We visited the pub after being at an event in the Green Room above. It was a quiet night for…read morethem--I'm sure it was because it was a Wednesday night. There was plenty of seating and some quiet music playing. The vibe was like captain's quarters, nautical theme with the decor. The bartender, Noah, was friendly and chatted it up with us quite a bit. I ordered some white wine while my boyfriend got a cocktail.

So glad the pub downstairs has reopened! The Bluebird Cocktail Room is a little fussy for me and…read moredoesn't always fit the bill for what I want. But the Pub is definitely more my vibe - casual but cool, cozy but not fussy. No reservations. The pub is a whiskey bar, and the focus is definitely on whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails. They do have wine and beer if you have someone in your group that isn't into or isn't in the mood for whiskey (I had wine when I met some friends there a few weeks ago). The service is great, and it's a just a chill spot for some drinks with friends. I'm sure I'll be back!

Great little spot in Hampden a few blocks from the Avenue and on the way to the light rail if…read moreyou're planning on going to a game downtown. I'm a pescatarian so I haven't tried their BBQ meats (the friends I've brought have raved about their brisket) but they do have a vegan jackfruit sandwich that's solid and I love their Mac and cheese. I normally go to sit at the bar and enjoy their cocktails and whiskey selection which is one of the best near me. They have a great selection of some of those hard to acquire bourbons and quite a few exclusive barrel picks. The last time I was in, my buddy and I finally tried their Buffalo Trace and Rittenhouse picks on their own (as opposed to my standard Manhattan) and I ended up taking a bottle of their Rittenhouse home.

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.

I finally made it to Pendry Baltimore and wow... this one absolutely lived up to the hype…read more First of all, let's talk about that espresso martini -- easily one of my favorites so far. Smooth, rich, perfectly balanced... this is the kind of drink that reminds me why I started my little espresso martini passport in the first place. It was giving luxury, it was giving intention, it was giving I need another one immediately. For food, I started with the crudo, which was super fresh and beautifully done -- light, bright, and the perfect way to kick off the meal. Then I had the scallops, and this is where they really won me over. Perfectly cooked, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth... just one of those dishes you don't want to end. The whole experience felt elevated without being stuffy -- gorgeous waterfront vibes, amazing service, and food and drinks that actually deliver. Definitely one of my favorite spots so far in Baltimore, and 100% somewhere I'll be bringing people when I want to impress.

The Cannon Room is a great spot if you're looking for an intimate space that's perfect for…read moreconversation and good drinks. The whiskey selection is impressive--this was actually my first time trying Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year, and it was incredibly smooth. If you're a whiskey drinker, you'll appreciate how extensive the selection is here. The bar menu is also surprisingly strong. I highly recommend the burger, and the crab cake is made with real lump meat--not imitation!!! The bartender was very knowledgeable and offered great recommendations throughout the night. Weekends can get pretty busy, but it's still a great spot for drinks and small bites.

I've been here a couple times over the years and unless you come at peak times, it's pretty easy to…read morefind seating, especially at the bar, which is what we prefer. I recently got the blueberry gin fizz and it was just a perfect drink. My husband got an old fashioned which he said was very smooth. The bartender was super nice and the ambiance inside is really cool. Definitely worth checking out especially if you're a fan of whiskey.

It's a nice spot. A good spot to just plop down and enjoy an old fashioned or a whiskey flight…read more It is pricey though, especially when you want a pour of the better stuff. Sometimes the pour is like 25% of the cost of a bottle. A bit shocking. Enjoyed my time here and liked the workers here, just not very economical in the long run as it's much easier to go find the bottles yourself and drinking at home. But if you must for social purposes and you're a fan, try it out. Also docking a point for the cloudy ice cube.

What a fabulous find! This place is a must try. It is connected to a comedy club (Magooby's Joke…read moreHouse). There's plenty of parking. If you park on the upper side there are extremely steep steps. Park on the same side as the post office/entrance to the comedy club and there are no steps. There is an outside seating area as well. The inside has moody vibes and says speakeasy but out in the open. The inside isn't large, but comfortable with seating at the bar and several high tops. There are a gazillion bourbons and they even have flights. There's also a fully stocked bar for any drink you want. They have 2 beers on tap and tons of bottle/can options. However, I strongly encourage you to try the cocktails. These are elevated cocktails in the sense that the combination of liquors and mixers really make great pairings. The side car was great. We also tried the Naughty and Nice (perfect blend of spice and sweet), Port of Manhattan (the addition of the port takes this classic to the next level), and the Corpse Reviver #2 which was our absolute surprisingly favorite. The glass is washed with absinthe (see photo). Not only was it super cool to see, but the after taste after each sip was amazing with this addition to the drink. We are not gin drinkers but this was delicious! Venture off of your normal order and explore these incredible crafty and well thought out cocktails that you will thoroughly enjoy and appreciate for the art that they are. The menu was very good as well. The chorizo queso was delicious and the German Sausage Platter was tasty. The portions were good. People around us ordered burgers that were generously portioned with all the fixings. They have lots of specials like burger of the month, Wednesdays are burger night (half price) and the drinks are so reasonably priced! The service was immediate and constant throughout our entire visit. Very friendly and eager to make your experience enjoyable. Seriously, venture out to this place and have some terrific drinks and food. You will want to tell everyone about it! Such a great vibe and atmosphere, as well as a great value!!

Speakeasy type vibes here Most people come here and catch a…read moreshow next door. Great date ideas

I have been to Barflys so many times I am surprised I haven't written a review. I recently heard…read moreBarflys has the best espresso martinis and my friend and I walked to Barflys on a rainy night after wine tasting. We were hungry so we ordered the deep dish pizza and I ordered the classic espresso martini and my friend ordered the toasted coconut martini. The pizza and salad is all I order at Barflys and is always solid. Kevin was the bartender that night and was super friendly. They also have a large selection of whiskey and bourbon. And you can't go wrong with any of the beer selection. We used to go to Barflys after our Baltimore social volleyball or kickball games and hang out.

A Whiskey Bar serving great pies. Personal sized pan style…read morepizza with a crispy Parmesan crust. Weekly specialty pies are offered along with, apps, sandwiches and salads. Can get busy on game days but still a fun time. Take is available. Perfect bar for a whiskey connoisseur.

Really cool bar with great drinks. I'll def stop in every time I'm in the area which will be in…read moreabout a month.

Rye was cute, quaint, and dark bar located in Fells Point, Baltimore. It wasn't too crowded and I…read morewas able to get a two-person high top table by the bar upon immediately walking in. The service from the bartenders was not so great or welcoming. When I asked about the espresso martini and asked for it without lavender, the bartender made way too big of a deal. The espresso martini is pre-made. I opted for a vodka soda and it was pretty hard to drink. The menu feels limited. They do not have pineapple, Red Bull, or many other popular mixes. Positively, prices are very good, especially compared to the other bars in the area. I would like to go back and try the food because it smelled amazing and hopefully find something better to drink on the menu that I like!

I had a shared guacamole dip and a drink while waiting for my lunch. Both were good and tasty. The…read moreother couple shared an oyster (fried) dish which they complimented. My lunch salad with chicken was good and filling. The cookies after lunch were great and enjoyed by all. The service was very attentive and timely. I had a question about a larger group for dinner and the manager appeared, showed me their spaces and patiently answered my questions. It is a very cozy environment for getting out of the heat or cold. All and all I enjoyed my lunchtime visit and would recommend a visit for uptown dining.

If you're looking for a similar but alternative from fine places like Garden & Grounds Bistro on…read moreClarkview Rd. (off the beaten path) or The Corner Pantry (too busy/noisy/cramped), both off Falls Rd--then Johnny's, further south but just outside the city on Roland is the place for weekend brunch/lunch or even dinner. Now perhaps they go a little overboard with people checking on you or upselling water preferences or bottomless mimosas (who am I to say, after all). However, their upbeat, information-sharing, food-accommodating efficiency slaps like a big city hotel fever dream! The menu is nicely sectioned into apps, lunch, brunch and sandwiches. I do wish they'd keep the coffee types in their own sections like my favorite cafés so I don't have to weed out such drivel as teas and lesser morning liquid mood enhancers. However, I was thrilled beyond belief that although it wasn't on the menu and the server didn't know what a flat white (my favorite "new" caffeine drink) was, the barista who came over did and their version was fine. Mom and I ordered an eggs Benedict and BLT--both with avocado and a side of modest mayo-y coleslaw with celery seed, a chai latte, flat white and a mimosa (other flavors exist as well). Unexpected treat: On-the-house almond pound cake (from a local bakery) with butter as a starter was SO good! Besides great food, great service and a great price for what we ordered, there are ample rooms and tables inside and out, affording minimal or no wait times and relatively medium noise to carry on a conversation. Notes: In nicer weather dining outside is great--and for special occasions, literally around the corner is Petit Louis Bistro, a Baltimore/Roland Park French food fav! Also, almost forgot: we got two strawberry shortbread cookies to go among several sweet selections from their bakery case!

This is the kind of cocktail bar you go to when you want to have a deep intimate conversation with…read moresomeone. It is gorgeous, but dark, and the seating is spaced out enough to give you a bit of privacy. This is a great place to visit when you want to impress a date and ask them all of the awkward background questions about why their last relationship ended. And when you want to drink a fancy cocktail and don't mind paying $15-$20 for the privilege. The bartenders know what they are doing and are super professional, but probably are not trying to listen to your life story. You're also probably not going to meet new people here. It's not that kind of vibe. Basically, this is an upscale cocktail lounge, not Cheers (or Fraziers). And it is a very good one. I love stopping in for a cocktail on the way to dinner on the Avenue, or on the walk home. It is always a treat.

Wonderful date spot - it's so charming inside. For groups of 3+, I'd recommend a reservation if you…read moredon't want to sit at the bar. Drinks do take a long time to get out.

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.