Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state of striking contrasts: historic Chesapeake Bay crab country, Appalachian mountain ridges, Civil War battlefields, and the vibrant harbor city of Baltimore. Flanking Washington DC on three sides, the state blends federal grandeur with blue-collar charm, colonial waterfront towns, and some of the East Coast's finest seafood.
At a glance
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
The Wharf Rat
Known for: British-style real ale pub with Oliver Brewing Co. beers on cask; oldest bar in Fells Point dating to 1820s
801 S Ann St, Baltimore, MD 21231
W.C. Harlan
Known for: Award-winning craft cocktail bar; no menu — bartenders craft drinks based on conversation; intimate 24-seat space
1 W 20th St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Bookmaker's Cocktail Club
Known for: Speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar above a restaurant; classic and creative cocktails, prohibition-era aesthetic
31 W Mulberry St, Baltimore, MD 21201
John Steven Ltd.
Known for: Waterfront pub with full bar, seafood menu, and outdoor patio overlooking the harbor; beloved local institution in Fells Point
1800 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Little Havana
Known for: Cuban-inspired waterfront bar with rooftop deck overlooking the Inner Harbor; rum cocktails and live salsa music on weekends
1325 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230
The Drinkery
Known for: Baltimore's oldest LGBTQ+ bar, established 1956; neighborhood dive bar with strong community feel; popular Sunday drag brunch
203 W Read St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Annapolis Powerhouse Bar & Kitchen
Known for: Waterfront bar at Annapolis City Dock with sailboat views; craft beer selection and waterfront patio; live music weekends
1 Dock St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Area 405
Cover: $10-20 (varies by event)
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM (event-dependent)
Mosaic Wine & Cocktail Lounge
Cover: None ($15 cocktail minimum)
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM; closed Monday-Tuesday
Paradox
Cover: $10-25
Hours: Friday-Saturday 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.