Tucked between a retail space and a restaurant is Rye, a bar determined to bring both classic and well-crafted cocktails to the historic Fells Point area. Knowledgeable staff use fresh juices and locally sourced ingredients to concoct delectable drinks to accompany a small food menu. There is  also a carefully selected beer and wine list for those seeking lighter libations.

An elegantly vintage sense pervades the interior. A long, wood bar takes up the front of the house, while intimate smaller tables fill the back. The wide storefront door is kept open on warm days, letting in fresh air and afternoon sunlight, and adding even more of a nostalgic feel to the atmosphere. The mismatched wood furniture, along with the mason jar of wildflowers sitting on the bar, amplifies the rusty feel, providing a cozy warmth reminiscent of lazy summer days with your grandfather.

Their take on the Old Fashioned (which uses Buffalo Trace Bourbon, when prepared correctly) is the personification of the traditional drink: smoky, sweet with a welcome bite. Other classics like the Manhattan, Sazerac, Negroni and Bee’s Knees are also good. A newer concoction, the Floradora, is refreshingly fruity — a perfect warm weather drink that is akin to lemonade, but without the sharp tartness. Added bonus: grenadine and flavored syrups are all made in-house.

Rye pays homage to pre-Prohibition drinks, but also stays current and trendy with forward-looking mixology. The high-end creations warrant the somewhat stiff prices, and also allow for an atmosphere of casual sophistication without any drunken riffraff. This is a go-to Fells Point stop for any serious cocktail fan.

807 S. Broadway; 443-438-3296

Photos via Rye