!“

4.4 Superb27 Reviews
Venice Tavern, Highlandtown Bar • $
339 South Conkling Street, Baltimore - 5.14 miles

“Venice Tavern is absolutely the best dive bar in Baltimore ��“

4.6 Superb15 Reviews
O'Donnell's Pub & Grille Irish Pub • $$
531 South Potomac Street, Baltimore - 5.56 miles

Customers` Favorites

Mozzarella Sticks
Drinks and Wings
Grilled Chicken
Steak Sub

“One of my favorite spots in Canton. Great local bar with amazing food !“

4.6 Superb14 Reviews
JERRY´S BELVEDERE TAVERN Bar • $
Howil Terrace, Baltimore - 8.2 miles

“I never been but I heard it's very nice there the food is awesome I will be ther“

4.3 Superb21 Reviews
Dick's Famous Halfway Inn Bar • $$
8013 Philadelphia Road, Rosedale - 2.25 miles

“Good service good music good“

4.1 Good78 Reviews
Muir's tavern Bar • $
36 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore - 7.77 miles

“One of the friendliest dive/neighbor hood bars on Federal Hill! We were just visiting and they treated us like family. Stop in if you're in Baltimore.“

4.3 Superb11 Reviews
Club Charles Bar • $
1724 North Charles Street, Baltimore - 7.58 miles

“A Knockout Blonde Bombshell Bartender who is also an aspiring actress and looks like a young Greta Garbo, sultry decor that looks straight out of the Roadhouse from David Lynch's Twin Peaks, the knowledge that filmmaker John Waters could pop in at any moment and saddle up to the bar and order a glass of white wine as he is known to do on occasion, plenty of Cheap Stiff Drinks...What more could you ask for in a Dive Bar? This place is enough to make you think you've died and gone to Dive Bar Heaven!“

3.9 Good41 Reviews
Harford House Bar • $
7509 Harford Road, Baltimore - 5.68 miles

Customers` Favorites

Chicken & Dumpling Soup
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Chicken Saladasst
Crab Cake Platter
Seafood Alfredo
Meatloaf Dinner
Lasagna

“haven't been there for quite a while but when I used to go which was not that long ago I enjoyed it a lot it's a small quaint bar with you can have machines you can have darts you can and it's fun fun nice people they only have a small menu but the hot dogs are good homemade soups which are delicious“

3.8 Good14 Reviews
21 Bar and Grill Bar • $
4912 Hazelwood Avenue, Baltimore - 3.59 miles

Customers` Favorites

Nyama Choma Roasted Goat Meat

“Best Kenyan Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat) on the east coast hands down. So we all love a good hole in the wall eatery and thats definitely the vibe here. Covid killed the traffic into this place but that's fine cuz there's less of a wait. THE FOOD IS AMAZING!!! Simple menu but sooo good. The ambiance is lacking but my eyes were closed as I capture the flavour of the food in every bite so it didn't matter. I meet the owner and he was so nice, inviting and extremely accommodating. Take away is also always an option. If your contemplating getting food from here just stop reading reviews and place your order now, then thank me later. This man knows his craft. Things to remember: at the moment its cash only and since your getting real authentic african style grilled meat there will be a wait but it will be worth every second. Your Welcome.“

3.8 Good32 Reviews
Tavern on the Hill Bar • $
520 Middle River Road, Middle River - 2.58 miles

“It's family..a home away from home for me.. I feel safe and relaxed! � And the barmaids (Tammy and Stacey) are just absolutely the best! I LOOOOOOVE THIS BARRRR!“

3.6 Good23 Reviews