This bar has a vibe that is unlike any other place in the area. It's a little off the beaten path,…read morea few blocks from the Avenue, so it gets a lot of locals and a lot of regulars. It's a mix of old school dive bar and upscale cocktail bar. Like, you can get a Boh here, but you can also get a $16 craft cocktail that will rival anything you can buy at more classic cocktail lounge or speakeasy. It is small, so you will be forced to get to know your neighbors at the bar. They will undoubtedly be cool, though, because this place attracts a fun crowd. The only downside, really, is that it is so dark inside I can never read the menu, which is written in colored marker on the mirror behind the bar.

It has been a minute since I've been to Melanie's at Griffiths and this is the most iconic dive bar…read morein Hamden. The friendliness here is something to be desired. I did go on a Monday night, but the bartender was extremely off putting, and just gave off really negative energy but the service itself wasn't horrible. She just was kind of mean. That's said the cocktails here are stupidly good. The old-fashioned here used to be $10 but now it's $14 but it's still so excellent and worth it. It rivals cocktails of really good places and unexpected for this divey place. There is no food, but they do have chips that they sell that are clothpinned along the door and the plantain chips were really delicious. The lighting is really really low towards the back end of the bar, but to the front where they have the TV there's always something interesting. This is a must visit for anyone that is local or visiting, and hopefully the staff is friendlier this time.

Mount Washington Tavern is tucked in an adorable set of streets in Mount Washington and the…read moreinterior totally matches the vibe! Very well laid out and decorated, while definitely busy there is plenty of space to spread out upstairs and downstairs. Our server Jaylin was very attentive even when there was a large party in the same room and things were clearly hectic. We definitely appreciated the service even more seeing how busy of a night it was! The crab dip was a crowd pleaser at the table and my pasta was also delicious and filling.

My friend pointed out a mouse that was in the dining area. We immediately left after that…read more.. If the above didn't happen, I would have only given them 2 or 3 stars anyway. The price is not worth the money. The MD crab soup had a spicy kick to it. So I didn't care for it, but my friend liked it better than the cream of crab soup. The crab cake had too much filler in it, but the taste was okay, could've used more seasoning... The fries were alright. The honey mustard sauce was good (tasted store bought). My friend said his meal was okay, but felt like the steak tasted more like a roast beef and he didn't like the sauce. He said the mashed potatoes were good, but didn't taste homemade. To me, the mashed potatoes looked homemade, but I didn't taste it due to a food allergy limitation. He didn't like the coleslaw. The service was good. The inside looked clean, but the mouse situation destroyed any clean thoughts.

Rocket to Venus has decent, casual American bar faire with some twists, at a good value for the…read moreneighborhood. I got the Korean burger, a cheeseburger with kimchi, and my date opted for the bánh mì sandwich with blackened catfish. Both were pretty good, but I felt like there could definitely have been a bit more zest to the Korean burger, as the kimchi on its own, didn't quite stand up to the burger and bun to give it a particularly unique or distinct flavor. I'll give a light recommendation to give it a try, but didn't feel like it was something out of this world. Between the two items we ordered, I would definitely recommend the bánh mì. The menu offers a number of vegan and vegetarian options, if that's your thing, and the beer and cocktail list was fairly impressive, with a good number of ales on top, and a much broader selection of cans and bottles. The cocktail list looked interesting, with a number of staples, but I didn't delve in for a try. The service model is ordered at the bar, with food brought out later. I was rather surprised that the default tips when I cashed out were 2025 and 30%, given that there aren't really servers in the traditional sense, and it's close to a serve yourself type establishment. Not that this plays a huge role in my overall view, but when I see exorbitant suggested tips at places with minimal service, it's not something that leaves me impressed.

This was a hidden gem I never knew about! So, this all started because I decided to convince my…read morefriends to go on a made-up bar crawl! I won't tell y'all the name, so you won't take it lol. Anyway, this ended up being the first stop. First we saw Baltimore news legend Marty Bass ( we did not bother him, but still cool to see). We ordered lemon drops, old fashions and jack and ginger, which were all made to perfection. The pretzle was so good, I want another one as I type. I appreciate the staff encouraging my made up Bar crawl and giving me other recommendations to add to out adventure! Definetly going back cause I hear they have a great brunch!

My family and I have been frequenting this establishment for he past 30 years. I am by myself in…read morethis world now and decided to revisit an old favorite last night. It was 1/2 price burger night. I was not impressed with the service or the ability to make a mixed drink by the staff. I requested a Manhattan and was told that none knows how to make that. Then I received the wrong order, it was not the burger I ordered and the side of fries were not served. The place was not very busy, so I don't understand the confusion. While I was waiting, I decided to play the jukebox, but there was no music to be heard. When I asked the bartender, he said "OH" I need to turn the volume up, so I was out a dollar that I plugging in for a song. No refund, no "I'm Sorry" nothing. This place has gone to Hell and I won't be returning. It's a shame to lose what was a great neighborhood hangout. It's now just a place on the strip. I won't be returning....

How does a person describe Fraziers? It's like describing water or America. Both simple and super…read morecomplex. Fraziers is a Hampden institution. Do you wanna drink cheap beer? Play pool? Eat a cheesesteak? Mingle with literally everyone in the neighborhood all at once? Fraziers is your place. They are open all the time. Yes, even when there are12 inches of snow on the ground. That is actually the best time to come. You can watch a game here. You can dance on the Holiday Inn ballroom 1987 carpet here. You can chat with people you've passed 100 times on the street but never introduced yourself to. While the alcohol is cheap, especially for the neighborhood these days, the food is surprisingly good AF. This is a dive bar. Like a "think twice before using the bathroom" kind of dive bar (late at night). But the food is really good. Super solid cheesesteak and burger, awesome fries. The bartenders are great. They are not always friendly, but they are helpful, and will jam a pool stick up the pool table repeatedly and with great enthusiasm if you're missing a cue ball. If you haven't been here yet, you should come. You're not a Baltimoron yet if you haven't made at least one bad decision here.

great old school bar in neighborhood.updated.just drinks and locals hangin' out.special events…read moreupstairs @ the "Lou Costello"room are unique to the area.darts,live bands,karaoke and djs' make for a nice relaxed scene.no food,get some carry out or have it delivered.

3.5 Decent dive bar…read more I've been upstairs for comedy shows and downstairs at the bar for drinks. I don't recall having food here, but wish the beer selection was better. Bartender was cool tho, good customer service.

Looking for a no frills, laid back spot--here it is. Nothing fancy, chills local bar. Bring a…read morejacket though, because in the summer, the air is BLASTING! The food is good and reasonably priced. My fries are always fresh and hot. They usually aren't too too busy but outside tables are hard to come by--the smoker crowd takes these up fast.

In my opinion, management are racist. Staff are great. Ordered a pint of Guinness...it was served…read morein a Coca-Cola glass...at a Pint price. Mixed emotions. Will avoid patronage as much as possible.

The absolutely, positively best ribs, and BBQ. Definitely going back to try even more…read more Extensive whisky bar for those who indulge. Service is great and servers knowledgeable so their recommendations are most welcome!

I was really excited to try Blue Pit BBQ after seeing it named Maryland's 2026 Best BBQ Joint, but…read moremy experience was super disappointing. Service was friendly and welcoming upon walk-in, but that was the best part of our experience. The food sadly did not match the reputation. EVERYTHING came out lukewarm, the brisket was overcooked and dry, cornbread was burnt and hard, greens had no seasoning, and the baked beans were overwhelmingly vinegary. The bratwurst was underwhelming with no real snap, and even the B-side drink was way too sour. The mac & cheese and coffee BBQ sauce were the only good items of our entire meal. I really hope the kitchen staff was having an uncommon off-day, because this visit didn't reflect the recognition at all. Our meal was a compete letdown, so I hope they improve for future diners soon. PS - There is an upstairs and a downstairs, but if you sit upstairs, you have to order your food downstairs - they do bring the food up to you though.

Woodberry Kitchen is such a great spot. The restaurant is beautiful, the service was outstanding,…read moreand the food really tasted like farm-to-table cooking. Everything felt fresh and homemade, but in that "someone actually knows how to cook" kind of way. I got the burger and it was simple but really well made. The table favorite was the fish dip, which disappeared pretty quickly. There's a 20% service charge included, and it's not gratuity, but honestly the experience was good enough that I didn't mind it at all. The restaurant is pretty small, so definitely make a reservation. The outdoor patio also looks like an awesome spot on a nice fall day. Their menu changes seasonally, so I'm already looking forward to coming back for dinner and seeing what they have next.

This is for their brunch experience! Woodberry Kitchen is one of those places where the whole…read moreexperience is 10/10! The restaurant is beautiful and cozy, and I loved how much the menu leaned into seasonal, local ingredients. I ordered the pork schnitzel from the specials menu, and it was delicious, but the surprise favorite for me was the pastry, the blueberry muffin. It tasted so fresh and homemade in the BEST possible way. We also brought our well-behaved 2.5-year-old, and they were so sweet and welcoming with her. They had a kids menu and even gave her crayons to keep her busy, which made us feel comfortable dining there as a family. Next time, I'll be back for dinner!

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.

This local speakeasy has quickly moved its way to the top of my list…read more I love the ease of parking, safe neighborhood, and spacious speakeasy space. Always great service by bar manager Charlie, fantastic food and beverage menu and options. My favs so far are the grilled wings and chicken tortilla soup. The drinks are pretty awesome, and Charlie the Great can alter beverages to your preference if you prefer. This is an overall mezcal bar, but they have other libations as well. My fav is John Updike's Old Fashioned. My son ordered and loved the Strawberry Gin & Tonic. This establishment is a great conversation starter, and I look forward to returning asap.