We came here on a Friday night with a group of friends. We were slightly annoyed because we were put on a waiting list despite a couple of empty tables being available. Apparently our group wasn't large enough for the available empty tables, yet they gave it to others who came in after with only one person more. I digress. The wait was about 20 minutes, and the bar was full, with no place to sit or wait, we just sort of had to stand around awkwardly while servers worked around us. When we did get a seat, we all ordered drinks and some food. We ordered Lavender Fields of Kentucky, Fishing With Hemingway, and Whiskey Sours. All drinks were good-- the lavender really does have a hint of lavender, and it's not too overwhelming. The whiskey sours were *really* good. Hemingway wasn't really my thing, but I understand why people enjoy it. All of the drinks presentations were beautiful. We ordered Chicken and Waffles, a pulled pork sandwich, a brownie. The Chicken and Waffles were only okay, and really not worth what you pay. If you're looking for a killer Chicken and Waffle dish, I 100% recommend The Iron Rooster up the street. The chicken here was a little dry, the waffles weren't all that fluffy or savory, there was a small drizzle of a gravy-ish substance but not enough to truly quantify, and the syrup was okay. The Pulled Pork sandwich was GREAT. But it is slightly deceiving because it's on one slice of bread, open-face. It is topped with a good slaw. We opted for a +$2 side of Parmesan fries. Literally the best thing we stuffed in all of our gullets were these fries... We ordered an extra side... and could have ordered another. So delicious. I did not try the brownie. But it looked delicious and was gone in about 30 seconds flat. In fact, it was shared by a couple who bickered about not getting an equal amount... That good. All in all, a pleasant experience. I wish the location was bigger, but it is a great size for the vibe they're giving off all the same. The service was great (shoutout to Megan). This place is a bit pricey, but the drinks are worth it, and so is most of the food. read more

Husband loved the variety of bourbons and whiskeys to choose from. The Millionaire Mule was a fabulous cocktail!

I wanted to like this place. It has great decor and feels like a really cool whisky bar... but there were issues. First, It seems like the waitress who served us was suffering from a cold. After my wife and I ordered our food my wife got up to use the restroom and in the back hall she saw a RAT scurry into the kitchen, not only that but one of the employees also back there saw it too and just ignored it. Well we canceled our order and left. It's a shame hopefully they take care of these issues in the future. read more

4 1/2. The name may be "Dry" but the food is exciting, the drinks are creative and the service is pretty decent. Came here on a Saturday night around 730. It was packed, but I guess you shouldn't expect anything less on a Saturday night in downtown Annapolis. Located right off main street, Dry 85 is one of the "Go-to" places in the area. If not for the awesome food, for their huge selection of well drinks, local brewed beers, whisky and bourbons. I had the Cappuccino Stout by Lagunitas Brewing Company while I waited. If your into stouts and enjoy coffee you'll love this twist. We came with a group of 7 not really knowing their was only two tables really that could accommodate. However, even with it being super busy, it only took us about 45 minutes to get seated and not soon after had a table full of appetizers. We ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, 2 of the House Smoked Salmon Crostini with Avocado apps, Seafood Mac 'n Cheese and the Fried Pickles. Every single one of them had something to rave about. I normally don't list off descriptions but want to assist you in getting your mouth to water right now with my two favorites of my list above. House Smoked Salmon Crostini -- Ho-Ly-Mo-LeY~! I am pretty sure there was a billion flavors in this! Pepper crusted Salmon with Sriracha Goat cheese candied bacon and some creamed avocado. It was an awesome savory app to kick off the night with and finished off with a little heat from the Sriracha. We ordered two and they were gone within 2 minutes. But I personally think when getting a salmon dish you can't beat this price at 11 bucks. Fried Green Tomatoes -- A classic southern dish spun into a refined pallet tickler. Fried perfectly! I wasn't sure exactly what was in the sauce but the server said it was a kind of Blood Orange reduced Balsamic glaze and a type of cream sauce. Definitely on the sweeter side, but complements the tomatoes perfectly. Going from the spice of the salmon to the sweet of this dish was perfect. Wait! It gets better. I ordered their Blue Cheese and Fig burger. Yep, sounds crazy but was absolutely savory and sweet all in one. My burger came out at the perfect Medium. The Fig Sauce and caramelized onions definitely added that sweet side but were balanced by the Blue cheese which I actually wish there was a little more of but it still tasted great. Overall our server was awesome and food service was spot on. But, here it is; My only complaint. I understand that it was busy. But the host was slightly off putting and to be honest came of a little grouchy. It was busy, but you should still do your best to make sure you smile a little and not come off as impatient with your guests. Alright, so if you are in town from out of town, or live in the area and haven't checked this placed out you should jot it down on your bucket list. You won't regret your decision and I would be willing to bet your first visit will most likely not be your last. read more

See all

Great service, Priscilla was on fire, fast, and friendly. We asked for some food changes (ie no may), and she helped find creative solutions without batting an eye. Food was fresh, fun, interesting and filling without being oversized for overpriced. Started w salmon crostini w siracha, goat, and avocado (instead of mayo avocado). The salmon salad with apples and blueberries complemented well by goat cheese. Quinoa veggie burger was also awesome, benefitted by cheese and siracha ketchup- though a balsamic reduction sauce would have been better. (This was my first veggie burger, generally a carnivore for all meals). Now finishing w the apple tart w whiskey caramel sauce... read more

What an incredible establishment. Premier whiskey selection. Fantastic cocktails. Chicken sandwich did not disappoint. One of the largest library's of whiskey available anywhere. read more

My husband loved the bacon bloody (Mary). Order the bacon topped pancakes with extra syrup! Donut bites looked delicious when delivered to the next table too! read more

DRY 85 - Bloody Mary, Steak & Eggs, Egg/sausage combo. - Bars Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Bad food bad service. Burgers were way overcooked. Waitress hung out at the table next to us, complaining about her life's problems while we waited. Part of our order was forgotten. Second time here and definitely the last time I'll go. read more

Annapolis needs more places like this. It's not for college idiots but not exactly for snobs either. Actually, I think college kids and snobs would be welcome but they would feel just a little bit uncomfortable. There's a great local beer selection (12 on tap I think) plus bourbons bourbons and more bourbons. If you want to know what Pappy 10 year tastes like (and you have a pocket full of cash), this is your place. The food is good too and we got great service. They have a brussels sprouts of the day - need I say more? It's like a slightly cheaper, less crowded, less hip Sly Fox - without the pizza. Or like a more intimate Iron Rooster with fewer Midshipmen and way way better booze. I really hope my review doesn't convince most of you to come here because I don't want to to become too cool for regular folks like me. read more

Stopped in for lunch as Covid restrictions have become looser. A little delay getting noticed at the door, but then welcoming and friendly. Had the house old fashioned, which I heartily recommend (5 stars). Tried the half rack of ribs with truffle fries and veggies. The ribs were falling off the bone. The had a sweet bourbon sauce, which was the best of that sort I've ever had -- and I'm a dry rub guy, not into sweet sauces. Unclear whether they ever saw the inside of a smoker though - not very smokey. I'd give them 4 stars. The truffle fries tasted very much of truffle - 5 stars. The veggies Wes ok. read more

Great food (had the warm skirt steak salad) and cocktails (had a couple!). Lunch was quiet and service was great! Can't wait to go back for the fried oyster poboy sliders and an old fashioned. And also a night out at the bar! read more

Peaked in to restaurant today and turned around. All booths full and people at the bar. I can't imagine how it was 25% capacity. Is their a capacity limit? Before COVID I was a regular. Love the salmon salad and apple turnover. Really disappointed in cavalier approach to COVID. read more

I have lived in Annapolis all of my life and have been to Dry 85 many times and it is one of our favorite places for the food and the creative, quality drinks that they serve. Unfortunately, my friends and I were there last weekend and we had stopped in post dinner rush for some beverages. There was not enough room at the bar so we asked the hostess if we might sit at the table in the front window, to which she replied of course. Our server, Darian, came over and was immediately rude stating he knew we were only here for drinks and obviously was not happy about that. He continued to treat us in a very rude and aggressive manner so we only drank one drink each because it was so uncomfortable and infuriating as loyal customers and locals of this fine town. I am severely disappointed that one server, no matter how bad of a day he was having, treated customers in such an obviously disgusting and blatantly rude manner. You are in service...it is completely unacceptable. What's more is that he was serving military, nurses, and a fireman, people who work in public service, and all of us are locals who have loved coming to this establishment many times. I think it will be a while before we return and certainly if we see Darian, we would request a different server. Completely unacceptable! read more

Great first visit. Meg was helpful and attentive, and the bourbon she suggested (Old Medley 12 year) was really excellent. It paired well with the burger and that was good in its own right. I grade hard and I am impressed enough that we'll be back, hopefully for the Maker's Mark event next Tuesday Dec 17th. We've somehow missed this for years and I am glad we went. A great establishment that is a nice parity to their Red Red Wine Bar two doors down, which we also like. read more

We were here once with a few friends early on a weekend afternoon and really enjoyed our time here. It has been a little while but from what I recall the drinks were excellent and the food was pretty good. What really pushed this place over the five star edge was the outstanding, friendly service that we received. I wish I could remember our server's name because she was fantastic. We had a very enjoyable lazy lunch here and I'd happily come back. read more

I had the fruity pebbles old fashion. My wife and beer and a beer flight. Drinks and atmosphere were great

Bourbon is my drink of choice, so how could I not be tempted to go to this whiskey bar while in Annapolis? They have pages upon pages of bourbons, it is a bit overwhelming at first but the servers and bartenders were very knowledgeable on their products. The Lavender Fields of Kentucky is their must-try cocktail. It's made with knob creek, fresh limes, vanilla syrup, and ginger ale! The food was excellent too. I had their salmon salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing, topped with blueberries, feta cheese, apples and red onions; so delicious! The only reason for excluding the 5th star was the service was pretty slow for being 1 of 3 tables in the place. read more

DRY 85 - The Laid Back cocktail with Ford's gin and strawberry purée! - Bars Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Food and drinks were very good, however we had a very unfriendly server. It definitely detracted from an otherwise pleasant experience. I

I've had this place bookmarked for ages and finally made it last night for dinner. My boyfriend and I arrived around 9 pm & the place was basically empty (a win in my book, since it was so quiet inside). We each ordered a drink and started with the street corn tater tots. The drinks were good (I got the millionaire mule and ordered a second one later on), but the tots were just okay. They were crispy, but the sauce was a little bland for my taste & the jalapeños didn't have much bite. However, the honey glazed grilled salmon salad was delicious. The caramelized apples, macerated blueberries and green tomatoes gave it such great flavor, it's honestly one of the best salmon salads I've ever had. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp and grits and he loved it. I'm not a huge grit person, but if I was going to eat that dish anywhere, it would be from here, because the bacon mushroom sauce was delicious. We also decided to order the seafood mac & cheese to come out with our entrees & we both loved it. It was served on a small cast iron skillet, so it came out pretty hot, but it smelled (and tasted!) so delicious, we couldn't wait for it to cool down. I'll definitely be back, looking forward to trying more of their dishes. read more

Really cool vibes, drinks are delicious, bartenders are all very fri belt and knowledgeable! read more

See all

This place is awesome! The Lavender Fields of Kentucky cocktail was the perfect blend of sweet and bad-a%$. Also, the ribs with the blueberry glaze...out of this world! The hubs and I had a date night here a while back and I cannot wait to go back. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was cozy but cool. All in all, a really great experience. read more

I ordered $33 worth of take out plus I tipped $5. Only to get back to my hotel and not have anything to eat my food with. SMH!!! I would never order here again. read more

Came in for drinks, stayed for the service. From the lady at the door to our server...ah-maze-ing. SERVICE MADE ME STAY. Had the Eye of the Thaiger and the Royal Sunburn to start. Both incredibly delicious! read more

We loved this place. Very rustic atmosphere. We ordered a private flight, pineapple & palm, whiskey sour, old fashioned and charcuterie. Everything was delicious. True mixologist in his bar. read more

DRY 85 - Bars Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

See all

During a trip to MD, I had a chance to try out Dry85 based on a recommendation. I'm glad I did! The space was smart and well thought out, giving the perfect balance between speakeasy and casual dining. Cori was a joy and gave some great recommendations. I got the fried chicken sandwich which was fantastic, but every plate that came out of the kitchen looked amazing. Also, the bar is WELL stocked! They have a giant selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and spirits. Check it out if you are in the area. read more

This place is located on Main Street and could easily be passed by, but don't - especially if you love bourbon. They have an extensive bourbon list from extremely top shelf to more reasonably priced ones. Their beer list is small but totally IPA. Good to try new ones. The food is tasty. From a marinated fried chicken sandwich to a burger topped with bacon, pulled pork, bbq sauce and cole slaw, to a salmon salad the food was very good and satisfying. Glad we stopped in. read more

First time spending a little time in Annapolis. Wanted to be wowed, and boy was I! Was looking for a nice speciality cocktail and ordered the Dilly Dilly at the suggestion of our fantastic waitress (Meg). I was super impressed! Not only by how yummy it was but the time she took in helping us acclimate to the area. If you visit Annapolis, make sure to visit! read more

We got a gift certificate to Dry 85 from our realtor upon our move to Annapolis. The waitress was fantastic! I wish I tipped her better. She was knowledgeable, fun, and efficient. I had a delicious drink with Bourbon and lovely scallops. My husband was a little less enthusiastic about his steak, but it could have been the way he asked for it to be prepared. Overall, a very pleasant experience. We will be back! read more

This review is purely for the service we received from the hostess. Which was nonexistent the first several times my partner and I have gone. This is a bar. And typically you can sit wherever you choose. There is no hostess. This past week we went, no hostess was seen, so we found our own table. While we were sitting. A young lady asked us to move. We stated we preferred not to. The lady then stated that the booths were reserved for parties more than two. When we got to our very small table, we passed booths with just two people. The table next to us, which was a four top, had two people. Needless to say this was our last time there. Based off this poor experience alone! read more

The wife and I did wings (buffalo) to start and they were among the best I've had on Main Street. For dinner, she had the Skirt Steak Salad which she really enjoyed. I had the pork Ossobuco with Scalloped potatoes. The apple butter Demi-glaze was well done as were the potatoes. read more

I've given dry 85 3 opportunities to deliver a good brunch/lunch and they've failed each time. My family has been stuck with the same server all 3 times and she is the most miserable individual you'll encounter, its really quite sad. Great restaurant but horrible service, I understand finding workers in the industry is a challenge today however this individual should not be representing this business. read more

If your a person of color do not patronize this place! I'm sure there will comment with a generic response of how exceptional the staff is but they're not especially the bartender Billy. read more

WORST dining experience I've ever had in Annapolis! Absolutely terrible customer service. We had a party of 8, and called ahead. They do not take reservations, but calling ahead is supposed to help with the wait time. We checked in with the hostess when we arrived. The place was busy, but she pointed to a large table in the front window, and said that once that party was finished, we were the next to be seated there. We grabbed a couple of drinks by the bar, and waited for over an hour for the table to finish and pay. Once they had paid and left, a member of our party went to sit at the table. The waitress told her to please wait while she cleaned the table. It was at the point that another party sat in the booth! Confused, we went back to the hostess to see what was going on. The hostess said that the table was ours, but that the other party was not leaving. The waitress then proceeded to take this party's drink order! At this point, we asked to speak with the manager. We explained our situation to the manager, and she went to speak with the table. She began laughing and joking with the party that stole our table. The waitress returned, and we asked her why she served the table. She began to panic, and left for the back of the restaurant. The manager came back to speak with us, and said that we would have to wait for another table. She informed us that she "didn't care" about our situation, and that she was only concerned with why the waitress had left. She then said that it would probably be best if we left. We are all Annapolis locals, and dine out often. I was really looking forward to trying Dry 85, as I was a fan of their sister restaurant, Red Red Wine. After this experience, I will not return to either of these restaurants, and I would advise anyone else to do the same. read more

HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! Was really looking forward to trying both the bourbon selection and food. Luckily we didn't have to wait long for a table for 2. Got drinks at the bar first a cherry smash (could barely taste alcohol) and my husband had a slow and low that was ok but only filled the glass half way. Then it all went downhill when we sat down. I asked the waitress a few questions about my options as I only eat seafood no meat. I asked if they could substitute the steak on a salad for shrimp. She said she did not know how to do that on their computer system but would check and let me know. I said I would order the black bean burger as a backup but it wasn't my first choice. Then their menu says the sandwiches 'Served with Hand Cut Potato Chips. (Add Fries or house salad 2.)'. Why would you add fries or salad to chips. It should say substitute. Poorly written so we asked the waitress, her response 'I didn't write the menu'. She came back to tell me they could switch the steak for shrimp but there is a $3 up charge therefore I would be paying $19 for a salad. I don't think so. She replied 'don't shoot the messenger' well at that point after her smart ass responses and lack of accommodation to anything we left. This place needs some tweaking. Great concept as we are whiskey/bourbon drinkers but service and menu need some help. I will have also liked to see more mixed drinks with the different bourbon/whiskey/rye they have to show the versatility of the alcohol. read more

Dry 85 is the spot to be. Walking to find an old school rustic look. The taps where house in large industrial piping with large flanges to give a unique look. The taps surrounded by bottles and bottles of whiskey and rum. We were greeted by a hostess and was put on a seating wait list as all the tables where full. We skipped the table and found a couple seats at the bar. Billy was our bartender and did an exceptional job. He was attentive and extremely knowledgeable in what the bar had to offer. He had great suggestions. First round consisted of the lavender fields of Kentucky and buffalo wings. A whiskey blend with a very lavender sweet aroma. The wings where sauced to my liking. Plenty there but the wings weren't sitting in a pool of sauce. Here is where my only complaint of the whole experience hits.... they do not offer nor do they have any ranch. It's a blue cheese only establishment. Moving on to the main course I went with the Dry 85 burger cooked medium. It was the definition of medium. It came with chips that I substituted for the truffle fries that were worth ever penny! This was washed down a drink Billy mixed up for me. I can't tell you what it was because it wasn't on the list. I told the man I'm a fan of Knob Creek and he did his thing. He brought me a blend of whiskeys served over a single large ice cube with a sugar rim. It was the best blend of whiskeys I've ever indulged in.... only wish I could remember what he called it. Over all the experience at Dry 85 was awesome. Oh and let's not forget to mention they sell flex fit hats with their logo on it for $20 (big fan of hats). I will most certainly be returning. read more

DRY 85 - Bars Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

See all

Visiting from Las Vegas, NV. Family lives in Severna Park, granddad is a retired Navy Vet and we frequent downtown when I'm in town. Was brought to Dry 85 for my recent liking I to whiskies. Amazing place service and atmosphere is top notch. All bartenders were top tier. Their menu was overwhelming at first, as I'm newer to whiskey but follow a lot of whiskey YouTube and Facebook pages/groups. They have EVERYTHING. Big names local names I tried a decent amount for a VERY REASONABLE price. Went Stagg Jr., Blantons, One Eight Distilling No. 3, and then finished off with a Kentucky Cream. Very reasonably priced with lots of options! Options from your everyday bottles to higher end bottles to even unicorn bottles. Will always come back here loved the service. Stayed until closing but forgot to ask if they had any Glencairns for sale or any apparel for sale, does anyone know? Would love to have some swag! read more

DRY 85 - Bars Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

OMG! The RIBS are AMAZING! They make the BEST RIBS in ANNAPOLIS! The wings & Crab was fantastic too! Prices do not match what is on the Yelp & their website so that is why they lost one star, but otherwise you have to check it out! read more

Service (2/5): Lackluster. Sat down to dinner and our waiter did not come to the table until we flagged down the hostess, who called him over. He didnt remember who got what drink, so they were just put on the table. One of the appetizer never made it to the table and thankfully never on the bill. Food (3/5): Passable. Overall, trying to be an upscale bar menu but nothing inspiring. Side salad came with a lemony vinaigrette dressing that was citrus and creamy. I would recommend it. Blue cheese and fig burger was pretty dry. No taste of the blue cheese or fig. I would not recommend. Drinks (5/5): Inspired. Great selection of beers, bourbon, whiskey, etc. I got a cocktail mixed with bourbon. It was delish. Bottom line: Go for a few drinks at the bar and some appetizer. Save your appetite for another restaurant on Main Street. read more

This place is a total gem. The wait staff was pleasant, the drinking options extensive, and the food delicious. We ordered a black bean burger, brunch burger, and seafood Mac and cheese- all of which were amazingly good. The black bean burger was seasoned perfectly and came with a lovely, fresh side salad. The brunch burger was cooked to a perfect medium rare and the fries were seasoned to die for. The seafood Mac was stunningly good and topped with the most delicious grilled shrimp I have ever eaten. The drinks were also great- an awesome beer list of local options as well as whiskeys, bourbons, and cocktails. We enjoyed the punch of the day, which was light and refreshing. My husband had a beer, I'm forgetting the name, but he said it was great. Definitely recommend this spot if you're in downtown Annapolis. read more

Put our name down with Hostess and she said she would call when table was ready. We happily waited until they called. When they called, it rang once then stopped so we called right back to no answer. When we showed up, they said we had to go to bottom of the waitlist since we didn't call back. We showed proof of calling back and they did nothing. Can't review the food if we don't ever get seated. read more