Nightlight in Baltimore: Bars, Things to Do & More

Guides

hether you’re planning a bachelorette or bachelor party, a birthday celebration or college reunion, your time in Baltimore is sure to include at least one epic night out and we’re here to help you plan it. Blend your own whiskey. Visit a selfie museum. Have dinner in the roaring ‘20s. Dance under the stars. No matter what you choose from this guide, you can be sure of one thing: it’ll be a night to remember.

Best Hotels for Nightlife in Baltimore

Baltimore’s downtown has long been a center of art and food, with attractions like the historic Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, and the American Visionary Art Museum. It’s also home to some of the city’s most popular nightlife spots. Apart from being an Instagrammer’s dream with its beautiful interior spaces, Kimpton Hotel Monaco is in the perfect spot to enjoy downtown Baltimore’s nightlife. Entertainment hub Power Plant Live! is just a few blocks away, with bar-hopping neighborhoods like Fell’s Point and Federal Hill nearby. The Four Seasons Hotel is also ideally located for nightlife adventures, and its very own The Bygone is a great way to begin your evening with some cocktails overlooking the harbor.

Nightlife Things to Do

Whatever your mood on any given night, you will always find something in Baltimore to go with it. If you feel like dancing, head over to Mosaic Lounge and move to the beats of premier local and international DJs. Or take a ride to Mobtown Ballroom to dance swing to live music and admire some amazing lindy hoppers. Or cruise down to the Shake & Bake Family Fun Center for some roller disco fun.

Need a laugh? Port Comedy Club in Fell’s Point has a hilarious rotation of comedians, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a great date night destination. There’s also historic Zissimos in Hampden, where the legendary Lou Costello tap danced on the bar—and other antics. For a one-of-a-kind show, head to Illusions Bar & Theater. The 1920s-esque theater and bar in serves up illusions, mentalism and even a bit of danger with a side of comedy in an interactive 90-minute s

If you’re looking for a true Charm City experience, take a tour of one of the local distilleries and breweries. Old Line Spirits offers tours and tastings of their award-winning American Single Malt Whiskeys and Aged Caribbean Rums. You can also stay after your tour to enjoy their signature cocktails crafted from their fresh-from-the-barrel spirits. Baltimore Spirit Company offers expertly crafted cocktails and a Blend Your Own Whiskey Tour, where you can create your own custom-made bottle to take home. Sagamore Spirit Distillery also offers tours and tastings of their award-winning rye whiskey, while at Wet City Brewing you can enjoy their renowned ribeye cheesesteak sandwich while you sample from their impressive selection of handcrafted beers.

Other city highlights include a nightclub ride down the Patapsco River with City Cruises, Baltimore-themed escape rooms at Charm City Clue Room, capturing the perfect moment at Take a Shot Selfie Museum or a cooking class at Baltimore Chef Shop. Of course, if you’re in the mood to scream and shout with the locals, what better way than catching an Orioles or Ravens game with your friends. Have some time to kill before or after the game? Head next door to Horseshoe Casino to bet on everything from boxing to horse racing and enjoy classic casino games such as slot machines, poker and table games.

Bars and Cocktails

Matchadieu drink from Baltimore Spirits Co.

Trendy speakeasies, beloved institutions, craft breweries… There’s no shortage of options when it comes to enjoying a nice drink or a cold beer in this town. But if we have to narrow it down, here are four of our favorite watering holes in Charm City:

WC Harlan’s unassuming (and unadorned) entrance belies one of the most intriguing spots in the city. Once inside, you’ll be welcomed by an intimate, romantic space with a 1920’s French vibe and perfectly crafted cocktails.

The Elk Room, named by Esquire as one of the best bars in America, is a cocktail lover’s paradise with a decidedly speakeasy feel, fantastic food with a French flair and occasional live music.

Ropewalk Tavern resides on one of Federal Hill’s oldest streets and dates back to the days before prohibition. And while the space brings images of ancient shipbuilders talking shop and sipping on ales, the menu is definitely more modern, with a selection of over 150 beers and a constantly changing menu of daily tavern fare. Plus enjoy an array of arcade games while you imbibe.

Also in Federal Hill is Game On, a 90s-themed arcade bar that boasts a wide selection of nostalgic games, including Pacman, Pinball, Skeeball and Donkey Kong. Their drink menu is fun and ever-changing, but you can’t beat the low-cost Jell-O shots. For a more upscale experience, take the stairs on the second level to Top Shelf, a swanky cocktail lounge with comfy couches and board games. Want board games only? Head to No Land Beyond in Old Goucher, where you’ll find more than 300 options.

If you’ve always wanted to drink German beer out of a glass boot, then Crossbar is the place for you. The official supporters club of Bayern Munich sports a fine selection of German and world beers, which are perfectly complemented by a food menu where Maryland Crab dip lives happily next to German sausages.

Great Places for Dinner in Baltimore

Whether dinner begins your night or ends it, options in Baltimore are plentiful and diverse. Sure, you can’t visit Baltimore and not try blue crab and Berger cookies, but here are some other great choices for dining in Baltimore:

Open until 2 a.m., with a selection of about 130 tequilas

and fresh, house-made salsas, Blue Agave in Federal Hill is a go-to for locals looking for a nightcap or a late-night snack. Also in Federal Hill, Ruben’s serves hefty burritos, quesadillas, tacos and more until 3 a.m.

Specializing in crab cakes, steaks and fresh fish, but with an expansive menu that includes 20 flavors of wings and 20 types of burgers, Mother’s Grille is another great option for larger groups. Leave some space for their house-made Pop Pop’s Ice Cream.

Sitting atop Hotel Revival and overlooking the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, Topside offers 360º views of the city, a menu rooted in Baltimore’s seafood culture and specialty cocktails.

Located in the eclectic, nightlife-rich Old Goucher neighborhood and open until 4 a.m., Jong Kak is best known for its real-deal, mesquite-fire Korean BBQ. The exterior is unassuming, but the prices are fair and the food tasty and fresh.

With locations in Fell’s Point and Hampden, Ekiben is an Asian- fusion restaurant famous for hearty and tasty buns, particularly the Neighborhood Bird Sandwich, which seems to be universally adored.

Barcocina offers an ever-changing menu of seasonal, Mexican-inspired cuisine. Large, airy, and with plenty of shareable options, it’s a great choice for larger parties.

The Dive in Canton is a family-friendly late-night spot that also knows how to satisfy the college crowd. Menu items include mac and cheese, smashburgers, pizza and foot-long hot dogs.