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 was able to check out the speakeasy for their cocktail culture series ! This installment was for…read moremartinis. The bartender Alex was very informative and provided riffs on the classic cocktail. We received 4 half pours and the cost of the class is $35 which is honestly not bad ! I wished I liked the cocktails more - really only like 2/4 but this was a great way to try something new and would def recommend if you're into cocktails ! The next one is supposed to be around Valentine's Day so check out their IG or resy for details. Overall it's a beautiful space, I thought it would've been bigger based on pics but it's a great space for an intimate date or after dinner drinks.

Great cocktail (Widow's Kiss), lovely ambiance. Great lighting and nicely decorated space. Only…read morenegative - the music that played was horrible. Not fitting what a dark and moody speakeasy should have.

We were here for the 4th of July cookout on the patio. It was Awesome! They had a really nice…read moresetup. This was a buffet which included desserts as well as a nice selection of food. Everything tasted great for the most part. Service was great as well. The outdoor buffet cookout was $20 tickets were purchased on eventbrite. They also had holiday drink specials at $2.49 which was a good deal. They also sold smoked oysters at $1.00 each & the server and bartender was very helpful and friendly. We really enjoyed this event. We would like to go back and check out the other drinks on the menu as well as the food. Definitely bookmarked this spot for a return visit. There is a parking garage about three blocks away. We paid $12.00 for about three hours. Not bad at all.

Modern, dark, speakeasy vibes on the inside with windows overlooking the Main Street, and a…read morespacious outdoor deck quite literally in the shadow of the gorgeous Maryland State House. All housed in the historic Capital Hotel, newly renovated in November of 2022. The atmosphere here is immaculate. It is a must see when enjoying the sights of Annapolis. My girlfriend and I stopped in on a Thursday afternoon after touring the State House. We each ordered the Monkey Smoke (Penicillin), and she ordered a small plate with avocado and lump crabmeat, which we ordered just in time as the kitchen closed between 3 and 4. The standout of the day for me was the old fashioned, made with plum bitters. One of the best old fashioneds I've ever had. The servers were all very friendly and quick. We will definitely come back the next time we're in town, and definitely recommend this to others.

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.

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.

I visited Harold Black for an event Wednesday night, and I can't wait to return. It's an intimate…read morespeakeasy bar in the basement under Acqua al 2; you enter from a side door on Church Circle. With a menu of cocktails, wine, beer, and lots of NA option (mocktails and NA beers and wines), they have something for everybody. And then on top of that, they have a food menu that I love - a few snacks, a couple apps, a cheeseburger, and then a bunch of desserts. Since I was there for an event, I only drank - several glasses of their very good Bordeaux, but I'd love to return for cocktails, a burger, and dessert next time! The service was also great, and the vibes are immaculate - dark, moody, intimate - perfect for a speakeasy. I'm sure I'll be back!

Living in D.C. and frequenting Harold Black on Capitol Hill for years before they closed during…read moreCOVID, my buddy and I made the 30-minute drive to Annapolis to visit Harold Black, also in Acqua al 2. It was a different experience than the one in D.C. What's the same is that they are both in a good Italian restaurant, but the Annapolis one if in the basement and more of a bar than an actual speakeasy. When we went, it was crowded so we're glad we had a reservation. Service was great! Our server was hilarious, but not as knowledgeable on cocktails. The menus were very basic. Our drinks were not bad, but not at the level of the D.C. Harold Black. I appreciated the Maryland hard cider on the menu. We're glad we went, but the Harold Black in D.C. was special.

Hummingbird to Mars is one of those rare places that reminds you why small businesses matter…read more Tucked away like a true speakeasy, it has an atmosphere that immediately pulls you in: low light, intimate corners, and a sense that you've stepped into a place where craft still means something. The bartenders are the heart of the experience. They don't just pour drinks; they create them. There's real skill and artistry behind the bar, and the conversation is as good as the cocktails. You can tell they care about balance, technique, and presentation. The Walk in the Garden gin cocktail is the perfect example: bright, layered flavors, premium ingredients, and that lavender garnish that hits your nose before the first sip. The scent alone sets the stage for the drink. It's thoughtful, elegant, and exactly what a craft cocktail should be. The food holds its own right alongside the drinks. The skillet meatballs come out tender and full of flavor, the kind of dish that disappears faster than you expect. The potato skins are crisp, satisfying, and exactly what you want with a cocktail in hand. And the homemade Baileys cheesecake is the kind of dessert you plan to share but end up guarding with your fork. It's rich without being heavy, with that unmistakable homemade touch. One of the best parts of Hummingbird to Mars is the tapas-style menu. You can eat as much or as little as you want, a couple of small plates with drinks, or a full progression from appetizers to dessert. It gives you the freedom to shape the night however you want, without committing to oversized entrées or predictable bar food. And that's the bigger point: places like this don't happen by accident. They come from creativity, risk-taking, and a commitment to doing things well. If we don't support small businesses that put this level of care into their craft, we'll be left with nothing but the same chains serving the same menus everywhere you go. Hummingbird to Mars is the antidote to that; personal, inventive, and genuinely memorable. From the first sip to the last bite, it's a place that delivers an experience, not just a night out. It's worth supporting, worth returning to, and worth celebrating.

Okay... judge me! Yes, this is ANOTHER review of one of the best speakeasies in Delaware. Service…read moreis spectacular and servers are well knowledgeable about their spirits and food. Shoutout to Christian! We went with a bigger party this time - total of 6. Would highly recommend reservations. Parking can be challenging but worth the work. You will ring a bell next to a discreet door where someone will assist you. You are greeted and walked up a very long staircase to the actual speakeasy. There's a bar, seating areas, and lounge areas as well. There's also live music. Check their socials. We ordered lots of drinks - 12 total. Every single one was absolutely delicious. Doesn't matter what you order. They do have seasonal cocktails too. You can't go wrong. Food! Okay, just order one of everything. We got meatballs (highly recommend), tuna, pizzas (shareable size). All the things were good. Again, you can see this isn't our first time here (see previous reviews). We will continue to share this place with as many people as we can as it is a superb experience! Just all around a lovely place to sit and enjoy cocktails and good. For sure meets that speakeasy vibe!

My wife and I found this restaurant highly rated on Yelp. We were going to the Kansas concert at…read morethe Grand Opera house. It was an easy walk to the Grand and highly rated so we were game. It's on the first floor of a hotel. We were greeted then shown to the restaurant. We had reservations at 6pm and sat down immediately. The vibe in the restaurant was great. We were greeted immediately by our server and a trainee. I ordered an old fashioned and my wife ordered a specialty cocktail. Both tasted great however, wait for the drink was excessive. The bar had an afterwork crowd and it appeared a bit understaffed. For my meal I ordered grilled octopus for a starter and I think it was one of the best I've ever had. Tender, savory with a really flavorful sauce. My wife had the Ricotta focaccia. Loved it. For dinner I had the pasta with mushroom and truffle. It was amazing. Temperature was perfect. It was hot, creamy and amazingly flavorful. My wife had the bream fish dish. She enjoyed that as well. For dessert we had the almond/chocolate tort. Very nicely warmed with a rich chocolate flavor to end the meal. I'll be back for sure.

I have wanted to try this restaurant for a while. We go out weekly with our friends and people in…read moremy building on the riverfront. We tend to be more casual however my niece wanted to celebrate her birthday. Our server Eileen was very pleasant. We were also brought to the table by Mia who was so personable and explained the menu. First, is the constant yelling to the men who were preparing meals by I think was the chef. He was overseeing that meals were prepared but I kept thinking he was arguing with someone. My easy peasy drink was great. I had the lobster linguini, I think there were 4 nickel size lobster pieces in the linguini , linguini was not Al dente, overcooked, and the flavor was non descriptive. If I served it , even on a weeknight at home I'd be apologizing. My husband had the durado , he said it was so so, my sister thought her meal average and named several other places we had eaten that she would prefer, my niece had the pork , no rave review. The flourless chocolate cake was good. I was told cheesecake ok. The price was moderate, but I have paid a lot less for a lot better. When I read how the meals were prepared and ingredients I thought we were headed into a very special dinner. I hate writing negative reviews but I did teach cooking when I was younger and have certain expectations when I am going to a now celebrated restaurant.

Had a great time here for the green beer races on Saturday! I've been here a handful of times and…read moreeveryone is always nice! The beer is cheap and the crowd is great!

Great music. Fabulous Speakeasy and bartenders. If you live locally you should become a memberread more

I went to Acqua al 2 for Valentine's Day, and it was absolutely amazing. We chose their special…read moredining experience, and it honestly exceeded expectations. They had everything set up beautifully--separate tables for two, a rose on the table, candlelight, and elegant touches that made the whole night feel intimate and special. The food was delicious--so good it's hard to even put into words. Every course felt thoughtfully prepared and worth savoring. You can tell they put real care into both the presentation and the flavor. Whether you go solo, with friends, or with your partner, this is definitely a go-to spot. Great atmosphere, incredible food, and an experience that actually feels memorable. Highly recommend.

The service here is always impeccable. However, the food disappointed me this time around. I came 3…read moreyears ago for a birthday dinner and it was such a spectacular experience all around. I can't help but feel the food has fallen off some since then. The asparagus and bean sides did not wow, and the 2 seafood pastas (one was the special) we got were very bland. The noodles of the lamb ragu were delicious and definitely homemade. The risotto was my favorite dish. Big fan of the beef carpaccio as well. Nothing to complain about with the spinach radicchio ricotta balls. The florentine steak special really needs to be served with flakey salt like their sister restaurant in Italy does. Flawless wine list and cocktails. Still a lovely spot for special occasions!