Clandestino has grown up, literally. What began as a small operation in Frederick has moved into a…read morelarger space, and the expansion suits them well. This is Puerto Rican pitorro, also known as ron cañita, made with care and intention rather than gimmickry. Many local liquor stores now carry the brand, and it is well worth picking up a bottle, but visiting the distillery is an experience in itself. The founder is a fellow Puerto Rican born retired military member, a background I share, and like me, he has put down roots in Maryland. That story is reflected clearly in the brand's own framing, "Puerto Rican born, Maryland made." The space feels grounded and unpretentious, and that sensibility carries through to the hospitality. We arrived late on a Saturday and were still welcomed warmly, never rushed. We were taken care of by the founder's daughter, who was exceptionally kind, attentive, and knowledgeable. She guided us through a flight that included the traditional pitorro, almond, pineapple, coffee, coconut chai, and several seasonal offerings. The flavors were thoughtful and well balanced; even the infused expressions retained a clear rum backbone rather than drifting into novelty. We enjoyed them enough to leave with several bottles. This is artisanal pitorro done right, rooted in Puerto Rican tradition and confidently made in Maryland. Buying it locally is convenient, but going to the distillery is where the people, the story, and the spirit fully come together.

The Clandestino Speak Easy at Zen West is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 12pm. It's also…read moreavailable for events and private parties.

This is quite the place! The Ready Room is located inside of Old Line Distillery and as of this…read morewriting, open Fridays and Saturdays. Whether sitting at the bar or at their super comfy couches, it's very inviting to stay awhile. Drinks - Old Line specializes in two spirits: rum and whiskey. Don't be fooled; they have varieties of those two options in terms of aging and blending process for a grand total of five products. When I went, $15 got us a flight of every spirit they produce - and they don't skimp! I thought it would be a little 1/2 oz tasting, but this was just shy of a full shot each, so I ended up sharing with my companions. Speaking of flights, they also offer flights by style. For example, if you are more of a rum person, they have a flight of their rums as well as some from other local distilleries. Ditto for the whiskeys. A nice touch promoting competitors in the spirit of... well, spirits! The cocktails were great. I got a daiquiri - a proper daiquiri with lime and rum. Not to hate on a spiked strawberry smoothie, but this is the OG daiquiri (and the better one, IMHO). I also split the Liberty Risk, made with their Navy Strength cask rum, with my companions. They limit you to one because it is STRONG. Suffice it to say I ended up staying a little longer than originally planned. Overall, they have six regular cocktails and one or two specials. They also offer a couple of local beers on tap, but we came for the spirits. If you enjoyed the cocktails, they sell the Old Line spirits as well as some bar tools so you can try your hand at home. The prices aren't too bad for what it is and service is fast and friendly. I look forward to coming back!

I absolutely love old line and I love the space they created here. I really enjoy all of their…read morespirits and they've done a great job at putting together really well balanced cocktails. The cocktail bar has a good mix of tables and lounge areas along with a really cute outdoor space where they occasionally have live music and food trucks. If your looking for an off the beat place to grab a drink with friends add this to your list.

Recently visited for a friends bday outing…read more While here I had the mini crabcakes and a few drinks. The crabcakes were good. Ample fresh crabmeat in every bite. The sauce had a delightful kick to it. To wash it down I had a glass of Rose and the Nightswimming drink. Both drinks were good. Adequately boozy. The vibe of Bloom is very chill and intimate. The decor is a plush dark velvet. Service was good. I'd definitely visit again.

This dark and moody little spot off the lobby of my hotel was the perfect place to stop for my…read morefirst cocktail in Baltimore and to enjoy a bevvy before heading out for dinner. The vibe here definitely gives 1970s, and the small, intimate space would be the perfect spot for a date night or ladies night. Since I was solo, I sat at the bar and ordered a delish Ocha Kudabai from their newly-released spring cocktail menu. I also had fun talking to the bartender, who was knowledgeable about literally ALL things Baltimore (and made a mean drink as well). Highly recommend not skipping this place if you're staying at (or near) Hotel Ulysses.

Stumbled across this establishment on a late night adventure. Was greeted and seated promptly upon…read moreentering. Order the the Fools goal and enjoyed the environment. There is a dark candle lit ambiance. I could actually hold a conversation with others cause the music wasnt too loud. I absolutely loved that. Definitely going back and trying a dish or 2 next time.

It's a cool spot. It was a little hidden like most Speakeasy's which I love. When we entered it had…read morea cool dark but calming vibe and they weren't too busy. We had a party of 7 and we pretty much had our pick of where to sit. The waitress was talking really fast and low and we kept having to ask her to repeat herself. She never slowed down OR spoke louder. Once she had our drink orders, they didn't take long to come out. I ordered the "AKA" it was tequila based and was pretty good. Everyone was pretty happy with their drinks. This is when the night turned. 4 of the 7 of us wanted to leave and head elsewhere, the waitress made ALL 7 of us pay even though the others wanted to stay and order more. She would not budge on this and seemed pretty nonchalant about it. .. all in all. Glad we found it but won't be back.

I have been on the hunt for my "cheers" and the hunt started here. I went one night with friends…read moreand grabbed seats at the bar. This place is so cozy and surprisingly easy to park. The vibes are right and the bartenders were nice and chatty, the only reason this place isnt "my" place and doesn't get 5 stars is because they dont make a very good dirty martini and thats like base level. I asked for it extra dirty and I could barely taste the olive brine, I actually had to have him pour more in front of me lol. Also service was a little slow. So for grabbing a quick drink with the girls sure, but staying as a regular nah.

After having this place on my list for a few months, I finally stopped in -- and it was worth the…read morewait! The interior is absolutely beautiful, cozy, intimate and welcoming, with a wide variety of drinks to choose from. The service was quick and friendly; the staff took the time to explain the drink menu and made sure our waters were always refreshed, all without ever making us feel rushed. This spot would be perfect for a date night or a fun evening out with friends.

Such a cute and unassuming spot in Remington. After dinner at Clavel, we walked down the street to…read moreWC Harlan for another cocktail. The lighting is pretty dark, but that's the vibe of the place! We had an Old Fashioned, which was great. The service was ok, we went to the bar to get our drinks and brought them back to the table. Overall, good experience and would return!

A handful of bars put on the "speakeasy" hat, but beyond the obligatory "secret door," I haven't…read morefound one that better embodies the full vibe than WC Harlan. The bartenders make artisanal cocktails from scratch ingredients, and with some other obscure liquors they can take you down a journey of dark, broody flavors; light, old-fashioned fruity twists on classics, autism, genuinely peculiar, but delicious inventions. The inside is wonderfully blacked out aside from the candlelight that makes for the perfect after dinner drink on night out with someone special, or presumably talking over a long week at work.

We celebrated my daughter's graduation here with a group of 7, and had an amazing meal. Between us…read moreall we had the brussel sprouts and crab dip appetizers, the filet, burgers, duck, crab cakes, Syrian platter, and bread pudding and it was all fabulous! Wine and cocktails were good too, and the environment and service were also excellent. Highly recommend!

Fast forward several years and Maggie's Farm is one of my favorite restaurants--for dinner. I still…read morethink they don't measure up on the brunch front but I'm not a frequent bruncher these days anyway. Their dinner and drinks options are excellent. I'm obsessed with the duck entree, served with a delicious risotto, roasted carrots and goat cheese balls...it's one of my favorite duck dishes in the city, but everything I've tried, both app and entrees, are delicious. There's a server who's been a little surly since I dummy love that but overall, service is fine, cocktails are curated well (and they're happy to suggest something you'd like or make something up, which I love) and it's cozy and a good visit. Check them out!

The service was nice, the bartender served me, he was a absolute sweetheart, the Ambiance was…read morelovely, felt like I was sitting in a tavern I can only imagine how cozy it is on a Saturday/Friday night! And the food was great!! I tore up the brussel sprouts I recommend them, ALittle salty but I still tore it up! 10/10 would come back, lemonade has free refills!

Elias was seemingly the only one working and he took great care of us even with a full bar! The…read moreplace was packed. Apparently it was a member party that trickled over into the public space. Even though we had made a reservation, there wasn't a hostess to greet us and confirm it once we arrived. Elias came from behind the bar, cleared a table, and seated us. The drinks were spirit forward which we both love and balanced. I didn't look at the menu beforehand so I just assumed bar fare. Was surprised to find crabcakes and salmon on the menu. Both were yummy but the brussel sprouts stole the show!

Loveee the vibe, the atmosphere and the food/drinks!!! I'm so glad I found this bar. The got good…read morehappy hour deals and I really love their crab eggrolls, wings, and cheeseburger were really good. Great staff too!

I stopped by The Den on 11/26 (trying to sneak in a little alone time--needed a quick escape from…read morethe kitchen and family for a few minutes), but the visit turned out to be pretty disappointing. I don't drink, and in the past Mike has always taken great care of me and understood that. This was my first time dealing with the other bartenders, and unfortunately, it didn't go well. When I sat at a table and tried to order, the bartender wouldn't make eye contact and never came back after I mentioned that I don't drink. He focused on everyone else around me instead. I moved to the bar hoping things would improve, but it was more of the same--being looked past and ignored. The kindest moment of the night actually came from the chef, who brought my cauliflower bites out himself, still piping hot. He confirmed they were mine, smiled, set them down, and headed back to the kitchen. I had ordered buffalo bites, but they came out plain, and it took some effort to get the bartender's attention just to ask for the sauce--though once I had it, the bites were truly delicious. By then I was over it, especially as I watched him continue to cater to everyone else. I ate and waited for my bill. It was karaoke night, so I sang a few songs to pass the time, but still no check. Eventually, I managed to get the (still nameless) bartender to bring it, and I left. I've been here before and usually enjoy the place, but this visit wasn't great. I felt brushed off the whole time.

Love everything about this bar and area!…read more If you're worried about parking, don't be. There is street parking available and a parking lot across the street! This little corner of the city is definitely alive at night with multiple bars and restaurants so walking to and from your car feels safe and comfortable. Depending on what time you go to the Coral Wig, you might get a seat at the bar, you might get lucky enough for their adorable cozy tables or you might have to stand and wait. No matter, you'll be greeted with great service and delicious cocktails. Their drinks are fun and unique! Even the glassware is amazing. It is such a nice bar for a date night or girls night. Can't wait to go back to try more drinks.

Drinks: strong!! The coral wig sour was our groups favorite…read more Service: relatively fast. Ambiance: this place is always packed and pretty small. Get there early if you want a seat or be ready to stand. Also it's dark in here, like "hold the candle to the menu to see it" dark, which definitely contributes to the intimate vibe.